Toner Cartridge Shutter Mechanism for Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the toner cartridge replacing system of tandem color printers, users often forget to open the shutter of the toner cartridge after mounting a new one, preventing toner supply and hindering image formation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a holder that moves between accommodated and pulled out positions, featuring photosensitive drums, developing units, and toner cartridges with a shutter mechanism operated by an operation member, ensuring the shutter is in the open position when the toner cartridge is attached, preventing blockages and ensuring toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shutter is provided to prevent toner spillage when the toner cartridge is detached, then toner containment is improved, but the user may forget to open the shutter after mounting, causing image formation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter opening operation is performed automatically by the holder's movement itself. When the holder moves from the pulled-out position to the accommodated position, the shutter is automatically opened through the mechanical interaction with the holder's structure, eliminating the need for manual user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is positioned and configured in advance during toner cartridge assembly so that it will be automatically opened when the holder moves to the accommodated position. The mechanical linkage is pre-set to ensure proper shutter opening timing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual shutter opening is required after toner cartridge mounting, then toner spillage prevention is achieved, but operational complexity increases and user errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the shutter opening function automatically through the holder's movement, without requiring separate manual user action. The mechanical structure of the holder itself serves to open the shutter during the normal mounting process.
3Loss of substance
If the shutter remains closed after toner cartridge mounting, then toner spillage is prevented during transport, but toner supply to the developing unit is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter transitions from a static closed state during transport to an automatically opened state when the holder moves to the accommodated position. The system dynamically changes the shutter state based on the holder's position and movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a holder, photosensitive drums, developing units, and toner cartridges. Each toner cartridge includes a case, shutter, and operation member. The case contains the toner therein and has an opening at a position confronting the corresponding developing unit in a state that the toner cartridge is attached to the holder. The shutter is movable between a block position and an open position. The shutter is located at the open position when the operation member is located at a first position. The shutter is located at the block position when the operation member is located at a second position. The operation member has: a base end fixed to the shutter; and a distal end configured to move from a lower position to a position higher than the lower position when the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position.