Toner Cartridge Shutter and Locking Mechanism for Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic printers require frequent replacement of developing cartridges, leading to increased printing costs and user inconvenience, as toner refilling is typically done by detaching the cartridge from the printer.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a toner refilling mechanism that allows the developing cartridge to be refilled with toner while still installed in the printer, using a toner cartridge with a discharge shutter and locking mechanism that aligns toner discharge portions with the refilling portion, enabling easy and secure refilling without detaching the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the developing cartridge is refilled by detaching it from the printer, then toner refilling can be performed, but user convenience deteriorates and the refilling process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the refilling system into two main segments: a reusable developing cartridge and a disposable toner cartridge. The developing cartridge remains installed in the printer and contains the refilling mechanism, while the toner cartridge is separately handled for refilling operations. This segmentation allows the cartridge to stay mounted during refilling, improving user convenience while maintaining refilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a refilling mechanism as an intermediary component that facilitates toner transfer from the toner cartridge to the developing cartridge. This intermediary includes a refilling chamber, discharge shutter, and locking member that work together to enable controlled toner discharge directly into the developing cartridge without requiring its removal from the printer.
2Reliability
If the discharge shutter is locked in the closed position, then toner leakage is prevented, but the refilling operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to automatically engage and lock the discharge shutter in the closed position before the refilling operation begins. This preliminary locking action ensures toner leakage prevention is already in place before toner is discharged, eliminating the need for complex manual locking procedures during refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge shutter is designed to automatically unlock and open when the toner cartridge is properly inserted and aligned with the refilling portion. The system self-manages the locking and unlocking sequence based on the presence and position of the toner cartridge, reducing the need for additional control mechanisms and simplifying the overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner cartridge includes a body including a first toner discharge portion, a discharge shutter configured to rotate relative to the body about a first rotation axis to a discharge position at which toner is allowed to be discharged via the first toner discharge portion and a closed position at which the first toner discharge portion is closed, and a locking member supported by the body and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis to a locked position at which a first interference portion of the discharge shutter located at the closed position is caught by a second interference portion, thereby not allowing the discharge shutter to rotate and an unlocked position at which the discharge shutter is allowed to rotate.