Toner Cartridge Support Structure for Easier Rotary Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with rotary developing types face challenges in improving the operating properties during toner cartridge exchange, particularly in efficiently mounting and demounting toner cartridges without complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a rotary with a detachable toner cartridge system, including a supporting member and an openable member that allows the toner cartridge to be moved between mounting and retracted positions, with a restricting portion engaging to stabilize the cartridge during operation, enhancing ease of exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional process cartridge demounting system is used, then the structure is simple, but the operating property during toner cartridge exchange is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is divided into separable components: the developing device and the toner cartridge. This segmentation allows the toner cartridge to be independently exchanged without removing the entire process cartridge, improving ease of operation during toner replacement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the developing device and the user. The tray supports the toner cartridge during exchange operations and provides a stable platform for mounting and demounting. This intermediary structure simplifies the exchange process by providing a dedicated interface for toner cartridge manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If the toner cartridge is fixed in the mounting position, then the stability is high, but the ease of exchange is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between a retracted position (for easy cartridge exchange) and a supporting position (for stable cartridge holding). This dynamic mechanism enables the system to switch between ease of exchange and stability as needed, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting portion is pre-configured on the supporting member to automatically engage with the toner cartridge when it is mounted. This preliminary arrangement of the restricting structure ensures that stability is automatically achieved upon mounting without requiring additional user actions, while still allowing easy exchange when the supporting member is retracted.
3Ease of operation
If the supporting member is movable through the main assembly opening, then the ease of exchange is improved, but the risk of misplacement is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting portion is designed with an asymmetric geometry that allows insertion in only one correct orientation. This asymmetric feature guides the toner cartridge into the proper mounting position and prevents misplacement, while still allowing the supporting member to move freely for exchange operations. The asymmetric restricting structure acts as a mechanical guide that ensures reliable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus to which a toner cartridge provided with a discharge opening is detachably mounted includes a rotary including a developing roller and an accommodating frame provided with a receiving opening, a main assembly frame, an openable member including a supporting surface and a restricting portion and movable to a closed position and an open position, and a supporting member. In a state that the toner cartridge is in a mounting position to the accommodating frame, the discharge opening and the receiving opening oppose each other. When the openable member is in the open position and the supporting member is in a taking-out position, the restricting portion engages with the supporting member so that the supporting member is supported by the accommodating frame and the supporting surface and so that movement of the supporting member in a direction away from the supporting surface is restricted.