Toner Case Shutter and Transmitter Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner cases in image forming apparatuses require complex mechanisms to move the transmitter for opening and closing the discharge port, which can complicate the structure and reduce workability in toner replenishment processes.
Innovation Solution
A toner case design incorporating a rotatable shutter and a movable transmitter between two positions, where the transmitter moves from the first position to the second as the shutter rotates from the closing to the opening position, simplifying the mechanism for opening and closing the discharge port without the need for additional moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to move the transmitter for opening and closing the discharge port, then the discharge port can be reliably controlled, but the structural complexity increases and workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is merged with the shutter assembly such that the transmitter moves passively with the shutter's rotation. The shutter's opening and closing motion directly drives the transmitter between its first and second positions, eliminating the need for a separate transmission mechanism. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable discharge port control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter serves multiple functions: it controls the discharge port opening and closing, and simultaneously moves the transmitter to appropriate positions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the mechanism while ensuring reliable operation of both discharge control and transmitter positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional moving parts are added to move the transmitter, then the transmitter positioning is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter positioning function is merged into the shutter's opening and closing motion. As the shutter rotates to open or close the discharge port, the transmitter automatically moves between its first and second positions through this single motion, achieving precise positioning without additional moving parts or complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter's own motion serves to position the transmitter. The mechanical connection between the shutter and transmitter allows the shutter's opening and closing action to directly drive the transmitter positioning, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the transmitter is fixed in position, then the structure is simplified, but the discharge port cannot be properly controlled during toner replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is designed to be dynamically positioned based on the shutter state. During normal operation, the transmitter moves to the first position with the discharge port closed. During toner replenishment, when the shutter opens, the transmitter automatically moves to the second position, enabling proper control and workability without requiring complex fixed-position mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is pre-positioned according to the shutter's opening and closing state. Before toner replenishment begins, the shutter closes and the transmitter is automatically positioned at the first position. When replenishment is needed, the shutter opens and the transmitter moves to the second position, ensuring the system is ready for operation without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner case includes a case main body, a rotator, a transmitter and a shutter. The case main body has a discharge port through which a toner is discharged. The rotator is stored in the case main body and rotates around a rotation axis. The transmitter transmits rotation to the rotator. At least a part of the transmitter is exposed to an outside of the case main body. The shutter is rotatable between a closing position where the shutter closes the discharge port and an opening position where the shutter opens the discharge port. The transmitter is movable between a first position and a second position which is arranged at an outside of the first position in a rotation axis direction of the rotator. The transmitter moves from the first position to the second position as the shutter rotates from the closing position to the opening position.