Image forming apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require a large open space for replacing toner cartridges due to covers that need to be opened 90 degrees or more, limiting installation in spaces with limited space, such as narrow offices.
Innovation Solution
A cover that opens and closes the apparatus main body at an acute angle, allowing a toner container to be rotated between upright and inclined positions, with toner vessels arranged in an upper-and-lower direction, enabling smooth attachment and detachment without interference with path parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is opened 90 degrees or more to access the toner cartridge, then the toner cartridge can be easily accessed and replaced, but a large open space is required which limits installation in narrow offices
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to rotate dynamically between a closed position (standing upright along the side surface) and an open position (inclined at an acute angle outside the apparatus main body), allowing flexible access without requiring a large fixed space. The toner container also rotates dynamically between an attachment position (standing upright inside) and a detachment position (inclined outside along the cover), enabling smooth transition during replacement operations.
2Ease of operation
If the toner container is designed with vessels arranged in a specific orientation, then interference with path parts is prevented during replacement, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The replenishment vessel and recovery vessel are arranged in an upper-and-lower direction (vertical dimension) within the toner container. This vertical arrangement, combined with the rotational movement of the toner container between upright and inclined positions, prevents interference with path parts during attachment and detachment operations while maintaining a relatively simple container structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes a cover (14) and a toner container (13). The cover (14) opens and closes a side surface of an apparatus main body (2). The toner container (13) is detachably attached to an inside of the apparatus main body (2). The cover (14) is turned between a close position and an open position where an angle between the side surface of the apparatus main body (2) and the cover (14) is acute. The toner container (13) includes a replenishment vessel (32) and a recovery vessel (33), and the replenishment vessel (32) and the recovery vessel (33) are arranged in an upper-and-lower direction. The toner container (13) is turned between an attachment position and a detachment position inclined so as to be along the cover (14). The toner container (13) arranged in the detachment position is detached along the cover (14) arranged at the close position.