Toner Container Shielding Discharge Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively replenishing toner supplies, as they require either the exchange of entire process units or direct toner supply systems, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a discharging portion and shielding member for toner supply, featuring a cap that covers and fixes to the top end portion, allowing for easy toner replenishment without the need to exchange entire units, utilizing a pouch with a nozzle and shutter mechanism for controlled toner discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire process cartridge is exchanged when toner runs out, then the image forming apparatus can maintain consistent image quality, but the cost and waste increase due to discarding the entire unit
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is divided into separable components: the developing container (which can be refilled) and the process drum assembly. This allows users to refill only the toner supply while keeping the expensive process drum, thereby reducing waste and cost while maintaining image quality through proper sealing of the refill interface
2Loss of substance
If a direct toner supply system is used, then cost and waste are reduced, but the complexity of the toner replenishment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is prepared in advance with a pre-assembled top end portion including the discharge opening and passage. The cap is pre-configured with sealing and fixing features, so that when toner replenishment is needed, the user simply attaches the pre-prepared components without complex assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The top end portion is extracted as a separate, easily replaceable component from the main container body. This allows the discharge opening and passage to be independently sealed and refilled without affecting the rest of the container structure, simplifying the replenishment process
3Ease of operation
If the discharge opening is left open during toner supply, then toner can be easily added, but the content may leak or be contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with a dynamic sealing mechanism that allows it to be opened during toner supply for easy refilling, then securely closed afterward. The rotating connection between the cap and fixing portion enables the seal to adapt to different operational states (open for refilling, closed for protection), preventing leakage and contamination while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A container for accommodating a content of powder or a liquid includes an accommodating portion for accommodating the content; a top end portion including a discharging portion and a shielding member, wherein the discharging portion includes a discharge opening for discharging the content to an outside of the container and a passage for permitting passing of the content toward the discharge opening, and the shielding member shields the discharge opening; and a cap detachably mounted to the top end portion, wherein the cap includes a main body portion covering at least a part of the top end portion and a fixing portion fixed to the top end portion and connected to the main body portion, and wherein the main body portion of the cap is separated from the fixing portion by being rotated about a rotational axis thereof relative to the top end portion.