Toner Container Shutter and Rotating Cap for Leak-Resistant Replenishment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replenishing toner without the need to replace entire process cartridges, particularly in systems that require various usage modes.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a discharging portion, a movable shutter, and a cap that can be rotated to shield or open the discharge opening, allowing for toner replenishment without replacing the entire process cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire process cartridge is replaced when toner runs out, then the image forming apparatus can maintain reliable operation, but the cost and time loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is divided into two independent functional parts: a reusable process unit containing the photosensitive drum and developing mechanism, and a disposable toner container. This segmentation allows only the toner container to be replaced while retaining the expensive process unit, significantly reducing time loss and cost while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables selective discarding of only the depleted toner container while recovering and reusing the process unit. The process unit is designed with a mounting portion that allows it to be retained in the image forming apparatus after toner replenishment, transforming a complete replacement process into a partial replacement process that recovers valuable components.
2Reliability
If the entire process cartridge is replaced when toner runs out, then the image forming apparatus can maintain reliable operation, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is divided into two independent functional parts: a reusable process unit containing the photosensitive drum and developing mechanism, and a disposable toner container. This segmentation allows only the toner container to be replaced while retaining the expensive process unit, significantly reducing time loss and cost while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables selective discarding of only the depleted toner container while recovering and reusing the process unit. The process unit is designed with a mounting portion that allows it to be retained in the image forming apparatus after toner replenishment, transforming a complete replacement process into a partial replacement process that recovers valuable components.
3Loss of substance
If a toner supplying type system is implemented, then cost-effective toner replenishment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toner container is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit with an integrated shutter mechanism. This extraction allows the toner supply function to be independent from the main process unit, enabling cost-effective replenishment while managing complexity through modular design where the shutter and cap are integrated into the removable container rather than the main apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner container incorporates a self-contained shutter mechanism that automatically controls toner discharge. The shutter opens to allow toner supply when the container is mounted and closes to prevent leakage during storage and transport, enabling autonomous toner management without requiring complex external control systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter mechanism is added to control toner discharge, then toner leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is merged with the toner container structure, forming an integrated assembly. The shutter is positioned within the container body and works in conjunction with the cap, combining the leakage prevention function with the existing container design rather than adding a separate complex system. This merging approach prevents toner leakage while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a form of a container for use with an image forming apparatus[Solution] A container for use with an image forming apparatus and for accommodating a content of powder or a liquid, the container includes an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the content; an end portion including a discharging portion which includes a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the content to an outside of the container and a passage configured so that the content passes through the passage toward the discharge opening, and including a shutter configured to be movable relative to the discharging portion between a shielding position where the shutter shields the discharge opening and an open position where the shutter opens the discharge opening; and a cap mounted to the end portion so as to cover at least a part of the end portion and configured to be dismounted from the end portion by being rotated relative to the end portion.