Toner Conveyance Port Alignment in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method, toner leakage occurs due to misalignment between the toner cartridge's supply port and the developing unit's receiving port, especially when the toner cartridge and developing unit move relative to each other, and it is difficult to swing the toner cartridge when the toner quantity is high.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a conveyance portion with a coupling tube and a movable shutter, allowing the toner receiving port to face the toner supply port when coupled, and a conveyance tube that moves with respect to the coupling tube to maintain alignment, preventing toner leakage even when the toner cartridge and developing unit move.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the toner cartridge is swung together with the developing unit to maintain alignment, then toner leakage is suppressed, but it becomes difficult to swing the toner cartridge when the amount of toner is large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the toner cartridge from the developing unit, making them independent components. The toner cartridge remains stationary while the developing unit swings independently, eliminating the difficulty of swinging a heavy toner cartridge while maintaining alignment through the receiving port's movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving port of the developing unit is designed to be movable relative to the developing unit body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to face the supply port of the stationary toner cartridge during the swinging motion, thereby maintaining alignment without moving the toner cartridge
2Ease of operation
If the developing unit swings with respect to the toner cartridge, then the receiving port may deviate from the supply port causing toner leakage, but fixing the toner cartridge eliminates swingability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving port is designed with movement capability relative to the developing unit body, allowing it to dynamically track and face the supply port of the stationary toner cartridge during the swinging motion. This dynamic adjustment maintains alignment between ports while preserving the swingability of the developing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a toner cartridge having a toner supply port; and a developing unit including: a developing roller; a developing frame; and a conveyance portion capable of conveying toner contained in the toner cartridge to the developing frame. The conveyance portion including: a coupling tube capable of being coupled to the toner cartridge and having a toner receiving port that faces the toner supply port in a state where the coupling tube is coupled to the toner cartridge; a conveyance tube fixed to the developing frame, the conveyance tube being movable with respect to the coupling tube, in a state where the coupling tube is coupled to the toner cartridge and the toner receiving port faces the toner supply port; and a shutter movable between an open position and a closed position.