Toner Container Cover Layout for Compact Image Forming Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require multiple toner containers, increasing the height of the apparatus main body and causing interference during toner replacement due to reduced cover distance, and the need for easy cover operation with increased container count.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus features a container housing part with multiple toner containers per color, utilizing a side plate with horizontal openings, a cover supported by a rotational shaft, and locking devices with stoppers to manage cover angles, allowing easy attachment and detachment of toner containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple toner containers are arranged in upper and lower rows to reduce stop time, then productivity is improved, but the height of the apparatus main body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of toner containers to a horizontal arrangement. The opening rows are formed in plurality in the left-and-right direction, allowing toner containers to be arranged side-by-side rather than one above another. This dimensional change reduces the height requirement while maintaining the ability to house multiple containers for continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple toner containers and their housing into a single integrated toner housing part. The upper and lower container groups are housed together with their respective opening rows in one housing structure, reducing the overall apparatus height while enabling continuous toner supply from multiple containers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the height of the apparatus main body is lowered to reduce interference, then the cover turning range is restricted, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover system into multiple independent covers, with each cover corresponding to a specific opening row and toner container group. This segmentation allows each cover to be opened and closed independently without interfering with other covers or toner containers, facilitating easy operation within the limited height space.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cover is designed with specific local characteristics including locking devices and stoppers positioned at precise locations. The locking devices engage with the housing part to secure covers in the closed position, while stoppers limit the opening angle to prevent interference with toner containers during replacement operations.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple toner containers are housed in a compact space, then the apparatus height is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toner housing part is designed as a universal structure that houses multiple upper and lower container groups with their respective opening rows. This multi-functional housing accommodates various toner containers and enables continuous operation from multiple containers while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where upper and lower container groups are housed within the same toner housing part. The opening rows are nested in the housing structure, allowing multiple toner containers to be compactly arranged in a space-efficient manner that reduces overall apparatus height.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes a plurality of container groups (39A, 39B), and a housing part (41). Each container group includes a plurality of toner containers (39) containing of toner of different colors. The housing part (41) includes a side plate (51), a cover (61), a locking device (65), an upper stopper (105) and a lower stopper (103). The side plate (51) has opening rows (53A, 53B) formed for each container group in a plurality of levels in an upper-and-lower direction. The opening row includes a plurality of openings (53) horizontally arranged. The cover (61) is turned in an open posture for opening the opening (53) and a close posture for closing the opening (53). The first stopper (105) holds the cover (61) at an opening angle of 90° or less to the side plate (51) and a second stopper (103) which holds the cover (61) at an opening angle of larger than 90° when the cover (61) is turned to the open posture.