Toner Refill Container With Rotating Cap and Shutter Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replenishing toner without the need for complete process unit exchange, particularly in systems that require various using manners such as process cartridge and toner supplying types.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a discharging portion, a movable shutter, and a cap mechanism that allows controlled discharge of toner or liquid content, enabling easy replenishment without full unit exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a process cartridge type is used where the photosensitive drum and developing container are integrally assembled, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the entire unit must be replaced when toner runs out, increasing cost and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a main body portion and a separate end portion that can be independently disassembled. The end portion includes a discharging portion with a discharge opening and shutter mechanism, while the main body accommodates toner. This segmentation allows the end portion to be detached and replaced without discarding the entire container, enabling toner replenishment while reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves multiple functions: it covers the end portion when attached to the container, provides structural support, and can be dismounted to access the shutter mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling versatile toner replenishment operations.
2Ease of operation
If toner is supplied to the developing container, then cost-effectiveness improves and waste reduces, but the container requires complex disassembly and reassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is integrated with the shutter mechanism, combining the covering function and the discharge control function into a single component assembly. When the cap is attached to the container end portion, it automatically positions the shutter to shield the discharge opening. This merging simplifies the operation of toner replenishment while maintaining reliable control over toner discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is positioned within the cap structure, with the cap enclosing and protecting the shutter mechanism. This nested arrangement allows the compact integration of multiple functional elements (cap, shutter, discharge opening) in a space-efficient manner, reducing overall complexity while enabling the desired toner replenishment functionality.
3Reliability
If a shutter mechanism is added to control toner discharge, then toner discharge control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed as a movable component that can transition between a shielding position (blocking the discharge opening) and an open position (allowing toner discharge). This dynamic capability enables reliable control over toner flow without requiring complex valve mechanisms or multiple moving parts. The shutter's simple linear motion is achieved through the cap's attachment and detachment actions.
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.