Toner Refilling Interface Structure for Printer Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic printers require frequent replacement of development cartridges, leading to increased printing costs and reduced user convenience due to the need for frequent toner refilling and cartridge replacement.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a toner refilling portion within the development cartridge allows for toner refilling without detaching the cartridge from the printer, using a toner refilling interface structure that includes a discharge shutter and locking mechanism to prevent toner leakage and facilitate easy refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the development cartridge is detached for toner refilling, then the refilling process can be performed, but the user convenience deteriorates and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toner refilling cartridge is nested within the development cartridge structure, allowing the refilling operation to occur while the development cartridge remains installed in the printer. The refilling cartridge inserts through an opening in the development cartridge and connects to the toner container, enabling toner transfer without removing the development cartridge from the printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner refilling cartridge serves as an intermediary device between the external world and the toner container. It provides a temporary connection path for toner transfer, allowing refilling without direct access to the toner container and without removing the development cartridge from the printer.
2Productivity
If the discharge shutter remains open during refilling, then toner can flow freely, but toner leakage occurs and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge shutter is opened in advance before the refilling process begins and is kept open throughout the refilling operation. This preliminary and sustained opening ensures that toner can flow freely from the toner container into the refilling cartridge without obstruction, while the refilling cartridge's structure prevents leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner refilling interface structure including a toner cartridge, an installation portion, a first toner inlet portion, an inlet shutter, and a locking member. The toner cartridge including a discharge shutter located in or coupled to a body and to switch to a closed position at which a first toner discharge portion of the body is closed and to switch to a discharge position at which the first toner discharge portion is open. The toner cartridge is rotatable about a first rotation axis. The first toner inlet portion is provided in the installation portion to receive toner from the toner cartridge. The inlet shutter is provided in the installation portion to switch to an inflow position at which the first toner inlet portion is open, from a blocked position at which the first toner inlet portion is blocked, by a first rotation of the toner cartridge from an installation position to a first angular position The locking member is provided in the toner cartridge and to lock the discharge shutter at the closed position during the first rotation of the toner cartridge.