Toner Container Shutter Mechanism for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact design of modern image forming apparatuses requires a toner container that can efficiently replenish and collect toner in a small space, where the distance between the drum unit and development unit is decreasing, posing challenges for traditional toner cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A toner container with a shutter mechanism that includes a container mount, a shutter plate, and an opening/closing hook, allowing the toner to be supplied or discharged through a passing port, which is opened or closed by sliding the shutter plate relative to the container mount, enabling efficient toner replenishment and collection even in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between the drum unit and development unit is decreased to achieve compact design, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the toner container cannot effectively replenish or collect toner in the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter plate is designed to be movable relative to the container mount, transitioning between a closed position (preventing toner discharge) and an open position (allowing toner discharge). This dynamic mechanism enables the toner container to effectively replenish or collect toner even in the limited space of compact apparatus designs, resolving the contradiction between compact size and operational effectiveness
2Reliability
If a shutter mechanism is added to control the passing port, then toner discharge can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a container mount with a passing port, a shutter plate that can move between closed and open positions, and engagement features. This segmentation allows for controlled toner discharge while maintaining a relatively simple structure that can be integrated into the toner container without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter plate is designed to be movable relative to the container mount, allowing the mechanism to automatically control toner discharge based on its position. The engagement and disengagement of the shutter side engagement part with the mount side engagement part enables self-contained operation, reducing the need for additional complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a toner container and a shutter mechanism. The toner container is attached to or detached from an apparatus main body along an attachment/detachment direction. The toner container has a passing port. The shutter mechanism has a container mount, a shutter plate and an opening/closing hook. The container mount is attached to the toner container. The shutter plate is supported on the container mount so as to be slidable along the attachment/detachment direction. The opening/closing hook is supported on the apparatus main body on one side in a direction crossing the attachment/detachment direction. The opening/closing hook disengages the shutter plate with the container mount.