Toner Supply Tank Shutter Linked to Lid for Leak-Free Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet type image forming apparatuses with external ink tanks face challenges in reducing running costs and maintaining efficient ink supply, as they often rely on cartridge systems that require frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is designed with a first developing unit and a first toner supply unit that includes a container with inlet and outlet openings, a lid, and a shutter mechanism to control toner flow, allowing for efficient toner supply and containment within a tank system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cartridge system is used to supply ink, then the image forming apparatus can be operated, but running costs increase due to frequent cartridge replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a removable process unit (containing developing units) and a fixed toner supply tank. This segmentation allows the process unit to be detached and replaced without replacing the entire toner supply system, reducing downtime and running costs while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner supply system transitions from a cartridge-based approach (where ink and developing components are integrated) to a tank-based approach (where toner is stored in a separate, refillable container). This dimensional change separates the toner reservoir from the developing units, enabling independent replacement of the process unit while retaining the toner supply infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lid opens to receive toner, then the container can be refilled, but toner may leak from the outlet opening
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-configured to be linked to the lid mechanism through a linkage system. Before the lid opens for refilling, the shutter automatically closes the outlet opening. This preliminary action prevents toner leakage before it can occur, while still allowing easy refilling when the lid is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lid and shutter. When the lid is opened or closed, the linkage automatically actuates the shutter to open or close the outlet opening accordingly. This intermediary mechanism ensures coordinated operation without requiring direct manual control of the shutter.
3Productivity
If the shutter remains open to allow toner flow, then the developing unit can be supplied with toner, but toner may leak when the lid is open
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-configured to close the outlet opening before the lid opens for refilling. This preliminary closing action ensures that even if the lid is open, toner cannot leak from the outlet opening, while still allowing efficient toner supply when the lid is closed and the shutter is open.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between open and closed states based on the lid position and operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize toner supply efficiency when needed while preventing leakage when the container is being refilled.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure features an image forming apparatus having a first developing unit having a first developing roller; and a first toner supply unit configured to supply toner to the first developing unit, the first toner supply unit having: a first container configured to accommodate the toner therein, the first container having a first inlet opening through which the toner is received in the first container and a first outlet opening through which the toner in the first container is discharged; a first lid configured to close the first inlet opening; and a first shutter configured to open the first outlet opening when the first lid closes the first inlet opening, and to close the first outlet opening when the first lid opens the first inlet opening.