NZ624385B2 - Toner cartridge having positional control features - Google Patents
Toner cartridge having positional control features Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ624385B2 NZ624385B2 NZ624385A NZ62438512A NZ624385B2 NZ 624385 B2 NZ624385 B2 NZ 624385B2 NZ 624385 A NZ624385 A NZ 624385A NZ 62438512 A NZ62438512 A NZ 62438512A NZ 624385 B2 NZ624385 B2 NZ 624385B2
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- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- toner cartridge
- image forming
- forming device
- alignment guide
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 210000001331 Nose Anatomy 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 70
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 210000000887 Face Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000023298 conjugation with cellular fusion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000021037 unidirectional conjugation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000000988 Bone and Bones Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 241001442055 Vipera berus Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011068 load Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
- G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
- G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/1604—Arrangement or disposition of the entire apparatus
- G03G21/1623—Means to access the interior of the apparatus
- G03G21/1633—Means to access the interior of the apparatus using doors or covers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
- G03G21/1647—Mechanical connection means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
- G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
- G03G21/1814—Details of parts of process cartridge, e.g. for charging, transfer, cleaning, developing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
- G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
- G03G21/1842—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
- G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
- G03G21/1842—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks
- G03G21/185—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks the process cartridge being mounted parallel to the axis of the photosensitive member
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
- G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
- G03G2221/1651—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for connecting the different parts
- G03G2221/1654—Locks and means for positioning or alignment
Abstract
Disclosed is a toner cartridge (100) for use in an image forming device. The toner cartridge comprises a housing, a first leg (146) and a second leg, a first alignment guide (160) and a second alignment guide. The housing includes a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing includes a front, a rear (116), a first side, a second side, a top (106) and a bottom (108). The housing includes an exit port on the front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. The first leg (146) and the second leg each projects from the bottom (108) of the housing and extends primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge (100) during insertion into the image forming device. The first alignment guide (160) is positioned on a first side of the housing and the second alignment guide is positioned on a second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first alignment guide (160). Each alignment guide (160) extends primarily along the front-rear-dimension of the housing. The first alignment guide (160) includes a pair of rounded contact points (166b, 166c) and the second alignment guide includes a rounded contact point. The rounded contact points (166b, 166c) of the first and second alignment guides (160) are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the bottom. The rounded contact points (166b, 166c) of the first and second alignment guides (160) collectively form three datum points defining a plane that controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge (100) in the image forming device. nt, a rear (116), a first side, a second side, a top (106) and a bottom (108). The housing includes an exit port on the front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. The first leg (146) and the second leg each projects from the bottom (108) of the housing and extends primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge (100) during insertion into the image forming device. The first alignment guide (160) is positioned on a first side of the housing and the second alignment guide is positioned on a second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first alignment guide (160). Each alignment guide (160) extends primarily along the front-rear-dimension of the housing. The first alignment guide (160) includes a pair of rounded contact points (166b, 166c) and the second alignment guide includes a rounded contact point. The rounded contact points (166b, 166c) of the first and second alignment guides (160) are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the bottom. The rounded contact points (166b, 166c) of the first and second alignment guides (160) collectively form three datum points defining a plane that controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge (100) in the image forming device.
Description
TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING POSITIONAL CONTROL FEATURES
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates generally to toner cartridges used in
electrophotographic image forming devices and, more particularly, to a toner cartridge having
positional control features.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to reduce the premature replacement of components traditionally
housed within a toner cartridge for an image forming device, toner cartridge manufacturers
have begun to separate components having a longer life from those having a shorter life into
separate replaceable units. Relatively longer life components such as a developer roll, a toner
adder roll, a doctor blade and a photoconductive drum are positioned in one replaceable unit
(an “imaging unit”). The image forming device’s toner supply, which is consumed relatively
quickly in comparison with the components housed in the imaging unit, is provided in a
reservoir in a separate replaceable unit in the form of a toner cartridge that mates with the
imaging unit. In this configuration, the number of components housed in the toner cartridge
is reduced in comparison with traditional toner cartridges. As a result, in systems utilizing a
separate toner cartridge and imaging unit, the toner cartridge is often referred to as a “toner
bottle” even though the toner cartridge is more complex than a mere bottle for holding toner.
To deliver toner from the toner cartridge to the imaging unit, an auger in the
toner cartridge may be used to feed toner from an exit port on the toner cartridge into an
entrance port on the imaging unit and into a second auger that disperses the toner within the
imaging unit. As the toner is drawn out of the toner cartridge, it is augured through a shutter
used for sealing the exit port of the toner cartridge when it is not inserted in the printer.
In devices utilizing a separate toner cartridge and imaging unit, it is important
that the toner cartridge and imaging unit are precisely aligned relative to one another within
the image forming device. For example, if the exit port on the toner cartridge is misaligned
with the entrance port on the imaging unit, severe toner leakage may occur resulting in
mechanical and print quality defects. The toner cartridge and imaging unit must also be
rigidly held in place after they are installed in the image forming device in order to prevent
their positional alignment from being disturbed during operation. The requirement for tight
positional control must be balanced with the need to permit the user to easily load and unload
the imaging unit and the toner cartridge into and out of the image forming device.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a toner cartridge having positional control features
that permit precise alignment of the cartridge while permitting various angles of insertion of
the cartridge into the image forming device is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006A] According to a first principal aspect, there is provided a toner cartridge for use
in an image forming device, comprising:
a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a
rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port on the
front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the
reservoir to pass out of the housing;
a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and
extending primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to-side
travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device; and
a first alignment guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second
alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first
alignment guide, each alignment guide extending primarily along the front-to-rear dimension
of the housing, the first alignment guide includes a pair of rounded contact points and the
second alignment guide includes a rounded contact point, the rounded contact points of the
first and second alignment guides are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the bottom
to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
[0006B] In one embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a first engagement
surface projecting to a topmost point of the housing near the first side of the housing and a
second engagement surface projecting to the topmost point of the housing near the second
side of the housing for receiving a hold down force from the image forming device, each of
the first and second engagement surfaces including an angled front surface that faces toward
the front of the housing and an angled rear surface that faces toward the rear of the housing.
[0006C] In another embodiment, a front portion of at least one of the first and second
legs tapers forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in
the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge
in the image forming device.
[0006D] In a further embodiment, each of the first alignment guide and the second
alignment guide includes a generally elongated body that extends primarily along the front-
to-rear dimension of the housing.
[0006E] In one embodiment, a top surface of each of the first and second alignment
guides includes a front portion that is angled downward with respect to a rear portion of the
respective alignment guide to facilitate insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming
device.
[0006F] In another embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a first stop
extending from a top surface of the first alignment guide and a second stop extending from a
top surface of the second alignment guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in
the image forming device.
[0006G] In a further embodiment, the first stop is positioned closer to the rear of the
housing than the pair of rounded contact points of the first alignment guide and the second
stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the rounded contact point of the
second alignment guide.
[0006H] In one embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a slot on the front of
the housing between the first and second legs that is sized to receive a corresponding
projection in the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the
toner cartridge in the image forming device.
[0006I] In another embodiment, the slot is formed by a gap between a pair of walls
that extend forward from the front of the housing.
[0006J] According to a second principal aspect, there is provided a toner cartridge for
use in an image forming device, comprising:
a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a
rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port on the
front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the
reservoir to pass out of the housing;
a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and
extending primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to-side
travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device; and
a first alignment guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second
alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first
alignment guide, each alignment guide extending primarily along the front-to-rear dimension
of the housing, the first alignment guide includes a pair of rounded contact points and the
second alignment guide includes a rounded contact point, the rounded contact points of the
first and second alignment guides are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the
bottom, the rounded contact points of the first and second alignment guides collectively form
three datum points defining a plane that controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge in
the image forming device.
[0006K] In one embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a first engagement
surface projecting to a topmost point of the housing near the first side of the housing and a
second engagement surface projecting to the topmost point of the housing near the second
side of the housing for receiving a hold down force from the image forming device, each of
the first and second engagement surfaces including an angled front surface that faces toward
the front of the housing and an angled rear surface that faces toward the rear of the housing.
[0006L] In another embodiment, a front portion of at least one of the first and second
legs tapers forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in
the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge
in the image forming device.
[0006M] In a further embodiment, each of the first alignment guide and the second
alignment guide includes a generally elongated body that extends primarily along the front-
to-rear dimension of the housing.
[0006N] In one embodiment, a top surface of each of the first and second alignment
guides includes a front portion that is angled downward with respect to a rear portion of the
respective alignment guide to facilitate insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming
device.
[0006O] In another embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a first stop
extending from a top surface of the first alignment guide and a second stop extending from a
top surface of the second alignment guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in
the image forming device.
[0006P] In a further embodiment, the first stop is positioned closer to the rear of the
housing than the pair of rounded contact points of the first alignment guide and the second
stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the rounded contact point of the
second alignment guide.
[0006Q] In a further embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a slot on the
front of the housing between the first and second legs that is sized to receive a corresponding
projection in the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the
toner cartridge in the image forming device.
[0006R] In one embodiment, the slot is formed by a gap between a pair of walls that
extend forward from the front of the housing.
[0006S] According to a third principal aspect, there is provided a toner cartridge for
use in an image forming device, comprising:
a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a
rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port on the
front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the
reservoir to pass out of the housing;
a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and
extending primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to-side
travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device;
a first alignment guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second
alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing at substantially the same height
as the first alignment guide, the first alignment guide includes a first rounded contact point
and the second alignment guide includes a second rounded contact point, the first and second
rounded contact points are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the bottom to control
the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device; and
a first engagement surface projecting to a topmost point of the housing near the first side of
the housing and a second engagement surface projecting to the topmost point of the housing
near the second side of the housing unobstructed from the top to receive a hold down force
from the image forming device, each of the first and second engagement surfaces including
an angled front surface that faces toward the front of the housing and an angled rear surface
that faces toward the rear of the housing.
[0006T] In one embodiment, a front portion of at least one of the first and second legs
tapers forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in the
image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge in
the image forming device.
[0006U] In another embodiment, each of the first alignment guide and the second
alignment guide includes a generally elongated body that extends primarily along the front-
to-rear dimension of the housing.
[0006V] In a further embodiment, a top surface of each of the first and second
alignment guides includes a front portion that is angled downward with respect to a rear
portion of the respective alignment guide to facilitate insertion of the toner cartridge into the
image forming device.
[0006W] In one embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a first stop extending
from a top surface of the first alignment guide and a second stop extending from a top surface
of the second alignment guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in the image
forming device.
[0006X] In another embodiment, the first stop is positioned closer to the rear of the
housing than the pair of rounded contact points of the first alignment guide and the second
stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the rounded contact point of the
second alignment guide.
[0006Y] In a further embodiment, the toner cartridge further comprises a slot on the
front of the housing between the first and second legs that is sized to receive a corresponding
projection in the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the
toner cartridge in the image forming device.
[0006Z] In one embodiment, the slot is formed by a gap between a pair of walls that
extend forward from the front of the housing.
[0006AA] According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
toner cartridge for use in an image forming device, comprising:
a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a
rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port
on the front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner
from the reservoir to pass out of the housing;
a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and
extending primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-
to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device;
a first wing guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second wing guide
positioned on the second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first wing
guide, each wing guide having a generally elongated body that extends primarily
along the front-to-rear dimension of the housing;
a first stop extending from the first wing guide and a second stop extending from the
second wing guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in the image
forming device; and
a pair of rounded projections extending from a bottom surface of the first wing guide
and a rounded projection extending from a bottom surface of the second wing guide
that define contact points to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the
image forming device.
[0006AB] Preferably, the toner cartridge further comprises an engagement surface
projecting from the top of the housing for receiving a hold down force from the image
forming device, the engagement surface including an angled front surface that faces toward
the front of the housing and an angled rear surface that faces toward the rear of the housing.
[0006AC] Preferably, the engagement surface includes a first engagement surface near
the first side of the housing and a second engagement surface near the second side of the
housing.
[0006AD] Preferably, a front portion of at least one of the first and second legs tapers
forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in the image
forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge in the
image forming device.
[0006AE] Preferably, a top surface of each of the first and second wing guides includes a
front portion that is angled downward with respect to a rear portion of the respective wing
guide to facilitate insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device.
[0006AF] Preferably, the toner cartridge further comprises a second rounded projection
extending from the bottom surface of the second wing guide, wherein the radii of each of the
pair of rounded projections of the first wing guide and the first rounded projection of the
second wing guide are the same and the radius of the second rounded projection of the second
wing guide is smaller than the radii of the pair of rounded projections of the first wing guide
and the first rounded projection of the second wing guide.
[0006AG] Preferably, the first stop extends from a top surface of the first wing guide and
the second stop extends from a top surface of the second wing guide.
[0006AH] Preferably, the first stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the
pair of rounded projections extending from the bottom surface of the first wing guide and the
second stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the rounded projection
extending from the bottom surface of the second wing guide.
[0006AI] According to a further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a toner cartridge for use in an image forming device, comprising:
a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a
rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port
on the front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner
from the reservoir to pass out of the housing;
a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and
extending along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing parallel to a direction of
insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device, the first and second
legs being spaced from each other on opposite sides of the housing to limit the side-
to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device;
a first wing guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second wing guide
positioned on the second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first wing
guide, each wing guide having a generally elongated body that extends along the
front-to-rear dimension of the housing;
a first stop extending from the first wing guide and a second stop extending from the
second wing guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in the image
forming device; and
a pair of rounded projections extending from a bottom surface of the first wing guide
and a rounded projection extending from a bottom surface of the second wing guide
that collectively form three datum points defining a plane that controls the vertical
position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
[0006AJ] Preferably, the toner cartridge further comprises a first engagement surface
projecting from the top of the housing near the first side and a second engagement surface
projecting from the top of the housing near the second side for receiving a hold down force
from the image forming device, each of the first and second engagement surfaces including
an angled front surface that faces toward the front of the housing and an angled rear surface
that faces toward the rear of the housing.
[0006AK] Preferably, a front portion of at least one of the first and second legs tapers
forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in the image
forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge in the
image forming device.
[000AL] Preferably, a top surface of each of the first and second wing guides includes a
front portion that is angled downward with respect to a rear portion of the respective wing
guide to facilitate insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device.
[000AM] Preferably, the toner cartridge further comprises a second rounded projection
extending from the bottom surface of the second wing guide, wherein the radii of each of the
pair of rounded projections of the first wing guide and the first rounded projection of the
second wing guide are the same and the radius of the second rounded projection of the second
wing guide is smaller than the radii of the pair of rounded projections of the first wing guide
and the first rounded projection of the second wing guide.
[000AN] Peferably, the first stop extends from a top surface of the first wing guide and
the second stop extends from a top surface of the second wing guide.
[000AO] Preferably, the first stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the
pair of rounded projections extending from the bottom surface of the first wing guide and the
second stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the rounded projection
extending from the bottom surface of the second wing guide.
A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one
example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The
housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the
reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg each project from a bottom
portion of the housing and extend between a rear portion and a front portion of the housing to
limit the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming
device. A first wing guide is positioned on a first side surface of the housing and a second
wing guide is positioned on a second side surface of the housing substantially parallel to the
first wing guide. Each wing guide has a generally elongated body that extends between the
rear portion and the front portion of the housing. A first stop extends from the first wing
guide and a second stop extends from the second wing guide to limit the forward travel of the
toner cartridge in the image forming device. A pair of rounded projections extending from a
bottom surface of the first wing guide and a rounded projection extending from a bottom
surface of the second wing guide define contact points to control the vertical position of the
toner cartridge in the image forming device.
A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to another
example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The
housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the
reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg each project from a bottom
portion of the housing and extend between a rear portion and a front portion of the housing
parallel to a direction of insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device. The
first and second legs are spaced from each other on opposite sides of the housing to limit the
side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. A
first wing guide is positioned on a first side surface of the housing and a second wing guide is
positioned on a second side surface of the housing substantially parallel to the first wing
guide. Each wing guide has a generally elongated body that extends between the rear portion
and the front portion of the housing. A first stop extends from the first wing guide and a
second stop extends from the second wing guide to limit the forward travel of the toner
cartridge in the image forming device. A pair of rounded projections extending from a
bottom surface of the first wing guide and a rounded projection extending from a bottom
surface of the second wing guide collectively form three datum points defining a plane that
controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be
better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to one example
embodiment.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and an imaging unit
according to one example embodiment.
Figures 3 and 4 are additional perspective views of the toner cartridge shown
in Figure 2.
Figures 5 and 6 are exploded views of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 2
showing a reservoir for holding toner therein.
Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit
shown in Figure 2.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit taken
along line 8-8 in Figure 7 with the toner cartridge advanced closer to the imaging unit.
Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 2 as it
is loaded into an image forming device.
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 2 in
its final position in the image forming device.
Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 2 in
its final position in the image forming device showing the engagement of various interface
features.
Figures 12A-C are sequential views of a first wing guide on the toner cartridge
advancing in a corresponding insertion path in the image forming device according to one
example embodiment.
Figures 13A-C are sequential views of a second wing guide on the toner
cartridge advancing in a corresponding insertion path in the image forming device according
to one example embodiment.
Figures 14A-C are sequential cross-sectional views of a leg of the toner
cartridge taken along line 14-14 in Figure 2 as the toner cartridge is inserted into the image
forming device according to one example embodiment.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and an imaging unit
according to a second example embodiment.
Figure 16 is a top perspective view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit
shown in Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge and imaging unit
taken along line 17-17 in Figure 16 with the toner cartridge advanced closer to the imaging
unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description and drawings illustrate embodiments sufficiently to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. For example, other
embodiments may incorporate structural, chronological, electrical, process, and other
changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions
are optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions
and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The
scope of the application encompasses the appended claims and all available equivalents. The
following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense and the scope of the
present invention is defined by the appended claims.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein
is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass
the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited
otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein
are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.
In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to
physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
Spatially relative terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “rear” and
“side” “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of
description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These
terms are generally used in reference to the position of an element in its intended working
position within an image forming device. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the
like, are used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are not intended to be
limiting. The term “image” as used herein encompasses any printed or digital form of text,
graphic, or combination thereof. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a
block diagram depiction of an imaging system 20 according to one example embodiment.
Imaging system 20 includes an image forming device 22 and a computer 24. Image forming
device 22 communicates with computer 24 via a communications link 26. As used herein,
the term “communications link” generally refers to any structure that facilitates electronic
communication between multiple components and may operate using wired or wireless
technology and may include communications over the Internet.
In the example embodiment shown in Figure 1, image forming device 22 is a
multifunction machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one (AIO) device) that includes a
controller 28, a print engine 30, a laser scan unit (LSU) 31, an imaging unit 32, a toner
cartridge 35, a user interface 36, a media feed system 38, a media input tray 39 and a scanner
system 40. Image forming device 22 may communicate with computer 24 via a standard
communication protocol, such as for example, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or IEEE
802.xx. Image forming device 22 may be, for example, an electrophotographic printer/copier
including an integrated scanner system 40 or a standalone electrophotographic printer.
Controller 28 includes a processor unit and associated memory 29 and may be
formed as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Memory 29 may be
any volatile or non-volatile memory of combination thereof such as, for example, random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or non-volatile RAM
(NVRAM). Alternatively, memory 29 may be in the form of a separate electronic memory
(e.g., RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memory
device convenient for use with controller 28. Controller 28 may be, for example, a combined
printer and scanner controller.
In the example embodiment illustrated, controller 28 communicates with print
engine 30 via a communications link 50. Controller 28 communicates with imaging unit 32
and processing circuitry 44 thereon via a communications link 51. Controller 28
communicates with toner cartridge 35 and processing circuitry 45 therein via a
communications link 52. Controller 28 communicates with media feed system 38 via a
communications link 53. Controller 28 communicates with scanner system 40 via a
communications link 54. User interface 36 is communicatively coupled to controller 28 via a
communications link 55. Processing circuitry 44, 45 may provide authentication functions,
safety and operational interlocks, operating parameters and usage information related to
imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35, respectively. Controller 28 processes print and scan
data and operates print engine 30 during printing and scanner system 40 during scanning.
Computer 24, which is optional, may be, for example, a personal computer,
including memory 60, such as RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM, an input device 62, such as a
keyboard and/or a mouse, and a display monitor 64. Computer 24 also includes a processor,
input/output (I/O) interfaces, and may include at least one mass data storage device, such as a
hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD unit (not shown). Computer 24 may also be a device
capable of communicating with image forming device 22 other than a personal computer
such as, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or other electronic device.
In the example embodiment illustrated, computer 24 includes in its memory a
software program including program instructions that function as an imaging driver 66, e.g.,
printer/scanner driver software, for image forming device 22. Imaging driver 66 is in
communication with controller 28 of image forming device 22 via communications link 26.
Imaging driver 66 facilitates communication between image forming device 22 and computer
24. One aspect of imaging driver 66 may be, for example, to provide formatted print data to
image forming device 22, and more particularly to print engine 30, to print an image.
Another aspect of imaging driver 66 may be, for example, to facilitate collection of scanned
data from scanner system 40.
In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate image forming device
22 in a standalone mode. In the standalone mode, image forming device 22 is capable of
functioning without computer 24. Accordingly, all or a portion of imaging driver 66, or a
similar driver, may be located in controller 28 of image forming device 22 so as to
accommodate printing and/or scanning functionality when operating in the standalone mode.
Print engine 30 includes laser scan unit (LSU) 31, toner cartridge 35, imaging
unit 32, and fuser 37, all mounted within image forming device 22. Imaging unit 32 is
removably mounted in image forming device 22 and includes a developer unit 34 that houses
a toner sump and a toner delivery system. The toner delivery system includes a toner adder
roll that provides toner from the toner sump to a developer roll. A doctor blade provides a
metered uniform layer of toner on the surface of the developer roll. Imaging unit 32 also
includes a cleaner unit 33 that houses a photoconductive drum and a waste toner removal
system. Toner cartridge 35 is also removably mounted in imaging unit 32 in a mating
relationship with developer unit 34 of imaging unit 32. An exit port on toner cartridge 35
communicates with an entrance port on developer unit 34 allowing toner to be periodically
transferred from toner cartridge 35 to resupply the toner sump in developer unit 34.
The electrophotographic printing process is well known in the art and,
therefore, is described briefly herein. During a printing operation, laser scan unit 31 creates a
latent image on the photoconductive drum in cleaner unit 33. Toner is transferred from the
toner sump in developer unit 34 to the latent image on the photoconductive drum by the
developer roll to create a toned image. The toned image is then transferred to a media sheet
received in imaging unit 32 from media input tray 39 for printing. Toner remnants are
removed from the photoconductive drum by the waste toner removal system. The toner
image is bonded to the media sheet in fuser 37 and then sent to an output location or to one or
more finishing options such as a duplexer, a stapler or a hole-punch.
Referring now to Figure 2, a toner cartridge 100 and an imaging unit 200 are
shown according to one example embodiment. Imaging unit 200 includes a developer unit
202 and a cleaner unit 204 mounted on a common frame 206. Imaging unit 200 and toner
cartridge 100 are each removably installed in image forming device 22 along a common entry
path. Imaging unit 200 is first slidably inserted into image forming device 22. Toner
cartridge 100 is then inserted into image forming device 22 and onto frame 206 in a mating
relationship with developer unit 202 of imaging unit 200 as indicated by the arrow shown in
Figure 2. This arrangement allows toner cartridge 100 to be removed and reinserted easily
when replacing an empty toner cartridge without having to remove imaging unit 200.
Imaging unit 200 may also be readily removed as desired in order to maintain, repair or
replace the components associated with developer unit 202, cleaning unit 204 or frame 206 or
to clear a media jam.
With reference to Figures 2-5, toner cartridge 100 includes a housing 102
having an enclosed reservoir 104 (Figure 5) for holding a quantity of toner therein. Housing
102 may be viewed as having a top or lid 106 mounted on a base 108. Base 108 includes first
and second side walls 110, 112 connected to adjoining front and rear walls 114, 116. In one
embodiment, top 106 is ultrasonically welded to base 108 thereby forming enclosed reservoir
104. Housing 102 also includes first and second end caps 118, 120 that are mounted to side
walls 110, 112, respectively. First and second end caps 118, 120 may be snap fitted into
place or attached by screws or other fasteners. A handle 122 may be provided on top 106 or
base 108 of toner cartridge 100 to assist with insertion and removal of toner cartridge 100
from imaging unit 200 and image forming device 22. As shown in Figure 6, a fill port 124 is
provided on side wall 112 that is used to fill toner cartridge 100 with toner. After filling, fill
port 124 is closed by a plug 126 and/or cap 128.
With reference to Figure 5, various drive gears are housed within a space
formed between end cap 118 and side wall 110. A main interface gear 130 engages with a
drive system in image forming device 22 that provides torque to main interface gear 130.
Various linkages may be housed within a space formed between end cap 120 and side wall
112 for actuating a shutter that regulates the flow of toner out of an exit port 132 provided in
front wall 114 (Figure 3). One or more paddles 134 are rotatably mounted within toner
reservoir 104 with first and second ends of a drive shaft 136 of paddle(s) 134 extending
through aligned openings in side walls 110, 112, respectively. A drive gear 138 is provided
on the first end of drive shaft 136 that engages with main interface gear 130 either directly or
via one or more intermediate gears. Bushings may be provided one each end of drive shaft
136 where it passes through side walls 110, 112. Accordingly, side wall 110 may also be
termed the “drive” or “driven” side of toner cartridge 100.
With reference to Figures 5 and 6, an auger 140 having first and second ends
140a, 140b, and a spiral screw flight 140c is positioned in a channel 142 extending along the
width of front wall 114 between side walls 110, 112. Channel 142 may be integrally molded
as part of front wall 114 or formed as a separate component that is attached to front wall 114.
Channel 142 is generally horizontal in orientation along with toner cartridge 100 when toner
cartridge 100 is installed in image forming device 22. First end 140a of auger 140 extends
through side wall 110 and a drive gear 144 is provided on first end 140a that engages with
main interface gear 130 either directly or via one or more intermediate gears. Channel 142
includes an open portion 142a and an enclosed portion 142b. Open portion 142a is open to
toner reservoir 104 and extends from side wall 110 toward second end 140b of auger 140.
Enclosed portion 142b of channel 142 extends from side wall 112 and encloses second end
140b of auger 140 and the shutter that regulates whether toner is permitted to exit toner
cartridge 100 through exit port 132. As paddle(s) 134 rotate, they deliver toner from toner
reservoir 104 into open portion 142a of channel 142. Auger 140 is rotated via drive gear 144
to deliver toner received in channel 142 to the shutter housed in enclosed portion 142b of
channel 142. In this embodiment, exit port 132 is disposed at the bottom of channel 142 so
that gravity will assist in exiting toner through exit port 132 (Figure 3).
With reference back to Figure 2, when toner cartridge 100 is installed in image
forming device 22, its various interface features must align with corresponding interface
features on imaging unit 200 and image forming device 22. In its final position in image
forming device 22, toner cartridge 100 is positioned above frame 206 of imaging unit 200
with exit port 132 (Figure 3) aligned and mated with an entrance port 208 on developer unit
202. In its final position, toner cartridge 100 does not apply a loading force on developer unit
202. As discussed above, exit port 132 and entrance port 208 must be precisely aligned in
order to prevent toner leakage between toner cartridge 100 and developer unit 202. Further,
main interface gear 130, which is exposed on front wall 114 between side wall 110 and end
cap 118, must align and mate with a corresponding drive gear in image forming device 22
that provides torque to main interface gear 130. If main interface gear 130 is misaligned,
proper gear mesh may not be achieved, which may result in gear cogging. In addition,
electrical contacts for processing circuitry 45 of toner cartridge 100 positioned within a
connector 145 on end cap 118 must align and mate with corresponding electrical contacts in
image forming device 22 in order to permit communication between toner cartridge 100 and
image forming device 22. The positions of these various interface points must be tightly
controlled in order to ensure proper operation of toner cartridge 100. As a result, toner
cartridge 100 must be properly positioned from front-to-rear (direction “x” in Figure 2),
vertically (direction “y”) and side-to-side or axially (direction “z”). The angle of insertion of
toner cartridge (“Q”), also referred to as yaw, must also be controlled to within an acceptable
range in order to ensure proper positioning.
With reference to Figures 2 and 7, toner cartridge 100 and imaging unit 200
include both coarse and fine axial positioning features. Toner cartridge 100 includes a pair of
legs 146, 148 projecting downward from base 108. Legs 146, 148 are spaced along axial
direction “z” from each other between end caps 118, 120. Legs 146, 148 extend along base
108 from a rear portion of toner cartridge toward front wall 114 parallel to direction of
insertion “x.” A front portion of leg 148 includes a slot 150 therein that permits an
engagement feature on frame 206, such as a fin 210, to engage the linkages positioned
between end cap 118 and side wall 110 to open the shutter when toner cartridge 100 is
inserted into image forming device 22. Frame 206 of imaging unit 200 includes a pair of
vertical walls 212, 214 that correspond with legs 146, 148. Each vertical wall 212, 214
includes a beveled front surface 212a, 214a that is outwardly angled with respect to the
direction of insertion “x” and faces toner cartridge 100 as toner cartridge 100 advances
toward imaging unit 200. Each vertical wall 212, 214 also includes an inner surface 212b,
214b that is substantially parallel to the direction of insertion “x” of toner cartridge 100.
Inner surfaces 212b, 214b are spaced inward from front surfaces 212a, 214a, respectively,
along direction “x” toward developer unit 202. As toner cartridge 100 is inserted into image
forming device 22, front surfaces 212a, 214a guide toner cartridge 100 toward developer unit
202 and limit the travel of toner cartridge 100 in the axial direction “z.” If toner cartridge
100 is misaligned in the axial direction “z” during insertion, an outer surface 146a, 148a of
one of its legs 146, 148 will contact the corresponding front surface 212a or 214a of vertical
walls 212, 214. The angle of the front surface 212a or 214a will then urge toner cartridge 100
toward its proper axial alignment thereby providing coarse positional control as toner
cartridge 100 advances toward developer unit 202.
As toner cartridge 100 is advanced further, outer surfaces 146a, 148a of legs
146, 148 are restrained between inner surfaces 212b, 214b of vertical walls 212, 214 further
limiting the travel of toner cartridge 100 in the axial direction. In the example embodiment
illustrated, the distance between outer surface 146a of leg 146 and outer surface 148a of leg
148 is between about 266 mm and about 269 mm. These coarse axial control features lead to
fine axial control features in the form of a tightly controlled slot and tab interface shown in
Figure 8. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of toner cartridge 100 and imaging unit
200 taken along line 8-8 in Figure 7 with toner cartridge 100 advanced closer to imaging unit
200. As shown in Figure 8, a vertical wall 216 is spaced inward from vertical wall 212 along
axial direction “z” forming a slot 218 therebetween. Specifically, slot 218 is formed between
inner surface 212b of vertical wall 212 and an outer surface 216a of vertical wall 216. As
toner cartridge 100 is advanced closer to developer unit 202, a front portion of leg 146 is
received in slot 218 in frame 206 permitting slot 218 to tightly maintain the axial position of
toner cartridge 100 as discussed in greater detail below.
With reference to Figures 9-11, the side surface of each end cap 118, 120
includes a wing guide 160, 170 (for end cap 120 and wing guide 170 see Figures 3 and 4).
Each wing guide 160, 170 includes a generally elongated body 161, 171 that extends from a
rear portion of its end cap 118, 120 toward a front portion thereof. Wing guides 160, 170 are
substantially parallel to each other. As toner cartridge 100 is inserted into image forming
device 22, wing guides 160, 170 each travel in a predetermined insertion path 300 defined by
top and bottom guides 302, 304 running along an inner surface of image forming device 22.
A top surface 162, 172 of each wing guide 160, 170 includes a substantially planar rear
portion 162a, 172a that extends from a rear portion of its end cap 118, 120 toward a front
portion thereof. Each top surface 162, 172 also includes a front portion 162b, 172b that is
angled downward with respect to rear portion 162a, 172a, respectively. A stop 163, 173
extends vertically upward from each top surface 162, 172, respectively, that limits the
forward travel of toner cartridge 100 as it is inserted into image forming device 22 as
discussed in greater detail below. Each wing guide 160, 170 also includes a tapered nose
164, 174, respectively, forming a front tip thereof. In the example embodiment illustrated, a
bottom surface 165, 175 of each respective wing guide 160, 170 includes three rounded
projections 166a, 166b, 166c and 176a, 176b, 176c that define contact points with bottom
guide 304 of image forming device 22. Wing guides 160, 170 are sometimes referred to as
“dog bone” shaped because of the shape formed by bodies 161, 171 combined with rounded
projections 166b, 166c and 176b, 176c. Top surface 162, 172 of each respective wing guide
160, 170 includes a pair of rounded projections 167a, 167b, 177a and 177b.
Each end cap 118, 120 also includes an engagement surface 152, 154
projecting upwardly from a top portion of the respective end cap 118, 120. Each engagement
surface 152, 154 includes an angled front surface 152a, 154a that faces imaging unit 200
during insertion and an angled rear surface 152b, 154b that faces away from imaging unit 200
during insertion.
With reference to Figure 9, as toner cartridge 100 is first inserted into image
forming device 22, a roller 306 in image forming device 22 that is biased into the insertion
path of toner cartridge 100 contacts front surfaces 152a, 154a of engagement surfaces 152,
154. The force applied to toner cartridge 100 by roller 306 controls the entry of toner
cartridge 100 and prevents it from advancing into image forming device 22 too quickly.
Further, as toner cartridge 100 is first inserted into image forming device 22, the downwardly
angled front portions 162b, 172b and tapered nose 164, 174 of wing guides 160, 170 provide
the user with a relatively broad range of permissible angles of insertion Q (or yaw). As toner
cartridge 100 advances, the insertion angle is limited by projections 167a, 167b, 177a, 177b
on top surfaces 162, 172 and front projections 166a, 176a on bottom surfaces 165, 175 as
shown.
With reference to Figure 10, as toner cartridge 100 is advanced to its final
position, roller 306 passes over an apex 152c, 154c of each engagement surface 152, 154
until it contacts rear surfaces 152b, 154b. The force applied by roller 306 to rear surfaces
152b, 154b of toner cartridge 100 urges toner cartridge 100 to its final position in image
forming device 22. As toner cartridge 100 advances, stops 163, 173 contact top guide 302 in
image forming device 22 to prevent toner cartridge 100 from advancing further thereby
controlling the front-to-rear horizontal positioning of toner cartridge 100 along direction “x.”
The vertical position of toner cartridge 100 along direction “y” is controlled by the contact
between rounded projections 166b, 166c, 176b, 176c and bottom guides 304 in image
forming device 22. Specifically, three of the four rounded projections 166b, 166c, 176b,
176c form datum points that define a plane that determines the vertical position of toner
cartridge 100. For example, in the example embodiment shown, the radii of rounded
projections 166b, 166c and 176b are the same while the radius of rounded projection 176c is
slightly smaller. As a result, in this embodiment, rounded projections 166b, 166c and 176b
control the vertical position of toner cartridge 100.
With reference to Figure 11, accurate positioning of toner cartridge 100
permits proper alignment between the various interface features of toner cartridge 100 and
the corresponding interface features on imaging unit 200 and image forming device 22. As
shown, in its final position, exit port 132 of toner cartridge 100 is aligned and mated with
entrance port 208 on developer unit 202. Main interface gear 130 is aligned and mated with a
corresponding drive gear 308 in image forming device 22. Electrical contacts for the
processing circuitry in connector 145 are aligned and mated with corresponding electrical
contacts on a connector 310 in image forming device 22. The positional control features of
toner cartridge 100 ensure that these interface points are tightly controlled in order to ensure
proper operation of toner cartridge 100. During operation, the force applied by roller 306 on
rear surfaces 152b, 154b of engagement surfaces 152, 154 holds toner cartridge 100 in
position and prevents it from separating from entrance port 208, drive gear 308 or electrical
contacts 310.
Figures 12A-C, 13A-C and 14A-C are sequential views illustrating the
insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 22. Figures 12A-C and 13A-C
show the positions of wing guides 160, 170, respectively, relative to insertion path 300 as
toner cartridge 100 is inserted into image forming device 22. Figures 14A-C show cross-
sectional views of leg 146 of toner cartridge 100 taken along line 14-14 in Figure 2. Figures
12A, 13A and 14A show a first sequence view as toner cartridge 100 is initially inserted into
image forming device 22. Specifically, Figures 12A and 13A show wing guides 160, 170,
respectively, entering their respective insertion paths 300. Figure 14A shows a front portion
180 of leg 146 entering slot 218 in frame 206. As illustrated, front portion 180 of leg 146
tapers in width forming a tab or nose 182 at a front tip thereof. In one embodiment, the width
of nose 182 is between about 5 mm and about 9 mm. Slot 218 includes a corresponding
tapered lead-in 220 to receive and guide front portion 180 of leg 146 into slot 218. Slot 218
also includes an inner slot portion 222 sized to tightly receive nose 182. Figures 12B, 13B
and 14B show a second sequence view as toner cartridge 100 is advanced further into image
forming device 22. Figures 12B and 13B show wing guides 160, 170, respectively, advanced
further along their respective insertion paths 300. Figure 14B shows front portion 180 of leg
146 advanced further in slot 218. Figures 12C, 13C and 14C show a final sequence view
with toner cartridge 100 fully inserted into image forming device 22 and mated with
developer unit 202. Figures 12C and 13C show stops 163, 173 engaged with a corresponding
lip or rounded stop 312 in image forming device 22. Stops 312 control the position of toner
cartridge 100 in the direction of insertion and ensure that toner cartridge 100 is not over-
inserted into image forming device 22. Figures 12C and 13C also show rounded projections
166b, 166c and 176b, positioned on bottom guide 304 and rounded projections 166a, 176a
and 176c spaced from bottom guide 304. As discussed above, in this embodiment, rounded
projections 166b, 166c and 176b define a plane that controls the vertical position of toner
cartridge 100. Figure 14C shows nose 182 tightly positioned in inner slot portion 222 to
control the axial position of toner cartridge 100.
Figure 15 shows a toner cartridge 400 having positional control features and a
corresponding imaging unit 500 according to a second example embodiment. Imaging unit
500 includes a developer unit 502 and a cleaner unit 504 mounted on a common frame 506.
Developer unit 502 includes an entrance port 508 for receiving toner from toner cartridge
400. Frame 506 includes a projection 510 for actuating a shutter that regulates the flow of
toner out of toner cartridge 400 similar to fin 210 discussed above. As discussed above,
imaging unit 500 and toner cartridge 400 are each removably installed in image forming
device 22. In its final position, toner cartridge 400 is in a mating relationship with developer
unit 502 of imaging unit 500. Toner cartridge 400 includes a housing 402 having a top or lid
406 mounted on a base 408. Base 408 includes first and second side walls connected to
adjoining front and rear walls 414, 416. First and second end caps 418, 420 are mounted to
the side walls, respectively. A main interface gear 430 is exposed on front wall 414 between
end cap 418 and its respective side wall. Main interface gear engages with a drive system in
image forming device 22 that provides torque to main interface gear 430. An exit port 432 is
disposed on front wall 414 in a downward facing orientation so that gravity will assist in
exiting toner through exit port 432. Toner cartridge 400 also includes electrical contacts for
processing circuitry positioned within a connector 445 on end cap 420 (Figure 16).
With reference to Figures 15 and 16, toner cartridge 400 and imaging unit 500
include both coarse and fine axial positioning features. The coarse axial positioning features
are similar to those discussed above with respect to toner cartridge 100 and imaging unit 200.
Toner cartridge 400 includes a pair of legs 446, 448 extending downward from base 408.
Frame 506 of imaging unit 500 includes a pair of vertical walls 512, 514 that form a guide
516 therebetween that receives leg 446 and a pair of vertical walls 518, 520 that form a guide
522 therebetween that receives leg 448 as toner cartridge 400 is inserted into image forming
device 22. Each vertical wall 512, 514, 518, 520 includes a beveled front surface 512a, 514a,
518a, 520a that is outwardly angled with respect to the direction of insertion and faces toner
cartridge 400 as toner cartridge 400 advances toward imaging unit 500. Front surfaces 512a,
514a, 518a, 520a guide toner cartridge 400 toward developer unit 502 as toner cartridge 400
is inserted into image forming device 22. Each vertical wall 512, 514, 518, 520 also includes
an inner surface 512b, 514b, 518b, 520b that is substantially parallel to the direction of
insertion of toner cartridge 400. Inner surfaces 512b, 514b, 518b, 520b restrain outer
surfaces 446a, 448a of legs 446, 448 limiting the travel of toner cartridge 400 in the axial
direction. In the example embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the distance between
outer surface 446a of leg 446 and outer surface 448a of leg 448 is between about 255 mm and
about 258 mm.
Figure 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of toner cartridge 400 and imaging
unit 500 taken along line 17-17 in Figure 16. As shown in Figure 17, a post 524 is spaced
axially inward from guide 516 and extends upward from frame 506 of imaging unit 500.
Toner cartridge 400 includes a slot 490 formed between a pair of substantially parallel walls
492, 494 that extend forward and downward from base 408. Slot 490 is spaced axially
inward from leg 446. In the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 17, the width of slot
490 is between about 6.3 mm and about 8.3 mm. As toner cartridge 400 is advanced toward
developer unit 502, post 524 on imaging unit 500 is tightly received in slot 490 on toner
cartridge 400 permitting slot 490 to precisely maintain the axial position of toner cartridge
400. As desired, post 524 and/or slot 490 may include a tapered lead-in section to facilitate
engagement between the two.
With reference back to Figures 15 and 16, the side surface of each end cap
418, 420 includes a wing guide 460, 470. Each wing guide 460, 470 includes the “dog bone”
structure described above with respect to wing guides 160, 170 of toner cartridge 100. As
discussed above, wing guides 460, 470 control the front-to-rear horizontal positioning and
vertical positioning of toner cartridge 400. Each end cap 418, 420 also includes an
engagement surface 452, 454 projecting upwardly from a top portion of the respective end
cap 418, 420. As discussed above, each engagement surface 452, 454 includes an angled
front surface 452a, 454a that faces imaging unit 500 during insertion and an angled rear
surface 452b, 454b that faces away from imaging unit 500 during insertion. During
operation, rear surfaces 452b, 454b of engagement surfaces 452, 454 receive a hold-down
force from a component in image forming device 22 to ensure that exit port 432, main
interface gear 430 and the electrical contacts for processing circuitry on connector 445
maintain their engagement with imaging unit 500 or image forming device 22.
The foregoing description of several embodiments has been presented for
purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the
precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above teaching. It is understood that the invention may be practiced in ways other
than as specifically set forth herein without departing from the scope of the invention. It is
intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims appended hereto.
Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion
of any other integer or group of integers.
Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires
otherwise, the term “substantially” or “about” will be understood to not be limited to the
value for the range qualified by the terms.
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word
“include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be understood to imply the
inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or
group of integers.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein,
that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common
general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is
expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be
read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent
application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of
conciseness.
Claims (13)
1. A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device, comprising: a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port on the front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing; a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and extending primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to- side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device; and a first alignment guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing substantially parallel to the first alignment guide, each alignment guide extending primarily along the front-to- rear dimension of the housing, the first alignment guide includes a pair of rounded contact points and the second alignment guide includes a rounded contact point, the rounded contact points of the first and second alignment guides are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the bottom to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
2. The toner cartridge of any one of claim 1, wherein the rounded contact points of the first and second alignment guides collectively form three datum points defining a plane that controls the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
3. The toner cartridge of any one of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a first engagement surface projecting to a topmost point of the housing near the first side of the housing and a second engagement surface projecting to the topmost point of the housing near the second side of the housing for receiving a hold down force from the image forming device, each of the first and second engagement surfaces including an angled front surface that faces toward the front of the housing and an angled rear surface that faces toward the rear of the housing.
4. The toner cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a front portion of at least one of the first and second legs tapers forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
5. The toner cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first alignment guide and the second alignment guide includes a generally elongated body that extends primarily along the front-to-rear dimension of the housing.
6. The toner cartridge of claim 5, wherein a top surface of each of the first and second alignment guides includes a front portion that is angled downward with respect to a rear portion of the respective alignment guide to facilitate insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device.
7. The toner cartridge of claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising a first stop extending from a top surface of the first alignment guide and a second stop extending from a top surface of the second alignment guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
8. The toner cartridge of claim 7, wherein the first stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the pair of rounded contact points of the first alignment guide and the second stop is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than the rounded contact point of the second alignment guide.
9. The toner cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a slot on the front of the housing between the first and second legs that is sized to receive a corresponding projection in the image forming device to more finely control the side- to-side travel of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
10. The toner cartridge of claim 9, wherein the slot is formed by a gap between a pair of walls that extend forward from the front of the housing.
11. A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device, comprising: a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein, the housing having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, the housing having an exit port on the front of the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing; a first leg and a second leg each projecting from the bottom of the housing and extending primarily along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing to limit the side-to- side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device; a first alignment guide positioned on the first side of the housing and a second alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing at substantially the same height as the first alignment guide, the first alignment guide includes a first rounded contact point and the second alignment guide includes a second rounded contact point, the first and second rounded contact points are convex to the bottom and unobstructed from the bottom to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device; and a first engagement surface projecting to a topmost point of the housing near the first side of the housing and a second engagement surface projecting to the topmost point of the housing near the second side of the housing unobstructed from the top to receive a hold down force from the image forming device, each of the first and second engagement surfaces including an angled front surface that faces toward the front of the housing and an angled rear surface that faces toward the rear of the housing.
12. The toner cartridge of claim 11, wherein a front portion of at least one of the first and second legs tapers forming a nose at a front tip thereof that is sized to engage a corresponding slot in the image forming device to more finely control the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.
13. The toner cartridge of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein each of the first alignment guide and the second alignment guide includes a generally elongated body that extends primarily along the front-to-rear dimension of the housing.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/340,911 US8867970B2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2011-12-30 | Toner cartridges having positional control features |
US13/340,911 | 2011-12-30 | ||
PCT/US2012/065148 WO2013101349A2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2012-11-15 | Toner cartridge having positional control features |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ624385A NZ624385A (en) | 2016-07-29 |
NZ624385B2 true NZ624385B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 |
Family
ID=
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