Bellows Elastic Member for Image Forming Apparatus Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with belt feeding devices face challenges in downsizing the toner delivering portion due to the need for extended path members and receiving members, leading to potential upsizing of the entire apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a bellows-shaped elastic member as a communicating portion between the discharge opening of the cleaning unit and the receiving opening, allowing for expansion and contraction with the steering unit's movement, thereby eliminating the need for additional space and reducing the apparatus's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid path member is used to deliver toner from the cleaning device to the collecting portion, then the path member can maintain structural stability, but the apparatus requires extended path members and receiving members which increases the overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible hose instead of a rigid path member to deliver toner from the cleaning device to the collecting portion. This flexible hose can expand and contract as the steering roller swings, eliminating the need for extended path members and receiving members, thereby reducing the apparatus size while maintaining toner delivery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static rigid path member to a dynamic flexible hose that can adapt its length and position. The flexible hose expands when the steering roller swings to one side and contracts when returned, allowing the system to accommodate movement without requiring additional space for extended path members
2Ease of operation
If the steering unit is made swingable to enable automatic belt center alignment, then the belt feeding position can be automatically adjusted, but the toner delivering portion requires additional space for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose connects the cleaning device to the collecting portion, allowing the steering unit to swing freely for automatic belt center alignment without requiring additional space. The hose naturally expands and contracts with the steering movement, eliminating the need for extended receiving members
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose acts as an intermediary element between the cleaning device and the collecting portion. It mediates the movement of the steering unit by accommodating expansion and contraction, enabling automatic belt center alignment while preventing the toner delivering portion from increasing in size
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables downsizing of the toner delivering portion and the overall image forming apparatus by eliminating the requirement for extended path members and receiving members, maintaining effective toner delivery and alignment without increasing the apparatus's footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the communicating portion includes a tube-shaped portion constituted by a bellows-shaped elastic member capable of expansion and contraction with movement of the steering unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit including an endless belt, a supporting unit and a steering unit, and further includes a cleaning unit, a receiving opening and a communicating portion. The communicating portion includes a tube-shaped portion constituted by a bellows-shaped elastic member capable of expansion and contraction with movement of the steering unit.