Cartridge Roller Sealing for Paper Dust Containment in Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing foreign matter such as paper dust generated from recording materials, which can degrade image quality and apparatus performance.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a cartridge with a second conveyance roller that forms a nip with a first conveyance roller, featuring a removal member to remove foreign matter, a storage portion to collect it, and a contact member to prevent leakage, with a biasing member ensuring proper alignment and contact during attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foreign matter removing unit is added to the image forming apparatus, then foreign matter removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign matter removing unit is integrated into the cartridge structure, merging the foreign matter removal function with the existing conveyance roller system. The removal member, storage portion, and contact members are combined within the cartridge assembly, allowing foreign matter removal without requiring a separate standalone device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second conveyance roller serves multiple functions: it conveys the recording material through the nip with the first conveyance roller, and simultaneously acts as a surface for the removal member to remove foreign matter. The cartridge structure itself provides both conveyance and foreign matter collection functions.
2Reliability
If the second conveyance roller is made movable to enable foreign matter removal, then foreign matter removal effectiveness is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second conveyance roller is designed to be movable in the opposing direction relative to the first conveyance roller, allowing dynamic adjustment for foreign matter removal. The holding portion enables this movement while the biasing member provides restoring force to return the roller to its original position, combining mobility with positional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-installed to provide a restoring force that automatically returns the second conveyance roller to its original position after foreign matter removal operations. This pre-configured mechanical cushioning ensures the roller maintains proper positioning without requiring complex active control systems.
3Reliability
If a contact member is added to restrict foreign matter leakage, then foreign matter containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign matter containment function is divided into multiple contact members positioned at different locations within the cartridge. These contact members segment the potential leakage paths, with each contact member responsible for blocking foreign matter at its specific position, collectively providing comprehensive containment.
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 configuration enhances the foreign matter removal capability, improving image quality and apparatus reliability by effectively managing and containing paper dust within the system.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus main body has a biasing member configured to bias the second conveyance roller in a direction toward the first conveyance roller
Implementation Method 2
a removal member configured to remove foreign matter from the second conveyance roller by coming into contact with the second conveyance roller
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes: a second conveyance roller that forms a nip with a first conveyance roller; a storage portion that stores foreign matter; and a contact member that comes into contact with the second conveyance roller for restricting leakage of the foreign matter. An apparatus main body includes a biasing member that biases the second conveyance roller toward the first conveyance roller. The second conveyance roller is at a first position at which the nip is formed with the first conveyance roller by a biasing force of the biasing member when the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, and is at a second position when the cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body. The contact member is in contact with the second conveyance roller when the second conveyance roller is at the first position and when the second conveyance roller is at the second position.