Image Forming Apparatus With Coupled Transfer Unit Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The collection mechanism for transfer residual toner in image forming apparatuses faces challenges in maintaining collection performance throughout the lifetime of the transfer unit, particularly due to environmental conditions and toner hardening, which increases the load on drive members.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a configuration where the transfer unit and cartridge are moved together, applying vibration to the toner in the cleaning portion during insertion or removal, thereby preventing toner hardening and maintaining toner conveyance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer unit is kept inside the apparatus body throughout its lifetime, then the collection mechanism can maintain a stable structure, but toner hardening occurs in the conveyance path increasing the load on the conveying member
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is periodically moved in and out of the apparatus body during its lifetime. This periodic movement creates vibration that prevents toner from hardening in the conveyance path, thereby reducing the load on the conveying member while maintaining collection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement of the transfer unit in and out of the apparatus body generates mechanical vibration that acts on the toner in the conveyance path. This vibration prevents toner particles from settling and hardening, thus reducing friction and load on the conveying member.
2Force
If the transfer unit is moved in and out during its lifetime, then toner hardening is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movement of the transfer unit is combined with the cartridge replacement operation. When the cartridge is removed or installed, the transfer unit is simultaneously moved in or out of the apparatus body. This merging of operations avoids adding separate movement mechanisms while still achieving the vibration effect to prevent toner hardening.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables cartridge replacement, simultaneously moves the transfer unit in and out to generate vibration, and prevents toner hardening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms.
3Force
If the transfer unit is replaced frequently, then toner hardening is prevented, but the lifetime utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the transfer unit frequently, the patent uses periodic movement in and out during the unit's lifetime. This approach maintains toner flow and prevents hardening without sacrificing the intended service life of the transfer unit.
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 effectively curbs the increase in load on drive members by preventing toner hardening and ensuring consistent toner conveyance performance throughout the lifetime of the transfer unit.
Implementation Method 1
applying vibration to the toner in the cleaning portion during insertion or removal
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a cartridge, a first unit being movable to a first inner position inside of the apparatus body and a first outer position outside of the apparatus body relative to the apparatus body, and a second unit including a toner conveyance path and a conveying member configured to convey toner in the conveyance path, the second unit being movable to a second inner position inside of the apparatus body and a second outer position outside of the apparatus body relative to the apparatus body, a lifetime of the second unit is longer than a lifetime of the cartridge, and when the first unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the second unit also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.