Cleaning Unit for Image Forming Apparatus Container Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, developer leakage occurs when containers are removed from the apparatus main body, causing developer to adhere to the container and posing a risk of user exposure during replacement.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a removably mountable container, a connecting route member that moves to seal the outlet during removal, and a cleaning unit to clean the container surface, preventing developer leakage and adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container is removed from the apparatus main body for replacement, then the container can be replaced, but developer may leak from the connecting portion and adhere to the container
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit performs cleaning action in advance before the container is fully removed, detecting potential developer adherence risk and eliminating it proactively. The control unit activates the cleaning unit when the container removal is detected, ensuring the container surface is cleaned before the user handles it.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit acts as an intermediary between the developer leakage problem and the container. It introduces a cleaning mechanism that removes developer from the container surface, mediating the harmful effect of developer adherence and protecting the user.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting route member is retracted from the outlet when the container is removed, then the connecting route member can be separated, but the pressure in the supply device route increases causing developer to spill out
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of pressure increase and developer spillage into a beneficial cleaning opportunity. Instead of trying to prevent the spillage entirely, the system accepts that some developer may spill during separation, then uses the cleaning unit to remove it, transforming the problem into a controlled cleaning process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container is designed with a removable connecting route member, then the container can be easily replaced, but a cleaning mechanism is required to prevent user exposure to developer
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is integrated into the apparatus and automatically activates when container removal is detected. The system serves itself by automatically initiating the cleaning process without requiring manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity for the user while maintaining the necessary cleaning function.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a container which is removably mountable to the apparatus main body and has an outlet configured to discharge developer contained in the container, and a connecting route member having an opening portion configured to be separated from and connected to the outlet and a route through which the developer supplied to the opening portion passes. In addition, moving unit moves the connecting route member in a direction in which the opening portion is moved toward the outlet when the container is mounted to the apparatus main body, and in a direction in which the opening portion is moved away from the outlet when the container is removed from the apparatus main body. A cleaning unit cleans a part of the container, which faces the opening portion, after connection between the outlet and the opening portion is released.