Conveyor Belt Cleaning Unit Positioning for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require complex and time-consuming maintenance of the cleaning unit, which is complicated by the need to remove the conveyor belt during maintenance, and result in an increased overall size due to the arrangement of the photoconductor drum unit above and the cleaning unit below the conveyor belt.
Innovation Solution
The cleaning unit is positioned on the same side as the image forming unit, with a cleaning member that can be moved between contacting and spaced-apart positions relative to the conveyor belt, allowing for maintenance similar to the image forming unit and reducing the overall size of the apparatus without interfering with sheet conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the cleaning unit is arranged below the conveyor belt, then the cleaning unit can contact the conveyor belt to remove adhering substance, but the maintenance of the cleaning unit becomes complicated and time-consuming because the conveyor belt must be removed during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is relocated from a position below the conveyor belt to a position on the same side as the image forming unit, changing the spatial dimension of arrangement. This allows the cleaning unit to be accessed and maintained without removing the conveyor belt, while still being able to contact the conveyor belt for cleaning operations when needed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the photoconductor drum unit is arranged above the conveyor belt and the cleaning unit is arranged below the conveyor belt, then the cleaning unit can contact the conveyor belt, but the height of the image forming apparatus is increased and the overall size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is merged with the image forming unit by positioning both on the same side of the conveyor belt. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate spatial zones above and below the conveyor belt, reducing the overall height and footprint of the apparatus while maintaining both image forming and cleaning functions
3Volume of moving object
If the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit, then the overall size is reduced and maintenance is simplified, but the cleaning member may interfere with sheet conveyance if not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between a first position where it contacts the conveyor belt for cleaning and a second position where it is spaced apart during sheet conveyance. This dynamic adjustment prevents interference with sheets while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; a conveyor belt arranged opposite to the plurality of photoconductor drums and configured to convey a recording sheet; a cleaning unit having a cleaning member positioned in contact with the conveyor belt to collect substance adhering to the conveyor belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the conveyor belt; and a positioning member configured to cause the cleaning member to be positioned at a contacting position where the cleaning member contacts with the conveyor belt and at a spaced-apart position where the cleaning member is away from the conveyor belt.