Developer Container Airflow Space for Toner Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently collecting scattering toner without increasing the apparatus size, as the airflow path for toner collection often interferes with the driving-force transmission member and driving device.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an airflow space portion that extends from one end side to the other end side of the developing rotary member, allowing the airflow to collect toner while the drawing fan is positioned opposite to the developer container, thus avoiding interference with the driving-force transmission member and driving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan is disposed on the same side as the driving-force transmission member and driving device to draw air through the opening portion, then the scattering toner can be collected effectively, but the apparatus size increases due to the need to secure space for the fan without interfering with the driving components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fan on the opposite side of the developer container from the driving-force transmission member and driving device, utilizing the spatial dimension on the other side of the container. This dimensional repositioning allows the fan to draw air through the opening portion effectively for toner collection while avoiding interference with the driving components, thus resolving the contradiction between toner collection efficiency and apparatus size.
2Reliability
If the flow path is formed on the side with the driving-force transmission member and driving device, then the airflow can collect toner, but the fan requires additional space that increases the developing apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension on the opposite side of the developer container by positioning the fan there, allowing the airflow path to extend through the container while the fan operates from the other side. This dimensional approach enables effective toner collection without increasing the developing apparatus area, as the fan does not require additional space on the side with the driving components.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the fan is positioned to draw air through the opening portion for toner collection, then scattering toner can be prevented from leaking outside, but the driving-force transmission member and driving device require sufficient space that conflicts with fan placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial arrangement complexity by positioning the fan on the opposite side of the developer container from the driving-force transmission member and driving device. This dimensional repositioning allows the fan to draw air through the opening portion effectively, preventing toner leakage outside, while maintaining clear separation from the driving components and avoiding complex spatial conflicts.
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 enables effective toner collection without increasing the apparatus size, maintaining operational efficiency and preventing toner from scattering outside the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The drawing fan is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the developer container faces the image bearing member and on one end side of the developing rotary member in the rotation-axis direction, and configured to draw air from an opening portion of the duct for generating airflow in the airflow space portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing apparatus, a driving device, an airflow space portion, a duct, and, a drawing fan. A driving-force transmission member, the driving device and the airflow space portion are disposed on a side on which a developer container faces the image bearing member. The driving-force transmission member, the driving device, the duct and the drawing fan are disposed on one end side of a developing rotary member in a rotation-axis direction of the developing rotary member. The duct is disposed underneath the developer container, formed from the side on which the developer container faces the image bearing member to a side opposite to the side on which the developer container faces the image bearing member. The drawing fan is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the developer container faces the image bearing member.