Development Device Blocking Member Toner Fall
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic processes, waste toner accumulation near the development container opening can lead to toner falling into the apparatus main body, causing image defects when the development device is attached or detached, as the guide rail extends downward, allowing waste toner to adhere to the image carrier or other units.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blocking member on the downstream side of the development container opening that stands upward from the lower end, with an inclination angle of 80° to 130° when the development device is positioned at the largest inclined part of the guide rail, to prevent waste toner from falling into the apparatus main body during attachment or detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide rail extends downward from the main body opening to the attachment position, then the development device can be easily attached and detached, but waste toner accumulated around the container opening falls into the apparatus main body causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the container opening and the apparatus main body. This blocking member prevents waste toner from falling into the apparatus main body while allowing the development device to be attached and detached through the guide rail. The blocking member acts as a mediator that solves the harmful effect without interfering with the operational ease of attachment and detachment.
2Reliability
If a blocking member is added to prevent waste toner from falling, then image quality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed as a separate, independent component that can be easily integrated into the development device. By segmenting the blocking function from the main development mechanism, the complexity increase is minimized. The blocking member can be attached to or integrated with the container opening without requiring a complete redesign of the development device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, an image carrier, a development device, a main body opening, and a guide rail. The main body opening is formed on an upper surface of the apparatus main body. The development device is movable along the guide rail between the main body opening and an attachment position. The development container has a container opening and a blocking member. The container opening is opened to a downstream side in an attachment direction of the development device. The blocking member is provided on the downstream side of the container opening in the attachment direction and stands upward from a lower end portion of the container opening. When the development container is disposed in a position where an inclination of the guide rail is largest, an inclination angle of the blocking member with respect to a horizontal plane is 80° to 130°.