Image Forming Apparatus with Dual Toner Containers for Continuous Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with multiple developer collecting containers are prone to upsizing and have complex feeding passages, leading to increased risks of developer sticking and clogging, which disrupts continuous printing operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with first and second developer collecting containers mounted side by side below the intermediary transfer belt, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting, and a simplified feeding passage that minimizes upsizing and clogging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple developer collecting containers are provided to enable continuous operation without stopping, then productivity is improved, but the apparatus size increases and the feeding passage becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The developer collecting system is segmented into multiple independent containers (first and second collecting containers) that can be individually mounted and dismounted. Each container has its own simple feeding passage from the image forming portion, avoiding the need for a single complex passage that would serve multiple containers. This segmentation allows continuous operation while maintaining simplicity in each individual feeding path.
2Productivity
If multiple developer collecting containers are provided to enable continuous operation without stopping, then productivity is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second collecting containers are arranged in a vertical stacking configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than spreading containers horizontally. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple containers to be accommodated within a compact footprint, reducing the overall apparatus size while still enabling continuous operation through container switching.
3Productivity
If multiple developer collecting containers are provided with complex feeding passages, then continuous operation is enabled, but the risk of developer sticking and clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system is divided into separate, simple feeding passages for each collecting container rather than using a single complex passage. Each passage has fewer bends and connections, reducing the surface area where developer can accumulate and stick. This segmentation maintains reliability while enabling continuous operation through container alternation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first detachable unit provided detachably to store discharged residual toner, a second detachable unit provided detachably to store discharged residual toner, and a cassette to accommodate a recording material. Lower surfaces of the first and second detachable units are provided below a lower surface of an intermediary transfer belt and above the cassette. In addition, the first detachable unit is disposed in a position crossing a first cross section perpendicular to a widthwise direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the image bearing member and crossing the intermediary transfer belt, the second detachable unit is disposed in a position crossing a second cross section perpendicular to the widthwise direction and crossing the intermediary transfer belt, and a length of each of the first and second detachable units in the widthwise direction is longer than the length in a vertical direction.