Elastic Coupling for Toner Storage Maintenance in Image Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrophotographic image-forming devices face challenges in reliably collecting waste toner from an endless belt and maintaining the storage member, particularly due to complex structures that lead to toner leakage and difficulty in servicing the storage member when positioned beneath the belt.

Innovation Solution

An image-forming device design featuring a drive roller, follow roller, cleaning member, and a conveying unit with elastic coupling parts that allow for reliable toner collection and storage, ensuring the belt cleaner remains fixed and prevents toner leakage during movement, facilitating maintenance by decoupling the conveying unit from the storage member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the storage member is positioned beneath the endless belt, then the structure is compact, but the storage member becomes difficult to service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidserviceability of storage member

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image-forming device into separate functional modules: the storage member is positioned in the process frame separate from the belt cleaner assembly. This segmentation allows the storage member to remain in its space-efficient location beneath the belt while becoming independently accessible for servicing when the process frame is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the belt cleaner is pivoted to separate from the conveying belt, then the process frame can be removed, but waste toner may separate and fall off the belt cleaning roller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovability of process frameVSAvoidretention of waste toner

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a belt cleaner support member as an intermediary component that holds the belt cleaner roller in place. This support member includes a retaining structure that secures the belt cleaner roller to the process frame, preventing waste toner from falling off during the pivoting and removal operations while still allowing the process frame to be removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the belt cleaner is fixed to the transfer unit, then the structure is simplified, but the belt cleaner may move in response to follow roller movement causing toner leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of belt cleanerVSAvoidprevention of toner leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism between the belt cleaner and the process frame using an elastic member. This elastic member allows the belt cleaner to move slightly in response to follow roller movement while maintaining a secure connection that prevents toner leakage. The elastic coupling adapts to dimensional changes during operation without compromising sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the conveying unit is coupled to the storage member, then the structure is integrated, but maintenance of the storage member becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of conveying unitVSAvoidmaintenance of storage member

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the conveying unit from the storage member by positioning the conveying unit in the process frame separate from the storage member located in the belt cleaner support structure. This segmentation allows the conveying unit to remain integrated for efficient operation while enabling independent access to the storage member for maintenance without removing the entire conveying assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables reliable collection and storage of residual toner, reducing leakage and simplifying maintenance by maintaining the belt cleaner's position relative to the endless belt, ensuring efficient operation and easy maintenance of the storage member.

Implementation Method 1

The second case includes an elastic member; and a second case side coupling part. The elastic member is elastically deformable. The second case side coupling part is coupled to the first case side coupling part through the elastic member that allows the second case to move relative to the first case in the predetermined direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8934809B2Image forming device capable of reliably collecting matter deposited on endless belt in storage member and facilitating maintenance of storage member

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image device includes: a cleaning member; a first case; a second case; a storage member; and a conveying unit. The storage member is provided outside of the second case and stores residual toner removed by the cleaning member. The first case includes a first case side coupling part. The second case includes an elastic member and a second case side coupling part. The second case side coupling part is coupled to the first case side coupling part through the elastic member. The elastic member allows the second case to move relative to the first case in a predetermined direction. The conveying unit includes a conveying unit side coupling part. The conveying unit side coupling part is coupled to the first case side coupling part.