Fan Air Flow in Image Forming Conveyance Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience image noise due to toner and powder dust scattering in the conveyance path, which is not effectively addressed by current suction devices that operate on the opposite side of the image formation surface, leading to toner and fiber attachment to the recording sheet.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fan that sends air from the transfer unit through the conveyance path between the conveyance guide member and the transfer unit, creating a flow of air from the upstream to the downstream in the recording sheet's conveyance direction, preventing toner and other substances from attaching to the recording sheet and minimizing image noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a suction device is arranged on the back surface of the recording sheet to remove powder dust, then powder dust collection is improved, but image noise is not effectively reduced because the suction does not prevent toner attachment on the image formation surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of suctioning from the back surface, the invention introduces air flow from the image formation surface side. The air flow generator sends air between the conveyance guide member and the transfer unit, creating a flow that prevents toner attachment directly at the source, thereby reducing image noise while also collecting powder dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air as an intermediary substance to prevent direct contact between toner and the recording sheet. The air flow acts as a barrier that prevents toner particles from attaching to the image formation surface, thereby reducing image noise without requiring direct suction contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air flow is generated in the conveyance path to prevent toner attachment, then image noise is reduced, but device complexity increases due to the need for air flow generation components
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow generator serves multiple functions: it prevents toner attachment to reduce image noise, collects powder dust through the conveyance path, and maintains controlled air flow conditions throughout the conveyance system. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by addressing multiple problems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by introducing a controlled air flow through the conveyance path. The air flow generator creates a pneumatic environment that prevents toner attachment and facilitates powder dust removal, utilizing gas dynamics to solve solid particle attachment problems.
3Quantity of substance
If suction is performed on the opposite side of the image formation surface, then powder dust is collected, but toner and fiber still attach to the recording sheet causing image noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional suction approach by introducing air flow from the image formation surface side rather than from the back surface. This reversed approach prevents toner attachment at the source while still enabling powder dust collection, thereby addressing both problems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow generator performs preliminary action by preventing toner particles from attaching to the recording sheet before the toner can cause image noise. The controlled air flow creates a protective barrier that preemptively prevents attachment, rather than reacting after contamination occurs.
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 air flow in the conveyance path effectively prevents toner and other substances from attaching to the recording sheet, reducing image noise and ensuring a cleaner image formation surface.
Implementation Method 1
a fan 76 that sends air from the transfer unit 5 to the conveyance path toward a gap 213 defined between the conveyance guide member 722 and the transfer unit 5 so as to form a flow of air in the conveyance path from an upstream side to a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the recording sheet P2
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier configured to carry a toner image. A transfer unit is configured to transfer the toner image on the image carrier onto a recording sheet. A fixing unit is configured to fix the toner image transferred at the transfer unit onto the recording sheet. Through a conveyance path, the recording sheet is conveyed from the transfer unit to the fixing unit. A conveyance guide member is disposed in the conveyance path on an image formation surface side of the recording sheet. A fan is configured to send air from the transfer unit to the conveyance path toward a gap defined between the conveyance guide member and the transfer unit so as to form a flow of air in the conveyance path from an upstream side to a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the recording sheet.