Compact Image Forming Device with Under-Unit Feed Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices require large sizes due to protruding feed trays and suffer from image quality issues due to deteriorated development agent accumulation, which affects the efficiency of development agent circulation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device is redesigned with a feed tray positioned under the image forming unit and a development unit that includes a supply port and return port configuration to enhance development agent circulation, preventing deteriorated agent from accumulating and improving image quality by utilizing an agitator to rotate and convey toner between the development agent container and the development device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feed tray is disposed to protrude forward from the front panel, then the image forming device has easy sheet access, but the device requires a large size in the front-to-rear direction
Solution Approach 1:
The feed tray is repositioned from a forward-protruding configuration to a location underneath the image forming unit, changing the spatial dimension from horizontal (front-to-rear) to vertical (up-to-down). This dimensional transformation allows the tray to be accessible from the front while occupying vertical space, thereby reducing the front-to-rear length of the device.
2Length of moving object
If the feed tray is disposed under the image forming unit, then the front-to-rear size is reduced, but the device requires a large size in the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The feed tray is merged with the housing structure by being disposed underneath the image forming unit within the vertical space of the device body. This integration allows the tray to utilize the vertical dimension without requiring additional external space, as the tray becomes part of the overall device footprint rather than an external addition.
3Device complexity
If the partition wall is formed only with the supply port opposite the regulating member, then the structure is simple, but deteriorated development agent accumulates in the development section
Solution Approach 1:
A separate return port is extracted from the partition wall structure, distinct from the supply port. This extraction creates a dedicated pathway for deteriorated development agent to return to the container, separating the supply function from the return function and preventing accumulation in the development section.
4Reliability
If the return port is disposed under the regulator overlapping when viewed vertically, then deteriorated agent can return efficiently, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The return port is positioned in the vertical dimension underneath the regulator, utilizing the up-to-down direction rather than horizontal placement. This vertical arrangement allows the return port to overlap with the regulator when viewed from above, creating an efficient circulation path without significantly increasing horizontal complexity.
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 allows for a more compact device design while improving image quality by effectively circulating and managing development agent, reducing the impact of deteriorated toner on the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator configured to rotate while sliding in contact with the partition wall and convey the development agent stored in the development agent container to the supply port
Implementation Method 2
a supply roller that is disposed obliquely below the development roller and configured to supply development agent to the development roller
Implementation Method 3
a development roller configured to hold development agent thereon, and a development section having a development roller configured to hold development agent thereon, and a development agent container that is disposed in a position adjacent to and lower than the development section and configured to accommodate development agent
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes an image forming unit that includes a development agent container, a development device that supplies development agent in the development agent container to an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductive body and forms a development agent image on the photoconductive body, a transfer unit transferring, onto a sheet, the development agent image on the photoconductive body, and a fixing unit fixing the development agent image on the sheet, a feed tray disposed under the image forming unit, a pickup unit feeding a sheet placed on the feed tray toward the image forming unit in a U-turn manner, a first conveying path tilted to extend downward obliquely from the pickup unit, and a second conveying path tilted to extend toward the fixing unit obliquely from a continuous section between the first conveying path and the second conveying path.