Image Forming Apparatus Duct Filter for Fine Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing fine particles produced from parting materials contained in toner, which can lead to image defects and contamination within the device.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a duct with a filter in the air flow path, a fan for air suction, and specific dimensions and air flow speed parameters to collect fine particles produced from the parting material, ensuring efficient particle removal by maintaining a controlled air flow and filter placement to prevent particle adherence and diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided in the air flow path to collect fine particles, then fine particle removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct serves multiple functions: it guides air flow from the nip portion, houses the filter for particle collection, and directs exhaust air to the discharge port. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving particle removal efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct acts as an intermediary structure that connects the air inlet port near the nip portion to the exhaust air discharge port, while simultaneously providing a mounting location for the filter. This intermediary structure efficiently integrates particle collection into the existing air flow path without requiring separate complex systems.
2Reliability
If the filter area is increased to improve particle collection, then fine particle removal is improved, but air flow speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for filter area (Fs) and air flow speed (Fv) that are mathematically related through the distance d from the nip portion. By changing these parameters within defined ranges and maintaining their relationship through the formula, the system achieves effective particle collection while preserving sufficient air flow speed for proper exhaust function.
3Reliability
If the distance between air inlet port and heating rotatable member is reduced to improve particle collection, then fine particle removal is improved, but risk of particle adherence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is positioned to capture air flow at the optimal distance from the nip portion where fine particles are generated but have not yet adhered to surfaces. This preliminary capture action prevents particles from diffusing and adhering to the heating rotatable member or other components, thereby improving removal efficiency while avoiding adherence problems.
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 enables proper removal of fine particles, reducing image defects and maintaining the cleanliness of the image forming apparatus, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a filter provided in an air flow path to collect fine particles produced from the parting material
Implementation Method 2
a fan for sucking air into the duct
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is capable of appropriately removing fine particles produced from a parting material contained in a toner. A distance d (mm) between an inlet port of a duct and a heating belt is Fs (cm2), the area of a nonwoven fabric filter is Fs (cm2), and the air passing speed of the air in the nonwoven fabric filter is Fv (cm/s) satisfy,(1.25×d-8.67)×1000Fv×60≤Fs<200×1000Fv×60.