Operation Member Transport Path for Compact Printer Jam Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to miniaturize image forming apparatuses while preventing sheet jams and ensuring easy jam removal and toner cartridge replacement, while maintaining reliable operation and reducing the apparatus's size.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a toner cartridge with a developing unit and an operation member that moves between open and close positions, forming part of the transport path, which increases the radius of curvature at the U-turn point, reduces the number of components, and facilitates easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is miniaturized, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the sheet transport reliability deteriorates and jam occurrence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is integrated into the transport path structure, serving dual functions: operating the opening/closing member and forming part of the transport path. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reduces overall apparatus size, and maintains transport reliability through optimized path geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport path is designed to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently within the compact apparatus. By routing the sheet through multiple dimensions and using the operation member's movement space, the patent achieves adequate U-turn radius and transport reliability without increasing the apparatus footprint.
2Device complexity
If the operation member forms part of the transport path, then the number of components is reduced and apparatus size is minimized, but the complexity of ensuring proper operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it operates the opening/closing member to control toner discharge and forms part of the transport path for sheet conveyance. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while the modular design maintains ease of manufacture and assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is miniaturized, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the ease of toner cartridge replacement and jam removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The toner cartridge is designed as a detachable, segmented unit that can be easily removed and replaced independently from the main apparatus. This segmentation allows users to access and replace cartridges without disassembling the compact apparatus, maintaining ease of operation despite miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation member is positioned and designed to provide preliminary access to the toner cartridge and transport path. This preliminary positioning facilitates easy insertion and removal of cartridges, and enables quick jam removal by allowing direct access to critical areas without requiring apparatus disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a toner cartridge detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus, including a toner casing accommodating a developing agent, an opening/closing member which opens/closes an opening formed in the toner casing to discharge the developing agent, and an operation member operating the opening/closing member; and a developing unit to develop the electrostatic latent image by the developing agent discharged from the opening. The operation member can move between an open position for operating the opening/closing member to open the opening, and a close position for operating the opening/closing member to close the opening, and the operation member forms a part of a transport path of a recording medium in the image forming apparatus at the open position in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.