Positioning Member Air Path for Ozone Exhaust in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses based on electrophotographic printing methods require larger space due to the configuration of the process unit and ozone exhaust mechanisms, which are not optimized for downsizing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detachable process unit that includes a photoreceptor and charging section, featuring a positioning member with an air path that connects to an exhaust path for ozone removal, allowing for both positioning and air introduction, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate duct mechanism is provided for air supply to the charging device, then ozone can be exhausted effectively, but the image forming apparatus occupies more space and cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning member and the air supply member into a single integrated component. The positioning member that positions the process unit in the front-rear direction also functions as an air supply member that introduces air into the charging device for ozone exhaust, eliminating the need for a separate duct mechanism and reducing apparatus space.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions the process unit in the front-rear direction and simultaneously serves as an air supply member for the charging device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and enables downsizing of the image forming apparatus.
2Volume of stationary object
If the positioning mechanism and air supply mechanism are integrated into one component, then the apparatus can be downsized, but the complexity of the component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the positioning member and air supply member into a single component, reducing apparatus space while managing complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate components.
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 the downsizing of the positioning and ozone exhaust mechanisms, allowing for a more compact image forming apparatus while maintaining effective ozone removal and process unit positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning member movable between (i) a positioning position for putting the process unit in a positioned state where the process unit is positioned at a predetermined position and (ii) a releasing position for releasing the process unit from the positioned state, the positioning member having an air path via which air is introduced, the air path and the exhaust path being connected in a case where the positioning member is in the positioning position
Implementation Method 2
In a charging device included in the process unit, particularly in a charging device utilizing corona discharge, ozone is generated due to discharge
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a process unit, an exhaust path, and a positioning member movable between (i) a positioning position for positioning the process unit and (ii) a releasing position for releasing the process unit, the positioning member having an air path, the air path and the exhaust path being connected in a case where the positioning member is in the positioning position, and the air path and the exhaust path being disconnected in a case where the positioning member is in the releasing position.