Regulating Member for Rearmost Image Forming Unit Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, ozone generated by chargers can accumulate around the rearmost photoconductive drum without proper regulation, disrupting the airflow and potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a flexible regulating member disposed between the rearmost image forming unit and the frame body, ensuring a smooth airflow path and preventing ozone from entering undesired spaces by urging the unit and regulating its movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regulating members are disposed between adjacent process cartridges, then air current regulation is improved, but the rearmost process cartridge lacks regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from regulating members disposed only between process cartridges to including a regulating member between the rearmost process cartridge and the rear surface of the housing. This adds a new dimensional aspect to the regulation system, ensuring comprehensive coverage of air currents around all process cartridges including the rearmost one.
2Device complexity
If the rearmost process cartridge is left without a regulating member, then device complexity is reduced, but ozone can enter undesired spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the regulation function specifically for the rearmost process cartridge by adding a dedicated regulating member between this cartridge and the housing rear surface. This targeted extraction ensures ozone prevention at the previously unprotected location without unnecessarily complicating the entire regulation system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a regulating member is added for the rearmost process cartridge, then ozone prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulating member as an intermediary component between the rearmost process cartridge and the housing rear surface. This intermediary effectively blocks ozone from entering undesired spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure by using a single additional component in a strategic location.
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 effectively secures a smooth air current around the rearmost photoconductive drum, preventing ozone accumulation and ensuring the apparatus operates efficiently by maintaining a regulated airflow path.
Implementation Method 1
the regulating member being a flexible member... the regulating member being configured to urge the first-side image forming unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming units arranged in parallel with each other at intervals in a predetermined direction toward a first side from a second side of the image forming apparatus, each image forming unit including a photoconductive drum, and a charger configured to charge the photoconductive drum, a frame body configured to support the plurality of image forming units, and a regulating member disposed between a first-side image forming unit of the plurality of image forming units that is closest to the first side in the predetermined direction and a first-side end portion of the frame body in the predetermined direction, the regulating member configured to regulate an air current and urge the first-side image forming unit.