Rotatable Process Unit for Toner Replenishment in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require the removal and reinstallation of process units for toner replenishment and jam clearance, complicating the process and reducing usability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a rotatable process unit that can switch between image formation and access positions, allowing toner replenishment without removing the process unit and incorporating a cleaner-less configuration for reusing transfer residual toner, thus improving usability and reducing the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the process unit is removed to access the conveyance path for jam clearance, then the conveyance path becomes accessible, but the operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into a main body and a removable process unit. The conveyance path is segmented into portions accessible from the front surface and portions inside the main body. This segmentation allows users to access the front portion without removing the process unit, while still enabling comprehensive jam clearance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An opening and closing member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the conveyance path. This member can be opened from the front surface to provide access to the conveyance path without requiring removal of the process unit, serving as a mediator that enables access while maintaining the process unit in place.
2Ease of operation
If the process unit is removed for toner replenishment, then the toner container can be accessed, but the operation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toner replenishment function is extracted from the process unit and relocated to the main body of the apparatus. A replenishing port is provided in the main body that allows the toner container to be attached and detached without removing the process unit, separating the toner replenishment operation from the process unit handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member serves as an intermediary that provides access to the replenishing port and toner container without requiring process unit removal. This mediator enables direct toner replenishment while keeping the process unit in place, simplifying the operation.
3Loss of substance
If a cleaner configuration is used to collect transfer residual toner, then toner can be recovered, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toner recovery function is merged with the existing toner container system. The toner container serves dual purposes: storing fresh toner and collecting transfer residual toner from the process unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate cleaner components while achieving toner recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a toner supply reservoir and as a collection container for transfer residual toner. This universal component performs multiple functions without requiring additional specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The process unit is configured to be rotatable relative to the frame about a rotation axis extending in a rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum between a first position at which the photosensitive drum comes into contact with the transfer member and forms the transfer nip portion and a second position at which the photosensitive drum is separated from the transfer member, and a direction in which the process unit rotates from the first position to the second position is a direction in which the replenishing port of the process unit moves away when the process unit is viewed from the front surface side.