Segmented Sheet Member for Toner Leakage Prevention in Image Forming Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, toner leakage occurs through the opening and gap between the retainer and support frame, requiring time-consuming removal of a sheet member when the retainer is detached, leading to waste and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a sheet member that has detachable upper and lower sections, where the upper section is supported by the retainer and the lower section by the support frame, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment without complete removal, thereby preventing toner leakage during maintenance or adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sheet member is fixed to both the retainer and support frame to close the gap, then toner leakage is prevented, but the sheet member must be completely removed when the retainer is detached, increasing maintenance time and generating waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner leakage preventionVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet member is divided into two separate sections: a first section fixed to the retainer and a second section fixed to the support frame. This segmentation allows the first section to be detached with the retainer during maintenance while the second section remains on the support frame, eliminating the need to remove the entire sheet member and preventing toner leakage simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a sheet member is fixed to both the retainer and support frame to close the gap, then toner leakage is prevented, but waste members are generated due to complete removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner leakage preventionVSAvoidwaste generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet member is divided into two separate sections: a first section fixed to the retainer and a second section fixed to the support frame. This segmentation allows the first section to be detached with the retainer during maintenance while the second section remains on the support frame, eliminating the need to remove the entire sheet member and preventing toner leakage simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If the sheet member is completely removed when the retainer is detached, then the retainer can be easily adjusted, but toner may leak through the gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretainer adjustabilityVSAvoidtoner leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet member is divided into two separate sections: a first section fixed to the retainer and a second section fixed to the support frame. This segmentation allows the first section to be detached with the retainer during maintenance while the second section remains on the support frame, eliminating the need to remove the entire sheet member and preventing toner leakage simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11624999B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier unit, a developing unit, a supporting frame, a retainer and a sheet member. The image carrier unit includes an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit develops the electrostatic latent image with toner. The supporting frame supports the image carrier unit and the developing unit in an attachable and detachable manner. The retainer is supported by the supporting frame in a turnable manner, and positions the image carrier unit and the developing unit to the supporting frame by being turned upward. The sheet member closes a gap between the supporting frame and the retainer. The sheet member has an upper section supported by the retainer and a lower end section supported by the supporting frame, and at least one of the upper end section and the lower end section is configured to be detachable.