Sensor Unit Airflow Duct for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sensor units in image forming apparatuses, which indirectly induce air from an external fan, face instability in airflow, leading to potential soiling of detection surfaces due to dispersed air, making it difficult to ensure consistent airflow towards toner particles and thus affecting sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with an air feeding unit and duct system that directs airflow from an internal fan to the space between the detection surface and the moving member, stabilizing the airflow and preventing soiling by toner particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is indirectly inducted from an external fan, then the sensor unit can be positioned away from the fan, but the airflow becomes dispersed and unstable, making it difficult to ensure consistent airflow towards the detection surface
Solution Approach 1:
A duct is introduced as an intermediary component to guide airflow from the fan to the detection surface. The duct acts as a mediator that channels and directs the air flow, ensuring stable and consistent airflow towards the detection surface while preventing dispersion. This resolves the contradiction by providing a structured pathway that maintains airflow reliability without requiring complex positioning arrangements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air flows through the space between the detection surface and moving member, then toner particles can be removed, but the detection surface may still be soiled by scattered toner particles
Solution Approach 1:
Airflow is established to flow through the space between the detection surface and the moving member before toner particles can accumulate on the detection surface. This preliminary airflow action continuously removes scattered toner particles, preventing contamination. The duct ensures this protective airflow is maintained consistently, preserving detection accuracy by keeping the detection surface clean.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are provided for detecting objects on a moving member, then detection coverage is improved, but the risk of soiling increases with more exposed detection surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The duct serves as a protective intermediary that channels airflow over all detection surfaces of multiple sensors. By directing a controlled stream of air across the detection surfaces, the duct prevents toner particles from settling on any sensor, thereby protecting all detection surfaces while maintaining multi-sensor detection capability.
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 ensures a stable and controlled airflow, reducing the likelihood of detection surface soiling and enhancing sensor accuracy by maintaining consistent airflow towards the detection surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an air feeding unit provided in the casing portion and configured to take air in through an inlet portion formed by the casing; and a duct configured to feed the air discharged from the air feeding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit detachably mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes a sensor for detecting a detection object on a surface of a movable member, the sensor having a detecting surface positioned to face the surface of the movable member at least when the sensor detects the detection object; a casing portion accommodating the sensor; an air feeding unit, provided in the casing portion, for taking air in through an inlet portion formed by the casing; and a duct for feeding the air discharged from the air feeding unit to a space between the detecting surface and the surface of the movable member.