Static Eliminator in Image Forming Apparatus Conveyance Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively eliminating static electricity from sheets during the process of forming images on both sides, which can lead to poor image quality and jamming issues due to static charges.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is designed with a static eliminator, an electroconductive brush disposed in the outlet area of the second conveyance path, which contacts the sheet to eliminate static electricity after it has been switched back from the first conveyance path, ensuring effective static charge removal before further image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an electroconductive brush is disposed in the first conveyance path to eliminate static electricity, then static charge elimination is improved, but the brush may interfere with image formation on the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conveyance path into two separate paths: a first conveyance path for sheets without images and a second conveyance path for sheets with images. The electroconductive brush is placed only in the first conveyance path, segmenting the static elimination function from the image formation area. This allows static charge elimination without interfering with image quality on the second conveyance path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conveyance guide as an intermediary structure that defines and separates the two conveyance paths. The guide includes a guide member with a through-hole that directs sheets from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path, acting as a mediator that manages sheet flow while preventing the electroconductive brush from interfering with image formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second conveyance path is arranged downstream of the image forming section, then both-side printing is enabled, but static electricity may affect image quality when sheets are switched back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveyance system into two distinct paths: the first conveyance path for feeding sheets to the image forming section, and the second conveyance path for receiving sheets after image formation and conveying them back. This segmentation allows both-side printing functionality while controlling static electricity effects in each path separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a parallel conveyance path (second conveyance path) that mirrors the function of the first conveyance path but operates in reverse direction. This copying approach enables sheets to be conveyed back after image formation, allowing both-side printing while maintaining separate control over static electricity management.
3Productivity
If the outlet area of the second conveyance path is joined with the first conveyance path upstream of the image forming section, then both-side printing is achieved, but static electricity from the second path may interfere with image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the static elimination function from the image formation area by placing the electroconductive brush only in the first conveyance path, upstream of the image forming section. This extraction ensures that static electricity is removed from sheets before they enter the image formation area, preventing interference with image quality while maintaining both-side printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary static elimination by positioning the electroconductive brush in the first conveyance path before sheets enter the image forming section. This preliminary action removes static charges in advance, preventing any potential interference with subsequent image formation processes on both sides of the sheets.
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 stable and high-quality image formation on both sides of the sheet by effectively eliminating static electricity, preventing jams and maintaining image quality during both-side printing.
Implementation Method 1
The electroconductive brush is disposed in the outlet area of the second conveyance path, which defines a conveyance path for conveying therealong the sheet being switched back thereto from the first conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a conveyance guide and a static eliminator. The image forming section is configured to form the images on a sheet being conveyed along a first conveyance path. The conveyance guide is configured to define a second conveyance path that is designed to convey therealong the sheet being switched back thereto from the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path arranged at a position downstream of the image forming section in a conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed along the first conveyance path. The second conveyance path has an outlet area joined with the first conveyance path at a position upstream of the image forming section. The static eliminator is configured to eliminate static electricity from the sheet fed from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path. The static eliminator is disposed in the outlet area.