Toner Pipe Layout for Straight Developer Conveyance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face impaired toner conveying performance due to toner conveying passages being bent at multiple locations, which affects the efficiency of toner replenishment from attachable and detachable toner cartridges.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a configuration where developer containers are aligned in a direction orthogonal to the developing units, and a communication port and pipes are positioned to ensure efficient developer conveyance using air supply, with one developer container and pipe closest to the end surface, overlapping the receiving port when viewed in the apparatus direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If toner conveying passages are bent at multiple locations to avoid laser light and connect to receiving ports, then the apparatus structure can accommodate laser paths, but the toner conveying performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by aligning developer containers and developing units in orthogonal directions (first direction for containers, second direction for units). The communication ports are positioned to overlap when viewed in the first direction, creating a straight conveyance path that avoids bending while still navigating around laser light paths through vertical positioning.
2Device complexity
If developer containers are aligned in the same direction as developing units, then the layout is simplified, but the conveyance distance and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs orthogonal alignment where developer containers are arranged in the first direction and developing units in the second direction (orthogonal to the first). This two-dimensional grid arrangement optimizes both layout compactness and conveyance efficiency by minimizing the distance developer must travel while maintaining clear access to each unit.
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 enhances the conveyance performance of developer from developer containers to developing units, ensuring continuous and efficient toner replenishment without detaching the developing units, thus maintaining apparatus functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pipes through which developer conveyed from the plurality of developer containers to the plurality of corresponding developing units passes by air supplied from the air supply portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of pipes through which developer passes. The developer is conveyed from a plurality of developer containers to a plurality of developing units. The plurality of pipes includes a first pipe that extends to a first receiving port of a first developing unit from a first communication port of an attachment portion to and from which a first developer container is attachable and detachable. The developer from the first discharge port of the first developer container passes through the first pipe. The first developer container and the first pipe are provided respectively, in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction, at a position closest to a first end surface among the plurality of developer containers and the plurality of pipes. At least a part of the first communication port overlaps the first receiving port when viewed in the first direction.