Transfer Unit Insertion and Removal Vibration for Toner Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The collection mechanism in image forming apparatuses experiences varying collection performance due to environmental conditions, leading to increased load on drive members like conveying members, particularly from toner clogging and hardening, which affects maintainability.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus integrates a mechanism where the transfer unit is simultaneously inserted or removed with the tray unit during replacement, applying vibration to prevent toner hardening and stabilize conveyance, thereby reducing the load on drive members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the collection mechanism operates continuously to collect transfer residual toner, then collection performance is maintained, but toner clogging and hardening increase the load on drive members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing vibration treatment at specific intervals (when the transfer unit is inserted or removed) rather than continuous operation. This periodic vibration prevents toner hardening and clogging in the conveyance path, maintaining collection performance while reducing the cumulative load on drive members compared to continuous operation without vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration by generating vibration during the insertion or removal of the transfer unit. This vibration is transmitted to the toner in the conveyance path, preventing toner from hardening and clogging the path. The vibration mechanism uses the existing mechanical motion of inserting/removing the transfer unit to create beneficial vibration without requiring additional continuous energy input.
2Device complexity
If the transfer unit remains stationary during toner conveyance, then the conveyance path is simple, but toner hardening occurs and increases load on conveying members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical vibration during the insertion or removal of the transfer unit to prevent toner hardening in the conveyance path. This vibration treatment maintains simple conveyance path structure while preventing toner from adhering to the path walls and hardening, thereby reducing the load on conveying members without adding complex continuous vibration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing insertion/removal motion of the transfer unit to generate vibration that benefits the toner conveyance system. The mechanical action already required to insert or remove the transfer unit is used to create vibration that prevents toner hardening, eliminating the need for separate continuous vibration mechanisms.
3Reliability
If vibration treatment is applied continuously to prevent toner hardening, then toner conveyance stability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying vibration treatment only during the insertion or removal of the transfer unit, rather than continuously. This timing strategy maintains toner conveyance stability by preventing hardening at critical moments while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous vibration application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration generated during the insertion/removal motion to prevent toner hardening. This approach leverages the existing mechanical energy already required for transferring the transfer unit, converting a necessary mechanical motion into a beneficial vibration treatment without requiring additional continuous energy input for vibration generation.
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 approach effectively prevents toner hardening and maintains stable toner conveyance performance, reducing the torque load on drive components and extending the lifespan of the transfer unit.
Implementation Method 1
applying vibration to prevent toner hardening and stabilize conveyance
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an apparatus body (1A), a cartridge (P), a first unit (50) being movable to a first inner position inside of the apparatus body and a first outer position outside of the apparatus body relative to the apparatus body, and a second unit (40) including a toner conveyance path and a conveying member (41) configured to convey toner in the conveyance path, the second unit being movable to a second inner position inside of the apparatus body and a second outer position outside of the apparatus body relative to the apparatus body, a lifetime of the second unit is longer than a lifetime of the cartridge, and when the first unit moves from the first inner position to the first outer position, the second unit also moves from the second inner position to the second outer position.