Cartridge Support Mechanism Positioning for Image Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high positional accuracy of the supporting member when the opening/closing member is opened, leading to interference with other components and reduced operability for attaching and detaching cartridges.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a moving mechanism and an urging member that supports the supporting member, allowing it to move between a first position for image forming operations and a second position for insertion and removal, ensuring accurate positioning and reduced interference during cartridge attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the supporting member is positioned at a fixed location for image forming operations, then the cartridge can be used for performing image forming operations, but the cartridge will interfere with members disposed around the opening portion when the opening/closing member is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage forming operation stabilityVSAvoidcartridge attachment and detachment operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is designed to move between two positions: a first position during image forming operations and a second position during cartridge attachment/detachment. The moving mechanism dynamically adjusts the supporting member's location based on the operational state, eliminating interference while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The urging member preliminarily positions the supporting member at the second position (retracted position) before cartridge attachment/detachment operations begin. This preliminary positioning prevents interference with opening/closing members and surrounding components during cartridge handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the supporting member is moved to improve cartridge accessibility, then the operability for attaching and detaching cartridges is improved, but the positional accuracy of the supporting member deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge attachment and detachment operabilityVSAvoidsupporting member positional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The urging member acts as an intermediary between the moving mechanism and the supporting member, providing precise positioning forces that ensure the supporting member accurately reaches and maintains both the first position (for image forming) and the second position (for cartridge operations).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The urging member replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler elastic force-based positioning mechanism, achieving high positional accuracy through the urging force that naturally guides the supporting member to its target positions without requiring complex mechanical guides or actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the supporting member is retracted to avoid interference with opening/closing members, then the operability is improved, but the compact design is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge attachment and detachment operabilityVSAvoidapparatus body volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member dynamically changes its position based on operational requirements: it is retracted to the second position during cartridge attachment/detachment to avoid interference, and extended to the first position during image forming operations to enable compact configuration. This dynamic positioning allows the apparatus to achieve both operational ease and compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the operability for attaching and detaching cartridges by improving the positional accuracy of the supporting member, reducing interference with other components and enabling a more compact design.

Implementation Method 1

an urging member configured to urge the supporting member or the moving mechanism so that the supporting member is retained at the second position by the moving mechanism in a state where the opening/closing member is in the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11726428B2Image forming apparatus with improved operabiity for attaching and detaching a cartridge

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an opening/closing member, a cartridge configured to be inserted into and pulled out from the apparatus body, a supporting member configured to support the cartridge, a moving mechanism configured to support the supporting member and move the supporting member from a second position to a first position in accordance with a movement of the opening/closing member from an open position to a closed position, and an urging member configured to urge the supporting member or the moving mechanism so that the supporting member is retained at the second position by the moving mechanism in a state where the opening/closing member is in the open position.