Charging Unit Removal Mechanism for Compact Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in minimizing size and production cost while maintaining the ease of replacement and removal of components, particularly when the charging roller is integrated with other components, as there is insufficient space for operators to access and replace the charging unit without increasing the apparatus size.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a slider crank mechanism and an openable cover that pivots to move the charging unit to a removable position, allowing for replacement without requiring significant space expansion, thus minimizing machine size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the charging roller is integrated with other components as a single replaceable unit, then component replacement is simplified, but there is insufficient space for operators to access and replace the charging unit without increasing the apparatus size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacementVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to pivot between closed and open positions, dynamically changing the internal space configuration. When opened, the cover creates sufficient access space for operator hands to reach and remove the charging unit, while maintaining a compact closed structure that minimizes overall apparatus footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging unit is positioned and configured to be removable through the lateral opening created by the pivoting cover, utilizing the depth dimension of the apparatus interior. This allows access to components that would otherwise be inaccessible from the front, enabling replacement without increasing the front-facing apparatus width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is opened to provide space for replacement work, then operator access is improved, but the apparatus cannot perform its enclosing and protective function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess space for replacementVSAvoidprotective function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover pivots to an open position during maintenance operations, providing access space for operators to remove and replace the charging unit. The cover then closes to restore the protective enclosure, dynamically transitioning between protective and accessible states as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently opened and closed, allowing the interior space to be accessed without removing or permanently altering the protective enclosure. This segmentation enables temporary access while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a slider crank mechanism is used to move the charging unit to a removable position, then replacement is facilitated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacementVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slider crank mechanism converts the rotational motion of the cover into linear motion of the charging unit, automatically positioning it for removal when the cover is opened. This dynamic coupling eliminates the need for separate manual positioning mechanisms, reducing overall complexity despite the presence of the crank mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover opening action is merged with the charging unit positioning action through the slider crank mechanism. A single operation (opening the cover) simultaneously provides access space and positions the charging unit for removal, combining multiple functions into one coordinated motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables easy replacement and maintenance of the charging unit while maintaining a compact apparatus size and reducing production costs, ensuring efficient operation and operator safety.

Implementation Method 1

The design incorporates a slider crank mechanism and an openable cover that pivots to move the charging unit to a removable position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSlider crank mechanism: Crankshaft

Data Source

PatentUS8757792B2Image forming apparatus capable of forming images on both sides of recording media

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a body, a conveyance belt, an image forming device, a refeeding unit, a reverse passage, a charging unit, an openable cover, and a unit-interlocked moving device. The charging unit forms part of the reverse passage and includes a charger between an inner side of the reverse passage and one of rotation members. The cover is pivotable between a closed position to cover an internal area including at least the charger and the reverse passage and an open position to open the internal area to an outside of the body. With a pivoting movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position, the moving device moves the charging unit toward an outside of the reverse passage to a removable position at which the charging unit is removable from the body with the cover placed at the open position.