Cover Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus Developer Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses cannot secure a sufficient size for developer containers due to interference with exposure members, as process units are designed to be hidden under these members.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a protruding developer container for one process unit at the end of a row, allowing it to overlap with the exposure member orthogonally, while being detachable through an opening in the casing, preventing interference and enabling larger developer container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If process units are designed to be hidden under the exposure member, then interference between process units and exposure member is prevented, but the developer container size becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The developer container is extended in the vertical direction (orthogonal to the arrangement direction of process units) to increase its capacity. This dimensional extension allows the container to reach upward toward the exposure member without interfering with the horizontal arrangement of process units, thus resolving the contradiction between container size and interference prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The process units are designed to be detachable from the casing through the opening, allowing dynamic reconfiguration. This detachability enables the system to adapt when the developer container needs to be accessed or replaced, preventing permanent interference issues while maintaining sufficient container size.
2Quantity of substance
If developer container is enlarged to sufficient size, then storage capacity is improved, but interference with exposure member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The developer container extends vertically in the direction orthogonal to the process unit arrangement, increasing storage capacity without expanding horizontally into the space occupied by the exposure member. This dimensional strategy allows large capacity while avoiding interference.
3Ease of operation
If process units are made detachable through opening in casing, then ease of replacement is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is segmented with a dedicated opening that allows individual process units to be removed and installed independently. This segmentation enables easy replacement of single units without disassembling the entire apparatus, improving ease of operation while managing structural complexity through modular design.
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 allows for a sufficient size of the developer container without interfering with the exposure member, facilitating easy replacement and maintenance of the process units, particularly for frequently used black toner, while maintaining the apparatus's compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an exposure member exposing the photosensitive body, and having a laser source, a deflector which deflects laser beam emitted from the laser source, and an optical element which focuses the emitted laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus having a casing, a first cover and a second cover. The first cover is rotatable between a first opened position to expose a first opening and a first closed position. The second cover is rotatable between a second opened position to expose a second opening and a second closed position. The first cover is sized and positioned relative to a toner cartridge to rotate to the first opened position to permit removal of the toner cartridge that is detached from a developing unit while the second cover is maintained in the second closed position. The first cover and the second cover are sized and positioned relative to the developing unit and a photosensitive body to rotate respectively to the first opened position and the second opened position to permit removal of the developing unit and the photosensitive body integrally.