Developing Cartridge Coupling Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with developing cartridges coupled to a tray face challenges in reducing part count and size due to the need for multiple stationary cams, which also lead to instability in moving the coupler, especially when the direction of force applied by horizontal cams differs from the movement direction of rotary cams.
Innovation Solution
An improved driving structure for the developing cartridge, utilizing a link member and guide member that move in perpendicular directions to separate and couple the driving coupler member from the developing cartridge, reducing the number of parts and ensuring stable mounting and separation by aligning the force direction with the coupler movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary cam and stationary cam structure is used to move the coupler, then the coupler can be driven to move the developing cartridge, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the stationary cam from the traditional rotary cam mechanism. Instead of using both rotary and stationary cams, the patent uses only a rotary cam that directly engages with the coupler, simplifying the structure while maintaining the ability to drive the developing cartridge through the tray movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary cam is designed to perform multiple functions: it both drives the coupler movement and guides the tray insertion/removal operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate stationary cam mechanisms, reducing part count while maintaining operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If a stationary cam is used to engage with the rotary cam, then the coupler can be moved, but the installation space increases and the size of the image forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary cam is completely removed from the mechanism. The rotary cam alone is sufficient to provide both the driving force and the guiding function for the coupler, eliminating the need for additional installation space for a stationary cam component.
3Ease of operation
If a horizontal cam is used to apply force to the rotary cam, then the coupler can be moved, but the stability of movement decreases because the force direction differs from the movement direction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a horizontal cam to apply lateral force that must be converted to vertical movement, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotary cam where the rotational force is directly applied in the same direction as the desired coupler movement, eliminating the directional mismatch and improving stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a cover to open and close a front of the main body, a tray slidably mounted in the main body through the front of the main body, at least one developing cartridge mounted in the main body in a state in which the developing cartridge is received in the tray, at least one driving coupler member provided at one side of the main body to drive the developing cartridge mounted in the main body, a link member operating simultaneously with opening and closing of the cover to move in a first direction, and a guide member to support the at least one driving coupler member, the guide member operating simultaneously with the link member to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the guide member is pressed by the link member, when the cover opens the main body, to separate the driving coupler member from the developing cartridge.