Developing Cartridge Pivot Mechanism for Mounting Ease
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus experiences difficulties in mounting the developing cartridge due to resistance from the pressing force generated by the pressing member, leading to operational troubles during the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a supporting portion and a supported portion that allow the developing cartridge to pivot relative to the main body about a third axis, enabling it to move from a first position away from the photosensitive body to a second position close to it, with a cover pressing member that pivots the cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the third axis, facilitating smooth mounting and avoiding obstacles in the insertion/removal path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pressing member presses the developing cartridge to ensure proper contact between the developer carrier and photosensitive body, then the image quality is improved, but the mounting operation becomes difficult due to resistance from the pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to move between a pressing state (when the cover is closed) and a non-pressing state (when the cover is open). This dynamic design allows the pressing force to be applied only when needed for image formation, while removing the resistance during mounting operations. The pressing member is elastically deformable and is pressed by the cover in the closing direction, enabling it to transition between these states automatically based on cover position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the pressing member in advance by positioning it in the non-pressing state before mounting begins. When the cover is opened for mounting, the pressing member is automatically retracted or positioned to avoid interfering with the developing cartridge insertion. This preliminary positioning eliminates resistance before the mounting operation commences, making the process smooth and trouble-free.
2Reliability
If the pressing force is increased to ensure reliable developer supply to the photosensitive body, then the image formation reliability is improved, but the mounting operation encounters more resistance and becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member transitions between high pressing force (during image formation) and low or zero pressing force (during mounting). The elastic deformability of the pressing member allows it to be compressed by the cover to generate the necessary pressing force for reliable developer supply, while simultaneously allowing easy mounting when the cover is open and the pressing force is reduced or eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful resistance force is extracted or removed from the system during mounting operations. By designing the pressing member to be movable and elastically deformable, the pressing force is effectively taken out of the equation during mounting, allowing the developing cartridge to be installed without encountering the resistance that would otherwise be present during normal operation.
3Productivity
If the pressing member is positioned to optimize contact between the developer carrier and photosensitive body, then the developer supply efficiency is improved, but the insertion path becomes obstructed and mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member dynamically changes its position based on operational needs. During mounting (cover open), it is positioned away from the insertion path to avoid obstruction. During operation (cover closed), it moves into position to optimize contact between the developer carrier and photosensitive body, ensuring efficient developer supply without interfering with the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member utilizes the cover opening/closing motion as an additional degree of freedom to resolve the spatial conflict. By moving along the dimension of cover opening/closing, the pressing member can be positioned in different locations: away from the insertion path during mounting, and in optimal contact position during operation, thus solving the obstruction problem without compromising developer supply efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body, a cover, a photosensitive body cartridge, and a developing cartridge. The main body includes a supporting portion and the developing cartridge includes a supported portion. The supporting portion and the supported portion are configured such that the developing cartridge is pivotable relative to the main body about a third axis, which is parallel to a first axis and is separate from a second axis, between a first position, in which the developer carrier is away from the photosensitive body, and a second position, in which developer carrier is close to the photosensitive body. The cover includes a pressing member configured to press the developing cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the third axis such that the developer cartridge pivots from the first position to the second position.