Developing Device Mounting Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently mounting and dismounting the developing device and toner container, which complicates the process of replacing toner and maintaining the device, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an openable cover member in the apparatus body, allowing the developing device to be mounted and dismounted through a specific insertion path, and the toner container is mounted and dismounted by rotating it around a separate axis, enabling easy access and replacement without requiring additional space for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the developing device and toner container are mounted and dismounted through the same insertion path, then the device structure is simplified and space is saved, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting and dismounting process is segmented into two distinct phases: first the developing device is mounted/dismounted, then the toner container is mounted/dismounted. This segmentation allows each component to be handled independently through the same insertion path, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining operational clarity through sequential steps
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is opened in advance to define the insertion path before mounting begins. This preliminary action prepares the mounting section and guides the user through the correct sequence of operations, preventing confusion despite using a single insertion path for both components
2Device complexity
If the toner container rotates around the same axis as the image carrier, then the mounting structure is simplified, but the toner container requires additional space for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The toner container rotates around a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis (the image carrier's rotation axis). This dimensional change allows the toner container to rotate in a different plane, enabling compact positioning within the apparatus body without requiring additional space in the same rotational plane as the image carrier
3Reliability
If the developing device is rotated from developing position to standby position, then component damage risk is reduced during dismounting, but the mounting and dismounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The developing device is rotated to the standby position in advance before the toner container is dismounted. This preliminary action removes the developing device from the development position, preventing potential damage to the photoconductive drum or other components during toner container removal, while the standardized rotation mechanism keeps the time addition minimal
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an image carrier, a developing device, and a developer container. The developing device includes a developer supply port and a mounting section. The developing device is mounted onto a developing position facing the image carrier through a specific insertion path in the apparatus body. The developer container includes a developer discharge port. The developer container is mounted onto the mounting section of the developing device through the insertion path. The developing device is dismounted from the apparatus body through the insertion path after being rotated from the developing position to a standby position in a first direction around a first axis extending in parallel with a rotary axis of the image carrier. The developer container is dismounted from the apparatus body after being rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction around a second axis in the mounting section.