Developing Device Unit Detachable Sloping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices, such as laser printers, require a large mechanism to support and facilitate the movement of the developing device unit, which complicates the detachment process and increases the device's size.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sloping members with biasing mechanisms allows the developing devices to be movable between different positions, enabling a simple-structured mechanism for detachable mounting and reducing the need for a large supporting mechanism by allowing the developing device unit to be easily released from the photosensitive drum unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the developing device unit is detached from the photosensitive drum unit before removal from the main body, then the developing rollers can be separated from the photosensitive drum unit, but a large-sized mechanism is required to support the weight of the whole developing device unit and allow it to be movable
Solution Approach 1:
The developing device unit is divided into multiple developing devices that can be independently detached from the photosensitive drum unit. Each developing device can be separated individually through its own detachable connection, eliminating the need to detach the entire unit before removal from the main body. This segmentation reduces the size of the supporting mechanism required.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between developing devices and the photosensitive drum unit is made dynamic and detachable rather than fixed. Each developing device can be independently attached or detached from the photosensitive drum unit during operation, allowing flexible configuration without requiring a large fixed supporting mechanism for the entire developing device unit.
2Ease of repair
If the entire developing device unit is detached from the photosensitive drum unit, then the developing rollers are separated from the photosensitive drum unit, but the detachment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The developing device unit is segmented into multiple independently detachable developing devices. Each developing device can be quickly detached from the photosensitive drum unit individually, allowing maintenance personnel to service specific rollers without detaching the entire unit, thereby reducing the time required for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The developing devices are pre-configured with detachable connections that allow for quick release during maintenance. The connection structures are designed to enable rapid detachment without requiring complex disassembly procedures, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly remove developing rollers for servicing and replacement.
3Strength
If a large mechanism is used to support the developing device unit, then the weight of the whole developing device unit can be supported, but the overall size of the image forming device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the entire developing device unit as a single heavy load, the system segments the support function across multiple smaller support points. Each developing device has its own detachable connection to the photosensitive drum unit, allowing the structure to support only the necessary components at any given time, thereby reducing the overall size and weight of the supporting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is made dynamic and adaptable rather than a large fixed mechanism. The detachable connections allow the system to reconfigure and support developing devices as needed without requiring a permanently large supporting structure, maintaining strength when required while minimizing size during normal operation.
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 solution simplifies the detachment process of the developing device unit, reduces the overall size of the mechanism, and allows for easier maintenance and replacement of components, such as toner cartridges, while maintaining efficient printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the sloped surface upward in the height direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes a plurality of developing devices, and a plurality of sloping members disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of developing devices. Each developing device includes a developer accommodating chamber and a developing roller disposed above the developer accommodating chamber. Each developing device is movable between a first position and a second position lower than the first position in a height direction generally parallel to a vertical direction. Each sloping member has a sloped surface movable in the height direction and a biasing member biasing the sloped surface upward in the height direction. Each sloping member is movable between a third position where the corresponding developing device is placed on the sloped surface and a fourth position where the corresponding developing device is released from being pressed by the sloped surface in a predetermined direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction.