Door-Type Positioning Panel for Drive Shaft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the positional accuracy of photoconductive drum drive shafts is compromised due to the sliding casing mechanism, leading to inadequate support and positioning of the drum, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a door-type positioning panel that uses insert holes and fit holes to accurately position the drive shafts, supported by a main frame with a swinging mechanism, ensures high positional accuracy by aligning with the main frame's support axis and utilizing detachable positioners for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slidable casing is used to support the drive shaft, then the drum can be pulled out for maintenance, but the positional accuracy of the drive shaft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent systems: a fixed positioning system (positioning projections on main body, positioning holes on casing) and a movable support system (rails). This segmentation allows the casing to slide freely on rails while maintaining precise positioning through the projection-hole mechanism, resolving the contradiction between drum removability and drive shaft positional accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If rails with play are used to allow smooth sliding, then the casing can move easily, but the lower end of the casing shakes and positional accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the casing can slide along the rails while the positioning projections and holes maintain precise alignment. The upper positioning holes constrain vertical movement, while the rails guide horizontal sliding, creating a dynamic yet stable positioning mechanism that accommodates both smooth movement and positional accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the drive shaft is connected to a fixed drive source, then high positional accuracy is maintained, but the drum cannot be easily removed for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft connection is extracted from the drum and relocated to the main body of the apparatus. The drive shaft remains fixed in the main body while the drum and casing can be pulled out together. This extraction allows the drum to be easily replaced without moving the drive source, maintaining both high positional accuracy and ease of 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 maintains high positional accuracy of the drive shafts, enhancing image quality by stabilizing the drum's position and preventing misalignment during operation.
Implementation Method 1
an end of the door-type positioning panel is supported by the main frame such that the door-type positioning panel swings on a support axis
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a processing unit, a main frame, a drive source, and a door-type positioning panel. The processing unit performs at least part of image formation. The main frame supports the processing unit such that the processing unit is pulled out or housed. The drive source is provided on the main frame and connected to a first end of a processing drive shaft of the processing unit to provide rotative power. The door-type positioning panel positions and supports a second end of the processing drive shaft by using an insert hole. An end of the door-type positioning panel is supported by the main frame such that the panel swings on a support axis. The door-type positioning panel includes a fit hole that is closer to a swinging end of the panel than to the support axis and fits to a positioning shaft provided on the main frame.