Drawer Guide Roller Mechanism for Developing Cartridge Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses require driving force on both ends of the developing cartridge to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, which complicates the design and increases the size of the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A drawer design that allows the developing cartridge to be moved relative to the photosensitive drum using driving force acting on only one end, utilizing a separation member with inclined surfaces and a coil spring to facilitate the separation and contact states between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If driving force is applied on both ends of the developing cartridge to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, then the separation function is reliable, but the device complexity and apparatus size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation function reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the separation control for both ends of the developing cartridge into a single driving mechanism. The frame moves in the axial direction to simultaneously control the separation of developing rollers at both ends from the photosensitive drum, eliminating the need for independent driving components at each end and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable separation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves multiple functions: it supports the developing cartridge, guides its axial movement, and simultaneously controls the separation of both developing rollers from the photosensitive drum. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall apparatus structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If driving force is applied on both ends of the developing cartridge to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, then the separation function is reliable, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation function reliabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the separation control for both ends of the developing cartridge into a single driving mechanism. The frame moves in the axial direction to simultaneously control the separation of developing rollers at both ends from the photosensitive drum, eliminating the need for independent driving components at each end and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable separation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves multiple functions: it supports the developing cartridge, guides its axial movement, and simultaneously controls the separation of both developing rollers from the photosensitive drum. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall apparatus structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11099516B2Drawer including photosensitive drum and frame having guide roller

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A drawer includes: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in an axial direction; and a frame to which a developing cartridge including a developing roller is attachable. The developing cartridge is attachable to the frame in a state where an outer circumferential surface of the developing roller faces an outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum. The frame is configured to move the developing roller in a separation direction in which the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller moves away from the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum. The frame includes a first guide roller for guiding the developing cartridge in the axial direction. The first guide roller is configured to move the developing cartridge in the separation direction relative to the frame in response to the movement in the axial direction of the developing cartridge relative to the frame.