Drawer-Driven Shutter Mechanism for Optical Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face complications due to the need for a contacting mechanism to open and close the shutter member in relation to process cartridge mounting and demounting, which impedes operationality and complicates the structure by requiring members for accessing exposure windows.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a drawer member that supports an image forming portion, featuring a shutter member movable between open and closing positions, where the drawer member's movement interrelates with the shutter member's position change, allowing for a simple and easy mechanism to reduce optical unit contamination without the need for contacting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contacting mechanism is used to open and close the shutter member in relation to process cartridge mounting and demounting, then the shutter member can be controlled to reduce contamination, but the operationality deteriorates due to impedance during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is designed to open and close automatically through the drawer member's movement itself, without requiring separate contacting mechanisms. The drawer member's sliding action directly drives the shutter member to switch between open and closed states, making the system self-servicing and eliminating operational impedance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer member serves as an intermediary that couples the user's manual operation with the shutter member's movement. By moving the drawer member in and out, the user indirectly controls the shutter member's opening and closing, providing a smooth and impedance-free operation while ensuring proper shutter control.
2Reliability
If a mechanism for opening and closing the shutter member in relation to outer casing operation is used, then contamination is reduced, but the structure becomes complicated requiring additional members for accessing exposure windows
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member control function is merged with the drawer member's existing movement mechanism. The drawer member's in-and-out motion simultaneously performs two functions: positioning the process cartridge and controlling the shutter member's opening/closing. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanisms and reduces structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer member is given multi-functionality by making it responsible for both cartridge positioning and shutter member control. This single component performs multiple tasks, reducing the overall number of parts needed and simplifying the apparatus structure while maintaining effective contamination protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly provided with an opening; a drawer movable while supporting an cartridge including a photosensitive drum between an inside position and an outside position; an optical unit in the main assembly to project light onto the drum a shutter member provided in the main assembly and movable between a closing position and an open position an operating portion to move the shutter member from the open position to the closing position in a process of movement of the drawer from the inside position to the outside position and to move the shutter member from the closing position to the open position in a process of movement of the drawer from the outside position to the inside position.