Guide Portion Between Process Cartridges for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to increase the height of the guide portion in an image forming apparatus without compromising the downsizing of the device, as a high guide portion can interfere with the inner components when the openable member is closed, potentially increasing the width of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves providing a guide portion on the openable member that enters the space between mounted image forming units when closed, allowing for increased height without expanding the width by accommodating the guide ribs in the spaces between adjacent units, thus maintaining the compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide portion height is increased to improve process cartridge guidance and attitude retention, then the guidance effectiveness is improved, but the guide portion may strike against inner components when the openable member is closed, potentially increasing the apparatus width
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is designed to extend in the width direction of the openable member, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than increasing height vertically. This allows the guide to effectively guide the process cartridge while maintaining clearance from inner components when the cover is closed, thus resolving the contradiction between guidance effectiveness and apparatus width.
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between adjacent process cartridges is decreased to achieve downsizing, then the apparatus width is reduced, but the space for disposing a guiding member during process cartridge insertion cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the guide portion in the vertical direction (which would require more space between cartridges), the guide portion extends in the width direction of the openable member. This dimensional change allows effective guidance to be achieved within the constrained space between adjacent process cartridges, enabling downsizing while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the guide portion is positioned high to improve attitude retaining force and viewability, then the guidance effectiveness is improved, but the openable member width must be increased to prevent striking inner portions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is configured to extend in the width direction of the openable member rather than increasing the overall width of the openable member itself. This allows the guide to provide effective attitude retention and visibility without increasing the envelope dimensions of the openable member, thus preventing interference with inner components while maintaining guidance effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes first and second image forming units having, respectively, first and second image bearing members, detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The apparatus also includes a transfer device transferring toner images formed on the first and second image bearing members onto a transfer medium, an opening through which the first and second image forming units are passable during mounting and demounting operations, an openable member, and a guide for guiding, during mounting and demounting, the first and/or second image forming units when the openable member is in the open position. At least a part of the guide enters a space between the first and second image forming units when the openable member is in the close position.