High Voltage Circuit Board Overlapping Driving Unit in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face increased size and production costs due to separate housing spaces required for high voltage circuit boards and driving units, leading to a greater number of components and inefficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The high voltage circuit board and driving unit are positioned in close proximity, with the driving unit overlapping the high voltage circuit board and both being fixed directly to a partition face, reducing the housing space and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the high voltage circuit board and driving unit are disposed in separate housing spaces, then each component can be independently arranged and maintained, but the overall size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high voltage circuit board and driving unit into a single housing space, positioning them adjacent to each other on the same side face of the frame. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate housing spaces, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining independent accessibility for maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension of the frame by positioning both the high voltage circuit board and driving unit on the same side face, effectively using horizontal space rather than vertical stacking or separate compartments. This dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization and reduces the apparatus footprint.
2Reliability
If a separate fixing member is provided for the high voltage circuit board, then the board can be securely mounted, but the number of components increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's side face serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounting surface for both the high voltage circuit board and driving unit, and acts as a partitioning element. By making the frame multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate fixing members, thereby reducing component count and production costs while maintaining secure mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) according to the present invention includes a high voltage circuit board (14) and a driving unit (10). A frame (4B) is provided in the apparatus (1) to support an image forming unit (2). The frame (4B) has a partition face (5), which defines a boundary between an inner side (D1) and an outer side (D2) and faces toward the outer side (D2). An electric discharger (7) and driving mechanisms (11, 12, 13) are provided on the inner side (D1) inward of the partition face (5). The high voltage circuit board (14) and the driving unit (10) for operating the driving mechanisms (11, 12, 13) are provided on the outer side (D2) outward of the partition face (5). The high voltage circuit board (14) is fixed directly to the partition face (5) on the outer side (D2). The driving unit (10) is fixed to the partition face (5) from the outer side (D2) so as to be located outwardly of the high voltage circuit board (14) on the outer side (D2) and overlap the high voltage circuit board (14).