Image Carrier and Light-Emitting Unit Support for Stable Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require manual support of light-emitting units during maintenance, which complicates the maintenance process and may lead to instability in the support mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a supporting unit that moves with the image carrier, supporting the light-emitting unit during maintenance and allowing it to be positioned and pressed in the rotation axis direction, with additional functions such as adjusting and pressing, using a spring mechanism for stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the light-emitting unit is made detachable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but the light-emitting unit cannot be supported automatically during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit automatically supports the light-emitting unit during maintenance operations. When the image carrier moves to the maintenance position, the supporting unit engages to hold the light-emitting unit without requiring operator intervention for support, enabling the system to serve itself during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting unit is configured to move together with the image carrier between the image forming position and maintenance position. This dynamic configuration allows the supporting unit to automatically engage and disengage the light-emitting unit based on the image carrier's position, eliminating the need for manual support during maintenance.
2Ease of repair
If a dedicated supporting unit is added to support the light-emitting unit during maintenance, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit serves multiple functions: it supports the light-emitting unit during maintenance, moves together with the image carrier between positions, and can function as either a pressing unit or adjusting unit depending on the configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting unit is integrated with the image carrier system and moves together with it, combining the support function with the existing image carrier movement mechanism. This merging approach avoids adding completely separate supporting structures that would increase device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the supporting unit moves with the image carrier, then automation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit is designed to move together with the image carrier between the image forming position and maintenance position. This dynamic configuration allows the supporting unit to automatically engage and disengage the light-emitting unit based on the image carrier's position, eliminating the need for manual support during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the support of the light-emitting unit through the supporting unit's movement with the image carrier. The supporting unit engages and disengages automatically based on position, enabling the system to serve itself without external intervention during maintenance operations.
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 configuration enhances maintenance ease and stability of the light-emitting unit, reducing the number of components and ensuring consistent positioning without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The pressing unit includes a spring that presses the light-emitting unit in the direction of light emission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable image carrier on an outer circumferential surface of which an image is to be formed and that is movable in a rotation axis direction between an image forming position and a maintenance position; a light-emitting unit including a base member extending in the rotation axis direction of the image carrier, and plural light-emitting devices provided on the base member and configured to apply light to the outer circumferential surface of the image carrier, the light-emitting unit being configured to move together with the image carrier in the rotation axis direction; and a supporting unit configured to move together with the image carrier in the rotation axis direction and to support the light-emitting unit when the image carrier and the light-emitting unit are at the maintenance position and the light-emitting unit is disabled from being positioned with respect to the image carrier.