Image-Forming Apparatus Drive Source Layout for Compact Duplex Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a desire to miniaturize printers capable of duplex printing, as existing technologies face challenges in optimizing the arrangement of components to reduce size while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a drive source positioned between the transfer member and the fixing portion, overlapping the drive input portion with the drive source in specific directions to minimize spatial overlap and optimize component arrangement, thereby reducing the overall size of the printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drive source is positioned between the transfer member and the fixing portion with optimized overlap arrangement, then the overall printer size is reduced, but the component arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive input portion is positioned to overlap the drive source in the vertical direction (first direction) rather than only in the horizontal sheet conveyance direction (second direction). This three-dimensional overlapping arrangement allows compact placement of components by utilizing the vertical space, thereby reducing the overall printer size while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The drive source and drive input portion are arranged in a merged configuration where the drive input portion overlaps the drive source in the vertical direction. This merging of spatial occupation allows two components to share the same horizontal footprint, reducing the overall device volume without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each component
2Volume of moving object
If the drive source is positioned between the transfer member and the fixing portion, then the printer size is miniaturized, but the ease of operation for maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The printer is divided into separable modules including the process cartridge assembly and the drive source assembly. The drive source is positioned between the transfer member and fixing portion but can be accessed by removing the process cartridge, which segments the maintenance access path and allows technicians to reach the drive source without disassembling the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The process cartridge serves as an intermediary component that, when removed, provides access to the drive source. This intermediary arrangement allows the drive source to be positioned in a space-efficient location while maintaining ease of maintenance through simple cartridge removal rather than complex disassembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion including a photosensitive member that is rotatably supported about a rotation shaft extending in a first direction and a transfer member, a fixing portion, a reverse conveyance portion, a conveyance path, a conveyance portion, a drive source, and a drive input portion, the drive input portion being attached to the conveyance portion. The drive source is disposed between the transfer member and the fixing portion in a second direction parallel to a sheet conveyance direction in the conveyance portion. The drive input portion is disposed so as to overlap the drive source with respect to the first direction, so as to overlap the drive source with respect to a third direction orthogonal to both of the first direction and the second direction, and so as not to overlap the drive source with respect to the second direction.