Image Forming Exposure Unit Engagement for Easy, Secure Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in easily replacing exposure heads due to poor workability and increased risk of damage during installation, particularly when the exposure head is integrated with a pressing member, leading to higher replacement costs and potential damage to precision parts.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates an exposure support member with detachable engagement portions that allow the exposure unit to be mounted and integrated securely without requiring forceful application, using engagement portions to facilitate easy installation and detachment, reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exposure head is integrated with the pressing member, then the exposure head can be securely pressed against the photoconductor, but the replacement cost increases and workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is segmented from the exposure head and assigned to a separate pressing member in the main body. This allows the exposure head to be replaced independently without replacing the pressing member, reducing replacement costs while maintaining secure pressing through the separate pressing mechanism.
2Reliability
If the exposure head is integrated with the pressing member, then the exposure head can be securely pressed against the photoconductor, but workability deteriorates due to harness insertion complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pressing function into a distinct pressing member, the exposure head replacement process is simplified. The circuit board can be connected before exposure head installation, and the pressing member is adjusted afterward, improving workability while maintaining secure pressing.
3Ease of operation
If force is applied to the pressing member during exposure head mounting, then the exposure head can be installed, but the precision part may be hit and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board connection is performed as a preliminary action before exposure head installation. The exposure head is then mounted without requiring forceful application to the pressing member, as the pressing member can be adjusted separately after installation, eliminating damage risk while maintaining installation capability.
4Device complexity
If the circuit board is not fixed to the frame body and is biased by the pressing member, then the configuration is simpler, but the circuit board moves when the harness is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board connection and exposure head installation are segmented into separate steps. The circuit board is connected to the frame body first, then the exposure head is installed independently. This maintains configuration simplicity while preventing circuit board movement during harness connection.
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 the workability of replacing exposure heads, reduces the risk of damage, and lowers replacement costs by allowing for easy and secure mounting and detachment of the exposure unit.
Implementation Method 1
an exposure unit (4) mounted on an exposure support member (69) which moves integrally with the exposure unit (4)... the exposure unit (4) includes a first engagement portion (55b, 55c)... and the exposure support member (69) includes a second engagement portion (69b, 69c)... engaged with the first engagement portion (55b, 55c)
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an exposure unit that exposes a photoconductor; and an exposure support member that includes a support portion that detachably supports the exposure unit and is moved integrally with the exposure unit in a first direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the photoconductor, wherein the exposure unit includes a first engagement portion that is formed on an opposing portion facing the support portion of the exposure support member in the first direction so as to protrude toward the exposure support member and further formed to extend in the axial direction of the photoconductor orthogonal to a protruding direction, the exposure support member includes a second engagement portion that is formed on the support portion facing the exposure unit at a position corresponding to the first engagement portion and engages with the first engagement portion.