Image Forming Apparatus Frame Structure for Shipment Deformation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses with integrated supporting posts and frames are prone to deformation under external forces, such as those encountered during shipment, which can disrupt the positional relationship of the photosensitive member and other components, affecting image quality.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a first frame with a second section bent from its bottom end to support the photosensitive member, a separate second frame for the electronic circuit board not fixed to the first frame, and a connection member linking the second frame to the post-processing section's frame, distributing external forces and preventing deformation of the first frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the boxy frame and supporting posts are integrated to support the image reading section, then the load from the image reading section weight is distributed between side plates and boxy frame, but external forces during shipment are transmitted to the first section through the boxy frame without being dispersed to the second section, causing deformation of the first section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distribution capabilityVSAvoidpositional relationship stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into two independent frame structures: a first frame supporting the photosensitive member and a second frame supporting the image reading section. This segmentation prevents external forces from being transmitted from the second frame to the first frame, protecting the positional relationship of the photosensitive member while allowing the second frame to independently absorb shipment impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If connectors are attached only to the side plates, then the structure is simpler, but the side plates deform under external forces; if the boxy frame and supporting posts are integrated, then load distribution is improved, but external forces still concentrate on the first section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structure complexityVSAvoidside plate deformation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into two independent frame structures: a first frame supporting the photosensitive member and a second frame supporting the image reading section. This segmentation prevents external forces from being transmitted from the second frame to the first frame, protecting the positional relationship of the photosensitive member while allowing the second frame to independently absorb shipment impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11809120B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion and a post-processing portion, a first frame, a second frame and a connection member. The first frame includes a first section for supporting a photosensitive member and a second section bent from a bottom end of the first section. The second frame, to which an electronic circuit board is attached, supported by the second section of the first frame without being fixed to the first section of the first frame. The connection member is connected with the second frame and a third frame which is a frame of the post-processing portion.