Image Forming Apparatus Link and Belt Overlap for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing due to the overlapping configuration of links and belts, which necessitates additional space, leading to increased size and inefficiency in utilizing the available space.
Innovation Solution
The configuration where the link and belt overlap in the direction parallel to the rotational axis allows for the effective utilization of space, with the link extending intersectingly with the belt, enabling the integration of a driving rotary unit and outputting rotary unit, and a movable coupling unit that intermittently transmits the driving force, thus reducing the overall size of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the link and belt are arranged in separate spaces without overlapping, then the transmission function is reliable, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the link mechanism and belt transmission into the same spatial region, allowing them to coexist without interfering with each other. The link is positioned to extend in a direction that intersects with the stretching portion of the belt when viewed from the direction parallel to the rotational axis, enabling both components to share the same space while maintaining their transmission functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the directional relationship between the link and belt by having the link extend in an intersecting direction relative to the belt's stretching portion. This dimensional arrangement allows both components to occupy the same space without collision, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the spatial conflict
2Ease of operation
If additional space is allocated for the link arrangement, then the link mechanism functions properly, but the available space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the link mechanism space with the belt transmission space, allowing both to function within the same spatial envelope. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces, maximizing the utilization of available area for other components
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus (1) provided with an image forming unit (5). The image forming apparatus includes a movable member (35) configured to be displaced relative to an apparatus main body; a cover (3C) configured to be displaced between a position where an opening portion provided on the apparatus main body is opened and a position where the opening portion is closed; a link (47) that displaces the movable member (35) in conjunction with the cover (3C); a driving pulley (23) and a driven pulley (25); and an endless belt (27) that is looped around and stretched between the driving pulley (23) and the driven pulley (25) and transmits a driving force from the driving pulley (23) to the driven pulley (25). The belt (27) overlaps with the link (47) in a direction parallel to a rotational axis of the driving pulley (23).