Image Forming Apparatus Unit Support Tray Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in easily and safely replacing photoconductive drum and development device units, which can lead to scratches and inefficiencies in maintenance and operation due to complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a unit support tray that allows horizontal movement for removability, coupled with a developer collection mechanism and toner discharge system, enabling safe and efficient insertion and removal of image carrying member units and development devices, preventing contact between the development roller and photoconductive drum during replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a process cartridge with integrally formed photoconductive drum and development device is used, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is divided into separable units: a process cartridge containing the photoconductive drum and development device, and a main body. This segmentation allows the process cartridge to be easily removed and replaced as a single unit, improving ease of replacement while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoconductive drum and development device are merged into a single process cartridge unit. This integration simplifies the replacement process by allowing both components to be replaced together as one unit, reducing the number of separate operations required.
2Reliability
If development roller is brought into contact with photoconductive drum during replacement, then coupling reliability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The holder member is closed before the development roller contacts the photoconductive drum, establishing a protective barrier in advance. This preliminary action prevents the development roller from scratching the photoconductive drum surface during the replacement process while ensuring proper coupling when the holder is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder member acts as an intermediary between the development roller and the photoconductive drum. When closed, it separates these two components, preventing direct contact and potential damage. When opened, it allows controlled contact for proper coupling, thus mediating the interaction between the development roller and photoconductive drum.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member unit, a development device, a developer collection mechanism and a unit support tray. The developer collection mechanism is arranged on a downstream side in a first direction where the development device and the image carrying member unit are fitted into the main body of the image forming apparatus and the toner discharge portion of the image carrying member unit is coupled to the developer collection mechanism. The unit support tray is provided such that the unit support tray can be moved horizontally in the first direction and a second direction where the development device and the image carrying member unit are removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus; the unit support tray is moved in the first or second direction such that the toner discharge portion and the developer collection mechanism are coupled or the coupling is cancelled.