Image Forming Apparatus Upper Surface Cartridge Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the process of replacing components such as photoconductor units and LEDs is cumbersome, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization, increased risk of damage, and decreased operability due to the need for extensive working space and improper alignment during replacement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a mechanism where developer containers and photoconductor units are detachably attached perpendicular to the LEDs, allowing for independent displacement of LEDs between functioning and non-functioning positions, and integrating the developer container with the developing unit to reduce the footprint and enhance replaceability, while a swinging unit supports the LEDs for safe and precise detachment and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the LED is disposed on the extraction path of the process cartridge, then the structure is simplified, but the LED needs to be displaced or the process cartridge needs extra space for extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction direction from the conventional front surface to the upper surface of the main body. The process cartridge is configured to be extracted in the upward direction, while the LED is disposed on the front surface in the optical axis direction. This dimensional separation allows both components to coexist without interference, eliminating the need for LED displacement or additional extraction space.
2Ease of operation
If the LED is exposed to the outside during process cartridge replacement, then the replacement operation is simplified, but the LED is at risk of being dirtied or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover as an intermediary component that can be opened to access the process cartridge for replacement, then closed to protect the LED. This allows the replacement operation to proceed without exposing the LED to external contaminants, while still providing easy access to the process cartridge through the cover opening mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a prescribed amount of space is provided along the extraction path, then the process cartridge can be extracted smoothly, but the interior space is not effectively utilized and the main body is upsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction path from the front surface direction to the upper surface direction. By extracting the process cartridge from the upper surface, the patent eliminates the need for additional lateral space that would be required for front surface extraction, thereby effectively utilizing the interior space and preventing main body upsizing.
4Ease of repair
If the LED is detached by sliding in its lengthwise direction, then the LED can be removed, but a side cover needs to be opened or interior space is needed for sliding movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LED from the conventional front surface location and repositions it to be accessible through the upper surface cover. This allows the LED to be detached by simply opening the cover and removing the LED vertically, eliminating the need for complex sliding mechanisms or additional side cover operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an exposure device as a light source, a developer container storing developer and attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the photoconductor, a developing unit and a photoconductor unit having a photoconductor for bearing a latent image thereon each detachably attached to the main body substantially in the same direction as the developer container. An exposure device displacing mechanism displaces the exposure device between a first position enabling the exposure device to function as the light source and a second position disabling the exposure device to function as the light source. The photoconductor unit is detached when the developer container is either displaced from an initially attached position or is removed from the main body and the exposure device displacing device has displaced the exposure device to the second position.