Interlocking Process Cartridge Mechanism for Compact Printer Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in easily mounting and removing process units and achieving size reduction in the vertical direction, leading to increased running costs due to the replacement of photosensitive drums alongside toner cartridges, where the drum's lifespan exceeds the toner's consumption period.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a casing and interlocking mechanism that allows the process unit to be moved between internal and extraction positions, enabling easy handling and removal without fully opening the cover, and a configuration that allows the developing cartridge to be replaced independently of the photosensitive body cartridge, reducing the need for frequent drum replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper cover is largely opened to remove the process cartridge, then the process cartridge can be removed from the casing, but sufficient space for opening the upper cover cannot be secured in some locations
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is divided into two separable parts: the photosensitive body cartridge and the developing cartridge. This segmentation allows the developing cartridge to be removed independently through a separate opening, eliminating the need to fully open the upper cover for complete cartridge removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The developing cartridge is extracted as a separate removable component from the photosensitive body cartridge. A specific opening is provided for removing only the developing cartridge, allowing easy maintenance and replacement without requiring full cover opening.
2Productivity
If the laser scanner is disposed on the rear upper side with respect to the toner cartridge, then the image forming operation can be performed, but size-reduction in the vertical direction is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (rear upper side) to a horizontal arrangement (front side) relative to the photosensitive drum. This dimensional change allows the scanner to be disposed in front of the drum, enabling compact vertical packaging while maintaining full image forming functionality.
3Reliability
If the photosensitive drum is replaced along with the toner cartridge, then the complete process unit can be replaced, but reduction in running cost is restricted because the drum lifespan exceeds toner consumption period
Solution Approach 1:
The process cartridge is segmented into a photosensitive body cartridge (with drum) and a developing cartridge (with toner). This segmentation enables independent replacement of the developing cartridge when toner is depleted, while the photosensitive drum remains in place until its separate service life expires, optimizing replacement frequency and reducing running costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The developing cartridge is designed as a disposable component that can be easily discarded and replaced independently of the more durable photosensitive drum. This allows the system to discard only the consumed toner portion rather than the entire cartridge assembly, reducing waste and cost.
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
Facilitates easy mounting and removal of process units, reduces running costs by allowing only the frequently replaced developing cartridges to be swapped, and achieves size reduction in the vertical direction of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanner which irradiates the photosensitive drum with image light based on an image signal
Implementation Method 2
a developing cartridge which is configured to be removably mounted to the photosensitive body cartridge and includes a developer accommodation portion configured to accommodate developer
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a cover which is moved between a closed position and an open position, a process unit which is removably mounted to the casing via an opening of the casing and includes a handle, and an interlocking mechanism which moves the process unit in interlocking with a movement of the cover between the closed position and the open position to cause the process unit to be located at an internal position when the cover is located at the closed position and cause the process unit to be located at an extraction position when the cover is located at the open position. The handle is moved in interlocking with a movement of the process unit between an accommodation position when the process unit is located at the internal position and an ejection position when the process unit is located at the extraction position.