LED Exposure Linking Mechanism for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with LED exposure systems require significant space for retracting the exposure member, leading to increased size due to the need for a large guide apparatus to accommodate the moving exposure means.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a moving mechanism that includes a fixed shaft, a rotatable first arm, a movable shaft, and a swingable second arm to move the exposure member from an exposure posture to a retracted posture, allowing for storage within a supporting member, reducing the required space for retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image exposing means moves linearly in the guide device, then the exposure member can be retracted from the mount/removal path, but the guide apparatus requires a large space leading to increased device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of the exposure member from linear (vertical) to arc-shaped trajectory. By introducing angular movement around a rotation axis, the exposure member can be retracted into a horizontal position that does not interfere with the vertical mount/removal path, thereby reducing the space required for the guide apparatus while maintaining operational functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exposure member is retracted from the mount/removal path, then the photoconductor unit can be mounted and removed, but a large space is required for storing the exposure member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes angular movement to reposition the exposure member horizontally during retraction, allowing it to be stored in a position that does not interfere with the vertical mount/removal path. This dimensional change enables compact storage space while maintaining full adaptability for photoconductor unit operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure member is designed with dynamic movement capability, transitioning between exposure position and retracted position through rotation. This dynamic mechanism allows the exposure member to be stored in a compact arc-shaped path rather than requiring a large static storage space, while still providing full functionality during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member closer to and further from the photoconductor. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm including one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm including: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft.