Light Emitting Member Support Linear Reciprocating Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require significant space to pivot the light emitting member support, making it inefficient in terms of space utilization when replacing cartridges.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a light emitting member support that moves between an exposure position and a retracted position within a smaller space by maintaining parallelism with the axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, utilizing a penetrating and retracting device with elastic members and a moving member to facilitate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light emitting member support is pivoted to move between exposure and retracted positions, then the light emitting member can be positioned for exposure and retracted for cartridge replacement, but a large amount of space is required for the pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting member support transitions from rotational pivoting motion to linear reciprocating motion along the optical axis direction. This dimensional change in motion trajectory allows the support to move between exposure and retracted positions without requiring the large lateral space needed for pivoting, thereby reducing the overall space requirement in the apparatus main body
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light emitting member support is pivoted outward for cartridge replacement, then the light emitting member can be retracted, but the apparatus requires more space for this pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure moves along the optical axis direction (front-to-back motion) rather than pivoting outward (lateral motion). This linear reciprocating motion enables the light emitting member to be retracted to an retracted position where it does not interfere with cartridge removal and installation, providing the same adaptability for cartridge replacement while consuming significantly less space in the apparatus main body
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
This configuration allows for effective space utilization within the apparatus main body, enabling the light emitting member support to be moved between positions without the need for extensive pivoting, thus reducing the required space and preventing contamination and damage during cartridge replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic members (22a and 22b) respectively arranged on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the light emitting member support
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium includes: a light emitting member having multiple light emitting elements provided side-by-side along a direction of an axis of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum of a process cartridge removably mounted to a mounting portion to subject the drum to exposure according to image information; a light emitting member support which supports the light emitting member, and is movable between an exposure position, at which the drum is subjected to exposure, and a retracted position, at which the light emitting member is retracted from the exposure position; and a moving member configured to move the light emitting member support between the exposure position and the retracted position in a state in which the light emitting member keeps parallel to the axis of the drum.