Motor Shield and Frame Layout for Low-Vibration Image Forming Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with vibration of the exposure unit, leading to potential image defects, while also requiring downsizing and weight reduction for space efficiency and cost savings.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a frame member with a metal support surface and an exposure unit positioned at an inclination, supported by metal support members and a resin positioning member, with a shield metal plate covering the motor to reduce vibration and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exposure unit is fixed to a metal plate stay with high rigidity to reduce vibration, then image quality is improved, but the apparatus size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple metal plates (first metal plate, second metal plate, frame member) that are connected to each other, distributing the load and providing rigidity without requiring a single heavy component. The shield metal plate is also segmented to cover specific areas around the motor and exposure unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining multiple metal plates with different functions (support, shielding, reinforcement) to achieve high rigidity and vibration resistance. The combination of these metal components creates a structurally sound support system that reduces vibration without excessive weight increase.
2Reliability
If the exposure unit is fixed to a metal plate stay with high rigidity to reduce vibration, then image quality is improved, but the apparatus occupies more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple metal plates (first metal plate, second metal plate, frame member) that are connected to each other, distributing the load and providing rigidity without requiring a single heavy component. The shield metal plate is also segmented to cover specific areas around the motor and exposure unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure unit is positioned at an inclination rather than parallel to the support surface, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This inclined positioning allows the emission direction to be optimized while maintaining compact footprint of the apparatus.
3Area of stationary object
If components are densely arranged to downsize the apparatus, then installation space is reduced, but vibration and stability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses asymmetric arrangement of metal plates and components, with the first and second metal plates positioned at opposite ends of the image bearing member in the rotation-axis direction, and the frame member connecting them asymmetrically. This asymmetric structure provides structural balance and stability despite compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces reinforcing surfaces with curved or angled geometries on the metal plates to enhance structural rigidity without increasing overall size. The inclined positioning of the exposure unit also utilizes angular geometry to optimize space while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a frame member connected to first and second metal plates supporting the image bearing member, and a motor disposed on the first metal plate and between the first and second metal plates in a rotation-axis direction of the image bearing member. The frame member includes a reinforcing surface formed in an area in the rotation-axis direction in which the motor is not disposed, and when viewed in the rotation-axis direction, the reinforcing surface and the motor partially overlap with each other. A portion of the motor projects from the reinforcing surface toward a direction opposite to the image bearing member. A shield metal plate is connected to the first and second metal plates and the frame member and covers the portion of the motor from a side opposite to the image bearing member.