Movable Exposing Member Mechanism for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic methods face challenges in reducing the size while ensuring proper movement of exposing members, as they require significant linear movement distances for LED array heads, leading to increased apparatus size.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a movable mechanism comprising a first movable member for opening/closing an opening and a second movable member that supports the exposing member, allowing it to move between exposure and evacuation positions, reducing the overall size by minimizing the required movement distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LED array heads are moved between first positions (close to photosensitive drums) and second positions (evacuated from photosensitive drums) using linear movement of a bracket with tapered guide portions, then the exposing members can be properly positioned and evacuated, but the linear movement distance required increases the overall apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement mechanism from linear translation to rotational motion. The holding member rotates about a pivot point, allowing the LED array heads to move between extended and retracted positions through angular displacement rather than linear movement. This dimensional change from 1D linear motion to 2D rotational motion enables compact positioning without requiring long linear travel distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism where the holding member is rotatably connected to the main body. This dynamic connection allows the system to adapt its configuration between different positions (exposed and evacuated) through controlled rotation, providing flexible positioning with minimal space requirement compared to fixed linear guides.
2Ease of operation
If a bracket with tapered guide portions is used to guide pins of the holding member, then the LED array heads can be moved between exposure and evacuation positions, but the linear movement distance that must be secured increases the apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces linear guiding mechanisms with a rotational pivot connection. Instead of using tapered portions that require linear movement distance, the holding member rotates about a pivot point, converting the required motion into angular displacement. This dramatically reduces the linear space needed while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the holding member linearly along tapered guides, the patent inverts the approach by using rotational motion about a pivot. The movement is achieved by rotating the holding member between two angular positions rather than translating it linearly, fundamentally changing the motion paradigm to save space.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a main apparatus body; an opening/closing member; a drum unit including a photosensitive drum and can be pulled out of an accommodating space along an axial direction of the photosensitive drum; an exposing member provided in the main apparatus body and movable between an exposure position and an evacuation position; and a movable mechanism including: a first movable member movable in accordance with an opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member; and a second movable member for moving the exposing member between the exposure position and the evacuation position in accordance with movement of the first movable member. The second movable member supports both end portions of the exposing member. The second movable member moves the exposing member to the exposure position or the evacuation position by the movement of the first movable member in accordance with the movement of the opening/closing member.