Pivoting Holder for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in removing image forming units without contacting imaging devices, leading to potential damage and complicating the design and cost of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a pivotally supported holder that moves latent image forming devices from an engaged position to a retracted position, with at least one device positioned at the end of the housing relative to the fulcrum, allowing linear movement perpendicular to the opening and preventing contact with other components during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the top cover and middle cover are rotated to open the housing for removing image forming units, then the image forming units can be accessed and removed, but the writing head at the fulcrum side enters the removal area and may contact or damage the image forming unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the writing head movable relative to the middle cover through a moving device. When the middle cover rotates to the open position, the writing head automatically moves from its initial position to a retracted position, dynamically avoiding the image forming unit removal area. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the risk of contact damage while maintaining ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the writing head is positioned close to the fulcrum of the middle cover, then the holder length can be reduced and the apparatus can be compacted, but the writing head enters the area where the image forming unit passes during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The moving device enables the writing head to dynamically change its position relative to the middle cover. When the middle cover is in the open position, the writing head moves to a retracted position that prevents it from entering the image forming unit removal area. This dynamic positioning allows the holder to be compact while eliminating the contact damage risk.
3Device complexity
If a conventional fixed writing head configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the writing head cannot avoid the image forming unit during cover opening, requiring complex protective mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a moving device that enables the writing head to move relative to the middle cover. This dynamic mechanism is simpler than complex protective shields or interlocking systems, as it uses the natural rotation of the middle cover to drive the writing head's protective movement. The structure remains relatively simple while achieving reliable protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing including an opening to house a plurality of latent image bearing members for bearing latent images and latent image forming devices for forming the latent images, and an openably and closable holder to hold the latent image forming devices. The holder with one end thereof pivotally supported by the housing moves the latent image forming devices from an engaged position at which the latent image forming devices form the latent images to a retracted position at which the latent image forming devices are separated from the latent image bearing members as the holder moves to an open position at which the opening of the housing is opened. As the holder is opened, at least one of the latent image forming devices, which is closest to a fulcrum of the holder, is positioned at an end of the housing pivotally supporting the holder.