Resin Frame Attachment for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face complexity in attaching sheet metal frames to resin frames due to the sandwiched configuration, leading to workability issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a resin frame system with a positioning and attaching mechanism that includes a driving unit with multiple driving mechanisms and positioning frames, allowing for precise attachment and positioning of sheet metal members along the sheet feeding path, improving workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sheet metal frames are secured to sandwich the resin frame, then structural support is improved, but attaching work becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into a resin frame body and separate sheet metal frame members. The sheet metal frame members are attached to the outer surfaces of the resin frame body rather than sandwiching it, which simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of securing sheet metal frames by sandwiching the resin frame between them (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by attaching sheet metal frames to the outer surfaces of the resin frame body, making the assembly process simpler while achieving the same structural support effect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sheet metal frames are attached to resin frame, then functional components are supported, but workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented into the resin frame body and multiple independent sheet metal frame members. Each sheet metal member can be attached separately to the outer surfaces of the resin frame body, allowing for simplified assembly while supporting various functional components such as the photoreceptor support, drum drive, and transfer roller support.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises a housing including a resin frame. The resin frame is divided in a sheet feeding direction to include a conveyance frame, a process frame and a fixation frame. Moreover, the image forming apparatus comprises a driving unit and a drive frame. The driving unit is attachably and detachably provided in the drive frame, and applies a rotational driving force to rotating bodies. The drive frame is positioned with respect to the conveyance frame or the process frame, supports the rotating bodies, and has an attaching portion for the driving unit. Moreover, the drive frame is attached to one surface of the resin frame.