Swingable Endless Belt for Photoconductor Drum Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in replacing parts, such as the photoconductor drum, due to obstructions from the ejection roller and fixing device when installed in certain orientations, which hinder easy access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus features a swingable endless belt configuration about an axis near the second side wall, allowing the first end portion to move in an upper-lower direction, which enables easier replacement of the photoconductor drum and other components by avoiding interference with the fixing device and ejection roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ejection roller and fixing device are provided near the free end of the top cover, then the sheet ejection function is achieved, but the replacement of the photoconductor drum becomes difficult due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the top cover into functionally independent segments: the ejection roller and fixing device remain fixed near the free end for sheet ejection, while the endless belt and photoconductor drum are made swingable as a separate accessible segment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without interfering with maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability to the endless belt assembly by enabling it to swing about an axis near the second side wall. This dynamic feature allows the belt and photoconductor drum to be swung away from the obstruction zone created by the fixed ejection roller and fixing device, facilitating easy replacement while maintaining normal sheet ejection function.
2Ease of repair
If the top cover and conveyor belt are made swingable for easy maintenance, then part replacement is facilitated, but the fixing device and ejection roller create obstructions in certain orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by introducing a new dimension of motion - swinging the endless belt about an axis near the second side wall. This creates a rotational degree of freedom that allows the belt to be moved out of the obstruction zone created by the fixing device and ejection roller, providing clear access for maintenance operations without requiring reconfiguration of the fixed components.
Data Source
AI summary
Image forming apparatus includes: main body casing having first and second side walls opposite to each other, and upper portion having opening; top cover swingably supported on the upper portion of the main body casing at a position near the second side wall and configured to openably close the opening; endless belt disposed below the top cover and having first end portion closer to the first side wall and second end portion closer to the second side wall; photoconductor drum disposed under the endless belt; development unit disposed under the photoconductor drum and configured to supply developer to the photoconductor drum; and fixing device disposed above the second end portion of the endless belt. The endless belt is configured to be swingable about axis of rotation provided near the second side wall such that the first end portion of the endless belt is swingable in an upper-lower direction.