Swingable Link Member Prevents Drum Unit Positional Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tandem type image forming apparatuses experience positional deviation of the photosensitive unit from the main body when developing rollers are separated from photosensitive drums, leading to image misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a link member swingably supported on a first support shaft of the photosensitive unit, which is displaced by a translation member to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, and released to prevent positional deviation, ensuring accurate alignment and mounting of the drum unit within the main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the translation member presses the developer cartridge to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, then the developing roller is successfully separated from the photosensitive drum, but the photosensitive unit positionally deviates from the main body
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is segmented into two independent functional components: the translation member that presses the developer cartridge for separation, and the support shaft that provides rotational freedom. This segmentation allows the pressing force to be applied locally without transmitting positional deviation forces to the entire photosensitive unit, resolving the contradiction between effective separation and positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member is designed with swingable support on the first support shaft, providing dynamic adaptability. When the translation member presses the developer cartridge, the link member can swing rather than rigidly transmit the force to the photosensitive unit. This dynamic mechanism absorbs the pressing force while maintaining the photosensitive unit's positional alignment with the main body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drum unit is mounted to be movable along the direction of arrangement, then the drum unit can be properly installed and removed, but positional deviation occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The first support shaft provides rotational freedom to the link member while maintaining constrained movement. This dynamic support allows the drum unit to be mounted and detached (adaptability) while preventing operational positional deviation through the controlled rotational constraint. The swingable link member adapts to mounting operations but maintains precision during the pressing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support shaft acts as an intermediary between the fixed main body and the movable drum unit. It allows the link member to swing freely during mounting/detaching operations while providing a stable rotational pivot during operation, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of adaptability and positional precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the link member is swingably supported on the first support shaft, then the developing roller can be separated without causing positional deviation, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pressing mechanism is segmented into simple, modular components: a translation member for linear pressing motion, a link member for force transmission, and a first support shaft for rotational support. Each component has a single, well-defined function, which simplifies manufacturing and assembly despite the overall mechanism's functionality. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the complex function achievable through simple, standardized parts.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus can include a main body, and a drum unit movable between an inside position which is inside of the main body and an outside position. The drum unit may include a photosensitive drum. Also, a displacing member may be provided that can be displaced to a first position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a second position where a developing roller separates from the photosensitive drum.