Vertical Component Arrangement in Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-photographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in size reduction in the vertical direction due to the placement of the laser scanner, which restricts flexibility in installation and storage locations.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus is redesigned with the exposure unit positioned perpendicular to the process unit, allowing for a more compact vertical configuration, and a guide portion in the casing facilitates smooth mounting and removal of the process unit, enabling size reduction while maintaining operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the laser scanner is disposed on the rear upper side with respect to the image forming section, then the image forming function is achieved, but the vertical size of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical size of apparatusVSAvoidmounting and removal operation of process unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the exposure unit from a vertical arrangement (above the process unit) to a horizontal arrangement (at the side of the process unit). This dimensional change allows the components to be arranged in the width direction rather than the vertical direction, thereby reducing the vertical size of the apparatus while maintaining all necessary functional relationships between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a guide portion as a separate structural element within the casing that specifically guides the process unit. This segmentation of the guiding function from the overall apparatus structure allows for smooth mounting and removal operations of the process unit, addressing the operational ease concern while enabling the compact vertical configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the exposure unit is disposed above the process unit in the vertical direction, then the image forming function is achieved, but the vertical size of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical size of apparatusVSAvoidimage forming function

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure unit is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (above the process unit) to a horizontal arrangement (at the side of the process unit). This dimensional change allows the components to be arranged in the width direction rather than the vertical direction, thereby reducing the vertical size of the apparatus while maintaining all necessary functional relationships between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus is size-reduced in the vertical direction, then installation and storage flexibility is improved, but the mounting and removal operation of the process unit becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and storage flexibilityVSAvoidmounting and removal operation of process unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration achieves size reduction in the vertical direction and ensures smooth operations for the process unit, enhancing installation and storage flexibility without compromising performance.

Implementation Method 1

an image forming apparatus which employs an electro-photographic method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-photographic method: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a fixing unit which is disposed on the other side in the second direction with respect to the process unit, and is configured to fix a developer image formed on a recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal fixation: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9488957B2Vertical arrangement of components in an image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus into the casing, and the exposure unit is disposed on the one side in the second direction of the includes a an image forming unit, the image forming unit including a toner accommodation portion. The image forming apparatus further includes a detachable sheet feed cassette that is disposed at a lower part of the casing, a pickup roller, a sheet conveying path, and a sheet discharge path. The pickup roller and the toner accommodation portion are positioned at heights that at least partially overlap one another (e.g., when viewed in a horizontal direction). In some arrangements, the sheet conveying path passes between the toner accommodation portion and the sheet feed cassette. Moreover, the image forming apparatus may include a scanner unit, wherein the toner accommodation portion and the scanner unit are arranged at positions where at least a part of the toner accommodation portion overlaps the scanner unit when viewed in horizontal direction.