Cartridge Frame Segmentation for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, vibration from the transfer roller can cause distortion of toner images on sheets passing between the photosensitive drum and transfer roller, leading to a decrease in image quality due to the sheets hitting the rear bottom wall.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design with a first frame supporting an image-carrying member and a transfer member, defining a nip portion, and a second frame positioned downstream to allow the sheet to pass through, preventing vibration transmission and maintaining image quality by stabilizing the discharge opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer roller is driven to transfer the developer image, then the image transfer function is achieved, but vibration is generated that causes image distortion and quality decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing and a second housing positioned at different locations. The first housing supports the transfer roller and allows vibration, while the second housing forms the discharge opening and remains stable. This segmentation isolates the vibration source from the discharge opening, preventing image distortion while maintaining transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first housing acts as an intermediary structure between the transfer roller and the discharge opening. It provides a stable mounting for the transfer roller while its positioning relative to the second housing prevents vibration transmission to the discharge opening, thus mediating between the moving transfer roller and the stationary discharge path.
2Device complexity
If the discharge opening is positioned near the transfer roller, then the structure is simplified, but vibration causes the sheet to hit the opening and distort the image
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two separate housings: the first housing containing the transfer roller and the second housing forming the discharge opening. This segmentation allows the discharge opening to be positioned downstream where it is not affected by transfer roller vibration, maintaining image quality without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the transfer roller is supported by the same frame as the discharge opening, then the support structure is simplified, but vibration is transmitted to the discharge opening causing sheet distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two separate housings. The first housing supports the transfer roller and is designed to accommodate its vibration, while the second housing supports the discharge opening and remains stable. This segmentation prevents vibration transmission while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening function is extracted from the transfer roller support structure and placed in a separate second housing positioned downstream. This extraction removes the discharge opening from the vibration-prone area while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a first frame, an image-carrying member, a transfer member, and a second frame. The image-carrying member is rotatably supported by the first frame and is configured to carry a developer image thereon. The transfer member is rotatably supported by the first frame and faces the image-carrying member. The transfer member is configured to transfer the developer image from the image-carrying member to a recording medium. The image-carrying member and the transfer member define a nip portion therebetween. The second frame is attached to the first frame and is disposed downstream from the nip portion in a passage direction in which a recording medium passes. The second frame defines at least part of a first opening. The first opening allows a recording medium that has passed through the nip portion to pass therethrough.