Process Cartridge Holding Part Light Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, unwanted light entering through openings can expose the photosensitive drum, leading to potential deterioration and defective image formation, and existing solutions that use light shielding members compromise printer downsizing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a process cartridge with a holding part that blocks unwanted light entering through the opening, allowing the cartridge to be removably mounted and ensuring the light shielding function is integrated within the cartridge's mounting/removing space, thus preventing light exposure to the photosensitive drum without requiring additional space inside the printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light shielding member is provided inside the apparatus body to block light, then the photosensitive drum is protected from light exposure, but the apparatus size increases due to the additional space required for the light shielding member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light shielding function with the existing process cartridge holding part structure. The holding part is designed to serve dual purposes: supporting the process cartridge and blocking light from reaching the photosensitive drum. This integration eliminates the need for a separate light shielding member and the additional space it would require, thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The process cartridge holding part is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical support and optical shielding functions. By making the holding part universal in its functionality, the patent avoids adding dedicated light shielding structures that would increase apparatus volume while maintaining reliable protection of the photosensitive drum
2Ease of operation
If the process cartridge is made removable for easy maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional mounting and removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light shielding function with the mounting/removal mechanism of the process cartridge. The holding part structure that enables easy cartridge removal is simultaneously designed to provide light shielding when the cartridge is mounted. This integration reduces overall structural complexity by eliminating separate light shielding components while maintaining ease of operation for cartridge maintenance
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 effectively suppresses the deterioration of the photosensitive drum and prevents defective image formation while enabling printer downsizing by integrating the light shielding function within the cartridge's mounting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the process cartridge holding part prevents at least part of light that has entered the inside of the housing through the first opening from reaching the photosensitive body
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a housing; and a process cartridge. The housing is formed with a first opening through which recording medium is to be introduced into an inside of the housing. The process cartridge is configured to be mounted in the inside of the housing and is provided with a photosensitive body. The process cartridge is provided with a process cartridge holding part configured to be held by a user so as to remove the process cartridge from the housing. The process cartridge holding part is configured such that in a state where the process cartridge is mounted in the inside of the housing, the process cartridge holding part prevents at least part of light that has entered the inside of the housing through the first opening from reaching the photosensitive body.