Cartridge Positioning via Protrusions and Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses with integrated cartridges have complex configurations, increased part counts, higher costs, and larger sizes due to internal component positioning, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cartridge configuration where the cleaning unit and developing unit are integrated in a pivotal manner, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without damaging the cartridge, and the image forming apparatus supports the cartridge with a reduced number of parts and a more compact design by using a combination of abutment portions and urging members for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cartridge is positioned by moving components inside the image forming apparatus after mounting, then the cartridge position can be adjusted, but the number of parts increases and the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving components inside the image forming apparatus to position the cartridge, the invention inverts the approach by providing positioning protrusions on the cartridge itself that engage with corresponding positioning grooves in the image forming apparatus. This allows the cartridge to self-position during mounting without requiring internal component movement or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and grooves are pre-configured on the cartridge and image forming apparatus respectively, enabling automatic positioning to occur during the mounting process itself. This preliminary arrangement of positioning features eliminates the need for post-mounting adjustment operations and reduces the number of parts required for positioning.
2Measurement precision
If the cartridge is positioned by moving components inside the image forming apparatus, then positioning can be achieved, but assembly becomes complicated and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transfers the positioning function from internal components of the image forming apparatus to the cartridge itself through positioning protrusions. This inversion simplifies the image forming apparatus structure and makes assembly easier, as the cartridge brings its own positioning features rather than requiring complex internal positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge performs its own positioning function through the positioning protrusions that engage with the image forming apparatus during mounting. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for complex external positioning mechanisms and simplifies both manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Measurement precision
If a complex internal component arrangement is used for cartridge positioning, then positioning can be achieved, but the image forming apparatus becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
By placing positioning protrusions on the cartridge rather than using internal positioning components in the image forming apparatus, the invention significantly reduces the space requirements within the apparatus. The positioning function is externalized to the cartridge, allowing for a more compact overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from the internal components of the image forming apparatus and transferred to the cartridge itself. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal positioning mechanisms and reduces the volume of the stationary object (image forming apparatus).
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge (B) including a photosensitive drum (62), a cleaning unit (60) that supports the photosensitive drum, a process member (66, 32, 77) that acts on the photosensitive drum, the cartridge being detachable from a main body (A) of the image forming apparatus in a rotational axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The cartridge further including a first position determination position (73) determining a downstream position with respect to the main body in a mounting direction of the photosensitive drum, and a second position determination portion (71) that determines an upstream position with respect to the main body in the mounting direction. Furthermore, in a cross section orthogonal to the mounting direction, a distance from an axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum to the second position determination portion in a predetermined direction is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the first position determination portion in the predetermined direction.