Charger Positioning Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning and securely holding a charger relative to a rotatably supported image carrier, which affects the consistency and efficiency of electrostatic latent image formation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a charger with a movement mechanism, positioning structure, and pushing members to move the charger between charging and retracted positions, utilizing reference members and torsion springs to ensure precise alignment and secure contact with the image carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a movement mechanism is used to position the charger close to the image carrier surface, then charging accuracy is improved, but positioning stability deteriorates due to potential wobbling during movement
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning structure comprising reference members (first reference member on charger, second reference member on image carrier) acts as an intermediary mechanism to ensure accurate and stable positioning. The reference members contact each other when the charger is at the charging position, providing both precision and stability by eliminating wobbling during movement while maintaining close proximity for accurate charging.
2Reliability
If the charger is held in contact with the image carrier at the charging position, then charging reliability is improved, but ease of retraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A pushing member configured to automatically push the charger against the image carrier when the charger is at the charging position provides self-service functionality. This ensures reliable contact and charging without requiring manual intervention, while the automatic nature of the pushing mechanism maintains ease of operation during both charging and retraction phases.
3Measurement precision
If reference members are used to position the charger, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into distinct reference members: a first reference member provided on the charger and a second reference member provided on the image carrier. This segmentation allows each reference member to be independently designed and positioned, achieving high positioning precision through their contact relationship while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular functionality.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of charging the image carrier, improving the consistency of electrostatic latent image formation and reducing wobbling during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a pushing member configured to push the charger against the image carrier when the charger is at the charging position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a charger facing a rotatably supported image carrier, the charger being configured to charge the image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed; a movement mechanism configured to move the charger between a charging position at which the charger is close to the image carrier and a retracted position at which the charger is retracted away from the image carrier; a positioning structure including a first reference member that is provided on the charger and a second reference member that is provided on the image carrier, the first reference member and the second reference member are in contact with each other when the charger is at the charging position such that the charger is held in the charging position; and a pushing member configured to push the charger against the image carrier when the charger is at the charging position.