Composite Seal Member for Photoreceptor Drum Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in holding electrostatic latent image bearing members like photoreceptor drums without increasing the apparatus size, while also preventing toner suction during high-speed rotation due to gaps between the drum and the cleaning frame.
Innovation Solution
A process unit with seal members comprising a hard and elastic material combination, where the hard member supports the photoreceptor drum flanges and the elastic member fills the gaps between the drum and the frame, allowing for correct positioning and preventing toner suction without enlarging the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism for temporarily holding the photoreceptor drum and seal members are provided on the frame, then the photoreceptor drum can be held correctly and toner suction can be prevented, but the process cartridge becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding function and sealing function into a single integrated seal member structure. The seal member simultaneously holds the photoreceptor drum at its ends and seals the gaps to prevent toner suction, eliminating the need for separate holding mechanisms and reducing the overall cartridge size.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a holding element (supporting the photoreceptor drum ends) and a sealing element (preventing toner suction through gaps). This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and prevents size increase.
2Device complexity
If only an elastic member is used in the seal member, then the seal member can be simple in structure, but the wear resistance during rotation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is constructed as a composite structure with a hard member and an elastic member. The hard member provides wear resistance during rotation, while the elastic member provides sealing capability and structural flexibility. This composite design achieves both wear resistance and simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the seal member have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the hard member contacts the rotating photoreceptor drum for wear resistance, while the elastic member contacts the frame for sealing. This localized material assignment achieves high reliability without overall structural complexity.
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
The solution effectively holds the photoreceptor drum in place before insertion, prevents toner suction during rotation, and enhances wear resistance, making the attachment process easier while maintaining the apparatus's compact size.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is brought into contact with the frame
Implementation Method 2
a hard member that is brought into contact with the electrostatic latent image bearing member
Data Source
AI summary
A process unit includes a photoreceptor drum, a frame and seal members. The photoreceptor drum has drum flanges protruded outwardly from both end surfaces of a substrate. The frame supports the photoreceptor drum rotatably. The seal members are provided between both end surfaces of the photoreceptor drum and the frame, and support the drum flanges. Each of the seal members includes an elastic member and a hard member. The elastic member and the hard member are adhered and laminated with each other in an axial direction of the photoreceptor drum. Furthermore, the hard member is arranged so as to be brought into contact with the photoreceptor drum.