Developer Cartridge Pressing Portion for Exposure Member Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate positioning of the exposure member relative to the photosensitive element and inefficient use of internal space due to unstable pressing forces and longer moving passages.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a developer cartridge with a pressing portion that accurately positions the exposure member by pressing it toward the photosensitive element, shortening the moving passage and allowing for effective use of internal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the top cover is used to press and urge the LED head toward the photosensitive element for positioning, then the LED head can be positioned, but the pressing force is unstable and inaccurate positioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is extracted from the top cover and transferred to the developer cartridge. The developer cartridge is equipped with a pressing portion that specifically presses the LED head toward the photosensitive drum, separating the positioning function from the cover structure and enabling stable, accurate pressing force.
2Device complexity
If the LED head is supported by a pivotable top cover, then the structure is simplified, but the moving passage becomes longer and internal space is not effectively used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the top cover pivotable to support the LED head, the invention inverts the approach by making the developer cartridge movable relative to the process unit. The developer cartridge can be attached and detached, and during attachment, it automatically presses the LED head into position, shortening the moving passage and effectively utilizing internal space.
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 enables stable and accurate positioning of the exposure member, enhancing the apparatus's ability to form images while optimizing the use of internal space.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive element; an exposure member configured to expose the photosensitive element to light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive element
Implementation Method 2
the developer cartridge has a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is configured to press the exposure member toward the first position with the developer cartridge being attached to the main body casing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a process unit including a photosensitive element; an exposure member exposing the photosensitive element to light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive element; a main body casing accommodating the process unit and the exposure member; and a developer cartridge supplying developer to the process unit. The developer cartridge is attachable to and removable from the process unit. In this image forming apparatus, the exposure member is positioned between the photosensitive element and the developer cartridge so as to be attached and movable between a first position in which the photosensitive element is exposed to light by the exposure member and a second position in which the exposure member is away from the photosensitive element. Further, the developer cartridge has a pressing portion for pressing the exposure member toward the first position with the developer cartridge being attached to the main body casing.