Exposure Unit Self-Positioning via Contact Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning and stabilizing exposure units relative to image carriers during mounting, which can affect the precision and reliability of image formation due to dimensional variations and coefficient of linear expansion differences between components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a mechanism where the image carrier, with first contact portions, presses the exposure unit's ribs to fix its position in the optical axis direction, ensuring stable alignment and preventing bending, thus maintaining the depth of focus and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the exposure unit is positioned using conventional mounting methods, then the apparatus structure is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to dimensional variations and coefficient of linear expansion differences
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure unit performs self-positioning by utilizing its own weight to press against the inclined surface of the positioning rib during mounting. The image carrier's movement in the optical axis direction automatically pushes the exposure unit into its correct position without requiring external positioning mechanisms, achieving self-service positioning that improves accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning rib with inclined surface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the image carrier and the exposure unit. This rib mediates the positioning process by converting the linear movement of the image carrier into precise positioning of the exposure unit, while also serving as a guide to prevent bending during mounting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the exposure unit is firmly fixed to the image carrier, then positioning stability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases due to additional fixing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure unit achieves self-fixing to the image carrier through its own weight. When the image carrier moves in the optical axis direction, it pushes the exposure unit against the positioning rib, creating sufficient friction and contact force to stabilize the exposure unit's position without requiring additional fixing mechanisms. The system uses the exposure unit's weight as the fixing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning rib is pre-configured with an inclined surface that automatically engages with the exposure unit during mounting. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the image carrier moves, the exposure unit is already positioned to be pushed into its final stable position, preventing bending and ensuring stability before any operational adjustments are made.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional positioning methods are used, then the mounting mechanism is simple, but image formation precision deteriorates due to bending and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning rib serves as a dual-function intermediary: it guides the exposure unit into correct position and prevents bending during mounting. The inclined surface of the rib ensures that the exposure unit is pushed uniformly, preventing deformation while achieving precise alignment between the exposure unit and image carrier, thereby improving image formation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure unit self-adjusts its position and self-prevents bending by utilizing the mechanical interaction with the positioning rib during mounting. The design eliminates the need for separate alignment and anti-bending mechanisms, as the exposure unit's own movement and weight accomplish both functions, maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that rotates; and an exposure unit that includes multiple light emitters, a holding unit, and first contact portions, the multiple light emitters being arranged along a rotation axis direction of the image carrier, the holding unit holding the multiple light emitters, the first contact portions being positioned on the holding unit so as to sandwich the multiple light emitters therebetween, the exposure unit exposing the image carrier to light. While the image carrier is being mounted on an apparatus body, the exposure unit is moved away from the image carrier in an optical axis direction of the exposure unit as a result of the first contact portions coming into contact with the image carrier, and the exposure unit and the image carrier are positioned as a result of the first contact portions coming into contact with the image carrier.