Process Cartridge Memory Tag Segmentation for Gap Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process cartridges face deformation issues due to constant pressure on the memory portion, leading to changes in the gap between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
The process cartridge design includes a photosensitive drum unit and a developing unit with a memory tag having a contact surface that intersects with the cartridge's positioning lines, ensuring stable contact pressure and minimizing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant pressure is imparted to the memory portion of the process cartridge, then the memory can communicate with the main assembly contact at a constant pressure, but the positioned portion of the cartridge is deformed, causing changes in the gap between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into a process cartridge body and a separate memory tag. The memory tag is detachably mounted to the process cartridge, allowing the constant pressure to be applied only to the memory tag without affecting the positioning precision of the developing roller and photosensitive drum in the main cartridge body.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory function is extracted from the main cartridge structure and placed in a separate memory tag. This extraction allows the memory to be positioned and pressed independently, preventing deformation of the cartridge's positioning portions while maintaining reliable electrical contact with the main assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-rigidity materials are used to suppress deformation of the positioned portion, then the gap between the developing roller and photosensitive drum remains stable, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the memory tag from the main cartridge, the invention eliminates the need for high-rigidity materials throughout the entire cartridge structure. Only the memory tag requires rigidity to maintain contact pressure, while the main cartridge can use standard materials without compromising positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the memory function to a separate tag removes the conflict between providing constant pressure and maintaining positioning precision. The main cartridge no longer needs to be made of high-rigidity materials, simplifying material selection and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Device complexity
If the memory is integrated into the process cartridge body, then the structure is simplified, but the constant pressure on the memory causes deformation that changes the developing roller position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cartridge into a main process cartridge body and a separate memory tag. This segmentation allows the memory to be positioned independently at the end of the cartridge, where it can receive constant pressure without interfering with the developing roller positioning mechanism in the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory function is extracted from the main cartridge body and placed in a separate tag. This extraction resolves the conflict between structural simplicity and positioning precision by allowing the memory to be pressed independently while the main cartridge maintains its developing roller positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum unit including a photosensitive drum, and a first and second positioning portions Configured to position the photosensitive drum unit relative to the main assembly; and a developing unit connected with the photosensitive drum unit, the developing unit including a developing roller, a storing means having a contact surface electrically connectable with a main assembly contact of the main assembly to communicate with the main assembly. As seen in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a first line segment connecting the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion with each other and a first linear line passing through the contact surface and perpendicular to the contact surface crosses with each other.