Movable Light Shielding Member for Charging Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotography, the charge elimination light from the charge elimination device often interferes with the charging device, complicating the attachment and detachment process and reducing the flexibility of the image carrier unit's disposition.
Innovation Solution
An image carrier unit with a light shielding member that moves between two positions, blocking charge elimination light from reaching the charging device during attachment and detachment, ensuring the light shielding member does not interfere with the charging device's operation and allowing for improved dispositional freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the light shielding member is disposed at a position to block charge elimination light from reaching the charging device, then the light shielding effect is improved, but the attachment and detachment operation of the charging device becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding member is configured to be movable between a first position where it blocks charge elimination light from reaching the charging device, and a second position where it is retracted from the attachment-detachment path. During charging device attachment/detachment, the light shielding member moves to the second position to clear the path, and returns to the first position during normal operation to provide light shielding, thus resolving the contradiction between light shielding effectiveness and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The movable light shielding member acts as an intermediary element that can dynamically adjust its position to mediate between the conflicting requirements of light shielding and operational access, allowing both functions to coexist without permanent structural compromise
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light shielding member is fixed at a position to block charge elimination light, then the light shielding effect is improved, but the flexibility of the image carrier unit's disposition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding member transitions from a fixed configuration to a movable one, enabling it to adapt its position based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high light shielding effectiveness during normal operation while providing flexibility for charging device maintenance and replacement
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 detachability and attachability of the image carrier unit, preventing light interference and allowing for a high light shielding effect without restrictions, thus simplifying maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The unit housing is provided with a light shielding member that is disposed at a first position at which the light shielding member blocks charge elimination light shone onto the image carrier from a charge elimination device provided on the image forming apparatus side such that the charge elimination light does not reach the charging device
Implementation Method 2
The charging device electrically charges a surface of the image carrier
Implementation Method 3
charge elimination means that irradiates the photosensitive member with light of a predetermined wavelength to thereby remove charge generated by the transfer charging device
Data Source
AI summary
An image carrier unit includes an image carrier, a charging device, and a unit housing. The charging device is attachably/detachably held in the unit housing, and electrically charges a surface of the image carrier. The unit housing integrally holds the image carrier and the charging device. The unit housing includes a light shielding member disposed at a first position at which the light shielding member blocks charge elimination light shone onto the image carrier from a charge elimination device provided on a side of the image forming apparatus such that the charge elimination light does not reach the charging device, the first position overlapping with an attachment-detachment path of the charging device. When detaching the charging device from the unit housing, the light shielding member moves from the first position to a second position retracted from the attachment-detachment path of the charging device.