Neutralization Device Curved Partitioning for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neutralization devices in electro-photographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in securing sufficient neutralization light distribution along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum due to structural limitations, leading to uneven light distribution and potential image deterioration at increased image formation speeds.
Innovation Solution
The neutralization device incorporates a substrate with LEDs mounted on it, a partitioning member, and restriction protrusions arranged in a curved pattern to maintain an open passage for neutralization light, preventing toner attachment and ensuring uniform light distribution by positioning the restriction protrusions closer to the photosensitive drum in the central area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the neutralization device is disposed upstream from the cleaning device to secure sufficient neutralization time, then the period of time for eliminating trapped carrier is sufficient, but un-transferred toner and scattered toner may attach to the light emitting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a partitioning member that divides the space between the neutralization device and the photosensitive drum into a neutralization light passage and a toner conveyance path. This segmentation prevents toner from reaching the light emitting portion while allowing neutralization light to pass through to the photosensitive drum surface.
2Illumination intensity
If the opened portion is formed between the partitioning member and housing to allow neutralization light passage, then neutralization light can reach the photosensitive drum, but the space is restricted by drum size and paper conveyance path making it difficult to secure sufficient width
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning member is designed with a curved surface that follows the cylindrical shape of the photosensitive drum. This curvature allows the partitioning member to conform to the drum surface while maintaining an adequate opened portion width for neutralization light passage, overcoming the spatial restrictions imposed by the drum size and paper conveyance path.
3Ease of manufacture
If the free end of the partitioning member is made of thin resin material to reduce cost, then manufacturing is economical, but the free end is likely to bend toward the housing side reducing the opened portion width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces restriction protrusions that are locally positioned to prevent the free end of the partitioning member from bending toward the housing. These protrusions provide localized structural support at critical positions without requiring the entire partitioning member to be made of thick or expensive material, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while preventing opened portion narrowing.
4Device complexity
If the neutralization device uses a conventional structure with partitioning member fixed at base end only, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the opened portion is narrowed in central portion along axial direction reducing neutralization light quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction protrusions are strategically positioned at locations where the partitioning member is most prone to bending (particularly in the central portion along the axial direction). This localized reinforcement prevents narrowing of the opened portion at critical positions, ensuring uniform neutralization light distribution without complicating the overall structure.
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 uniformity of neutralization light distribution along the axial direction, reducing toner attachment and maintaining effective light emission, thereby improving image quality and reducing the risk of exposure memory image generation.
Implementation Method 1
light emitting portions that are mounted on the substrate, and emit neutralization light
Data Source
AI summary
The light emitting portions 140 are mounted on the substrate 120, and emit neutralization light. The first end engagement portion 115 is engaged with the first end portion 121 of the substrate 120 opposite to the image carrier 2. The partitioning member 130 is connected to the housing 110, so as to form an opened portion that is opened to face the surface of the image carrier 2. The plurality of restriction protrusions 150 are arranged along an axial direction of the image carrier 2. The first end engagement portion 115 is disposed in the central portion of the plurality of restriction protrusions 150 in the arrangement direction. The arrangement direction of the plurality of restriction protrusions 150 curves, such that a central portion of the restriction protrusions in the axial direction is closer to the image carrier than end portions of the restriction protrusions in the axial direction.