Photoconductor Unit Shielding Wall for Electromagnetic Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with electromagnetic noise affecting signal transmission through electric wiring due to the proximity of charging units and wiring, leading to potential interference and damage during cartridge replacement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a shielding wall on the cartridge tray to separate the charging unit and wiring, ensuring a creepage distance and reducing electromagnetic noise impact, while also preventing user contact with the wiring during cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the charging unit and electric wiring are arranged close to each other to save space, then the device structure is more compact, but electromagnetic noise generated from the charging unit affects signal transmission through the electric wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photoconductor unit into separate functional regions by introducing a shielding wall that partitions the charging unit area from the wiring area. This segmentation creates distinct zones that prevent electromagnetic interference while maintaining overall compactness of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
A shielding wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the charging unit and the electric wiring. This shielding wall acts as a barrier that blocks electromagnetic noise from the charging unit from affecting the signal transmission through the wiring, while allowing both components to remain in close proximity.
2Ease of operation
If the wiring is exposed for easy access during cleaning operations, then ease of operation is improved, but user contact with the wiring may cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding wall serves a dual function: it provides electromagnetic shielding and acts as a physical barrier that prevents user contact with the electric wiring during cleaning operations. This intermediary structure maintains safety while allowing necessary maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding wall is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electromagnetic noise shielding, physical protection of wiring from user contact, and structural support. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both safety and operational access without requiring separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a photoconductor unit, and a developing cartridge. The apparatus body includes a controller and a body-side contact portion. The photoconductor unit includes a photoconductor, a charger, and a frame body. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller, a storage medium configured to store information, and a cartridge-side contact portion. The photoconductor unit includes a first contact portion configured to be electrically connected to the body-side contact portion, a second contact portion configured to be electrically connected to the cartridge-side contact portion, and a wiring portion electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The photoconductor unit further includes a separating member. The separating member is arranged to separate the charger and the part of the wiring portion when viewed in the rotational axis direction of the photoconductor.