Process Cartridge Mounting and Exposure Device Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing image forming apparatus configurations become complicated due to the need to contact and separate the exposure head from the photosensitive drum during process cartridge attachment and detachment, which interferes with the operation of the apparatus main body.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus is designed with a process cartridge that can be mounted perpendicularly to the rotational axis of the photosensitive member, where the exposure device, comprising light emitting devices and a facing part, is positioned on a line intersecting the rotational axis and perpendicular to the mounting direction, allowing the charger to be placed at an opposite side of a line parallel to the mounting direction, thereby avoiding contact with the exposure head during attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the exposure head is arranged adjacent to the photosensitive drum surface, then the exposure function is achieved, but the process cartridge attachment and detachment operations are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure functionVSAvoidprocess cartridge attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure head is repositioned from a location adjacent to the photosensitive drum surface to a location above the drum, arranged along the rotational axis direction. This dimensional repositioning allows the exposure head to maintain its functional relationship with the drum while clearing the path for process cartridge attachment and detachment operations at the front of the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the exposure head is moved away from the photosensitive drum, then the attachment and detachment operations are facilitated, but the apparatus configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess cartridge attachment and detachmentVSAvoidapparatus configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed with a unified structural framework where the exposure head, supported by the arm-shaped holder, serves multiple functions: it can be positioned for exposure operations and simultaneously cleared for process cartridge access. The arm-shaped holder structure provides both support for the exposure head and a mechanical linkage for rotation, achieving multi-functionality without adding separate complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the LED array head is fixed to a rotatable arm-shaped holder, then the exposure head can be contacted and separated from the photosensitive drum, but the apparatus main body configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure head contact and separationVSAvoidapparatus main body configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arm-shaped holder integrates multiple functions into a single component: it supports the LED array head, provides rotational movement capability, and serves as the mechanical linkage between the top cover operation and the exposure head positioning. By merging these functions into one structure rather than using separate components, the design achieves adaptability while minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge, reduces the complexity of the apparatus, and maintains a precise positioning of the exposure device relative to the photosensitive drum, ensuring efficient image formation without damaging the exposure head or charger.

Implementation Method 1

The exposure head has a plurality of light emitting devices consisting of organic EL (Electro Luminescent) devices or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a photosensitive drum, for example, is uniformly charged by a charger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS9025997B2Image forming apparatus having detachably mounted process cartridge and fixed exposure device

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a main body; a process cartridge being detachably mounted to the main body along a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis direction, the process cartridge including a photosensitive member, and a charger facing a surface of the photosensitive member; and an exposure device including a plurality of light emitting devices arranged along the rotational axis direction, and a facing part. The facing part is a part of the exposure device that is positioned closest to the photosensitive member and faces the surface of the photosensitive member when seen from the rotational axis direction, at a state in which the process cartridge is mounted, and the charger is positioned at an opposite side of the exposure device with respect to a second line which is parallel with the mounting direction and passes the facing part when seen from the rotational axis direction.