Process Cartridge Load Member Axial Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process cartridges used in image forming apparatuses deform or warp due to applied load torque on the photosensitive drum, leading to issues like color shift and potential backlash, which can cause the load member to fall off or become misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A process cartridge design featuring a photosensitive drum with a cylindrical flange and a slidably press-fitted load member that rotates independently of the drum, utilizing an engagement part with a regulation surface to prevent side surface loading and ensure secure installation without additional members, even in the presence of axial backlash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a load torque is applied to control uneven speed of the photosensitive drum, then the speed uniformity is improved, but the frame deforms or warps due to load applied on the side surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the load application from side surface direction (horizontal dimension) to axial direction (vertical dimension). The load member applies load torque through the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, avoiding side surface loading that causes frame deformation while achieving speed uniformity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a load member as an intermediary component that transmits load torque from the drive source to the photosensitive drum through axial contact. This intermediary allows controlled load application without directly loading the frame's side surface, preventing deformation while maintaining speed control.
2Reliability
If the load member is securely held by the frame, then the installation reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional members
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously holds the load member through integrated load member holding portions. This multi-functionality secures the load member reliably without requiring separate additional holding components, avoiding increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the load member holding function into the frame structure itself. The load member holding portions are integrated into the frame, combining the support and holding functions in a single structural element, thereby securing the load member without adding separate components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the load member is allowed to rotate with the photosensitive drum, then the axial backlash is compensated, but the load torque cannot be effectively applied
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic relationship where the load member can rotate together with the photosensitive drum to compensate for axial backlash, while the frictional force between them maintains load torque application. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to adjust to positional variations while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes frictional force as the transmission mechanism, where the parameter of friction coefficient enables both backlash compensation through relative rotation and load torque application through frictional engagement. The friction-based interaction allows dynamic adjustment while maintaining force transmission.
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
Prevents deformation and warping of the frame, maintains excellent printing quality without color shift, and ensures secure installation of the load member, all while avoiding the need for new components or risk of the load member falling off.
Implementation Method 1
a load member that applies frictional force to a photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 2
a load member that is slidably press-fitted to the attachment part of the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A process cartridge attachable to and detachable from an image forming device includes a photosensitive drum that is configured to form an electrostatic latent image, a flange that is arranged to the photosensitive drum, including a cylindrical attachment part, a frame that rotatably holds the flange, and a load member that is slidably press-fitted to the attachment part of the flange. The frame includes an engagement part that is configured to engage with a part of the load member, and a rotation of an end part of the load member is regulated by a regulation surface of the engagement part.