Pressing Mechanism with Stepped Holder Positions for Drum Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining optimal contact pressure between the developing device and the photoconductor drum due to variations in toner consumption over time, leading to potential image defects such as voids and fluttering of the developing device.
Innovation Solution
A pressing mechanism with a compression spring, supporter, and holder is employed, featuring multiple holding portions at different heights to adjust the pressing force of the developing device against the photoconductor drum, allowing for independent adjustment based on toner consumption and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed pressing mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the contact pressure becomes inconsistent as toner consumption varies over time
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism incorporates multiple holding portions at different positions that allow the pressing force to be dynamically adjusted. The supporter can be positioned at different holding portions depending on toner consumption level, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that maintains optimal contact pressure throughout the process cartridge's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the supporter relative to the photoconductor drum by providing multiple holding portions at different heights. This parameter change allows adjustment of the pressing force to compensate for toner weight reduction over time, ensuring consistent contact pressure without requiring complex active control systems.
2Reliability
If the pressing force is increased to compensate for toner weight loss, then contact pressure is maintained, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into multiple discrete holding portions, each providing a specific pressing force level. This segmentation allows selective engagement based on toner consumption without requiring a continuous or complex adjustment mechanism. The simplicity of selecting from predefined positions maintains structural simplicity while achieving the goal of consistent image quality.
3Reliability
If a cam mechanism with stored data is used, then pressing force can be optimized based on usage time, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex cam mechanism with stored data that would require additional components and control systems, the invention uses a simple holder with multiple holding portions that can be manually adjusted. This approach achieves the same optimization goal with a much simpler, more cost-effective structure that is easier to manufacture and maintain.
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
The mechanism ensures consistent and optimal contact pressure, reducing image defects by allowing for easy adjustment of pressing force, even with changes in toner weight over time, thus maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (33) having one end contacting the developing device (5) to bias the developing device (5) toward the photoconductor drum (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A pressing mechanism includes a compression spring, a supporter, and a holder. The compression spring has one end facing a pressing body to bias the pressing body against a target object in a biasing direction. The supporter supports another end of the compression spring. The holder holds the supporter and includes multiple holding portions having different heights to hold the supporter at different positions in the biasing direction. The multiple holding portions are disposed at different positions in a circumferential direction of the supporter.