Cartridge Holder Movable Relative to Casing for Contact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical contact surface of developing cartridges in image forming apparatuses is prone to frictional wear during attachment, which can lead to reduced performance and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring a cartridge with a holder that includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface, where the holder is movable relative to the casing, and a frame with guide surfaces that gradually reduce the gap distance between them, allowing the holder to position the electrical contact surface for reduced friction during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit or image forming apparatus, then the developing roller and photosensitive drum can contact each other for image formation, but the electrical contact surface of the storage medium is scraped against portions of the apparatus during attachment, causing frictional wear
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into a fixed portion (attached to casing) and a movable portion (holding the storage medium). This segmentation allows the storage medium to be positioned independently from the casing during attachment, preventing the electrical contact surface from scraping against the drawer unit or apparatus while still enabling the developing roller to contact the photosensitive drum for image formation.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical contact surface is positioned closer to the insertion opening for easier attachment, then insertion is simplified, but the electrical contact surface is more prone to scraping and frictional wear during the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The movable holder acts as an intermediary mechanism between the casing and the storage medium. During insertion, the holder moves relative to the casing to guide the storage medium into its final position, ensuring the electrical contact surface approaches the electrical contact gently without scraping against the drawer unit or apparatus, thus maintaining ease of insertion while protecting the contact surface.
3Device complexity
If the holder is fixed to the casing, then the structure is simpler, but the electrical contact surface cannot be positioned to avoid friction during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with dynamic movement capability relative to the casing in the inserting direction. This dynamic structure allows the holder to adjust the position of the storage medium during attachment, enabling the electrical contact surface to avoid friction with the drawer unit or apparatus while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fully rigid fixed-position designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a frame and a cartridge attachable thereto. The cartridge includes a casing, a storage medium including an electrical contact surface, and a holder positioned at one side of the casing in a first direction. The holder includes a first outer surface holding the electrical contact surface. The first outer surface is movable relative to the casing in a second direction. The frame includes first and second guide surfaces, an electrical contact configured to contact the electrical contact surface, and a support surface. A gap distance between the first and second guide surfaces in the second direction is reduced from a first distance to a second distance in an inserting direction. The electrical contact is positioned farther from an insertion opening of the frame than the first guide surface. A gap distance between the electrical contact and the support surface is greater than the second distance.