Developer Cartridge Pressing and Terminal Integration for Uniform Drum Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in maintaining uniform contact force between the developing roller and the photoconductive drum after replacing cartridges, which affects the electrical connection of memory units, leading to inconsistent performance and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with multiple pressing members at various positions ensures uniform pressing of the developing roller to the photoconductive drum, while simultaneously establishing stable electrical connections through terminals at specific points, maintaining consistent contact and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a memory unit is electrically connected to the main body through an independent contact, then the memory unit can store and transmit information, but the pressing force of the developing roller becomes unbalanced and cannot be pressed uniformly to the photoconductive member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact function with the pressing mechanism by integrating the terminal into the pressing member structure. The pressing member serves dual purposes: applying mechanical pressure to ensure uniform contact between the developing roller and photoconductive member, while simultaneously providing an electrical connection path for the memory unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate independent contacts that would disrupt the pressing force distribution.
2Ease of repair
If cartridges are made replaceable to facilitate maintenance and reduce cost, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the distribution of contact force in the axis direction becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressing function into multiple pressing members positioned at different locations along the axis direction. Each pressing member independently applies force at its specific position, allowing the system to maintain uniform overall pressing force distribution even when cartridges are replaced. This segmented approach ensures that the replaceable cartridge structure does not compromise contact force uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing members are designed to automatically adjust and distribute force uniformly across the developing roller when the cartridge is installed, without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The terminal-integrated pressing members self-adjust to provide consistent electrical connection and mechanical pressure, facilitating easy cartridge replacement while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If a single pressing mechanism is used to press the developing roller, then the structure is simple, but the pressing force cannot be balanced uniformly across the axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing members are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as mechanical pressing elements and as electrical connection terminals. This universal design allows multiple pressing members to work together as an integrated system, achieving uniform force distribution without significantly increasing overall structural complexity. Each pressing member is a self-contained unit that performs dual functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer cartridge according to one aspect is attachable to a photoconductor unit that comprises a photoconductive drum. The developer cartridge may comprise a main body having an opening, the main body comprising an electric circuit, a front cover configured to move to an opening position in which the opening of the main body is exposed and to a closing position in which the opening of the main body is closed, a first terminal electrically connected to the electric circuit, a photosensitive drum, and a developer cartridge comprising a developing roller, developing frame having a pressed portion, memory unit and second terminal. The front cover may include a pressing portion configured to press the pressed portion of the developing frame in a direction from the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum, and wherein the second terminal faces to the front cover when the front cover is in the closed position.