Developer Container Resin Contact Member for Stable Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require complex configurations and additional components for establishing electrical connections between conductive members and the image forming apparatus main body, leading to increased assembly complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A developer container with a conductive member and a resin-based contact member that protrudes to engage with the conductive member, simplifying the conductive path by integrating the contact member directly onto the frame through molding, ensuring stable conductivity without the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection methods with electrode rods and sealing members are used, then electrical connection is established, but the configuration becomes complicated and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides electrical connection through its conductive portion, seals through the sealing portion, and fixes the conductive member through the clamping structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrode rods, sealing members, and fixing members, thereby simplifying the configuration while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs electrical conduction, sealing, and mechanical fixing functions. The conductive portion establishes electrical connection, the sealing portion prevents developer leakage, and the clamping structure secures the conductive member to the frame, all within a single integrated component.
2Reliability
If additional components like electrode rods and sealing members are provided, then conductive path is formed, but the number of components increases and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member combines multiple previously separate components into one integrated part, reducing the total component count. The conductive portion, sealing portion, and clamping structure work together in a single component, eliminating the need for separate electrode rods, sealing members, and fixing members, thereby streamlining the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is pre-formed with all necessary functional portions (conductive, sealing, and clamping structures) integrated during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of functions into a single component allows for simpler assembly operations, as the contact member can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If fixing members are used to secure power-supplied members, then stable connection is achieved, but additional fixing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is merged into the contact member itself through the clamping structure. The clamping portions engage with the conductive member to secure it to the frame, eliminating the need for separate fixing members. This integration of fixing functionality into the contact member reduces the number of components and simplifies the fixing process.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used for electrical connection, then conductive path is established, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member integrates multiple functions into a single component that can be manufactured as one piece using molding processes. This reduces the total component count and eliminates the need for separate electrode rods, sealing members, and fixing members, thereby lowering manufacturing costs through reduced part inventory, simplified assembly, and more efficient production processes.
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 assembly process, reduces costs, and maintains stable conductivity, enhancing the assemblability and reliability of the electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive contact member formed of resin on an outer side of the frame so as to be in contact with a part of the conductive member that is exposed from the frame to establish conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a frame configured to store developer, a conductive member provided on the frame, and a conductive contact member formed of resin on an outer side of the frame so as to be in contact with a part of the conductive member that is exposed from the frame to establish conduction. The contact member includes a protruding portion that is disposed at a portion to be in contact with the conductive member and protrudes toward the conductive member. The conductive member includes an engaging portion that is formed to fit with the protruding portion and configured to engage with the protruding portion. As a result, stable conductivity is secured by simplifying the configuration of the contact member for electrically connecting the conductive member provided on the frame, to an image forming apparatus main body.