Developing Cartridge Electrical Contact Positioning for Drum Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing cartridges face challenges in positioning electrical contact surfaces in a way that allows for attachment to drum cartridges without hindrance, particularly when main body electrical contacts are positioned at the side surface of the image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge is designed with a first electrical contact surface positioned at a side surface in the first direction of the casing and a second electrical contact surface positioned at a side surface in the first direction of the drum frame, ensuring they do not obstruct the attachment process, with both surfaces being electrically connected and positioned between the developing roller and the drum cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first electrical contact surface is positioned at a side surface in the first direction of the casing and the second electrical contact surface is positioned at a side surface in the first direction of the drum frame, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the attachment of the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact surfaces are repositioned from side surfaces to end surfaces in the first direction. This dimensional change allows the contact surfaces to be located at positions that do not interfere with the attachment mechanism, resolving the conflict between electrical connectivity and ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact surfaces are pre-positioned at the end surfaces of the casing and drum frame before attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures that the contact surfaces are already in the correct location to establish electrical connectivity upon attachment, without requiring additional adjustment or creating interference during the attachment process.
2Reliability
If the first electrical contact surface is positioned at a side surface in the first direction of the casing, then electrical contact with main body electrical contacts is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact surface is merged with the end surface of the casing, eliminating the need for separate side surface mounting structures. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining electrical contact functionality with the main body electrical contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing cartridge attachable to a drum cartridge includes: a casing configured to accommodate developing agent therein; a developing roller rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in the first direction; a developing memory; and an electrical contact surface. The developing roller is positioned at one end of the casing in a second direction crossing the first direction. The electrical contact surface positioned at one end in the first direction of the casing and electrically connected to the developing memory. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge is positioned between the developing roller and an electrical contact surface of the drum cartridge in the second direction.