Developing Cartridge Electrode System for Image Carrier Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses risk damaging the image carrier when the developing cartridge is detached, as electric current can flow into processing devices, leading to excessive voltage application even after separation, potentially harming the image carrier.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first and second electrode system that connects only when the developing cartridge is mounted, ensuring no electric current flows into the processing device when detached, thereby preventing voltage application to the image carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage is applied between the image carrier and processing device during normal operation, then image formation function is improved, but image carrier damage risk increases when developing cartridge is detached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation functionVSAvoidimage carrier damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transfer charger as an intermediary component between the image carrier and the processing device. The transfer charger includes a transfer belt and charging rollers that mediate the voltage application process. When the developing cartridge is detached, the transfer charger prevents direct voltage application to the image carrier by interrupting the electrical connection path, thus protecting the image carrier while maintaining normal image formation function when the cartridge is properly installed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the voltage control function from the main processing device and relocates it to the transfer charger assembly. By separating the voltage application control to a dedicated component (transfer charger) that can be independently controlled based on cartridge presence, the system achieves both reliable image formation during operation and automatic protection when the cartridge is detached

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If developing cartridge is made detachable for replacement, then maintenance ease is improved, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge replacementVSAvoidelectrical connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic electrical connection system where the electrical connection between the developing cartridge and the main body is automatically established or interrupted based on the cartridge's mounted or detached state. The transfer charger and electrode arrangements are designed to provide reliable electrical connection only when the cartridge is properly mounted, while automatically disconnecting when detached, thus maintaining connection reliability without compromising replacement ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer charger serves as an intermediary that manages the electrical connection dynamics. It includes electrical connection portions that engage with the main body only when the developing cartridge is properly mounted. This intermediary mechanism ensures that voltage is applied to processing devices only when the cartridge is securely in place, maintaining electrical connection reliability while preserving the detachable design for easy maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively prevents damage to the image carrier by ensuring no voltage is applied when the developing cartridge is separated, maintaining the image carrier's integrity and preventing toner application issues.

Implementation Method 1

a second electrode capable of being electrically connected with the first electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted with respect to the image carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the second electrode positions the developing cartridge in an axial direction of the developing roller... preventing damage to the image carrier by stopping an electric current flowing into a processing device when a developing cartridge is separated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation through disconnection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS7787797B2Image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and developing cartridge

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus that includes: an image carrier; a developing cartridge detachably mountable with respect to the image carrier; a processing device to which voltage acting between the image carrier and the processing device is applied; and a first electrode, wherein the developing cartridge further includes: a developing roller on which toner is capable of being held; and a second electrode capable of being electrically connected with the first electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted with respect to the image carrier, the processing device further includes: a third electrode capable of being electrically connected with the second electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted with respect to the image carrier, wherein the second electrode positions the developing cartridge in an axial direction of the developing roller.