Developing Cartridge Lever Mechanism for Part Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing cartridges for electro-photographic image forming apparatuses have a high number of parts due to separate components for positioning the developing roller, supplying bias voltage, and receiving pressing force, which complicates the design and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A developing cartridge design that integrates a movable member with a developing electrode and bearing functions, using a lever mechanism to pivot and press against the inner surface of a hole, reducing the number of parts by combining these functions into a single component made of electrically conductive resin, and allowing for optimal positioning and separation of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are provided for positioning the developing roller, supplying bias voltage, and receiving pressing force, then each function can be performed independently, but the number of parts in the developing cartridge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated member: the developing electrode that supplies bias voltage to the developing roller shaft also serves as a positioning member and receives pressing force during separation. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while maintaining functional independence through the member's structural design that allows it to perform multiple roles simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The developing electrode member is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an electrical component for supplying bias voltage and a mechanical component for positioning and force reception. The member's dual nature as both electrical conductor and mechanical structure enables it to fulfill multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components
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 design reduces the number of parts, stabilizes the pressing force, and allows for efficient movement and separation of the developing roller, enhancing the cartridge's functionality and simplicity while maintaining electrical connectivity and positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first lever movable relative to the casing between a first position and a second position, the first lever including one end portion that functions as the point of effort, an other end portion that functions as the point of application, and a cam surface that is located between the one end portion and the other end portion and that functions as a pivot point, when the first lever moves around the cam surface serving as a central point from the first position to the second position in response to receipt of a driving force applied to the one end portion, the other end portion inserted in the first hole presses an inner surface of the first hole
Data Source
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AI summary
A developing cartridge includes a member 60 being movable together with the casing 10, the member 60 having a first hole 67 extending in the second direction between a first end portion 61 of the member 60 and a second end portion 62 of the member 60, and a first lever 110 movable relative to the casing 10 between a first position and a second position, the first lever 110 including one end portion 111 that functions as the point of effort, an other end portion 112 that functions as the point of application, and a cam surface 113 that is located between the one end portion 111 and the other end portion 112 and that functions as a pivot point, the other end portion 112 inserted in the first hole 67 presses an inner surface 670 of the first hole 67.