Developing Device Electrical Contact Mounting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connection configurations in developing devices for image forming apparatuses are prone to issues such as pin bending and connection failures, especially during mounting and replacement by users unfamiliar with the handling of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The developing device incorporates a fixing portion and a connecting portion to securely mount on the image forming apparatus, with a developing side electric contact portion that contacts the main assembly side electric contact portion, allowing the main body portion to rotate and move the developer carrying member from a separated position to the developing position when pressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrical connection configuration using a connector is used, then electrical connection between the developing device and main assembly is achieved, but the risk of pin bending and connection failure increases during mounting and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with an electrical contact system. The electrical contact portions directly establish electrical connection through contact pressure when the developing device is mounted, eliminating the need for separate connector assembly and disassembly operations. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable electrical connection and ease of mounting/replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact portions are designed to automatically establish and maintain electrical connection through the inherent contact pressure generated during mounting. The reaction force from the contact pressure is utilized to secure the electrical connection without requiring additional fastening operations, making the system self-servicing during mounting and replacement operations.
2Reliability
If the electrical connection is secured by contact pressure between contact points, then electrical connection is achieved, but the reaction force may cause deformation of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the electrical contact portion design) that mediates between the contact pressure force and the device structure. The contact portions are designed to distribute the reaction force appropriately, ensuring stable electrical connection while preventing deformation of the developing device structure through proper force distribution and structural support.
3Ease of operation
If the developing device is pressed to secure mounting, then the developer carrying member moves from separated position to developing position, but improper handling may cause mechanical deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pressing mechanism to automatically perform the necessary actions in the correct sequence during mounting. The pressing operation simultaneously secures the developing device to the main assembly and rotates the main body portion to position the developer carrying member at the correct developing position, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations and preventing improper handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device mountable on an image forming apparatus includes a main body, a fixing portion, a connecting portion and a developing side electric contact. The fixing portion is fixed to the image forming apparatus in a state where the main body and the fixing portion are positioned in the image forming apparatus. A developing side electric contact is provided on the fixing portion and to contact a main assembly side electric contact of the image forming apparatus in a state in which the main body and the fixing portion are positioned. When the developing device is pressed by a pressing portion of the image forming apparatus in a state where the fixing portion is fixed to the image forming apparatus, the main body is rotated about the connecting portion as a rotation center so that the developer carrying member is moved from a separated position to a developing position.