Developing Unit Memory Chip Contacts via Translation Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tandem-type image forming apparatuses, such as color printers, the limited space around developing cartridges makes it difficult to arrange contacts for memory chip communication, leading to a size increase when trying to accommodate them.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a translation member that moves developing units between contact and separated positions, with memory chips and contacts on the housing and translation member respectively, allowing for orthogonal alignment and reducing the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contacts for memory chip communication are arranged in the periphery of developing cartridges, then communication function is achieved, but the size of the image forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions memory chips on the inner peripheral surfaces of developing cartridge housings and places corresponding contacts on the translation member, utilizing the orthogonal dimension (second direction) rather than arranging contacts only in the peripheral plane. This spatial reconfiguration enables communication functionality while avoiding additional apparatus size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation member, which already serves the function of moving developing units between contact and separated positions, is additionally equipped with contacts for memory chip communication. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated contact structures, thereby achieving communication capability without increasing apparatus size.
2Reliability
If space is ensured for arranging contacts, then communication with memory chips is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation member is designed to serve dual purposes: mechanically moving developing units and providing electrical contacts for memory chip communication. By integrating the contact function into an existing moving component rather than adding separate stationary contact structures, the patent reduces overall device complexity while enabling communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical translation function and the electrical contact function into a single integrated structure. The translation member simultaneously performs the motion of developing cartridges and provides the contact interface for memory chips, eliminating the need for separate contact mechanisms and reducing structural complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If contacts are arranged on the translation member, then space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translation member's own motion mechanism serves to automatically align and position the contacts with the memory chips during the translation process. The mechanical movement that positions developing cartridges also brings the contacts into proper alignment with the memory chips mounted on the cartridge housings, eliminating the need for separate high-precision alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the translation member and memory chip positions such that the relative positioning is maintained throughout the translation motion range. By creating an equipotential relationship where the contact-membrory chip alignment is preserved during movement, the system reduces the impact of manufacturing tolerances and maintains reliable electrical connection without requiring excessive precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: plural photosensitive members aligned in a first direction; plural developing units for the photosensitive members, respectively, each of the developing units including a developer supplier, and a housing which holds the developer supplier; a translation member which moves the developing units between a contact position in which the developer suppliers contact the photosensitive members and a separated position in which the developer suppliers are separated from the photosensitive members by a linear reciprocating movement in the first direction; plural memory chips provided on the housings of the developing units, respectively; plural contacts provided on the translation member, each of the contacts configured to contact the corresponding memory chips; and a wiring provided on the translation member and electrically connected to each of the contacts.