Image Forming Apparatus Circuit Board Spring Contact Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for mounting a circuit board in an image forming apparatus, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6104189, is limited by the need to press a jumper wire against a torsion coil spring, which restricts the mounting flexibility and can lead to unstable connections and increased size due to interference with other components.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastic member, such as a torsion coil spring, with a holding unit that allows the arm portion to be biased and held in a non-contact position during mounting, enabling stable connection regardless of the mounting direction, thus reducing interference and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circuit board is mounted while the jumper wire is pressed against the torsion coil spring, then a stable electric contact is formed, but the mounting method is restricted and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit pre-positions the arm portion of the torsion coil spring in a retracted state before the circuit board mounting process begins. This preliminary action allows the circuit board to be mounted without interference from the spring arm, and after mounting, the holding unit releases the arm portion to engage with the jumper wire and establish stable electric contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the torsion coil spring and the circuit board mounting process. It temporarily restrains the spring arm during mounting and then releases it to form the electric contact, mediating between the conflicting requirements of mounting flexibility and contact stability.
2Reliability
If the arm portion of the torsion coil spring is biased toward the conductive member, then electric contact is formed, but interference with other components occurs and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm portion of the torsion coil spring is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can be held in a retracted position by the holding unit during mounting to avoid interference, and then moves to the contact position after mounting is complete. This dynamic positioning reduces the space required and eliminates interference with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit performs a preliminary action by restraining the arm portion in a retracted position before the circuit board is mounted. This prevents the spring arm from interfering with the mounting process or other components, and allows for a more compact device design. After mounting, the restraint is released and the spring naturally biases the arm into the contact position.
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 configuration facilitates stable electric contacts and reduces the overall size of the image forming apparatus by allowing flexible mounting and efficient use of internal space, while maintaining a secure connection between the circuit board and other components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member including an arm portion configured to be biased toward the conductive member
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member including an arm portion configured to be biased toward the conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material, a printed circuit board including a voltage generation unit mounted thereon and configured to generate a voltage to be applied to the image forming unit, a conductive member provided on the printed circuit board, to which the voltage generated by the voltage generation unit is applied, an elastic member including an arm portion configured to be biased toward the conductive member, and configured to connect the conductive member and the image forming unit, and a holding unit configured to hold the arm portion of the elastic member at a position where the arm portion is not in contact with the conductive member.