Modular Developing Cartridge With Segmented Motor Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing device configurations either incur high running costs due to unnecessary exchange of driving sources during consumable part replacement or suffer from poor maintenance properties due to non-exchangeable driving sources integrated within the apparatus main assembly.
Innovation Solution
A developing cartridge with a rotatable developer carrying member, supported by a swing motor and a developing frame that allows for modular mounting and dismounting, enabling the exchange of consumable parts without exchanging the driving source, thus reducing running costs and improving maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driving source is provided in the developing device, then the developing device can be driven independently, but the driving source must be exchanged together with the developing device even if not out of order, increasing running cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separable modules: the developing device (containing consumable parts) and the driving source (motor). The developing device can be exchanged independently without the motor, allowing the motor to be reused and reducing running costs while maintaining independent driving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving source (motor) is extracted from the developing device and placed in the apparatus main assembly. This separation allows the developing device to be exchanged without the motor, preventing unnecessary disposal of functional components and reducing running costs.
2Ease of repair
If the driving source is provided directly to the developing device, then the driving source is readily exchanged, but the driving source is not readily exchanged when integrated in apparatus main assembly, lowering maintenance property
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the developing device from the driving source, with the motor remaining in the apparatus main assembly. This segmentation allows the motor to be accessed and exchanged independently when needed, improving maintenance accessibility without compromising the exchangeability of the developing device.
3Ease of manufacture
If the developing cartridge and supporting member are integrally mounted, then modular exchange is enabled, but peripheral speed errors and sealing integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The developing cartridge and supporting member are designed as separable modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables convenient exchange while maintaining manufacturing precision through proper design of coupling interfaces and positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a power source, a developing cartridge including a developing rotating member to carry a developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member, and a motor configured to rotationally drive the developing rotating member. A supporting frame, dismountably mounted to the image forming apparatus, dismountably supports the developing cartridge and dismountably supports the motor. In addition, an electrical contact, provided on the supporting frame, electrically contacts to the power source to supply electric power to the motor in a state that the supporting frame is mounted to the image forming apparatus, and a drawer portion dismountably supports the supporting frame and is capable of being pulled out from the image forming apparatus to dismount the supporting frame from the image forming apparatus in a state that the supporting frame is supported.