Movable Contact Unit for Cartridge Memory Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliable and efficient communication between the cartridge memory unit and the main body due to the complexity of maintaining contact, particularly when the cartridge is mounted or demounted, which can lead to issues with consistent electrical connection and positional accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a main body electric contact unit with a coil spring urging mechanism and a holding member that positions the connector unit relative to the frame, ensuring contact with the cartridge memory unit in the mounted state and easy engagement in the unmounted state, utilizing a compression coil spring to maintain contact without additional directional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact terminal is moved to come into contact with the memory tag by interlocking with cover opening/closing operation, then the electrical connection is established, but the structure becomes complex and reliable contact maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminal is designed to be movable along the insertion direction of the cartridge, transitioning between a first position (when cartridge is inserted) and a second position (when cartridge is removed). This dynamic positioning allows the contact terminal to automatically maintain contact with the memory tag during cartridge insertion while simplifying the overall structure compared to complex interlocking mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the contact terminal is held in a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the contact with the memory tag cannot be maintained during cartridge insertion and developing unit swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminal is designed to be movable along the insertion direction of the cartridge, transitioning between a first position (when cartridge is inserted) and a second position (when cartridge is removed). This dynamic positioning allows the contact terminal to automatically maintain contact with the memory tag during cartridge insertion while simplifying the overall structure compared to complex interlocking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the contact terminal is urged by a spring mechanism, then contact pressure is maintained, but the positioning accuracy in different states becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed with a positioning portion that preliminarily positions the contact terminal at appropriate locations in different states: in the cartridge insertion direction, it positions the contact terminal to contact the memory tag, and in the cartridge removal direction, it positions the contact terminal away from the memory tag. This preliminary positioning ensures both contact pressure maintenance and positioning accuracy.
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 ensures reliable and accurate electrical contact between the main body and the cartridge memory unit, facilitating efficient communication and easy mounting/demounting processes while maintaining contact even during the swinging motion of the developing unit, thus enhancing the overall performance and usability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the main body electric contact unit to bring the main body electric contact portion into contact with the memory unit of the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge provided with a memory. The apparatus main body includes a frame, a movable electric contact unit including an electric contact portion contacting with the memory, and a holding member holding the electric contact portion and including an urging member urging the electric contact unit toward the memory in a mounted state of the cartridge, and a positioning portion positioning the electric contact unit in an unmounted state of the cartridge.