Movable Connector for Developer Housing Terminal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replenishing developers and maintaining stable communication between the developer housing container and the apparatus main body, particularly in ensuring reliable electrical connection and preventing abrasion of communication terminals during transportation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a connector portion on the apparatus main body and a developer housing container with a storage unit that can change postures to either separate or connect electrically, preventing abrasion and ensuring stable communication by using gold-plated terminals and a mechanism that protects the terminals during transportation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developer housing container is mounted on the apparatus main body with terminals in contact for electrical connection, then communication between storage unit and apparatus main body is enabled, but the terminals are susceptible to abrasion during transportation and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be movable between a first position (where terminals are separated) and a second position (where terminals are in contact). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between protection mode during transportation and communication mode during operation, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and terminal protection
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is preliminarily positioned in the first position during transportation to protect terminals from abrasion before the apparatus is put into operation. This preliminary protective action prevents terminal damage in advance, and the connector is subsequently moved to the second position when communication is needed
2Ease of operation
If the connector terminals are exposed for easy connection, then mounting and communication is simplified, but the terminals are more vulnerable to damage and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static exposed state to a dynamic system that can be positioned in two states: protected (first position) and accessible (second position). This allows the system to provide ease of operation when needed while maintaining terminal durability during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connector structure acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the external environment. It provides controlled access to the terminal when connection is needed while shielding the terminal from direct exposure and potential damage during transportation
3Ease of manufacture
If the developer housing container is designed for removable mounting, then maintenance and developer replacement is facilitated, but the electrical connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The removable mounting design is enhanced with a dynamic connector that ensures stable electrical connection when mounted. The connector's ability to move to the second position and establish reliable contact compensates for the potential instability from removable mounting, while still allowing easy removal for maintenance
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 solution allows for reliable developer replenishment and communication between the developer housing container and the apparatus main body, preventing abrasion and ensuring stable electrical connections, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and durability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the second input/output terminal contacts the first input/output terminal to be electrically connected
Implementation Method 2
using gold-plated terminals and a mechanism that protects the terminals during transportation and operation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a connector portion, and a developer housing container. The connector portion is located on the apparatus main body and includes a first input/output terminal. The developer housing container is removably mounted to the developing device. The developer housing container includes container body that houses a developer to be replenished to the developing device and a storage unit mounted to an outer surface of the container body. The storage unit includes a second input/output terminal for electrical connection to the first input/output terminal. In a state where the developer housing container is mounted to the developing device, the developer housing container has a posture changeable between: a first posture where the second input/output terminal is separated from the first input/output terminal, and a second posture where the second input/output terminal contacts the first input/output terminal to be electrically connected.