PCB Spring Contact Assembly for Flexible Image Forming Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration for mounting a circuit board in an image forming apparatus, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6104189, requires a specific method that may not be compatible with all apparatus configurations, limiting its usability.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastic member, such as a torsion coil spring, to form an electric contact between the circuit board and the image forming apparatus, allowing for flexible mounting methods and reducing interference during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torsion coil spring is used to form an electric contact with the circuit board, then reliable electric contact is achieved, but the circuit board mounting method is limited to a specific direction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the circuit board approach the spring from a fixed direction, the invention inverts the approach by having the spring's arm portion movable in multiple directions to approach the circuit board from different orientations. The holding unit holds the arm portion in a retracted position that does not interfere with circuit board insertion from any direction, and the biasing force causes the arm to contact the circuit board after insertion regardless of the insertion direction.
2Reliability
If the circuit board is mounted with the jumper wire pressed against the torsion coil spring arm, then electric contact is formed, but the apparatus size increases due to space requirements for the spring mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic spring mechanism where the arm portion can move between a retracted position (held by the holding unit during assembly) and a contact position (where it presses against the circuit board's jumper wire). This dynamic capability allows the spring to provide reliable electrical contact while minimizing space requirements, as the arm only occupies the contact position when needed and is retracted otherwise.
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
Enables stable electric contact formation regardless of mounting direction, optimizing space utilization and reducing the overall size of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member including an arm portion configured to be biased toward the conductive member
Implementation Method 2
The use of an elastic member, such as a torsion coil spring, to form an electric contact
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.