Protective Member for High-Voltage Contact Pin in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, especially those using electrophotographic processes, there is a challenge in safely and easily removing paper jams and maintaining the units without risking damage to the high-voltage contact points or causing operator injury, as existing designs do not adequately protect these components during demounting and jam clearance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high-voltage contact point pin with a protective member that moves between exposed and covered positions based on the unit's mounting state, using pressure release levers to ensure the contact pin is protected during demounting and jam removal, preventing accidental exposure and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the high-voltage contact point pin is exposed to allow electrical connection, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the risk of accidental damage and operator injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is positioned to cover the high-voltage contact point pin before the unit is mounted. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental contact and damage during handling and installation, while allowing the pin to be exposed only when needed for electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member transitions from a static protective cover to a dynamic component that moves between covering and exposing the contact pin based on the mounting state. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between safety mode (covered) and operational mode (exposed)
2Ease of operation
If the unit is made demountable for easy maintenance and jam clearance, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damaging high-voltage contact points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before the unit is demounted for maintenance or jam clearance, the protective member automatically moves to cover the high-voltage contact point pin, providing preliminary protection against accidental damage during the demounting and handling process
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member acts as an intermediary element between the high-voltage contact point pin and the external environment. It mediates the conflict between needing the pin exposed for electrical connection and needing it protected during demounting operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective member is always positioned to cover the contact pin, then operator safety is improved, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is designed to dynamically change position based on the unit's mounting state. When mounted, it exposes the pin for reliable electrical connection; when demounted, it covers the pin for operator safety. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between safety and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the protective member's position through the mounting/demounting action itself, without requiring separate manual intervention. The act of mounting or demounting the unit self-servicefully controls whether the pin is exposed or covered
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a unit, a high-voltage contact point pin, and a protective member. The unit is mountable/demountable with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus. With the unit mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the high-voltage contact point pin is in contact with a contact point terminal that is provided at the unit. With the unit mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the protective member is disposed at a first position at which a tip end of the high-voltage contact point pin being in contact with the contact point terminal is exposed, and with the unit demounted from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the protective member is disposed at a second position at which the tip end of the high-voltage contact point pin is covered.