Relay Electrode Layout for Cartridge Bias and Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face limitations in component layout due to the need for direct contact between the body side feeding member and the conductive member, restricting the placement of the developing cartridge and the photosensitive cartridge, which hinders the application of a bias and affects the stability and feeding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a process cartridge with a developing cartridge featuring a bias electrode and a driving force receiving part aligned to overlap each other, along with a photosensitive cartridge containing a relay electrode that facilitates contact with both, allowing for the application of bias and driving force while providing flexibility in component layout, enabling stable positioning and feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a body side feeding member is brought into contact with a conductive member on the developing cartridge to apply a developing bias, then the bias application function is achieved, but the layout of components is restricted and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay electrode as an intermediary component that mediates between the body side feeding member and the conductive member. The relay electrode is provided on the photosensitive cartridge and makes contact with both the feeding member and the conductive member, enabling bias application while allowing independent layout of all components. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by decoupling the direct contact requirement between the feeding member and conductive member.
2Reliability
If the body side feeding member and conductive member are positioned to enable contact for bias application, then the electrical connection is established, but the component layout becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The relay electrode serves as a mediator that simplifies the electrical connection path. Instead of requiring direct contact between the body side feeding member and the conductive member, the relay electrode provides an intermediate contact point, reducing layout complexity and allowing more flexible component arrangement while maintaining reliable electrical connection for bias application.
3Reliability
If the developing cartridge and photosensitive cartridge are mounted with specific alignment for direct contact between feeding member and conductive member, then the bias application is ensured, but the mounting flexibility and assembly ease are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The relay electrode on the photosensitive cartridge acts as an intermediary that receives the bias from the body side feeding member and transfers it to the conductive member on the developing cartridge. This intermediary structure allows independent mounting of the developing cartridge and photosensitive cartridge without requiring precise alignment for direct contact, thereby improving mounting ease and assembly flexibility while ensuring reliable bias application.
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 mitigates the layout restrictions on the image forming apparatus, allowing for stable positioning of the developing cartridge relative to the photosensitive cartridge, ensuring stable feeding and driving force transmission, and enhancing the overall image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode is pressed toward the driving force receiving part by contact with the second electrode... the first electrode may transfer the bias to the developer carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A process cartridge, which includes a developing cartridge and a photosensitive cartridge for use with an image forming apparatus including a driving force output part and a feeding part, is provided. The developing cartridge includes a developer carrier, a first electrode provided at one side thereof, and a driving force receiving part provided at another side thereof and aligned with the first electrode such that the driving force receiving part overlaps the first electrode in a side view. The photosensitive cartridge, to which the developing cartridge is removably mounted, includes a photosensitive member, and a second electrode that contacts the first electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted in the photosensitive cartridge and that contacts the feeding part when the photosensitive cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The first electrode is pressed toward the driving force receiving part by contact with the second electrode.