Development Unit Toner Detection Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, variations in the positions of light emitting and receiving elements relative to the development unit can occur, affecting the accuracy of toner detection and image formation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a development unit with a light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted on it, connected via a connection member that adjusts its length to maintain electrical connection regardless of the unit's position, ensuring accurate toner detection and preventing misalignment during abutment and separation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the light emitting element and light receiving element are mounted on the apparatus main body, then the structure is simple, but position variation relative to the development unit occurs affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by mounting the light emitting element and light receiving element on the development unit instead of the apparatus main body. This allows the detection system to move together with the development unit, maintaining a constant relative position and eliminating position variation that would affect detection accuracy. The development unit itself becomes the mounting platform for the detection elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the development unit is made movable between abutment and separation positions, then operational flexibility is improved, but maintaining electrical connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a flexible cable as the connection member between the first connector (on apparatus main body) and the second connector (on development unit). This flexible cable can accommodate the movement of the development unit between abutment and separation positions while maintaining continuous electrical connection, solving both the operational flexibility and connection reliability requirements.
3Reliability
If a rigid connection member is used between connectors, then connection stability is improved, but interference with abutment/separation operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cable as the connection member instead of a rigid connection. This flexible cable provides sufficient electrical connection stability while allowing the development unit to move freely between abutment and separation positions without interference, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and operational ease.
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 consistent and accurate detection of toner remaining amounts, maintaining electrical connection and preventing interference with the abutment/separation operation, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element mounted on the development unit and configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and transmitted through the containing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes (i) a housing including a first connector, (ii) a drum unit, (iii) a development unit including a containing portion containing toner and movable between an abutment position and a separation position, (iv) a detection unit including a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a second connector electrically connected to the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and mounted on the development unit, and (v) a connection member connected to the first connector and the second connector to electrically connect the first connector and the second connector each. A length of the connection member is longer than a first distance from the first connector to the second connector when the development unit is located at the abutment position, and is longer than a second distance from the first connector to the second connector when the development unit is located at the separation position.