Image Cartridge Cable Guide Layout for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartridge assembly processes for image forming apparatuses are inefficient due to the need to change the orientation of heavy units during assembly, which complicates routing of cables and increases the risk of damage and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge configuration that includes a first unit and a second unit with integrated electrical components and cable guides, allowing for the second unit to be mounted on a surface intersecting the first unit, simplifying cable routing and reducing the need to change the orientation of the unit during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are routed on multiple surfaces of the developing unit to be integrated into one electrical connection portion, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly becomes complex and requires changing unit orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is divided into multiple independent cable guide portions, each responsible for guiding cables from different surfaces to the electrical connection portion. This segmentation allows each portion to handle a specific routing task independently, simplifying the overall assembly process and eliminating the need to change unit orientation during assembly.
2Reliability
If cables are routed on multiple surfaces of the developing unit, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases due to orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide portions are pre-configured with guide portions that direct cables from multiple surfaces toward the electrical connection portion. This preliminary arrangement of guiding structures eliminates the need for operators to change unit orientation during assembly, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Reliability
If the developing unit is a heavy object requiring orientation changes during assembly, then cables can be routed on multiple surfaces, but operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide portions extend in multiple directions (dimensions) from the electrical connection portion, with each guide portion oriented to receive cables from different surfaces of the developing unit. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows cables to be routed efficiently without requiring the operator to change the unit's orientation, significantly reducing operator burden during assembly of heavy units.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge mountable on an image forming apparatus, includes a first unit, and a second unit including a first electrical component, a second electrical component, a first cable portion electrically connected to the first electrical component, a second cable portion electrically connected to the second electrical component, a first member including a first guide portion that guides the first cable portion, and a second member including a second guide portion that guides the second cable portion, the second unit being mountable on the first unit, in which in a state that the second unit is mounted on the first unit, the first member is mounted on a first surface of the first unit, and the second member is mounted on a second surface intersecting the first surface of the first unit.