Fixing Apparatus Connector Positioning for Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with high costs, increased size, and poor operability due to the use of drawer connectors and connectors disposed between the inner side of the side plate and the fixing apparatus, which complicates the attachment and detachment of the fixing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus features a fixing apparatus with a connector fixed to the outer wall surface of the case, facing opposite to the attaching direction, and a cable configuration that allows for easy connection and disconnection of electrical components, reducing the need for additional space and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawer connectors are used to connect the fixing apparatus to the apparatus main body, then attachment and detachment operability is improved, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connector from the complex drawer connector structure and simplifies it to a basic plug-type connector. The connector is taken out of the paper transport path and positioned on the outer side of the fixing apparatus case, eliminating the need for complex drawer mechanisms while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment operations.
2Device complexity
If connectors are disposed between the inner side of the side plate and the fixing apparatus, then cost is suppressed, but the apparatus size increases and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connector from the internal space between the side plate and fixing apparatus to the external surface of the fixing apparatus case. This dimensional change allows the connector to be accessible from the outside, improving operability while maintaining a compact internal structure. The connector is positioned on the outer side of the case in a direction opposite to the attaching direction, making it easily accessible for connection and disconnection operations.
3Volume of stationary object
If connectors are connected during the attaching operation, then space is saved, but the work becomes unstable and operability decreases due to the heavy weight of the fixing apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the connector on the outer side of the fixing apparatus case before the attaching operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the connector to be easily accessible and stable during the attaching operation, eliminating the need to connect connectors while holding the heavy fixing apparatus. The connector is fixed to the case in a direction opposite to the attaching direction, providing a stable base for connection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing apparatus configured to fix onto a sheet-shaped recording medium a toner image formed on a surface of the recording medium, the fixing apparatus is detachable from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and the fixing apparatus includes: a fixing member configured to fix the toner image onto the recording medium; a case that houses the fixing member; a cable whose first end is connected to the fixing member; and a connector that is connected to a second end on a side opposite to the first end of the cable, and the connector is fixed to an outer wall surface of the case that faces in a direction opposite to an attaching direction in which the fixing apparatus is attached to the apparatus main body.