Reciprocating Fixing Unit Wire Routing for Stable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the reciprocating fixing device can apply unstable loads to connectors, leading to connection instability due to its movement, which affects the electrical power supply and communication with the main assembly, causing surface damage to the fixing member and unsmoothness in the heating process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a supporting mechanism, reciprocating mechanism, electric energy supply connector, and communication connector, along with an electric energy supply wire and communication wire of sufficient length to permit reciprocation, and a drawing mechanism for maintenance, while an urging mechanism ensures stable connection with the main assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing device is made reciprocable to reduce surface damage from recording material edges, then the surface quality of the fixing member is improved, but the connector connection becomes unstable due to applied loads during reciprocation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is separated into two functional parts: the reciprocating fixing unit (heating/pressing components) and the stationary connector assembly (electrical connection components). This segmentation allows the fixing unit to reciprocate for surface quality improvement while the connector assembly remains fixed to maintain stable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cable with sufficient length is introduced as an intermediary connection between the reciprocating fixing unit and the stationary connector assembly. This flexible cable accommodates the reciprocation movement while maintaining continuous electrical connection, preventing connection instability during reciprocation.
2Ease of repair
If the fixing device is made drawable for maintenance operations, then the ease of repair is improved, but the electrical connection and communication stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is designed as a separable module that can be drawn out from the main apparatus for maintenance. The connector assembly remains in the main apparatus while the fixing unit can be independently removed, enabling easy maintenance without disturbing the stationary connector and its stable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable serves as an intermediary that allows the fixing unit to be drawn out for maintenance while maintaining electrical connection during the transition. The cable's sufficient length permits the drawing motion without tensioning or disconnecting the electrical connection.
3Reliability
If a spring is used to urge the connector for stable connection, then the connector connection reliability is improved, but the reciprocation movement still influences the connection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring urging mechanism is placed only on the stationary connector assembly side, not on the reciprocating fixing unit. This segmentation allows the spring to provide stable urging force for connection reliability while the reciprocating unit moves independently without being influenced by spring forces, eliminating the interaction that causes connection instability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing device including rollers which form a nip therebetween to fix a toner image on a sheet; a supporting mechanism for movably supporting the fixing unit; a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the fixing unit relative to the supporting mechanism in a longitudinal direction thereof; an electric connector provided on the supporting mechanism; and a wire connecting between the electric energy supply connector and the fixing unit and having an enough length to permit reciprocation of the fixing unit.