Electrical Connecting Mechanism with Interlocking Power Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connecting mechanisms between image forming apparatuses and optional devices, such as paper feeders, often result in malfunctions due to incomplete connections when using drawer connectors, leading to potential damage and power supply issues during installation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connecting mechanism featuring a first connector on the apparatus main body, a second connector on the optional device, a power feed switch, and an operation element that ensures power is only supplied when the connectors are fully coupled, preventing malfunctions and damage by maintaining a safe, sheltered position for the connectors during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawer connectors are used for electrical connection between apparatus main body and optional device, then wiring complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of damage and incomplete connection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector on the optional device side is preliminarily positioned inside the optional device before mounting. When the optional device is mounted to the apparatus main body, the connector automatically moves to the connecting position through the linking mechanism, ensuring proper alignment before electrical connection occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
A linking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the mounting operation and the electrical connection. This linking mechanism ensures that the connector moves to the correct position and that power supply is enabled only after proper connection is achieved, mediating between the mechanical mounting and electrical connection processes.
2Ease of operation
If drawer connector projects outside optional device for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to risk of damage from impact during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is preliminarily kept inside the optional device housing before mounting. It only projects outward when the optional device is properly mounted to the apparatus main body, through the action of the linking mechanism. This preliminary positioning protects the connector from impact damage during the mounting process.
3Productivity
If power supply is enabled during mounting process, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of malfunction from incomplete connection
Solution Approach 1:
The power feed switch acts as a feedback mechanism that monitors the connection state. Power supply to the optional device is enabled only when the connector is properly connected and the power feed switch is activated. This feedback control ensures that power is not supplied during incomplete connection states, preventing malfunctions while maintaining efficient setup.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connecting mechanism includes: a first connector disposed at an apparatus main body; a second connector disposed at an optional device, a power feed switch disposed at one among the apparatus main body and the optional device and capable of switching between a connected state and an unconnected state; and an operation element that is disposed in the other one among the apparatus main body and the optional device, and causes a state in which power can be supplied from the apparatus main body to the optional device to be entered by changing the power feed switch to the connected state, when the first connector and the second connector are coupled.