Relay Connector Assembly for Image Forming Apparatus Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in arranging and maintaining electrical components, such as sensors and fans, on the front side due to the need for long cables and bundle wires connecting them to the control board located at the rear side, which complicates assembly, replacement, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bundle wire unit with relay connectors on the front side of the apparatus body, connecting electrical components directly to the main control board via shorter paths, reducing cable length and improving workability by forming electrical components into units with integrated bundle wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical components are arranged on the front side of the apparatus, then the components can be positioned near their functional areas, but the cable length increases and workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A relay connector is introduced as an intermediary component on the front side of the apparatus. The relay connector receives cables from electrical components (sensors, switches, fans) and transmits signals to the control board, acting as a local hub that eliminates the need for long direct cable runs to the rear-mounted control board.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into two parts: a relay connector mounted on the front side that handles local connections, and the control board on the rear side. This segmentation allows electrical components to be positioned on the front side with short cable runs to the relay connector, while the relay connector manages connections to the control board.
2Ease of operation
If electrical components are dispersed on the front side, then functional positioning is improved, but assembly and maintenance workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The relay connector serves as a centralized intermediary that collects cables from multiple dispersed electrical components. This allows components to be positioned where needed functionally while providing a single connection point for cable management, improving assembly and maintenance workability.
3Ease of operation
If cables are laid along the inner side of the frame body, then electrical components can be connected, but the complexity of cable routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay connector provides a localized connection point on the front side, eliminating the need for cables to route along the entire length of the frame body to the rear control board. This significantly reduces cable routing complexity while maintaining functional connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first electrical component, a second electrical component, a control board, a frame body, and a connection unit. The first electrical component includes a first connector configured to be connected to the control board. The second electrical component includes a second connector configured to be connected to the control board. The connection unit includes a first and a second cables connected to the control board, a first relay connector, and a second relay connector. The first relay connector is provided on a leading end portion of the first cable to be arranged on the first frame such that the first connector is connected to the first relay connector. The second relay connector is provided on a leading end portion of the second connector to be arranged on the first frame such that the second connector is connected to the second relay connector.