Rotating Connecting Fixing Member for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in connecting and fixing the paper feed unit and image forming unit due to complex positioning pin and locking structures, which hinder space reduction and work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A simple connecting fixing member is rotatably provided to one device, allowing it to rotate into a connection position without requiring the operator to manually pull or hold it, facilitating easier connection and fixing between the paper feed unit and image forming unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex positioning pin and locking structure is used to connect and fix the paper feed unit and image forming unit, then the stability and positioning accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases and work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of connection and fixing from the complex positioning pin and locking structure, simplifying it to a single connecting fixing member that integrates both positioning and locking functions. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the stability and positioning accuracy required for connecting the paper feed unit and image forming unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the positioning pin and locking structure into a single integrating connecting fixing member. This unified structure performs both positioning and locking functions simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining the required stability and connection reliability between units.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex positioning pin and locking structure is used, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the work efficiency deteriorates due to the need for operator access inside the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting fixing member is designed to enable self-positioning and self-locking through its structural features. The inclined surface automatically guides the member into the correct position, and the elastic deformation provides automatic locking, eliminating the need for operator access inside the apparatus and improving work efficiency while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting and fixing is released from the outside, then the workability is improved, but the number of parts increases and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting fixing member is designed as a multi-functional component that can be operated from the outside while maintaining a compact structure. It integrates connection, positioning, and locking functions in a single part, avoiding the need for additional releasing structures and preventing an increase in the number of parts and apparatus size.
4Ease of operation
If the connection plate is pulled up to the connection position while holding it, then the connection can be established, but the workability deteriorates due to insufficient work space
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting fixing member utilizes elastic deformation to enable dynamic connection. The member can be elastically deformed to engage with the connection hole, and the elastic recovery provides automatic locking. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for the operator to hold the connection plate in position, improving workability while reducing work space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming unit and a paper feed unit on which the image forming unit is stacked is provided. The image forming unit or the paper feed unit includes a connecting fixing member including a connection portion with which the units are connected to and fixed to each other. The connecting fixing member is rotatably provided to one device which is one of the image forming unit and the paper feed unit. The connection portion rotates to an engagement position of the other device, when the connecting fixing member comes into contact with the other device which is the other one of the image forming unit and the paper feed unit.