Cover Member Positioning via Engaging Portion for Jam Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses with vertical conveyance covers have a high number of parts, leading to reduced operability during jam processing due to the locking mechanism of outer and inner covers using hooks, which complicates the opening and closing operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features an engaging portion in the main body to temporarily hold the inner cover, eliminating the need for hooks on the inner cover and reducing the number of parts, allowing independent opening and closing of the outer and inner covers, with the inner cover being positioned by the outer cover during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hooks are provided on both outer and inner covers for locking onto the apparatus main body, then the covers can be securely locked, but the number of parts increases and opening/closing operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook structure is extracted from the inner cover and relocated to the apparatus main body. The inner cover no longer has a hook, but instead has an engaging portion that receives the hook from the main body, reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook on the outer cover acts as an intermediary element that engages with the engaging portion on the inner cover. This mediator mechanism allows both covers to be securely locked without requiring separate hooks on each cover, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If hooks are provided on both outer and inner covers for locking onto the apparatus main body, then the covers can be securely locked, but the opening/closing operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the hook from the inner cover and placing it on the main body, the inner cover becomes easier to operate. The user only needs to manipulate the outer cover's hook, which automatically engages with the inner cover's engaging portion, simplifying the opening/closing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking functions of both covers are merged into a single hook mechanism on the outer cover that simultaneously engages with both the main body and the inner cover. This consolidation improves operational ease while maintaining secure locking.
3Extent of automation
If the inner cover is positioned by being pushed by the outer cover during closing, then the positioning is automatic, but the inner cover requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion on the inner cover acts as an intermediary that receives and guides the hook from the outer cover. This intermediary structure provides alignment guidance during the closing operation, enabling automatic positioning while reducing the precision requirements through mechanical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging portion is designed with a geometry that creates a natural alignment path, ensuring that the hook and engaging portion are at the same operational level during closing. This equipotential design facilitates smooth, automatic engagement without requiring high precision manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided with an apparatus main body, a cover member openably and closably mounted on the apparatus main body, and an engaging portion. The cover member includes an outer cover and an inner cover which are independently opened and closed, and the inner cover is positioned by being pushed by the outer cover when the cover member is closed. The engaging portion is provided in the apparatus main body for temporarily holding the inner cover in the apparatus main body.