Image Forming Apparatus Cover Mechanism Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require high force for closing the cover due to simultaneous timing of cartridge and exposure unit pressing, which affects usability.
Innovation Solution
The timing of cartridge pressing is shifted from the timing of exposure unit pressing to reduce the force required for pressing, utilizing a first moving member to position the cartridge and a second moving member to move the exposure member to a retracted position, with reaction forces peaking at different times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exposure unit is pressed against the cartridge simultaneously with cartridge positioning, then both functions are achieved in one operation, but a large force is required for closing the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing operation is divided into two separate timing phases: cartridge positioning press and exposure unit press. The first moving member positions the cartridge, and the second moving member positions the exposure unit, with their reaction force peaks occurring at different times. This segmentation reduces the maximum force required compared to simultaneous pressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge positioning is performed first as a preliminary action, with the exposure unit positioning following afterward. By completing the cartridge positioning before applying the exposure unit pressing force, the system avoids the need to overcome both resistances simultaneously, reducing the peak force requirement.
2Productivity
If cartridge positioning and exposure unit positioning are performed at the same time, then the operation is completed in one step, but the maximum pressing force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting operation is segmented into two sequential pressing phases rather than one simultaneous phase. The first phase positions the cartridge with its reaction force peak, and the second phase positions the exposure unit with its reaction force peak occurring later. This maintains productivity while reducing peak force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing action is applied periodically in two distinct stages during the mounting operation. The first pressing stage activates the first moving member, and the second pressing stage activates the second moving member, creating a periodic force application pattern that reduces maximum force while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a first moving member pressed and moved by an openable/closable member when the openable/closable member is opened, and switching a cartridge from a state where the cartridge is positioned in an image forming position to a state where the positioning is released; and a second moving member pressed and moved by the openable/closable member when the openable/closable member is opened, and moving the exposure member from an exposure position to a retracted position, wherein when the positioning of the cartridge is released, a reaction force applied from the first moving member to the openable/closable member reaches a first peak, when the exposure member is moved to the retracted position, a reaction force applied from the second moving member to the openable/closable member reaches a second peak, and timing of the first peak is different from timing of the second peak.