Cover Lock Device for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face usability issues due to the lack of an efficient mechanism to prevent simultaneous opening of the upper cover and platen cover, which can lead to accidental drops and require excessive force for locking, compromising part rigidity and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A novel image forming apparatus with a cover lock device that includes an unlock operation invalidating mechanism, which prevents the upper cover from being opened when the platen cover is open, using a swinging member and linking mechanism to ensure the lock remains engaged without requiring excessive force or material reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handle is used to switch from locking to unlocking of the platen cover, then the lock device can prevent simultaneous opening of covers, but the usability deteriorates due to the need for excessive force and additional操作步骤
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device is pre-configured with a cam mechanism and locking lever that automatically engage when the upper cover is opened. The cam profile is designed to automatically push the locking lever into the locked position before the user even attempts to open the platen cover, preventing the need for manual handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the opening motion of the upper cover itself to trigger the locking mechanism. As the upper cover opens, it automatically actuates the cam mechanism which in turn locks the platen cover, making the system self-regulating without requiring separate user actions
2Reliability
If the handle is secured to the body at the time of locking, then the lock device can maintain engagement, but the rigidity of parts must be increased to withstand unreasonable force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is designed as a dynamic component that rotates and engages with the cam mechanism. Rather than being a rigid fixed connection, it uses controlled rotation and elastic deformation to absorb and distribute forces, maintaining engagement stability without requiring excessive rigidity in individual parts
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a simple linear engagement to a multi-dimensional cam-and-lever system. The cam profile introduces a second dimension of force application (angular/rotational) that distributes the locking force across multiple contact points and directions, reducing the stress concentration on any single part
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus casing installing an image formation section, an upper cover member that swingably covers and uncovers the apparatus casing, and an image reading unit supported by the apparatus casing via the upper cover member. A lock device is provided to maintain the upper cover member in a closed state. An unlock device is provided to unlock the lock device. An unlock operation section is displaced by an operator and activates the unlock device to operate when the lock device is unlocked. An unlock operation invalidating mechanism is provided to invalidate an unlock operation executed through the operation section by interrupting transmission of the displacement of the operation section to the lock device when unlock is prohibited.