Cover Locking Mechanism with Elastic Buffer for Impact Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with toggle mechanisms for cover locking suffer from increased operational force and impact sound issues, particularly when used in devices that require pop-up toner cartridge operations or jam processing, as the toggle lever's drawing force increases, leading to deterioration in usability and noise.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a rotatable engaged member and an urging member that converts a first urging force into a second force to draw the engagement member into position, with an elastic deformation contact region to absorb impact and reduce noise, ensuring usability is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a toggle mechanism is used for cover locking, then usability is improved by allowing automatic locking/unlocking operation, but impact sound is generated when the toggle lever collides with the engagement member or stopper member
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is provided at the collision position between the toggle lever and engagement member, and between the toggle lever and stopper member, to cushion the impact before it occurs. This buffer member absorbs the shock during the rapid elimination of engagement looseness, preventing the generation of impact sound while maintaining the automatic locking mechanism's usability.
2Force
If the drawing force of the toggle lever is increased for pop-up toner cartridge operation, then operational effectiveness is improved, but impact sound deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is strategically placed at the collision positions to cushion the impact that occurs when the toggle lever exerts increased drawing force for pop-up toner cartridge operation. This allows the system to maintain the necessary operational force while preventing the transmission of impact sound to the exterior.
3Reliability
If engagement looseness is rapidly eliminated before and after the lever passes through the neutral point, then locking reliability is improved, but impact sound is generated due to collision
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is positioned to cushion the impact that occurs during the rapid elimination of engagement looseness. By placing the buffer at the collision position between the toggle lever and engagement member, and between the toggle lever and stopper member, the system maintains reliable locking while preventing the generation of impact sound during this critical phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism effectively reduces impact sound occurrences by converting kinetic energy into deformation energy, absorbing collisions and maintaining usability without impairing the operational effectiveness of the cover locking system.
Implementation Method 1
the contacted region elastically deforms when the contact region comes in contact with the contacted region
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a locking mechanism that locks an opening/closing door to an engagement position, the locking mechanism having a engaged member and an urging member that urges the engaged member; and an engagement member that is provided on the door and engages the engaged member; wherein an urging force acting on the engaged member from the urging member is converted from a first urging force to press out the engagement member to a second urging force to draw the engagement member into the engagement position when the door is closed; wherein the engagement member has a contacted region and the engaged member has a contact region that comes in contact with the contacted region; and wherein the contacted region elastically deforms when the contact region comes in contact with the contacted region.