Cover Opening Unit Link Mechanism for Tray Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face the challenge of preventing paper sheets from falling when the manual paper feed tray is opened, as existing solutions involve complex structures and high costs, limiting the adjustable angle of the tray to 70 degrees or less.
Innovation Solution
A cover opening and closing unit that utilizes a simplified structure with rotatable links and springs to adjust the angle of the manual paper feed tray, allowing it to maintain an open angle of 90 degrees or less, preventing paper sheets from falling by using existing links to support the cover and connect the manual paper feed tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate device is attached to the manual paper feed tray to fix sheets of paper, then sheets of paper do not fall, but the structure becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover support function and the paper feed tray angle adjustment function into a single integrated link mechanism. The link element serves dual purposes: supporting the cover during opening/closing and simultaneously adjusting the manual paper feed tray angle to prevent paper sheets from falling, thereby eliminating the need for separate fixing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a cover support structure and an angle adjustment mechanism for the manual paper feed tray. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability of paper sheet prevention.
2Reliability
If multiple links are used to maintain the angle of the manual paper feed tray, then sheets of paper do not fall, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover support function and the paper feed tray angle adjustment function into a single integrated link mechanism. This single link performs dual functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate links and reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the manual paper feed tray is moved further downward and then upward, then sheets of paper do not fall, but the opening angle is limited to 70 degrees or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic link mechanism that automatically adjusts the manual paper feed tray angle based on the cover opening state. As the cover opens, the link mechanism dynamically changes the tray angle to maintain an optimal position that prevents paper sheets from falling, while allowing the cover to open to angles greater than 70 degrees.
4Device complexity
If a simplified structure with existing links is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to maintain tray angle may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the existing link mechanism to serve dual functions: supporting the cover and maintaining the manual paper feed tray angle. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall structure by using existing components while ensuring reliable tray angle maintenance through clever mechanical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism dynamically adjusts the tray angle in response to cover movement, maintaining optimal positioning throughout the opening and closing cycle. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable angle maintenance despite the simplified structure.
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 solution effectively prevents paper sheets from falling by maintaining the manual paper feed tray at an acute angle, allowing for easier access and reducing the complexity and cost of the structure, while enabling the cover to be opened to 50 degrees or less, thus addressing the limitations of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that applies an elastic force so that the link elements rotate with respect to each other in a direction in which the link elements are unfolded from each other
Data Source
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AI summary
A cover opening and closing unit includes a cover (181) installed to be opened from and close a main body (101) and a manual paper feed tray (182) that is rotatably installed on the cover. The cover is connected to the main body by a link element (190) and a connection link (196) is connected to the link element and the manual paper feed tray so that, when the cover is opened from the main body when the manual paper feed tray (182) is in an opened state with respect to the cover (181), an open angle (A2) of the manual paper feed tray (182) with respect to a vertical direction (Z) is maintained within 90 degrees.