Cover Rotation Mechanism for Toner Cartridge Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses have a narrow workspace for replacing toner cartridges due to the swing fulcrum's location, making it difficult for users to access and replace cartridges efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a second rotary shaft positioned on the rear side of the first rotary shaft, allowing the cover portion to open from the front to the rear, thereby increasing the workspace when the cover is open, enabling easier access to internal components like the toner cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the swing fulcrum is disposed at a position close to the central portion of the apparatus body, then the structural compactness is improved, but the workspace for cartridge replacement becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the opening mechanism into two independent rotational segments: the cover portion rotating around a first rotary shaft, and the operation panel rotating around a second rotary shaft. This segmentation allows each component to rotate independently, creating sufficient workspace for cartridge replacement while keeping the apparatus body compact when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-axis rotation to a two-axis rotational system. The first rotary shaft enables the cover to open upward, while the second rotary shaft positioned at the rear enables the operation panel to rotate horizontally. This dimensional change creates a larger three-dimensional workspace without increasing the footprint of the apparatus body.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the operation panel and top cover are coupled with a link member, then the opening motion is synchronized, but the workspace near the swing fulcrum remains narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the opening mechanism into independent rotational components. The cover portion and operation panel are no longer rigidly coupled by a link member but instead rotate independently around separate shafts. This segmentation maintains synchronized opening through independent rotational control while eliminating the workspace restriction caused by the coupled link mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces two rotary shafts as intermediary elements between the cover and operation panel. These shafts act as independent pivot points that allow each component to rotate freely, replacing the direct mechanical coupling of the link member. The rotary shafts mediate the motion transmission, enabling synchronized opening without the workspace constraints of the original coupled structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet, a rotating unit disposed above the apparatus body and rotatably supported around a first rotary shaft with respect to the apparatus body, and a cover portion rotatably supported around a second rotary shaft extending in parallel to the first rotary shaft with respect to the apparatus body. The rotating unit and the cover portion are opened from a front side of the image forming apparatus to a rear side of the image forming apparatus. The second rotary shaft is disposed on the rear side of the first rotary shaft.