Cover Strap Synchronization for Image Forming Apparatus Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses have poor maintainability and operability due to the need for multiple operations to actuate devices when opening the cover, leading to increased labor and time for maintenance and part replacement.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a cover member connected via a hinge shaft, featuring first and second string-like connections that displace displacement members to actuate multiple devices synchronously with the cover's opening operation, forming an opening restricting mechanism that limits the cover's opening angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple devices are actuated by separate operations when opening the cover, then each device can be controlled independently, but the number of operations increases and maintainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device actuations into a single cover opening operation. The strap mechanism connects the cover to multiple displacement members (first, second, third displacement members), each actuating different devices (protective mechanism, discharge tray, separation pawl). When the cover is opened, all these devices are actuated simultaneously through the strap's movement, reducing multiple separate operations to one unified action.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap serves multiple functions: it acts as a synchronization mechanism to coordinate the opening of the cover with the actuation of multiple devices, and simultaneously functions as an opening restriction mechanism to limit the cover's opening angle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the cover can open to a large angle, then access to internal components is improved, but the risk of damaging internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is designed to perform dual functions: synchronizing the actuation of multiple devices and restricting the cover's opening angle. By integrating the opening restriction function into the same mechanism that actuates the devices, the system provides adequate access for maintenance while preventing excessive opening that could damage internal components like the photosensitive body.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and the internal components. It transmits the opening motion to actuate the necessary devices while simultaneously mediating the cover's movement to prevent it from opening too wide, thus protecting vulnerable components from damage.
3Productivity
If a strap mechanism is used to synchronize device actuation with cover opening, then multiple devices can be actuated simultaneously, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization function and the opening restriction function into a single strap mechanism. Instead of having separate mechanisms for synchronizing device actuation and for limiting cover opening, both functions are integrated into the strap's design and movement, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap serves as a multi-functional component that simultaneously acts as a synchronization mechanism for device actuation and as an opening restriction mechanism. This universality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying the mechanism structure while enabling simultaneous actuation of multiple devices for efficient maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body casing, a device that is positioned within a main body casing and having a function, a displacement member positioned in a main body casing and capable of displacement between an initial position and a stop position which causes the device to perform an action, a string-like connection that is connected between the displacement member and a cover member and that displaces the displacement member from the initial position to the stop position in synchronization with the opening operation of the cover member. The string-like connection, and the displacement member in the stop position, constitute an opening restricting device capable of restricting the opening angle of a cover member to a prescribed angle.