Dynamic Stopper Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with unintentional opening of openable and closable members, such as discharge trays, leading to operation stoppages and the need for manual sheet removal, especially when the distance between the image reading unit and the discharge tray increases, necessitating larger and more costly stoppers.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design where a small-sized stopper is integrated with the image reading portion, moving between restricting and allowing positions to prevent unintentional opening of the discharge tray, utilizing a pivotable mechanism and biasing means to maintain the tray in a closed state without requiring additional space or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between the image reading unit and the discharge tray increases, then the apparatus size increases, but the stopper size must increase leading to higher component cost
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is configured to move between a first position (restricting discharge tray opening) and a second position (allowing discharge tray opening) based on the image reading unit's position. This dynamic positioning allows the stopper to remain small in size while effectively preventing unintentional opening during image reading operations, resolving the contradiction between apparatus size and component cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the image reading unit and the discharge tray. It translates the positional state of the image reading unit into appropriate restriction or allowance of discharge tray opening, enabling effective prevention of unintentional opening without requiring a large stopper size.
2Reliability
If a stopper is used to prevent unintentional opening of the discharge tray, then opening errors are prevented, but the stopper requires additional space and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is merged with the image reading unit's existing structure and movement. The stopper utilizes the image reading unit's positional changes to automatically switch between restricting and allowing discharge tray opening, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper system is designed to automatically respond to the image reading unit's position without requiring external control. When the image reading unit moves to a specific position, the stopper automatically transitions to the restricting position, and vice versa, enabling the system to self-regulate and prevent unintentional opening without adding complex control logic.
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 unintentional opening of the discharge tray, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances usability by allowing either the image reading portion or the discharge tray to be closed first, eliminating the need for manual sheet removal due to operation stoppages.
Implementation Method 1
a stopper (100) configured to move between a first position and a second position; biasing means configured to bias the stopper toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including: an apparatus main body; an openable and closable member provided on the apparatus main body; an image reading portion configured to read an image of an original, the image reading portion being supported on the apparatus main body and being movable to a first position and to a second position; and a stopper member configured to move in conjunction with a movement of the image reading portion, wherein when the image reading portion is moved to the first position, the stopper member is moved to a restricting position for restricting the openable and closable member from moving from a closed position to an open position, and wherein when the image reading portion is moved to the second position, the stopper member is moved to an allowing position for allowing the openable and closable member to move from the closed position to the open position.