Image Forming Apparatus Guide Mechanism for Two-Stage Door Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require significant operating force and specialized skills to switch the cover from a small to a large opening angle, especially in large-size or high-speed models, leading to poor operability.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a connecting member and guide member that allows the cover to be opened in two stages, using a guide member to transition smoothly from a first to a second opened position, facilitated by an operating portion that moves the connecting member between regulating and allowing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a two-stage opening angle system is implemented, then the processing space for removing jammed sheets is reduced, but the operating force required to switch angles becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
A support arm is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and the guide shaft. The support arm includes a guide portion that guides the guide shaft between the small angle path and the large angle path, allowing the cover weight to be supported by the support arm structure rather than requiring direct manual lifting. This mediator enables angle switching without excessive operating force.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide shaft automatically follows the guide portion of the support arm to switch between paths. When the support arm moves, the guide shaft is passively guided along the predetermined paths without requiring additional manual intervention or force, enabling self-service angle switching.
2Strength
If the support arm is made heavy-duty to handle large loads, then component damage from impact is prevented, but the operability deteriorates due to increased operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is segmented into multiple components: the support arm itself, the guide portion, and the guide shaft. This segmentation allows the load-bearing function to be distributed across the support arm structure while the guide shaft serves as a lightweight guiding element. The guide portion acts as a interface that transfers motion without requiring the guide shaft to bear the full cover weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion serves as an intermediary that transfers the motion of the support arm to the guide shaft. This mediator allows the heavy-duty support arm to handle loads while the lightweight guide shaft follows passively, maintaining both strength and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If manual lifting of the support arm is required to switch angles, then component damage is prevented, but specialized skills are needed and general users cannot operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft automatically follows the guide portion of the support arm to switch between paths. When the support arm moves, the guide shaft is passively guided along the predetermined paths without requiring additional manual intervention or force, enabling self-service angle switching that general users can perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static cover position to a dynamic angle switching process. The support arm can be easily moved to different positions, and the guide shaft dynamically follows the guide portion to switch between the small angle path and the large angle path, making the system adaptable and easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a casing, a door, a connecting member, a guide member, and an operating portion. The operating portion moves, through an operation by a user when the door is at a first opened position, from a regulating position where the connecting member is regulated from moving from a first guide to a second guide, to an allowing position where the connecting member is allowed to move from the first guide to the second guide. When the operating portion is at the regulating position, the door is configured to be retained at the first opened position by engagement of the connecting member and the first guide. When the operating portion is at the allowing position, the door is configured to be retained at the second opened position by movement of the connecting member from the first guide to the second guide.