Detachable Image Forming Unit Lock for Vibration-Safe Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching and detaching units in image forming apparatuses, such as intermediate transfer units, face issues with lock mechanisms being unreliable under impact or vibration, leading to unintended detachment or difficulty in replacing the units.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a handle portion, lock member, and biasing member that allows for simultaneous release and detachment by swinging the lock member against the biasing force, using a restraint to prevent unintended disengagement during impact or vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the biasing force of the spring is increased to make it difficult for the lock member to rotate, then the reliability of the lock mechanism is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it makes it difficult to detach the intermediate transfer unit
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed to be swingable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between locked and unlocked states. The handle portion can be manually moved to swing the lock member against the spring bias, enabling controlled release of the unit while maintaining strong locking during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the lock member with hook portion for engagement, the handle portion for operation, and the spring for providing biasing force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the spring can provide strong biasing while the handle enables easy manual release.
2Ease of operation
If the biasing force of the spring alone is used to restrain the lock member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the locked state may be released during transportation impact or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint portion is designed to preemptively counteract the effects of vibration and impact during transportation. By providing a mechanical stop that prevents the lock member from swinging in the unlocking direction, the system anticipates and prevents unintended release before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint portion acts as a protective measure prepared in advance for transportation conditions. It provides a mechanical barrier that cushions against the effects of vibration and impact, ensuring the lock member cannot be accidentally disengaged even when subjected to external forces during shipping or handling.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is used to securely hold the unit, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional components like handle portion and restraint portion
Solution Approach 1:
The handle portion and lock member are integrated into a single swingable component. Moving the handle simultaneously performs the function of releasing the lock and preparing for unit removal, combining multiple operations into one motion and reducing the number of separate parts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member serves multiple functions: it provides the hook for engagement with the main body frame, acts as a lever when the handle is moved to release the lock, and works with the restraint portion to prevent unintended disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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
Ensures secure attachment and easy detachment of units without the need for additional tools, preventing rattling or unintended detachment during transportation, and simplifying the replacement process.
Implementation Method 1
The lock member is swingably disposed on the unit, and has a hook portion engageable with an engaged portion formed on the main body frame. The first biasing member biases the lock member in a first direction in which the hook portion engages with the engaged portion.
Implementation Method 2
The lock member includes a restraint portion that restrains swinging of the lock member in the second direction in a state where the handle portion is prevented from moving in the detaching direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation device (100) comprises a unit (30) that can be attached to and detached from a body frame (101), and a lock mechanism (40). The lock mechanism (40) has a grip part (37) that can move reciprocally in the attachment direction and the detachment direction of the unit (30), a lock member (41) that is swingably positioned in the unit (30) and has a hook part (41b) capable of engaging with an engagement-receiving part (50) formed on the body frame (101), and a first biasing member (43) that biases the lock member (41) in a first direction, in which the hook part (41b) engages with the engagement-receiving part (50). Due to the grip part (37) being moved in the detachment direction, the lock member (41) swings in a second direction that is the opposite of the first direction, in opposition to the biasing force of the first biasing member (43), and the engagement of the hook part (41) and the engagement-receiving part (50) is released. The lock member (41) has a restriction part (41e) that restricts the swinging of the lock member (41) in the second direction while the grip part (37) is not moved in the detachment direction.