Link Arm Mechanism for Feeder Cover Rotation in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the feeder cover interferes with objects on the installation surface when the main cover is opened, causing interference issues.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring a link arm that supports the main cover and controls the rotation of the feeder cover, causing it to automatically move towards the main cover when the main cover is opened, preventing interference and simplifying the apparatus by reducing the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the feeder cover is made rotatable to enable manual sheet feeding, then the sheet feeding function is improved, but the feeder cover may interfere with objects on the installation surface when the main cover is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder cover is made rotatable relative to the main cover, allowing it to dynamically change position between a closed state (when main cover is closed) and an open state (when main cover is opened). This dynamic movement enables the feeder cover to move away from the installation surface, preventing interference with objects while maintaining the manual sheet feeding function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feeder cover is made rotatable for sheet feeding, then the sheet feeding function is improved, but the number of parts increases and the apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder cover's rotation function is integrated with the main cover's rotation mechanism. By making the feeder cover rotatable relative to the main cover using the same rotational degree of freedom, the design combines two rotation functions into one mechanical linkage, reducing the number of independent parts and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the sheet feeding capability.
3Ease of operation
If the feeder cover is kept open for easy sheet insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the feeder cover remains in a fixed position that may interfere with objects on the installation surface
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder cover transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic, rotatable position that automatically adjusts based on the main cover's state. When the main cover is opened, the feeder cover rotates to an open position for easy sheet insertion, and when the main cover is closed, the feeder cover returns to a closed position to avoid interfering with objects on the installation surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body having a first opening; a main cover supported by the main body, having a second opening and rotatable between a first closed position and a first opening position with respect to the first opening; a feeder cover supported by the main cover and rotatable between a second closed position and a second opening position with respect to the second opening; and a link arm jointed to the main body at a first joint, jointed to the main cover at a second joint, the first joint movable relative to the main body, and the link arm rotating the feeder cover from the second opening position toward the second closed position when the main cover rotates from the first closed position with the feeder cover at the second opening position.