Link Mechanism Curved Groove Exposure Device Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently moving the exposure device between exposure and retracted positions due to interference with detachable units, requiring a mechanism to prevent obstruction during attachment or detachment processes.
Innovation Solution
A link mechanism is employed, featuring rotatable links with fulcrum pins and connecting pins guided by curvature-shaped grooves, allowing the exposure device to be moved between positions while avoiding interference with detachable units, utilizing a moving mechanism that converts the swinging motion of the openable/closable covering into power to transmit motion to the moving mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exposure device is moved between exposure and retracted positions using a conventional mechanism, then the exposure device can be positioned, but it interferes with the attachment or detachment of detachable units
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically moving the exposure device to a retracted position before the detachable unit is attached or detached. This advance positioning prevents interference and potential damage during the attachment/detachment operation, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a link mechanism with curved guiding grooves is used to move the exposure device, then smooth movement without interference is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding grooves are designed with specific curvature radii (R1 and R2) that are larger than the radius corresponding to the distance between fulcrum pin and connecting pin. This curvature design enables smooth, interference-free movement of the exposure device while maintaining reasonable mechanical simplicity, resolving the contradiction between operational smoothness and structural complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the connecting pin is guided along a path with curvature matching the arc shape defined by the fulcrum pin distance, then the movement path is compact, but the exposure device cannot avoid interference with detachable units
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding grooves are designed with curvature radii (R1 and R2) that are intentionally made larger than the radius corresponding to the distance between fulcrum pin and connecting pin. This increased curvature creates a more gradual, extended movement path that allows the exposure device to clear the detachable units during attachment/detachment operations, resolving the contradiction between compact space utilization and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A link mechanism includes a rotatable link having a fulcrum pin on which the rotatable link rotates, and a connecting pin provided at a different position from the fulcrum pin; and a supporting member having a guiding groove along which the connecting pin of the rotatable link that is moved between two positions is guided, and a supporting groove in which the fulcrum pin of the rotatable link is rotatably supported. The guiding groove of the supporting member includes a long-side guiding portion shaped with a curvature that is greater than a curvature of a substantially arc shape defined by a radius corresponding to a distance between the fulcrum pin and the connecting pin of the rotatable link. The supporting groove of the supporting member is a substantially oblong groove extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the long-side guiding portion of the guiding groove extends.