Movable Operation Panel for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In in-barrel discharge type image forming apparatuses, the operation unit projecting from the image reading unit obstructs visibility of the discharged paper sheet, making it difficult to access and manage the paper sheet in the discharge space.
Innovation Solution
The operation panel is designed to be mounted on the image reading unit with a movable mechanism, allowing it to adjust vertically and horizontally, enabling it to retract from the discharge space when needed, thus allowing clear access to the discharge area without requiring removal from the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation unit is installed to project from the image reading unit to the front side of the image forming apparatus, then the operation unit can be easily accessed and operated, but the visibility of the discharged paper sheet in the in-barrel discharge space is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is designed with a movable mechanism that allows it to shift position between a front-side projecting location (for easy operation) and a rear-side retracted location (for improved paper sheet visibility). This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the operation unit to be in the optimal position for operation during normal use, and then move to the rear side when paper sheet visibility is needed, such as during jam procedures.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the operation unit is depressed toward the rear side to improve paper sheet visibility, then the visibility of the discharged paper sheet is improved, but the operation unit becomes less accessible and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mechanism enables the operation unit to dynamically adjust its position. During normal operation, the unit projects to the front side for ease of access. When paper sheet visibility is required (e.g., during jam procedures), the unit can be depressed to the rear side. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize for either operation accessibility or paper visibility depending on the current operational need.
3Ease of repair
If the operation unit is made removably attachable to the image reading unit, then the paper sheet visibility is improved and maintenance is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is segmented from the main image forming apparatus body and made as a separately attachable component. It can be mounted on the image reading unit or removed entirely, allowing for simplified maintenance and cleaning operations. This segmentation enables the operation unit to be independently handled during service procedures without disassembling the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit incorporates a movable mechanism that allows it to shift between attached and detached states, as well as between front-side and rear-side positions. This dynamic capability provides flexibility for both normal operation and maintenance procedures, enabling the operation unit to be repositioned or removed as needed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes an apparatus main body (1), an operation unit (4), and a moving mechanism (2a, 11). The operation unit (4) is mounted to the apparatus main body (1). The operation unit (4) indicates a state of the apparatus main body (1) and performs an input operation to the apparatus main body (1). The moving mechanism (2a, 11) reciprocatably supports the operation unit (4) between a reference position and a retracted position. The reference position overlaps a work area (6) of the apparatus main body (1). The retracted position does not overlap the work area (6).