Opening/Closing Detection in Image Formers via Shaft-Linked Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with accurately detecting the opening/closing state of opening/closing members due to positional variations caused by warping or torsion of the members, leading to insufficient displacement of switch parts and incorrect detection by the opening/closing detecting device.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring an opening/closing member that turns integrally with a supporting shaft, an operating member with a pressing part and a relief part, and an opening/closing detecting device that switches between ON and OFF positions based on the turning motion, ensuring correct detection of the opening/closing state regardless of deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the protruding part is arranged at the top end or center part of the opening/closing member, then the structure is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to positional variation from warping or torsion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a linear positioning approach (top end or center part along the length of the member) to a radial positioning approach (specific angular position around the supporting shaft). The protruding part is positioned at a specific angle relative to the supporting shaft rather than at a fixed linear location, making the detection mechanism insensitive to warping or torsion of the opening/closing member.
2Device complexity
If the protruding part is positioned at the top end of the opening/closing member, then the opening/closing detecting device has simple structure, but the reliability of detection deteriorates when the member warps or twists
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-positions the protruding part at a specific angular location relative to the supporting shaft, establishing a predetermined geometric relationship that ensures proper switch part engagement regardless of subsequent warping or torsion of the opening/closing member during operation.
3Device complexity
If the switch part is depressed by a protruding part on the opening/closing member, then the detection mechanism is simple, but the displacement quantity becomes insufficient when positional variation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the operating member as an intermediary between the protruding part and the switch part. The operating member includes a pressing part that is depressed by the protruding part and subsequently presses the switch part, ensuring adequate displacement quantity for reliable switch operation even when the opening/closing member position varies.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an opening/closing member, an opening/closing detecting device and an operating member. The opening/closing member turns integrally with a supporting shaft around the supporting shaft. The opening/closing detecting device detects an opening/closing state of the opening/closing member. The operating member turns integrally with the supporting shaft so as to interlock with turning of the opening/closing member. The operating member includes a pressing part having an external circumference face around the supporting shaft and a relief part having an external circumference face inside a rotation locus of the pressing part. The opening/closing detecting device includes a switch part switching between an ON position depressed by the pressing part in accordance with turning of the operating member, and an OFF position depressing-released by the relief part in accordance with turning of the operating member, and detects the opening/closing state of the opening/closing member by switching the switch part.