Operation Unit Tilt Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with automatic tilt mechanisms for operation units often fail to rotate correctly due to interference, leading to noise generation and document damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a rotation unit, a drive unit, a detection unit, and a control unit that prevent the automatic rotation of the operation unit to a predetermined position if the initial rotation is not completed within a set time and allow re-attempting the rotation if the operation unit is successfully rotated to a standby position within another set time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation unit is automatically rotated to a predetermined position, then usability and visibility are improved, but noise is generated and documents may be damaged when rotation fails due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection to determine whether the operation unit can be rotated to the predetermined position before actually executing the rotation. This preliminary action identifies potential interference issues (such as documents blocking the rotation path) in advance, allowing the system to prevent the rotation operation that would cause noise or damage, while still enabling automatic rotation when conditions are favorable.
2Reliability
If the rotation operation continues when interference is detected, then the rotation mechanism remains active, but noise is generated and documents are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the rotation process and detects whether the operation unit has successfully reached the predetermined position. If the rotation fails to complete within a predetermined time (indicating interference), the system receives feedback that the rotation cannot be completed, and accordingly stops the rotation operation to prevent noise generation and document damage. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable rotation only when successful completion is achievable.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a rotatable operation unit for information display and data input and configured to form an image on a sheet includes a tilt drive unit configured to rotate the operation unit, a tilt motor configured to drive the tilt drive unit, a volume sensor configured to detect a rotation position at which the operation unit is rotated, and a CPU configured to control rotation of the operation unit by driving the tilt motor based on a detection result acquired by the volume sensor, wherein the CPU prohibits a first rotation operation for rotating the operation unit to a predetermined position if the first rotation operation is not finished within a first predetermined time, and cancels the prohibition of the first rotation operation if a second rotation operation for rotating the operation unit to a standby position is finished within a second predetermined time.