Optical Cover Detection via Shutter Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while effectively blocking light paths and detecting the open/close state of covers, often requiring mechanical components that increase the apparatus's size.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a shutter and sensors that use a controller to determine the open/close state of the cover based on light reception signals, eliminating the need for mechanical open/close sensor switches by utilizing a shutter's movement interlocked with the cover's position to block or allow light, and employing a BD sensor and paper discharge sensor to detect the cover's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical open/close sensor switch is used to detect the cover state, then the cover open/close state can be detected, but the apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical open/close sensor switch with an optical detection system. The shutter moves to block or allow light passage, and the BD sensor detects light reception to determine cover state, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors and reducing apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter serves dual functions: it blocks light during exposure when the cover is open, and simultaneously acts as an optical indicator for cover state detection. The BD sensor also serves multiple purposes including exposure timing detection and cover state monitoring, reducing the need for dedicated components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is added to block light when the cover is opened, then light leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-blocking shutter with the existing cover opening/closing mechanism. The shutter is integrated into the cover assembly, so that opening the cover automatically triggers the shutter to block light, eliminating the need for separate light-blocking and detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is designed to automatically block light when the cover is opened, without requiring additional control systems. The mechanical movement of the cover directly actuates the shutter, and the BD sensor automatically detects the light blockage to determine cover state, making the system self-regulating.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for the detection of the cover's open state without mechanical switches, reducing the apparatus's size and integrating exposure start timing determination with cover state detection, enabling effective light path blocking and cover state monitoring during both lighting and non-lighting periods.
Implementation Method 1
a BD sensor configured to receive the light beam emitted by the light source and to output a light reception signal
Data Source
AI summary
A light source is provided in the casing and emits a light beam for forming an image. A first sensor receives the light beam emitted by the light source and outputs a light reception signal. A cover opens and closes relative to the casing. A shutter prevents the first sensor from receiving the light beam when the cover is at an open position, and allows the first sensor to receive the light beam when the cover is at a closed position. A controller is configured to: execute a lighting process of lighting the light source; execute a first determining process of determining whether the light reception signal is outputted from the first sensor, in response to the lighting process; and determine that the cover is at the open position upon determination in the first determining process that no light reception signal is outputted.