Pivotable Manuscript Reading Unit for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compound apparatuses with integrated image forming and manuscript reading systems are difficult to maintain and service, especially for users with mobility issues, as the rotating mechanism required for maintenance is cumbersome and inaccessible.
Innovation Solution
A compound apparatus design where the manuscript reading apparatus is pivotally movable with a rotation fulcrum axis extending in the front and rear direction, allowing easy rotation and movement without changing the user's depth perspective, and incorporating a cover that can rotate to protect the image forming mechanism and facilitate maintenance, with key components like the control board and motor positioned below the fulcrum axis to optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the manuscript reading apparatus is driven to rotate backward for maintenance access, then the open mouth can be accessed for maintenance, but the rotation is difficult for users with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotation axis orientation from a horizontal axis (requiring backward rotation) to a vertical axis (front-and-rear direction). This dimensional change allows the manuscript reading apparatus to rotate in place without moving backward, making it accessible for maintenance while being easily operable by users with mobility issues.
2Ease of repair
If the manuscript reading apparatus rotates backward to access the open mouth, then maintenance can be performed, but the depth position of the user changes
Solution Approach 1:
By rotating the manuscript reading apparatus around a vertical axis rather than a horizontal axis, the apparatus can be accessed for maintenance without changing the user's depth position. The rotation occurs in the lateral direction, maintaining the user's position while providing access to the open mouth.
3Device complexity
If the rotation fulcrum axis is positioned inside the open mouth, then the structure is compact, but maintenance around the fulcrum axis becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation fulcrum axis from inside the open mouth and positions it outside. This separation allows the open mouth to be fully accessible for maintenance while the fulcrum axis remains as a separate structural element, resolving the conflict between compactness and maintenance accessibility.
4Device complexity
If the control foundation board is positioned above the rotation fulcrum axis, then the layout is simple, but the width direction space is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the control foundation board from above the rotation fulcrum axis to below it, utilizing the width direction space more effectively. This spatial reorganization maintains layout simplicity while improving space utilization efficiency in the width direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A compound apparatus is provided that includes an image forming apparatus forming an image on a record medium, an operation panel and a unit provided on an upper part of the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a casing section, an image forming mechanism section provided in the casing section and a discharging mechanism section discharging the record medium having an image formed thereon in a front and rear direction of the image forming apparatus as viewed from a user facing the operation panel and wherein the unit is supported in a manner pivotally movable through a rotation fulcrum axis extending in the front and rear direction of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the user facing the operation panel.