Pivoting Restricting Mechanism for Image Reading Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with mid-body paper discharge systems require operators to pivotally move the image reading unit to retrieve paper, which can lead to interference with peripheral equipment and potential damage around the pivoting axis, and excessive movement is not restricted.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a pivoting-restricting portion that limits the pivotal movement of the image reading unit past a certain open position, coupled with a coupling structure that allows the image reading unit to pivotally move between closed and open positions, preventing excessive movement and ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image reading unit is made pivotally movable to facilitate paper retrieval, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential interference and damage around the pivoting axis
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting-restricting portion is provided in advance to prevent excessive pivotal movement before interference or damage can occur. This preliminary constraint stops the image reading unit from moving beyond the safe range, thereby preventing interference with peripheral equipment and avoiding damage around the pivoting axis while still allowing adequate movement for paper retrieval.
2Ease of operation
If supports are provided to maintain the image reading unit at an inclined state, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting-restricting portion is integrated into the existing coupling portion structure that connects the image reading unit to the main body. By combining the restriction function with the existing coupling mechanism, the patent avoids adding separate support structures, thereby maintaining ease of operation while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the image reading unit can pivot freely for paper retrieval, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential interference with peripheral equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting-restricting portion预先 prevents the image reading unit from moving into positions where it could interfere with peripheral equipment. By establishing this preliminary constraint, the system eliminates the harmful interference effect before it can occur, while still permitting sufficient pivotal movement for operators to retrieve paper from the discharge tray.
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge tray is provided on a predetermined surface of an image forming unit for receiving a recording medium discharged from the image forming unit. The image reading unit is disposed in confrontation with the discharge tray for reading an image from an original document. The coupling portion is disposed at a first position on the image forming unit. The coupling portion couples the image reading unit with the image forming unit, allowing the image reading unit to pivotally move about a first pivoting axis. The image reading unit is pivotally movable between a closed position for covering the discharge tray and an open position for exposing the discharge tray. The pivoting-restricting portion is disposed at a second position different from the first position. The pivoting-restricting portion restricts pivotal movement of the image reading unit past the open position in an opening direction.