Retainer Link Mechanism for Document Reader Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with the document reader unit being displaced or misaligned from the image forming unit due to the maximum urging force of the tension coil spring, which can lead to instability and potential damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a retainer system with first and second link members and a tension coil spring, where the link members are rotatably coupled with the image forming unit and document reader unit, and the tension coil spring couples them to maintain the document reader unit in the closed position, preventing displacement and misalignment by distributing the urging force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tension coil spring is used as the urging member to urge the document reader unit toward the open position, then the document reader unit can be easily opened, but the document reader unit may be displaced or misaligned from the image forming unit due to the largest intensity of urging force
Solution Approach 1:
A retainer mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the tension coil spring and the document reader unit. The retainer includes a link member with a contacting part that contacts the document reader unit, mediating the force transmission. This allows the tension coil spring to provide urging force while the retainer controls and limits the maximum force applied, preventing displacement and misalignment of the document reader unit.
2Force
If the tension coil spring is arranged to be stretched to the largest extent when the document reader unit is in the closed position, then the urging force toward the open position is maximized, but the document reader unit may be affected by the largest intensity of urging force at all times causing displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is designed to preemptively counteract the excessive urging force from the tension coil spring. The contacting part of the link member is positioned to contact the document reader unit before displacement can occur, applying a counterbalancing force that prevents the harmful effect of the maximum urging force while allowing the spring to remain in its high-energy state for easy opening.
3Manufacturing precision
If the retainer restricts the pivot movement of the document reader unit, then displacement and misalignment are prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a link member with specific coupling sections for rotational connection, a tension coil spring for urging force, and a contacting part for force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity. The link member's geometry and coupling sections provide the necessary constraints without requiring complex control systems or multiple actuators.
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 ensures the document reader unit remains steadily aligned with the image forming unit, preventing displacement and enhancing the durability of the apparatus by absorbing the urging force, allowing smooth operation and reducing the risk of damage during pivoting between closed and open positions.
Implementation Method 1
The tension coil spring as the urging member may be arranged to be stretched to a largest extent when the document reader unit is in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a document reader unit, which may be arranged in an upper position with respect to the image forming unit to read an original document, and the retainer may support the document reader unit pivotably
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, having an image forming unit, a document reader unit pivotable on the image forming unit through a hinge, a retainer to retain the document reader unit in the open position, is provided. The retainer includes a first link member rotatably coupled with the image forming unit and the document reader unit through a first coupling section and a second coupling section; a second link member rotatably coupled with the image forming unit and the document reader unit through a third coupling section and a fourth coupling section; and a tension coil spring. The first link member includes a first contacting part that faces and contacts the second link member along a tensile direction of the tension coil spring when the document reader unit is in a closed position.