Rotatable Cover Opening Unit for Printer Path Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently opening and closing the sheet conveying paths for unjamming operations, particularly in accessing and managing the double-sided conveying path, which complicates maintenance and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
An opening/closing unit with a rotatable cover member and conveying unit, featuring an operating lever, link mechanisms, and biasing members that allow controlled engagement and disengagement for opening and closing the sheet conveying paths, enabling easy access and maintenance by rotating the conveying unit relative to the cover member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening/closing unit is opened to access the first conveying path, then unjamming operation of the first conveying path can be performed, but the second conveying path cannot be accessed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit is divided into multiple independent conveying paths (first conveying path between conveying unit and apparatus main body, second conveying path between conveying unit and cover member). Each path can be accessed independently through selective rotation of the conveying unit relative to the cover member, allowing targeted unjamming operations without requiring full disassembly of the opening/closing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying unit is designed to be rotatable with respect to the cover member through a link mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the conveying unit to switch between different angular positions, enabling access to different conveying paths as needed. The rotatable connection provides flexibility in maintaining both conveying paths while allowing independent access to each path for maintenance and unjamming operations.
2Ease of operation
If the conveying unit is rotated with respect to the cover member to access the second conveying path, then unjamming operation of the second conveying path can be performed, but this requires additional operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is pre-configured with engaging parts that automatically engage when the conveying unit is rotated to specific angular positions. The first engaging part engages with the locking part when the conveying unit is in the first angular position (accessing first conveying path), and the second engaging part engages with the link mechanism when rotated to the second angular position (accessing second conveying path). This preliminary configuration of engaging mechanisms eliminates the need for manual adjustment or complex operations during unjamming, reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cover member and the conveying unit, mediating the rotational movement and engagement. It includes a locking part that interfaces with the first engaging part and a second engaging part that interfaces with the conveying unit. This intermediary mechanism facilitates smooth transitions between different conveying path configurations and enables quick engagement/disengagement without requiring direct manual manipulation of the conveying unit itself, thereby reducing operational time.
3Ease of operation
If the cover member is made rotatable to open and close the sheet conveying path, then access to the conveying path is enabled, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing function and the conveying path configuration function are merged into a single integrated system. The cover member's rotation simultaneously performs both functions: it opens/closes the sheet conveying path and configures the internal conveying paths by changing the relative position of the conveying unit. This merging reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the rotatable design.
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
Facilitates efficient unjamming operations by allowing both the paper sheet conveying path and double-sided conveying path to be opened independently, improving workability and ease of maintenance by using a mechanical linkage and biasing system to manage the rotation and engagement of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member that biases the conveying unit in a direction in which the second conveying path is opened
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an opening/closing unit including a cover member and a conveying unit. The cover member is provided to one side surface of an apparatus main body so as to open and close a sheet conveying path. The conveying unit is provided inside of the cover member in the apparatus main body. The sheet conveying path includes a first conveying path formed between the conveying unit and the apparatus main body, and a second conveying path formed between the conveying unit and the cover member. When an operating lever of the cover member is rotated to a second position, opening operation of the cover member is enabled. When the operating lever is rotated to a first position in a state where the cover member is opened, the conveying unit rotates with respect to the cover member so that the second conveying path is opened.