Rotating Cover Mechanism for Cartridge Access in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configurations of opening/closing covers in image forming apparatuses, which integrate the front and top cover surfaces, pose challenges in operability for detaching and attaching cartridges due to limited space and difficulty in retracting the top cover sufficiently during the opening/closing process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an opening/closing member with a first cover portion to cover the cartridge's end surface and a second cover portion to cover the top surface, where the opening/closing member rotates downward about a rotation axis at the lower end of the first cover portion, and the second cover portion is configured to slide or rotate with respect to the first cover portion, allowing for improved movement and space during cartridge operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the opening/closing cover uses an integrated configuration where the front cover and top cover are formed as one piece, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the operation space becomes narrow and it is difficult for the operator's hand to grip the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing cover is divided into two separate components: a front cover portion and a top cover portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while avoiding the space constraints of an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The top cover portion is configured to rotate about a rotation axis that is different from the main opening/closing axis. This additional rotational degree of freedom creates extra operation space in the vertical dimension, allowing the operator's hand to access the cartridge more easily without compromising the simplicity of the overall structure.
2Reliability
If the top cover is biased by a spring in the apparatus internal direction, then the cover automatically returns to its closed position, but the top cover cannot be sufficiently retreated from the detaching/attaching locus, reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover portion is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to rotate about a rotation axis during the opening/closing operation. This dynamic configuration enables the top cover to be sufficiently retreated from the detaching/attaching locus while maintaining reliable automatic return to the closed position through spring biasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The top cover portion is preliminarily positioned and oriented during the opening/closing operation so that it does not interfere with the cartridge detaching/attaching locus. This preliminary positioning action creates clear access paths for the operator's hand before the actual cartridge operation begins.
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 enhances the operability for detaching and attaching cartridges by providing a larger exposed area and sufficient clearance for the operator's hand to grip the cartridge, thereby improving the overall efficiency and ease of the cartridge handling process.
Implementation Method 1
the opening/closing member is moved from the closed position to the open position by being rotated downward about a rotation axis provided at a lower end part of the first cover portion
Implementation Method 2
the second cover portion is configured to slide with respect to the first cover portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus, including a main body capable of attaching a cartridge thereto. The main body includes: a housing provided with an opening for allowing the cartridge to pass therethrough; and an opening/closing member capable of moving between a closed position and an open position. The opening/closing member includes a first cover portion that is opposed to an end surface of the cartridge on an upstream side in an attaching direction and a second cover portion that is opposed to a top surface of the cartridge on the upstream side when the opening/closing member is located at the closed position. The opening/closing member moves to the open position by rotating downward about a rotation axis provided at a lower end of the first cover portion when the opening/closing member is located at the closed position.