Tiltable Operation Panel Cover for Dust Protection and Jam Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recording apparatuses with tiltable operation panels face issues of dust entry and reduced accessibility due to the panel remaining open for extended periods, which can damage the device and hinder paper jam removal.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable operation panel with an open/close structure that exposes or closes the space around the recording unit, featuring a pivot center at the lower part for easy access and reduced dust entry, supported by a medium receiving tray to prevent breakage, and a lock unit to maintain the closed position, enhancing operability through a hand grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation panel is made tiltable to improve operability, then ease of operation is improved, but dust entry into the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is divided into two independent parts: the tiltable operation panel and the open/closeable cover. This segmentation allows the operation panel to be tilted for improved operability while the cover can be closed separately to prevent dust entry, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and dust protection.
2Ease of operation
If the operation panel is kept open for easy access, then accessibility to internal components is improved, but dust entry increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the operation panel from the cover structure, users can access internal components through the cover opening while the operation panel remains in its optimal viewing position. The cover can be opened for maintenance access and then closed to prevent dust, maintaining both accessibility and protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed wall is used on the inner side of the operation panel to prevent dust, then dust entry is reduced, but accessibility when paper jam occurs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a dynamic component that can be opened and closed, replacing the fixed wall concept. This dynamic structure allows the cover to be opened for paper jam removal and then closed to prevent dust entry, resolving the contradiction between dust prevention and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: a recording section that performs recording onto a medium; an operation panel which is configured to be tilted to switch between a first position and a second position which is closer to a horizontal position than the first position is; and an open/close structure configured to be opened/closed, and configured to, when open, expose a space around a recording unit under the operation panel which has been tilted at least from the first position into a horizontal direction, and, when closed, close the space around the recording unit. The open/close structure has a pivot center in a lower part of the open/close structure in a closed state, and is configured to open forward relative to the apparatus with an upper part of the open/close structure in the closed state taken as a free end.