Torsion Spring Attachment Structure for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment structures for plate-like members in image forming apparatuses face challenges in ease of fitting and damping force management when a torsion spring is attached to a plate-like member that is opened and closed with respect to a body.
Innovation Solution
An attachment structure featuring a shaft part with a torsion spring, a temporarily fixing groove, and a bracket that supports the torsion spring, allowing the spring to generate damping force and facilitate easy fitting by adjusting the spring's position and force during opening and closing states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torsion spring is attached to a plate-like member that is opened and closed with respect to a body, then damping force is generated to reduce impact, but ease of fitting deteriorates due to high reaction force during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first attaching the torsion spring to the shaft part when the plate-like member is in the open state, where the spring is relaxed and exerts minimal reaction force. The one-end portion is temporarily fixed in the groove, and the other-end portion is inserted into the plate-like member. After attachment, the plate-like member is closed to activate the damping function. This sequence allows attachment under low reaction force conditions while still achieving the damping effect.
2Ease of operation
If a torsion spring is fitted on the shaft part in the open state, then the spring can be easily attached, but the spring exerts high reaction force during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment process into distinct phases: first attaching the one-end portion of the torsion spring to the shaft part in the open state when reaction force is low, then separately inserting the other-end portion into the plate-like member after temporary fixation. This segmentation allows the attachment to proceed in steps, managing reaction force levels throughout the process while achieving complete spring installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the torsion spring is temporarily fixed in the groove, then positioning is improved, but the spring needs to be moved along the shaft part to insert into the plate-like member
Solution Approach 1:
The groove acts as an intermediary element that temporarily holds the one-end portion of the torsion spring during the attachment process. It provides a positioning function that ensures accurate placement on the shaft part, while also serving as a temporary fixation point that allows subsequent insertion of the other-end portion into the plate-like member. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall attachment process by providing a clear intermediate state.
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
Improves ease of fitting and reduces reaction force during the attachment process by leveraging the torsion spring's damping force, enhancing the operational efficiency of the plate-like member's opening and closing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring to be fitted on the shaft part exposed in an open state, the torsion spring generating a damping force when the plate-like member is brought to the open state
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment structure includes: a shaft part via which a plate-like member is supported on a body in a manner capable of being opened and closed; a torsion spring to be fitted on the shaft part exposed in an open state, the torsion spring generating a damping force when the plate-like member is brought to the open state; a temporarily fixing groove extending along the shaft part and into which a one-end portion of the torsion spring fitted on the shaft part is inserted to temporarily fix the torsion spring to the body; and a bracket that is fixed to the body in the open state and presses the one-end portion of the torsion spring. The plate-like member has a gap in which, in a closed state, the torsion spring can be moved along the shaft part so that another-end portion of the torsion spring is inserted into an insertion hole in the plate-like member.