Sheet Feeding Cassette Detection With Integrated Locking Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with the sensor incorrectly switching to the cassette detection state when the sheet feeding cassette is not properly attached, leading to potential sheet feeding failures such as jams.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a sheet feeding cassette with a detected piece and presser piece that integrally switch the sensor to the detection state and engage a locking member with a lock receiving part upon correct attachment, ensuring secure engagement before initiating the sheet feeding operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is provided to detect cassette attachment, then the sheet feeding operation can be controlled, but the sensor may be incorrectly switched to detection state when the cassette is not properly attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor actuation function and locking verification function into a single integrated mechanism. The pressing piece is mechanically coupled to both the sensor and the locking member, so that it can only be pressed by the detected piece when the locking member is properly engaged. This merging ensures that sensor activation and locking verification occur simultaneously through one mechanical action, eliminating the need for separate verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing piece serves as an intermediary element between the detected piece and the sensor. Instead of the detected piece directly actuating the sensor, the pressing piece mediates this interaction by being pressed by the detected piece and simultaneously pressing the sensor. This intermediary ensures that sensor activation only occurs when the locking mechanism is properly engaged, as the pressing piece's position is controlled by the locking member's engagement state.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is simplified, then the attachment process is easier, but the sheet feeding may stop or sheet jam may occur when not securely engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-verifying through the mechanical coupling of the pressing piece. When the cassette is properly attached, the locking member automatically engages with the detected piece, which in turn automatically presses the pressing piece against the sensor. This self-service mechanism ensures that proper engagement is automatically verified without requiring additional manual checks or complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeding cassette, a cassette attachment part, and a sensor. The sensor is switched in a cassette detection state and a cassette non-detection state. The sheet feeding cassette includes a detected piece, a pressure piece, and a lock receiving part. The detected piece switches the sensor to the cassette detection state and to the cassette non-detection state. The presser piece is provided integrally with the detected piece. The lock receiving part supports the presser piece movably. The cassette attachment part includes a locking member. When the sheet feeding cassette is attached to the attachment part, the detected piece switches the sensor from the cassette non-detection state to the detection state to enable a sheet feeding operation from the sheet feeding cassette, and the pressure piece interferes with the locking member to cause the locking member to be engaged with the lock receiving part.