Sheet Feeding Cassette Positioning Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face difficulties in reliably and easily adjusting the positioning of the sheet feeding cassette due to the lack of precise control over the positioning mechanism, leading to misalignment between the sheet feeding cassette and the image forming portion, which affects the accuracy of image formation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a positioning portion with a positioning member and a support portion featuring inclined teeth surfaces that allow for stepwise adjustments by changing the engagement position between the teeth, enabling precise control over the positioning of the sheet feeding cassette relative to the image forming apparatus body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjusting screw is used for stepless positioning of the sheet feeding cassette, then the positioning can be adjusted continuously, but the adjustment cannot be performed easily and reliably due to excessive or insufficient rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous adjustment range of the adjusting screw is segmented into discrete positioning stages using tooth surfaces. The first tooth surface on the positioning member and the second tooth surface on the support portion create distinct engagement positions, dividing the continuous adjustment into reliable discrete steps that prevent excessive or insufficient rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth surfaces create periodic engagement positions along the inclined direction, providing regular discrete steps for adjustment. This periodic structure ensures that the positioning member can be reliably positioned at specific intervals, making the adjustment process both easy and reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet feeding cassette position is adjusted by rotating the adjusting screw, then the positioning can be changed in the mounting direction, but the positioning is not reliable due to stepless adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous adjustment capability is segmented into discrete reliable positions through the engagement of tooth surfaces. The first and second tooth surfaces create specific engagement points that provide reliable positioning, preventing the uncertainty associated with stepless adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the adjusting screw and the positioning member. This intermediary structure translates the rotational adjustment into discrete, reliable positioning steps, ensuring both adjustability and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the positioning portion is made adjustable to compensate for dimensional variations, then the alignment between sheet feeding cassette and image forming portion can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning portion is made dynamically adjustable through the adjusting screw mechanism that can move the positioning member along the inclined tooth surfaces. This dynamic adjustment capability allows compensation for dimensional variations while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the positioning member is changed by adjusting the engagement position between the tooth surfaces. This parameter change approach allows precise alignment adjustment through a simple mechanical mechanism, achieving high manufacturing precision without significant device complexity.
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 solution allows for easy and reliable adjustment of the sheet feeding cassette's position, ensuring accurate alignment and improving the consistency of image formation by allowing for precise control over the positioning mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of teeth which are formed along an inclined surface (80) which is provided in the positioning member (77) and is oblique to the mounting direction, and a plurality of teeth which are formed on a surface (60b) which is provided in the support portion (60b) and faces the inclined surface (80)
Data Source
AI summary
By abutting a positioning member against an abutting surface provided in an image forming apparatus body, positioning in a mounting direction of a sheet storing portion drawably mounted on the image forming apparatus body. A position of the positioning member is changed stepwise by a support portion having a receiving surface abutting against the positioning member, and the shift of the sheet storing portion positioned by the positioning member with respect to the image forming portion is adjusted stepwise.