Edge Guide Locking Structure for Stable Sheet Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium placement devices in image forming apparatuses, such as sheet feeding devices, face issues with the sheet feed fence moving uncontrollably due to forces applied in opposite directions, leading to misalignment and potential deviation of sheets during feeding.
Innovation Solution
The medium placement device incorporates edge guides with lock members and biasing sections that tilt in opposite directions, allowing for secure alignment of sheets by restricting movement in both directions using a first and second lock member configuration biased by a first biasing section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single restricting member with an angular hole section is used to lock the sheet feed fence, then the structure is simple, but the sheet feed fence can move in the opposite direction when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The single restricting member is divided into two separate restricting members (first restricting member with first hole section, second restricting member with second hole section). Each restricting member independently suppresses movement in one direction, providing comprehensive bidirectional stability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The two restricting members are configured with different angular orientations of their hole sections. The first restricting member has its hole section angled to suppress movement in one direction, while the second restricting member has its hole section angled to suppress movement in the opposite direction, creating asymmetric but complementary locking actions
2Reliability
If the inner edge of the hole section is pressed against the guide shaft by tilting the restricting member, then movement in one direction is suppressed, but movement in the opposite direction is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent restricting members, each responsible for suppressing movement in one specific direction. This allows the system to provide strong directional control while maintaining the ability to align sheets in both directions through the coordinated action of both members
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 design effectively suppresses sheet deviation and ensures precise alignment of media within the device, enhancing feeding accuracy and stability even under impact or force application.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing section configured to bias the first lock member and the second lock member
Data Source
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AI summary
It includes a placement section on which medium can be placed, a first edge guide configured to align an edge of the medium placed on the placement section, and a first guide shaft 59 configured to guide movement of the first edge guide. The first edge guide includes a first contact section that can contact a first edge of the medium, a first lock member 69 formed with a first hole 77 through which the first guide shaft 59 passes, a second lock member 70 formed with a second hole 80 through which the first guide shaft 59 passes, and a first biasing section 71 that biases the first lock member 69 and the second lock member 70. The first lock member 69 and the second lock member 70 are biased by the first biasing section 71 to tilt in different directions.