Front-Mounted Locking Device for Sheet Feeding Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding devices for image forming apparatuses require significant space to restrict the withdrawal of multiple sheet containers, as the locking mechanism needs to rotate and operate from the side surface, which is inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with engaging portions that are inserted into opening portions on the front or side surfaces of the containers, engaging with engaged portions deeper than the opening, and a restricting portion that prevents disengagement, allowing the locking device to be mounted from the front or side, reducing the required space for locking multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device operates from the side surface with a rotating stopper portion, then the containers can be locked securely, but a significant amount of space is required around the locking device for rotation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device inverts the conventional side-surface operation approach by providing a locking mechanism that can be operated from the front surface of the housing. The locking member engages with locking grooves on the front surface, eliminating the need for side-surface rotation space while maintaining secure locking functionality through the same engaging mechanism.
2Reliability
If the locking device is mounted on the side surface, then it can effectively restrict container withdrawal, but the device size and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from side-surface mounting to front-surface mounting, changing the spatial dimension of installation. The locking member extends from the front surface into the housing to engage with locking grooves, maintaining effective container restriction while reducing the device's lateral footprint and overall volume requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes a plurality of containers configured to store sheet members, a housing in which the plurality of containers are mounted from a front, and a locking device configured to restrict withdrawal of the plurality of containers mounted in the housing, wherein a first opening portion is provided in a front surface of each of the plurality of containers, the housing includes a first engaged portion, and the locking device includes an engaging portion that is inserted into the first opening portion and engaged with the first engaged portion located further, in a depth direction, than the first opening portion, a restricting portion that restricts disengagement of the engaging portion, and a contact portion that comes into contact with the front surfaces of the plurality of containers.