Image Forming Sheet Guide Mechanism for Lower Switching Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with increased operational force requirements and deteriorated operability due to the constant connection of a reciprocating piece of a solenoid to the switching member, which affects the switching member's usability.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a guide member that moves between different positions using a drive source and a guide moving member with a pressing portion, where the pressing portion is positioned to avoid overlapping with the movement locus of the guide member, reducing the operational force needed for switching positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reciprocating piece of the solenoid is always connected to the switching member, then the switching member can be reliably switched between postures, but the force required for operating the switching member increases and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is divided into two independent parts: the solenoid-driven guide moving member for automatic switching, and the manually operable guide member for manual positioning. This segmentation allows the solenoid to control the guide moving member without being mechanically connected to the guide member, reducing the operating force while maintaining switching reliability through the pressing portion mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the pressing portion is positioned to avoid overlapping the movement locus of the pressed portion, then the operational force is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion of the guide moving member acts as an intermediary that temporarily transfers force to the pressed portion of the guide member during switching operations. This intermediary mechanism allows the solenoid to move the guide member between positions without requiring direct mechanical connection, reducing operating force while the geometric constraint (non-overlapping positioning) simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex disconnection mechanisms.
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 configuration reduces the operational force required for switching positions, enhancing the usability and maintainability of the guide member, thereby improving the overall operability and maintainability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A reciprocating piece of a solenoid is connected to the switching member, and when the solenoid is energized, the switching member is switched from the main conveyance posture to the switching posture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an opening and closing member configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The apparatus body includes an image forming portion, a sheet conveyance path including a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path, a guide member configured to move to a first guide position and a second guide position, a drive source, and a guide moving member including a pressing portion. The guide member is configured to move to a first retraction position to open the sheet conveyance path. The pressing portion is disposed at a position not overlapping a movement locus of the pressed portion in a case where the guide member moves between the first guide position, the second guide position, and the first retraction position.