Lock Member Alignment for Image Forming Conveyance Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the conveyance unit can become displaced relative to the apparatus main body when not locked, leading to sheet jamming and skewing during sheet conveyance, especially when the conveyance unit is drawn out for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A lock member is implemented to toggle between a lock position inhibiting the conveyance unit's removal and a lock release position allowing its removal, ensuring the conveyance unit remains aligned with the apparatus main body, preventing sheet jamming and skewing by interfering with the sheet feeding cassettes' insertion when the lock member is in the release position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conveyance unit is made drawable out of the apparatus main body for ease of maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to possible displacement and sheet jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is positioned to proactively prevent the conveyance unit from being drawn out when a sheet feeding cassette is installed, before any displacement or sheet jamming can occur. This preliminary blocking action resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while preserving maintenance accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member acts as an intermediary element between the sheet feeding cassette and the conveyance unit, mediating their interaction. When the cassette is installed, the lock member interferes with the conveyance unit's movement, preventing displacement. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain reliability without compromising the ease of maintenance.
2Reliability
If the lock member is positioned to prevent conveyance unit displacement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is divided into distinct functional segments: a blocking portion that prevents conveyance unit movement, a lever portion for operation, and an interference portion that interacts with the sheet feeding cassette. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks the conveyance unit in place, prevents sheet feeding cassette removal, and provides a mechanical indication of the locked state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the sheet feeding cassette is made removable for maintenance access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member proactively prevents the conveyance unit from moving when the sheet feeding cassette is installed, before any alignment issues can arise. This preliminary protective action ensures that the conveyance position remains precisely aligned, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an apparatus main body (2), a first sheet feeding cassette (3), a conveyance unit (5) and a lock member (51). The first sheet feeding cassette (3) is inserted into the apparatus main body (2) along an insertion direction and is drawn out of the apparatus main body (2) along a drawing direction opposite to the insertion direction. In a state where the lock member (51) is in a lock position, the first sheet feeding cassette (3) does not interfere with the lock member (51) to allow the first sheet feeding cassette (3) to be inserted into the apparatus main body (2). In a state where the lock member (51) is in a lock release position, the first sheet feeding cassette (3) interferes with the lock member (51) to inhibit the first sheet feeding cassette (3) from being inserted into the apparatus main body (2).