Manual Feed Tray Angle Stabilization via Wire Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with the manual feed tray tilting downward when the opening/closing member is rotated, causing sheets to fall, and the tension mechanism is either bulky or complex, and lacks sufficient space when the sheet width increases.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an arm, stopper, wire, and tension mechanism where the wire supports the manual feed tray at an angle to prevent sheet fall, with the tension mechanism arranged along the width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying path, allowing the manual feed tray to maintain a stable position without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening/closing member is rotated downwardly to open the conveying path, then the conveying path can be opened for paper jam processing, but the manual feed tray tilts downwardly causing sheets to fall
Solution Approach 1:
A wire is introduced as an intermediary element connecting the arm and the manual feed tray. This wire acts as a mediator to transmit the support force from the arm to the manual feed tray, preventing the tray from tilting downward when the opening/closing member is rotated. The wire maintains the tray at a predetermined angle, ensuring sheet stability while allowing the conveying path to be opened for paper jam processing.
2Reliability
If a tension mechanism is added to maintain the manual feed tray angle, then sheet stability is improved, but the apparatus becomes bulkier or more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible wire instead of a rigid or complex mechanical tension mechanism. This flexible linear member can absorb slack caused by the rotation of the opening/closing member and the manual feed tray while maintaining the tray at the correct angle. The flexible wire provides the necessary tension control without adding bulk or complexity to the apparatus structure.
3Area of stationary object
If the tension mechanism is positioned along the width direction orthogonal to the conveying path, then space efficiency is improved, but the mechanism must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The tension mechanism is repositioned from a configuration that might interfere with the conveying path to one that operates along the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. This dimensional repositioning allows the wire and tension mechanism to be integrated into the side structure of the opening/closing member, efficiently utilizing available space without interfering with sheet conveyance while maintaining precise positioning through the wire's attachment points.
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 effectively prevents sheet fall and maintains the manual feed tray's angle without enlarging the apparatus, even with larger sheet widths, ensuring efficient operation and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a wire has one end fixed to the arm and another end fixed to the manual feed tray and supports the manual feed tray at an angle
Implementation Method 2
a tension mechanism absorbs a slack of the wire caused by the rotations of the opening/closing member and the manual feed tray
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an opening/closing member, an arm, a manual feed tray, a wire, and a tension mechanism. The opening/closing member is rotatably supported by an apparatus body about a lower end portion thereof. The arm restricts an opening angle of the opening/closing member with respect to the apparatus body. The manual feed tray is rotatably supported by the opening/closing member about a lower end portion thereof. The wire has one end fixed to the arm and another end fixed to the manual feed tray and supports the manual feed tray when the opening/closing member is rotated downwardly in a state where the manual feed tray is rotated downwardly. The tension mechanism absorbs a slack of the wire.