Multi-Tray Sheet Feeding Positioning With Integrated Cassette Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with multi trays and sheet cassettes face challenges in efficiently managing the positioning and size of multi-size cassettes, leading to increased complexity and size, as well as potential positional shifts during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding device with a multi tray and sheet cassette that uses an engaging slit, boss, rib, and positioning member to ensure unified and stable insertion and positioning within the apparatus main body, reducing the need for separate positioning components and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate positioning components are provided for multi tray and sheet cassette, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning functions for the multi tray and sheet cassette into a single integrated positioning member. The positioning member includes a positioning protrusion that engages with a positioning groove on the multi tray, and simultaneously includes a positioning protrusion that engages with a positioning groove on the sheet cassette, thereby providing unified positioning for both components with a single positioning mechanism rather than separate positioning components for each.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate positioning components are used, then positioning stability is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member integrates multiple positioning functions into a single compact component. It includes a first positioning protrusion for engaging the multi tray and a second positioning protrusion for engaging the sheet cassette, both integrated into one positioning member structure. This merging approach maintains positioning stability through multiple engagement points while avoiding the space multiplication that would result from having separate positioning components for each tray and cassette.
3Device complexity
If simplified positioning structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is segmented into distinct positioning protrusions and engagement grooves that provide precise positioning through geometric fitting. The first positioning protrusion with its specific shape engages with the positioning groove on the multi tray, and the second positioning protrusion engages with the positioning groove on the sheet cassette. This segmentation of the positioning function into precise geometric interfaces maintains high positioning precision while keeping the overall structure simple and integrated.
Data Source
AI summary
In a sheet feeding device, when a multi tray is overlaid on a sheet cassette, a rib on the front-end portion of the multi tray is fitted in an engaging slit in the upper edge of a sidewall of the sheet cassette, and protrudes from the sidewall of the sheet cassette. When the sheet cassette and the multi tray overlaid thereon are inserted into an apparatus main body, a boss on the sidewall of the sheet cassette is pressed against a positioning member on an inner wall of the apparatus main body, via the rib protruding outward from the sidewall of the sheet cassette, so that the multi tray and the sheet cassette are set in position.