Pivoting Paper Feeding Frame for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing due to the bulkiness of their paper feeding mechanisms, which occupy unnecessary space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A paper feeding device with a rotating shaft, pivotally mounted upper paper feeding frame, and a binding device that includes a link member and a clutch element, allowing the paper feeding tray to be closed when not in use, and opening to expose the pickup roller for media feeding, minimizing the apparatus's overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the paper feeding device uses a fixed pickup unit and trays within the apparatus body, then the structure is compact, but the device cannot feed paper when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup unit is made movable relative to the apparatus body through a rotating shaft mechanism. The pickup unit can rotate between a retracted position (within the body) and an extended position (outside the body) to feed paper. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to maintain a compact size while enabling paper feeding operation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the upper paper feeding frame is always extended outside the body, then paper feeding is easy, but the apparatus occupies unnecessary space
Solution Approach 1:
The upper paper feeding frame is configured to be movable between an extended position (outside the body for paper feeding) and a retracted position (within the body when not in use). This dynamic positioning allows the frame to provide easy paper feeding accessibility only when needed, while minimizing the apparatus footprint during standby operations.
3Reliability
If the pickup roller is always exposed outside the body, then paper pickup is reliable, but the device structure becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup roller is integrated with the movable pickup unit that can extend outside the apparatus body only when paper feeding is required. During standby, the pickup roller is retracted within the body, maintaining a compact device volume. When needed, the pickup unit rotates to expose the pickup roller outside, ensuring reliable paper pickup without permanently increasing device volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an upper paper feeding frame (160) that is pivotally rotated in linkage with a paper feeding tray (110) pivotally rotatably installed to a body (10) of the apparatus, resulting in a size reduction of the image forming apparatus.