Retracting device, accommodating device, and image forming apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retracting mechanisms in image forming apparatuses require user effort to fully retract sheet-feeding units into the device, and there is a risk of incomplete retraction due to improper positioning of the retracting device components.
Innovation Solution
A retracting device with a housing and a movable unit that uses a groove and elastic member to automatically guide and secure a protrusion, allowing the sheet-feeding unit to be fully retracted without user intervention, by positioning the center of gravity of the movable unit to prevent unwanted rotation and ensure smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retracting mechanism is designed to automatically retract the accommodating unit, then user effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retracting device uses the weight of the movable unit itself to generate the retraction force. When the protrusion engages the groove, gravity automatically pulls the movable unit (and attached accommodating unit) back into the body apparatus, eliminating the need for motors, springs, or other active retraction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is designed with a specific slope angle that creates a gravitational component along the groove path. This converts the vertical weight of the movable unit into horizontal retraction force, allowing gravity to directly drive the retraction motion without additional energy conversion mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the retracting device components are positioned to ensure complete retraction, then retraction reliability is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the retraction path, provides the mechanical engagement surface for the protrusion, defines the retraction distance through its length, and its slope angle determines the retraction force. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, minimizing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove and protrusion are integrated directly into the housing and movable unit respectively, merging the guiding, engaging, and actuating functions into the basic structural components rather than adding separate mechanism elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the movable unit is designed to prevent unwanted rotation, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape with a specific slope angle rather than a symmetric U-shape. This asymmetric geometry creates a preferred engagement orientation for the protrusion, naturally preventing rotation by providing a unique fit that only works in the correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove's cross-sectional shape is optimized locally at the engagement point with specific slope angles and surface characteristics that provide both guidance and rotational prevention, while other portions of the movable unit maintain simple, uniform construction.
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
Enables automatic and complete retraction of sheet-feeding units into the image forming apparatus, reducing user effort and minimizing the risk of incomplete retraction, while also reducing the overall volume and component count of the retracting device.
Implementation Method 1
a movable unit that is disposed in the housing and that moves, when the accommodating unit reaches the predetermined position and the protrusion enters the opening, while holding the protrusion in such a manner as to cause the protrusion to move along the groove
Data Source
AI summary
A retracting device includes a housing that is disposed in or on an accommodating unit to be pulled out from an apparatus including a protrusion and that has a groove extending from a first position to a second position and having an opening formed at the first position, the first position corresponding to a position of the protrusion when the accommodating unit moving in a direction in which the accommodating unit is accommodated into the apparatus reaches a predetermined position and the second position corresponding to a position of the protrusion when the accommodating unit is accommodated in the apparatus, and a movable unit that is disposed in the housing and that moves, when the accommodating unit reaches the predetermined position and the protrusion enters the opening, while holding the protrusion to cause the protrusion to move along the groove and with respect to the housing toward the second position.