Sheet Conveying Apparatus Tray Cover Automatic Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet conveying apparatuses require users to manually swing the tray main body from an inclined position to a standing position to cover the space between the tray and the main unit, which can lead to dust ingress and is burdensome for users.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying apparatus where the tray cover is pivotable between a bent and straight position, allowing it to cover the space between the main unit and the tray main body when the tray cover pivots from the straight to the bent position, causing the tray main body to pivot to the standing position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray main body is kept at the inclined position when the tray cover is closed, then the user can easily access the tray, but the tray cover cannot cover the space between the main unit and the tray main body, leading to dust ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tray cover closing action with the tray main body returning action into a single integrated mechanism. When the user closes the tray cover, the elastic member automatically propels the tray main body to return to the standing position, merging two operations (closing cover + returning tray) into one unified action that simultaneously prevents dust ingress and maintains tray readiness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the user manually swings the tray main body from the inclined position to the standing position to cover the space, then dust ingress is prevented, but the operation becomes burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the elastic member stores potential energy when the tray is inclined and automatically converts it to kinetic energy to propel the tray back to the standing position. This self-propelling mechanism eliminates the need for manual user intervention, making the system serve itself by automatically preventing dust ingress without burdening the user.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tray main body is returned to the standing position manually, then the space is covered, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-loaded with potential energy when the tray main body is moved to the inclined position. This preliminary energy storage occurs automatically during the sheet placement process, preparing the system in advance to rapidly return the tray to the standing position when the cover is closed, thereby minimizing the time the space remains exposed.
4Ease of operation
If a mechanism is added to automatically return the tray main body, then user operation is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member serves as an intermediary energy storage and transfer mechanism between the tray main body position and the returning action. Instead of requiring a complex motorized or automated mechanical system, the simple elastic component mediates the energy conversion and propels the tray back to the standing position, achieving automatic return with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying apparatus includes: a main unit; a tray main body pivotable between a standing position and an inclined position; and a tray cover connected to the tray main body and pivotable between a bent position and a straight position. A space formed between the main unit and the tray main body is covered by the tray cover located at the bent position relative to the tray main body at the standing position and exposed by the tray cover located at the straight position relative to the tray main body at the inclined position. The tray cover pivoting from the straight position to the bent position relative to the tray main body at the inclined position causes the tray main body to pivot from the inclined position to the standing position, so that the tray cover covers the space.