Sheet Feeder Driving Unit Access via Cassette Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet feeder systems in image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in inspecting and maintaining the driving unit of the lifting mechanism due to its location and the difficulty in detaching external members, which hinders operation efficiency during adjustments or repairs.
Innovation Solution
The driving unit is mounted near the cassette insertion opening, allowing for visual inspection and detachment through this opening without removing external members, facilitating easier repair and exchange by detaching the sheet cassette.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the driving unit is mounted on the outer side of the main frame, then the assembling is simplified, but the inspection and repair require detaching external members which reduces operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the main frame into multiple sections, creating a dedicated driving unit mounting section that is accessible from the outside. This allows the driving unit to be independently accessed for inspection and repair without detaching external members, while maintaining the overall assembled structure during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an opening in the main frame as an intermediary access path. This opening serves as a mediator that allows technicians to reach the driving unit from the outside without disassembling external members, thus maintaining both the assembled state and accessibility for maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driving unit is mounted at an inner side toward the cassette accommodating space, then the connection with lifting mechanism is facilitated, but the inspection and detachment become difficult even with external members detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the internal space into distinct functional zones: a driving unit mounting section with external accessibility and a cassette accommodating space. This segmentation allows the driving unit to be positioned for optimal connection while maintaining a separate access path through the main frame opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a third dimension of access by forming an opening through the main frame body. This allows the driving unit to be positioned at an inner side for connection purposes while providing an external access dimension for inspection and maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If external members are detached for driving unit inspection, then access is gained, but the operation efficiency is reduced due to the complexity of detaching and remounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the access opening and mounting structure during the initial assembly phase, preparing the pathway for future maintenance operations. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex disassembly during routine inspections, thereby maintaining high operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the driving unit to be self-accessible through the main frame opening, enabling maintenance personnel to perform inspections and repairs without requiring the system to be fully disassembled or external members to be removed, thus maintaining operational productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to facilitate the inspection of a driving unit for a lifting mechanism for lifting up sheets stacked in a sheet cassette and the detachment thereof from a main body of an image forming apparatus. In order to accomplish this object, the driving unit is detachably mounted on a main frame at a position near a cassette insertion opening that is an insertion opening for the sheet cassette into a cassette accommodating space.