Sheet Feeding Cassette Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses and image forming apparatuses face challenges with complex constructions, high costs, and poor operability due to the need for strong retracting forces to ensure accurate sheet positioning, which complicates the mounting and removal of sheet supplying cassettes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a retracting mechanism using a cam and resilient member to generate a controlled retracting force, allowing the sheet containing member to be easily mounted and removed without requiring excessive operating force, by engaging the separating member with the sheet feeding member at the optimal contact point for minimal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spring of great spring force is used to retract the sheet supplying cassette to the mounting position, then the sheet positioning accuracy is improved, but the operating force required to remove the cassette becomes great, aggravating operability
Solution Approach 1:
The separating member is designed to contact the sheet feeding member before the cassette reaches the mounting position, performing the separation action in advance. This preliminary action reduces the friction and resistance that would otherwise need to be overcome by the spring force during the final positioning stage, allowing for a weaker spring while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction process is divided into two stages: first, the cassette is pulled to a position where the separating member engages with the sheet feeding member; second, the cassette is completed pulled to the mounting position. This segmentation allows the spring force to be applied more efficiently, reducing the total operating force needed while ensuring accurate positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sheet supplying cassette is forcibly retracted to the mounting position by driving means such as a motor, then the sheet positioning accuracy is improved, but the construction becomes complicated and the apparatus becomes bulky and the cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own manual insertion action to trigger the retraction mechanism. When the user pushes the cassette in, the cam mechanism automatically converts this motion into the retraction force needed to pull the cassette to the mounting position. This eliminates the need for separate motorized driving means, simplifying the construction while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism uses a curved surface to convert the linear insertion motion into the appropriate retraction motion. The curved geometry of the cam allows for smooth force transmission and automatic positioning without requiring complex mechanical assemblies or motorized control systems.
3Device complexity
If a spring-biased rotary member is used to retract the sheet supplying cassette, then the apparatus remains compact and cost-effective, but the separating member and sheet feeding member frictionally contact each other, creating mounting or positioning resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism performs the separation action before the cassette reaches the mounting position, eliminating the frictional contact between the separating member and sheet feeding member that would otherwise occur during the final positioning stage. This preliminary action reduces the mounting resistance while maintaining the simplicity of the spring-biased rotary member design.
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
The solution simplifies the construction and operation of the sheet feeding apparatus, reducing the need for high operating forces and improving usability during sheet supply and size changes, while minimizing damage to sheets during handling.
Implementation Method 1
a retracting device provided in the apparatus main body configure to be engaged with the sheet containing member in the course of the sheet containing member being mounted on the apparatus main body, to thereby generate a retracting force for retracting the sheet containing member to a mounting position
Implementation Method 2
A sheet feeding apparatus with a retracting mechanism using a cam and resilient member to generate a controlled retracting force
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus has a cassette retracting mechanism which retracts a sheet supplying cassette to a mounting position when the sheet supplying cassette is to be mounted on an apparatus main body, and protrudes the sheet supplying cassette from the apparatus main body when the sheet supplying cassette is to be detached, and which, when the sheet supplying cassette is to be mounted on the apparatus main body, brings a separating member provided on the sheet supplying cassette into contact with a sheet feeding roller provided in the apparatus main body immediately after the cassette retracting mechanism has generated a maximum retracting force, and when the sheet supplying cassette is to be detached, generates a maximum pushing-out force immediately after the separating member has been spaced apart from the sheet feeding roller, to thereby protrude the sheet supplying cassette from the apparatus main body.