Sheet Feeding Apparatus Cover Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing without interference between the apparatus body and manual sheet-feeding tray, especially when a link arm is not used, which affects the compactness and operability of the device.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus design that includes a cover, a sheet stacking portion, a guide portion, and a moving portion to position the sheet stacking portion away from the sheet feeding portion during closure, preventing interference with the feed roller and allowing for compact storage without a link arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the feed roller is arranged near the manual sheet-feeding tray to downsize the image forming apparatus, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the manual sheet-feeding tray and the feed roller may interfere with one another when storing the manual sheet-feeding tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sheet stacking portion movable rather than fixed. The sheet stacking portion moves between a first position (when the cover is open) and a second position (when the cover is closed), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational state. This dynamic movement resolves the interference problem while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional change by moving the sheet stacking portion in the vertical direction (along the cover opening/closing direction) rather than only in the horizontal plane. The guide portion constrains this movement along a specific trajectory, enabling the sheet stacking portion to clear the feed roller path when the cover closes, thus preventing interference while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a link arm is provided between the apparatus body and manual sheet-feeding tray to prevent interference, then interference is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sheet stacking portion with the cover structure, making the sheet stacking portion an integral part of the cover rather than a separate component requiring a link arm for movement. The moving portion is integrated into this combined structure, eliminating the need for additional link arms while maintaining the interference prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it provides access to the sheet stacking portion, guides its movement, and through the moving portion, actively positions the sheet stacking portion to prevent interference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate link arm mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the manual sheet-feeding tray is moved above the feed roller when closed to prevent increase in size, then apparatus size is controlled, but the structure becomes more complex with link arms
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet stacking portion is designed to move dynamically between positions based on cover state. When the cover closes, the moving portion automatically transports the sheet stacking portion to the second position above the feed roller. This dynamic behavior achieves compact storage without requiring complex fixed link arm structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet stacking portion moves itself (or moves with minimal external intervention) between positions through the moving portion mechanism integrated with the cover. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms or complex link arms that would otherwise be required to achieve the same positional change.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking portion for stacking sheets is provided on a cover openably/closably supported on an apparatus body. The sheet stacking portion is guided between a first position and a second position along the cover by a guide portion. A sheet staked on the sheet stacking portion at the first position is fed via a sheet feeding portion. The sheet stacking portion is moved in conjunction with a cover closing action from the first position to the second position not interfering with the sheet feeding portion via a moving portion. A first end side of the moving portion is turnably supported on the apparatus body and a second end side is connected to the sheet stacking portion.