Sheet Feeding Unit Pinion Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the existing sheet feeding cartridges face challenges in maintaining the center position of sheets due to increased size and complexity of support members, which complicates installation and can lead to displacement of the sheet center during forceful insertion, affecting punch hole alignment and multi-cartridge compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding unit with a main body, side cursors, cursor racks, a pinion, and a holding member that allows the pinion to be rotatably supported and moved in the width direction, enabling precise adjustment and fixation of the cursor position without enlarging the cartridge size, thus maintaining alignment with the image center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a support member is used to move the pair of cursors in the width direction, then the center position of the sheet can be adjusted, but the size of the support member is enlarged and does not match a sheet feeding cartridge having a low height
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into a fixed part (support member body) and a movable part (holding member). The holding member can be attached and detached from the bottom plate, allowing the pinion to be positioned at different locations in the width direction without increasing the overall cartridge height. This segmentation enables center position adjustment while maintaining a compact cartridge structure.
2Measurement precision
If a support member is used to move the pair of cursors in the width direction, then the center position of the sheet can be adjusted, but the number of fixed points is increased, deteriorating workability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to be attachable and detachable from the bottom plate, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the pinion position to be changed by simply attaching the holding member at different locations, rather than requiring multiple fixed support members welded or fastened at various points, thereby improving workability.
3Ease of operation
If a user inserts the sheet feeding cartridge by strong force, then the cartridge can be installed, but the force is applied to the cursor and slide mechanism, resulting in displacement of the center position of the pair of cursors
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to be attached before inserting the cartridge into the apparatus main body. By pre-securing the pinion position to the bottom plate at the desired location, the structure is reinforced to resist external forces during insertion, preventing displacement of the cursor center position while still allowing forceful installation.
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
This configuration allows for easy center position adjustment and prevents displacement during forceful insertion, ensuring accurate punch hole alignment and compatibility with multiple cartridges, while reducing the overall size and complexity of the sheet feeding unit.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism for sliding the pair of cursors is generally configured to synchronously slide the pair of cursors in approaching and separating directions in the width direction of the sheets by a rack and pinion mechanism including racks respectively provided in the pair of cursors and a pinion engaged with the pair of racks
Data Source
AI summary
An attachably/detachably sheet feeding unit includes a main body part, a pair of side cursors, a pair of cursor racks, a pinion and a holding member. On the main body part having a bottom plate, a sheet is placed. The side cursors are supported by the bottom plate to slide in a width direction of the sheet to restrict a position of the sheet in the width direction. The cursor racks respectively extend from the side cursors in opposing directions in the width direction. The pinion is engaged with the cursor racks. The holding member has a shaft support part rotatably supporting the pinion, is attachable/detachable to/from the bottom plate, and then, is supported to the bottom plate to move in the width direction while the pinion is engaged with the cursor racks, and is fixed to the bottom plate in an optional position in the width direction.