Sheet Feeding Roller Support Deflection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with obtaining an appropriate sheet feeding force due to the deflection of the multi-frame supporting the sheet feeding roller, leading to potential jamming and reduced operability, and increasing the complexity and cost of the device when attempting to enhance rigidity with reinforcing members.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a cover with a deflection restricting portion that abuts the multi-frame supporting the sheet feeding roller, restricting flexural deformation and ensuring a stable feeding force, while maintaining ease of operation and reducing costs by avoiding additional components and fabrication steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reinforcing member is attached to the multi-frame to enhance rigidity, then the sheet feeding force is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the cover assembly itself. The cover includes a support portion that directly supports the sheet feeding roller, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members on the multi-frame. This integration maintains structural rigidity while reducing component count and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the multi-frame structure and relocated to the cover assembly. By moving the support function to the cover, the multi-frame can remain simple and lightweight while the cover provides the necessary structural support for the sheet feeding roller.
2Reliability
If a reinforcing member is attached to the multi-frame to enhance rigidity, then the sheet feeding force is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with unit removal
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the multi-frame structure and relocated to the cover assembly. This relocation ensures that the support structure does not interfere with the removal and installation operations of the image forming unit, as the cover remains part of the apparatus body while the image forming unit can be freely accessed through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary structure that provides support for the sheet feeding roller without being part of the removable image forming unit. This intermediary structure allows the support function to be maintained while keeping the image forming unit removable for maintenance and replacement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the multi-frame is made more rigid with additional components, then the sheet feeding stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the cover assembly, which is already a necessary component of the apparatus. By utilizing the existing cover structure to provide support, no additional components are needed, and the manufacturing process remains simple without requiring extra fabrication steps for reinforcing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly serves multiple functions: it covers the opening for accessing the image forming unit and simultaneously provides structural support for the sheet feeding roller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body provided with an opening, an image forming unit attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body via the opening, a cover supported pivotally on the apparatus main body so as to cover the opening, and a sheet feeding unit disposed below the opening. The sheet feeding unit includes a sheet storing portion that is supported pivotally on the apparatus main body for stacking sheets thereon, a sheet feeding roller that feeds a sheet toward inside the apparatus main body, and a housing that supports the sheet feeding roller thereon in a rotatable manner. The cover has a housing supporting portion that abuts on the housing from above the housing when the cover is in a closed state.