Sheet Loading Device Adjustable End Fence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet loading devices in image forming apparatuses are limited in securing the end fence in arbitrary positions, particularly for non-standard paper sizes or those with minute size errors, leading to feeding failures and paper jams, and require multiple position securing members and additional storage space.
Innovation Solution
A sheet loading device with a securing member that can be attached to and detached from the first restricting member, allowing it to be secured in an arbitrary position on the guide rail, preventing incorrect positioning and enabling handling of non-standard paper sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the end fence is secured in a fixed position using screw-securing configuration, then the position stability is improved, but the adaptability to handle various paper sizes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The end fence is divided into a movable body and a securing member that can be positioned at different locations. The securing member includes multiple engagement positions along the guide rail, allowing the end fence to be segmented into positioning components that can be adjusted to different locations depending on the paper size being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The end fence transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The movable body can slide along the guide rail to different positions, and the securing member can be engaged at different engagement positions to lock the end fence at the desired location, enabling adaptation to various paper sizes while maintaining stability when secured.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple position securing members are prepared for each regular size, then the positioning accuracy for different sizes is improved, but the device complexity and storage space requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single securing member is designed to perform multiple functions by engaging at different engagement positions along the guide rail. Instead of requiring separate securing members for each paper size, this universal securing member can accommodate various sizes by simply changing the engagement position, thereby reducing the number of parts needed while maintaining positioning accuracy for different paper sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the end fence is made movable to handle arbitrary paper sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the position stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is designed with multiple engagement positions that are pre-configured along the guide rail at locations corresponding to different paper sizes. Before using a specific paper size, the user can preliminarily position the end fence at the appropriate location and then engage the securing member to lock it in place, ensuring both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member acts as an intermediary between the movable end fence and the guide rail. It provides the locking mechanism that transforms the movable end fence into a stable positioned structure when needed, allowing the system to switch between mobility for adjustment and stability for operation by engaging or disengaging the securing member.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sheet loading device (20) includes a device body (22) to load a sheet (S), a guide (25) disposed extending in a sheet conveying direction in the device body (22), a restricting body (27) to move along the guide (25) of the device body (22) and to restrict a position of an end portion of the sheet (S), and a securing body (33) to attach to the restricting body (27) and the guide (25) and detach from the restricting body (27) and the guide (25). The restricting body (27) is secured to the device body (22) at an arbitrary position on the guide (25) by engagement of the securing body (33) and the device body (22).