Sheet Conveyance Door Lock Release With Reduced Detachment Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance systems require a large operating force to detach a heavy storage device and a link member due to parallel movements during opening, necessitating simultaneous horizontal and vertical forces, which can lead to damage and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a detachable door unit featuring a lock mechanism and a moving member that allows the lock to be released by opening the door without moving the casing, using a sliding mechanism to reduce the required operating force and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening/closing member pushes the storage device and the link member moves in parallel to release the lock, then the locking function is achieved, but a large operating force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the movement into two separate phases: first the link member moves vertically to release the lock, then the storage device moves horizontally. This segmentation of motion sequences eliminates the need for simultaneous parallel forces, reducing the required operating force while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable guide member that changes the direction of force transmission dynamically. When the opening/closing member moves, it first pushes the guide member vertically to release the lock, then the guide member redirects the force to move the storage device horizontally. This dynamic force redirection reduces the peak operating force required.
2Ease of operation
If the storage device is moved horizontally while the link member moves vertically in parallel, then the detachment is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide member as an intermediary between the opening/closing member and the storage device. This guide member simplifies the operation by automatically sequencing the movements: it first translates vertical motion to release the lock, then guides horizontal motion to detach the storage device. This eliminates the need for complex coordinated control while preventing damage through controlled motion sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus configured to be detachably connected to a door unit including a door member configured to be opened and closed, the sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance portion configured to convey a sheet, a casing configured to accommodate the conveyance portion to face the door unit, a lock portion supported movably with respect to the casing to a lock position where the lock portion locks the casing to the door unit and to a release position where the lock portion releases a lock between the casing and the door unit, and a moving member supported movably by the casing, the moving member being configured to move the lock portion from the lock position to the release position by being pressed by the door member being opened in a state where the casing is not moved with respect to the door unit.