Sheet Storage Side Regulation Arm Geometry for Positional Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet storage apparatuses in image forming devices, such as printers, face challenges in reliably preventing positional deviations of sheets due to deformation or inclination of regulation members, which can affect image formation accuracy and sheet conveyance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a movable regulation member with first and second arms pivotably connected to it, where the arms are fixed to the storage portion at different positions in a gravity direction, providing enhanced stability and preventing deformation by distributing the force across multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single arm is used to connect the regulation member to the storage portion, then the structure is simple, but the regulation member can deform or tilt when pressed by the sheet, causing positional deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple arms (first arm and second arm) instead of using a single arm. Each arm is pivotally connected to the regulation member at different positions, distributing the load and preventing deformation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity through modular design while improving reliability through load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are arranged in different spatial dimensions relative to the regulation member, with pivot points positioned at different locations. This dimensional arrangement creates a stable geometric structure that resists deformation forces from sheets, thereby improving positional accuracy without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the regulation member is fixed rigidly to prevent deformation, then positional accuracy is improved, but the ability to adjust for different sheet sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the regulation member and storage portion is made dynamic through pivotal connections instead of rigid fixation. The arms can pivot to accommodate different sheet sizes and positions while the geometry of the multi-arm structure maintains sufficient stability to prevent harmful deformation. This dynamic connection resolves the contradiction by allowing necessary adjustment while maintaining positional accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a side regulating plate provided in a sheet feeding cassette and a regulating surface to regulate an end position of a sheet stored in the sheet feeding cassette. A first arm connected with a first connector of the side regulating plate and a second arm connected with a second connector of the side regulating plate pivot on an axis extending in the gravity direction, wherein the second connector is different from the first connector in terms of a feeding direction. A first fixing part fixes the first arm to the sheet feeding cassette, and a second fixing part fixes the second arm to the sheet feeding cassette, wherein the first arm intersects with the second arm when viewed in the gravity direction when the side regulating plate is located in at least a part of a movable range of the side regulating plate.