Sheet Storing Tray Stopper Member for Easy Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses for image forming devices have separate sliding members and stoppers, increasing costs and reducing workability due to the need to lift heavy trays for detachment, which complicates attachment and detachment processes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a combined stopper member and frame spacer that allows the sheet storing tray to be slidably attached to the apparatus main body, where the stopper member engages with an engagement portion to restrict the tray's position, enabling easy attachment and detachment without lifting, by manipulating the stopper member to cancel the slide restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sliding members and stoppers are provided, then the sheet storing tray can smoothly operate with respect to the apparatus main body and position can be restricted, but the costs of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member is integrated with the sliding member into a single unified component. The stopper member includes both the sliding function (with sliding surface) and the stopping function (with stopper portion), eliminating the need for separate components and reducing apparatus cost while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sliding member for smooth operation, a stopper for position restriction, and includes a manipulation portion for user interaction. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the system
2Reliability
If a stopper is provided to restrict slide position, then the sheet storing tray can be prevented from being detached, but the user is required to lift the tray for detachment, lowering workability when the tray is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can automatically engage with the engagement portion to provide security, and can be easily disengaged by user manipulation without requiring lifting. The dynamic nature allows the stopper to adapt between secured and detached states
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tray and the apparatus main body. It provides the securing function when engaged, and allows easy detachment when disengaged through the manipulation portion, mediating between security and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet storing tray for loading sheets, an apparatus main body to which the sheet storing tray is slidably attached, and a restriction mechanism that restricts a position of the sheet storing tray. The restriction mechanism includes an engagement portion provided in the apparatus main body and a stopper member that is provided in the sheet storing tray and engages with the engagement portion. The stopper member is configured so as to be movable in a crossing direction crossing a direction in which the sheet storing tray slides and determines a position in the crossing direction of the sheet storing tray with respect to the apparatus main body.