Sheet Supporting Apparatus Crossed Shafts Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with multiple feed units connected vertically face instability due to increased height, and existing lock mechanisms are prone to unintended unlocking under external forces, limiting design freedom and stability.
Innovation Solution
A sheet supporting apparatus with a first and second unit, each having lock portions and shafts that cross in a plan view, allowing for secure locking and unlocking of feed units by manipulating a single lock lever, thereby dispersing external forces and enhancing design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple feed units are connected vertically to increase sheet stacking capacity, then the capacity of sheet stacking amount increases, but the height of the image forming apparatus increases causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking to horizontal arrangement of feed units. The support table is configured to hold multiple feed units side-by-side in the horizontal direction, with the sheet conveying mechanism moving sheets horizontally through the apparatus. This dimensional change maintains increased sheet stacking capacity while avoiding height increase and associated stability problems.
2Ease of operation
If latches are arranged with parallel rotational axes to enable easy unlocking, then ease of operation improves, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs latches with non-parallel rotational axes, creating an asymmetric configuration where the rotational axes are oriented at different angles relative to each other. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that external forces applied to the feed units do not simultaneously align with both latch axes, preventing unintended unlocking while maintaining operational reliability.
3Device complexity
If lock mechanism design assumes uniform latch movement directions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases due to limited design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lock mechanism design where latches can operate with different rotational axis orientations and movement directions. The support table and conveying mechanism are designed to accommodate multiple latch configurations, allowing the same basic lock mechanism structure to adapt to various feed unit arrangements and external force conditions, thereby increasing design flexibility without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet supporting apparatus includes first and second units. The first unit includes a first housing, first and second lock portions, a first shaft configured to be supported rotatably with respect to the first housing and to turnably support the first lock portion, and a second shaft configured to be supported rotatably with respect to the first housing and to turnably support the second lock portion. The second unit includes a second housing and first and second engagement portions provided in the second housing and configured to engage respectively with the first and second lock portions. The first and second shafts are disposed such that extension lines of rotational axes of the first and second shafts cross with each other in a plan view.