Sheet supporting apparatus and image forming apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet feed cassettes in printers have locking pins that protrude from the rear side and are not movable in the vertical direction, leading to potential damage when the cassette is drawn out and placed on a worktable, as they can collide with objects and withstand vertical loads.
Innovation Solution
A sheet supporting apparatus with a movable locking pin holder that allows the locking pin to swing vertically, preventing damage by retracting it within the apparatus body when external forces are applied, and ensuring it does not protrude excessively when the cassette is drawn out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking pin is arranged to protrude from the rear side of the sheet feed cassette, then the sheet feed cassette can be securely attached to the printer body, but the locking pin may collide against the worktable or objects when the cassette is drawn out, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is configured to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the sheet feed cassette, transitioning between a protruding state during attachment and a retracted state when drawn out. This dynamic adjustment prevents collision damage while maintaining secure attachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder supported by the urging member preemptively positions the locking pin in a retracted state before the sheet feed cassette is drawn out from the printer body. This preliminary action prevents the locking pin from colliding with the worktable or objects, eliminating the harmful effect before it can occur.
2Device complexity
If the locking pin is fixed in position on the sheet feed cassette, then the structure is simple and robust, but it cannot withstand vertical loads when the cassette is drawn out, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is made movable in the vertical direction through the holder and urging member mechanism, allowing it to dynamically respond to external forces. This enables the simple locking pin structure to gain the capability of withstanding vertical loads by retracting when necessary, improving damage resistance without significantly increasing complexity.
3Strength
If the locking pin protrudes from the sheet feed cassette, then engagement with the printer body is effective, but the locking pin is vulnerable to damage from external forces applied when the cassette is drawn out
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin transitions between protruding and retracted positions dynamically. When engaged with the printer body, it protrudes to provide effective engagement strength. When the cassette is drawn out, it retracts to avoid external forces, eliminating vulnerability while maintaining strength during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member preemptively retracts the locking pin before external forces can be applied during the drawing-out process. This preliminary protective action prevents damage from external forces while the locking pin maintains its protruding position for effective engagement during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents damage to the locking pin and the sheet supporting apparatus by allowing the locking pin to move vertically, reducing the risk of collision and deformation, thus enhancing the durability and usability of the printer's sheet feeding mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the holder in the perpendicular direction
Implementation Method 2
a holder that is supported movably in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the supporting surface and configured to hold the first engagement portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet supporting apparatus includes a sheet supporting unit having a sheet supporting portion including a supporting surface on which a sheet is supported, and a first engagement unit attached to the sheet supporting portion, and a second engagement unit to draw in the sheet supporting unit toward an attaching position where the sheet supporting unit is attached to an apparatus body. The first engagement unit includes a first engagement portion, a base portion supported by the sheet supporting portion, and a holder that is supported movably in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the supporting surface by the base portion and configured to hold the first engagement portion. The base portion supports the holder swingably around a swing shaft that extends in a direction orthogonal to both the perpendicular direction and an inserting direction in which the sheet supporting unit is inserted.