Single-Lever Sheet Cassette Trailing End Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with sheet cassettes require users to operate multiple locking levers to adjust trailing end regulating members for different sheet sizes, leading to decreased usability due to complex and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a common releasing portion that allows the first and second regulating members to be moved by a single operation, releasing the holding mechanism for both members, simplifying the process of adjusting the trailing end regulation positions based on sheet size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking levers are provided to adjust trailing end regulating members for different sheet sizes, then the sheet size adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking levers (first locking lever and second locking lever) into a single integrated locking mechanism. The common releasing portion allows both the first regulating member and second regulating member to be locked and unlocked simultaneously by operating one lever, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate different sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The common releasing portion serves multiple functions: it locks the first regulating member, locks the second regulating member, unlocks both members, and coordinates their movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for each regulating member, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving adaptability to various sheet sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking levers are provided to adjust trailing end regulating members for different sheet sizes, then the sheet size adaptability is improved, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of multiple locking levers into a single common releasing portion. When the user operates one locking lever, it simultaneously locks or unlocks both the first and second regulating members, thereby halving the number of operations required and reducing the time needed to adjust for different sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed so that the common releasing portion is pre-configured to control both regulating members. This preliminary arrangement ensures that a single operation automatically coordinates the locking state of both members, eliminating the need for sequential manual adjustment and significantly reducing setup time.
3Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is miniaturized, then the spatial efficiency is improved, but the sheet cassette may protrude from the apparatus body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable regulating members that can move forward and backward within the cassette body. The first and second regulating members are designed to slide along guide rails, allowing the cassette to dynamically adapt its internal configuration to accommodate sheets of varying sizes, thereby maximizing space utilization and preventing protrusion from the compact apparatus body.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating members can change their position parameters (distance from the sheet feeding roller) based on the sheet size. By adjusting the locking positions of the first and second regulating members, the cassette can optimize its internal volume for different sheet dimensions, ensuring efficient space usage and preventing the cassette from protruding while maintaining ease of sheet loading and ejection.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailing end of a sheet stored in a cassette body is regulated by a first trailing end regulating member and a second trailing end regulating member. The first trailing end regulating member is provided to be slid in a cassette case where the sheet is stored, and the second trailing end regulating member is provided in the first trailing end regulating member to be slid. In addition, at positions according to a size of the sheet that is stored in the cassette case, the first trailing end regulating member is held by a first holding portion and the second trailing end regulating member is held by a second holding portion. In addition, holding of the first trailing end regulating member by the first holding portion and holding of the second trailing end regulating member by the second holding portion are released by the operation of a trailing end regulating lever.