Stacking Device Regulating Member Positioning for Sheet Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face issues with accurately positioning the trailing edge regulating device for both standard-sized and non-standard-sized sheets, leading to potential sheet compression, feeding failures, and oblique conveyance due to user variability in setting the device's position.
Innovation Solution
A stacking device with a movable regulating member featuring first and second engaging portions for standard and non-standard sizes, and a releasing unit that allows precise positioning by engaging and disengaging these portions based on the sheet size, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing user error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailing edge regulating device is positioned by visual observation and click feedback, then the operation is easy to perform, but the positioning precision varies depending on each user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the positioning configuration with engaging portions) between the user's visual observation/click action and the final position of the trailing edge regulating device. This intermediary ensures that once the user engages the device with the positioning configuration, the position is precisely and consistently determined by the physical engagement geometry rather than by user variability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing edge regulating device is designed to self-position by engaging with the positioning configuration (engaging portions and engaged portions) when moved to the boundary between standard-sized and nonstandard-sized sheet regions. The device automatically achieves precise positioning through this mechanical engagement without requiring additional user adjustment or intervention, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring consistent precision
2Measurement precision
If the positioning configuration of the trailing edge regulating device is removed in the boundary region, then the fixed position of standard-sized sheet is clarified, but the regulating device position changes during sheet passing causing oblique conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the positioning configuration (engaging portions and engaged portions) in the boundary region between standard-sized and nonstandard-sized sheet areas. This positioning configuration is prepared in advance to engage with the trailing edge regulating device, ensuring that when the device is moved to this boundary, it automatically achieves and maintains a precise, fixed position. This prevents the device from shifting during sheet conveyance, thereby ensuring reliable and consistent sheet feeding without oblique conveyance
3Ease of operation
If the trailing edge regulating device is set to a shorter side than desired position, then the operation is simple, but sheet compression occurs and feeding failure happens
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning configuration acts as an intermediary that ensures the trailing edge regulating device reaches the correct position. When the user moves the device to engage with the positioning configuration, the mechanical engagement serves as a mediator that guarantees the device is positioned at the intended location, preventing both under-positioning (which causes compression) and over-positioning (which causes misalignment). This resolves the contradiction by ensuring feeding reliability while maintaining simple operation through the self-correcting engagement mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
When an operating lever is moved from an operation position to a stand-by position, a standard size fixing member is lowered in advance of a non-standard size fixing member, so that a regulating member for regulating a position of an end portion of a sheet can be set to a desired position, enabling stable sheet feeding.