Swingable Engaging Member for Sheet Feeding Device Tolerance Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely positioning and mounting sheet accommodating portions due to variations in part tolerance and assembling tolerances, which can lead to deformation and breaking of engaging members, affecting the reliable mounting and dismounting of the feeding trays.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding device with a swingable engaging member made of elastic material, which is capable of changing its position with respect to the crossing direction, is integrated into the image forming apparatus. This member engages with a boss member to securely hold the sheet accommodating portion at the mounting position, absorbing variations in positional relationships and reducing the likelihood of creep deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid engaging member is used to securely hold the sheet accommodating portion, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the engaging member is prone to deformation and breaking due to part tolerance and assembling tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is designed to swing about a swing axis, transforming from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. This allows the engaging member to automatically adjust its position to accommodate tolerance variations during assembly and operation, preventing deformation and breaking while maintaining reliable engagement with the positioning shaft
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member's position parameter is changed from fixed to variable through the swing mechanism. By allowing the engaging member to change its angular position around the swing axis, the system can adapt to variations in positioning shaft location caused by tolerances, thereby maintaining reliable engagement without compromising the engaging member's structural integrity
2Strength
If the engaging member is made swingable to absorb positional variations, then the durability is improved, but the positioning precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The swingable engaging member provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for manufacturing tolerances. The engaging member can swing to align with the actual position of the positioning shaft, maintaining precise engagement despite variations in manufacturing precision, while the swing mechanism itself is designed with sufficient constraint to prevent excessive movement
3Manufacturing precision
If the engaging member is constrained to prevent swinging, then the positioning precision is improved, but the risk of deformation and breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than completely constraining the engaging member, the invention allows controlled swinging motion about a defined axis. This dynamic capability enables the engaging member to absorb positional variations and tolerance accumulations during mounting and dismounting operations, significantly improving reliability while the swing axis design maintains sufficient positioning precision through geometric constraints
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 ensures stable and reliable mounting and dismounting of the sheet feeding tray by absorbing positional variations and reducing the risk of deformation and breaking, thereby maintaining the functionality of the engaging portion and positioning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the engaging member is elastically deformed when the sheet accommodating portion is pulled out in the pulling-out direction from the mounting position
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet accommodating portion mounted in a main assembly. With respect to a crossing direction perpendicularly crossing a pulling-out direction of the sheet accommodating portion from the main assembly as viewed in a direction of gravitation, the main assembly is provided with a positioning portion. A member-to-be-engaged is provided in one of the main assembly and the sheet accommodating portion. An engaging member is provided in the other of the main assembly and the sheet accommodating portion. The engaging member is elastically deformed when the sheet accommodating portion is pulled out in the pulling-out direction from a mounting position. The engaging member is provided swingably in the other one of the main assembly and the sheet accommodating portion so as to be capable of changing a position thereof with respect to the crossing direction.