Cassette Sheet Feeding with Return Lever for Multi-Sheet Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses struggle with multiple sheets being fed simultaneously due to insufficient separation mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and potential jamming.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a return member that moves between positions to push back secondary sheets upstream of the separation nip, ensuring only one sheet passes through at a time, utilizing a feed cam mechanism to interlock the movement of the separation roller and stoppers with the feed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separation roller and feed roller form a separation nip to prevent multiple sheets from passing through, then sheet separation reliability is improved, but multiple sheets may still be conveyed to the nip portion simultaneously causing feeding errors
Solution Approach 1:
The return lever performs a preliminary action by pushing back sheets upstream of the separation nip before the feeding process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that only one sheet can be conveyed to the nip portion at a time, preventing multiple sheets from entering the separation zone simultaneously and thereby improving sheet separation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The return lever acts as an intermediary element between the sheet stack and the separation nip. By positioning and pushing back sheets in the upstream region, it mediates the sheet flow to ensure proper separation, working in conjunction with the separation roller and feed roller to achieve reliable single-sheet feeding
2Reliability
If return levers are disposed on the apparatus main body to push back sheets, then sheet separation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and less adaptable to different cassette configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The return lever is merged with the cassette as an integrated component rather than being a separate element on the apparatus main body. This combination simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of independent parts, while maintaining the sheet separation function through the return lever's integration with the cassette's sheet support surface
Solution Approach 2:
The return lever is designed as a movable element that can change its position and orientation based on cassette insertion and sheet conditions. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to adapt to different cassette configurations and sheet types, improving versatility without increasing structural complexity
3Productivity
If the feed roller conveys sheets continuously, then productivity is improved, but multiple sheets may be fed concurrently causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system operates with periodic action through the coordinated movement of the feed roller and return lever. The return lever periodically pushes back sheets to maintain proper spacing, creating a rhythmic feeding pattern that ensures consistent single-sheet conveyance while maintaining high productivity through continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a cassette configured to accommodate a sheet and withdrawably mounted on the apparatus main body, the cassette including a return member configured to move to a first position and a second position, a feed member configured to feed the sheet in a sheet feeding direction, and a separation member configured to form a nip portion with the feed member. The return member is configured to, in a state where the cassette is mounted on the apparatus main body, move from the second position to the first position.