Feeding Device Sheet Position Control via Dynamic Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the position of the uppermost sheet on a stacking member within a proper range, affecting stable feeding performance.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device with a stacking member, a raising device, a feeding member, an interlocking device, a switching device, and a movement device that regulates the position of the feeding member to ensure the uppermost sheet is kept within a predetermined range by mechanically switching the raising device between permitted and regulated states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the stacking member is raised to maintain the uppermost sheet position, then the feeding condition is stabilized, but the feeding member cannot be properly separated from the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holding member movable between a first holding position (when the stacking member is in the raised state) and a second holding position (when the stacking member is in the lowered state). This dynamic positioning allows the feeding member to be properly separated from the sheet when needed, while still maintaining stable feeding conditions when the stacking member is raised. The movable holding member resolves the contradiction by adapting its position based on the operational state.
2Ease of operation
If the feeding member is moved upward to separate from the sheet, then the feeding member can be retracted, but the uppermost sheet position becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through the dynamic positioning of the holding member. When the feeding member needs to be retracted, the holding member moves to the second holding position, allowing the feeding member to be separated from the sheet. Meanwhile, the stacking member can be raised to maintain uppermost sheet position stability. The system maintains both retraction capability and position stability by coordinating the dynamic positions of these two components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the raising device is freely permitted to raise the stacking member, then the uppermost sheet can be positioned, but the feeding member cannot be properly separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holding member movable between positions. When the stacking member is raised to control the uppermost sheet position, the holding member is in the first holding position that allows proper separation of the feeding member from the sheet. This dynamic coordination enables precise position control while maintaining the ability to separate the feeding member when needed.
4Device complexity
If the feeding member is held in a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the uppermost sheet position cannot be maintained within proper range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a movable holding member that can be positioned at different heights. This dynamic structure allows the feeding member to be held at various positions to maintain the uppermost sheet within the proper range, while the overall structure remains relatively simple. The movability of the holding member provides the necessary position control without requiring a complex mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding device includes a stacking member, a raising device, a feeding member, an interlocking device including a sheet contact portion, a switching device, a holding member, and a movement device. The feeding member is movable between contact and retracting positions, and rotates in contact with a sheet stacked on the stacking member in a state of being located at the contact position. The sheet contact portion contacts the stacked sheet, and moves by being pressed against the stacked sheet where the raising device raises the stacking member. The switching device switches the raising device between a permitted state and a regulated state. The movement device moves the feeding member to the retracting position above the contact position by moving the holding member. The raising device does not change from the regulated state to the permitted state when the movement device moves the feeding member to the retracting position.