Paper Feed Device Tray Dynamics for Jamming and Double-Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with sheet jamming due to thick sheets and double-feeding of thin sheets in paper feed devices, as existing solutions either increase friction for thick sheets or lead to double-feeding for thin sheets.
Innovation Solution
A paper feed device with a tray that can change states, featuring a low-friction member and an adjustment mechanism, allowing sheets to be inclined and fed efficiently, reducing jamming and double-feeding across sheet thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pickup roller is urged downward to increase frictional force, then thick sheets can be fed without jamming, but thin sheets are easily double-fed
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup roller is made movable in the vertical direction and its pressing force is dynamically adjusted based on sheet thickness. The roller can move downward to increase friction for thick sheets, and move upward to reduce pressing force for thin sheets, preventing double-feeding while maintaining reliable feeding across different sheet types
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing force parameter of the pickup roller is changed according to sheet thickness. By adjusting the vertical position of the pickup roller, the frictional force between the roller and sheet is optimized for each sheet type, resolving the contradiction between preventing jams for thick sheets and preventing double-feed for thin sheets
2Ease of operation
If the tray is lifted upward while substantially horizontal, then sheets are easily accessed, but thick sheets are easily jammed during feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is made movable in the vertical direction and can be positioned at different heights. The tray is lifted upward to improve accessibility for thick sheets, while the vertical adjustability allows optimization of the feeding angle to prevent jamming during the feeding process
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 effectively feeds thick sheets without jamming and prevents double-feeding of thin sheets, ensuring reliable image formation by adjusting the tray's state and using a low-friction member to facilitate smooth sheet alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a low-friction member and an adjustment mechanism, allowing sheets to be inclined and fed efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a paper feed device includes: a tray that has a support surface on which a sheet is placed and is capable of entering a first state and a second state. The first state is a state for placing the sheet on the support surface. The second state is a state for taking out the sheet from the support surface toward a downstream side in a conveying direction and for putting the sheet in an inclined posture heading upward on the downstream side in the conveying direction than an upstream side in the conveying direction.