Paper Feeding Apparatus Pressing Unit with Variable Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper feeding apparatuses face issues with smooth sheet separation and positioning, leading to potential double feed and paper feeding failures due to uniform pressing forces and gaps between the end fence and the sheet bundle, which can cause misalignment and improper air separation.
Innovation Solution
A paper feeding apparatus with a movable end fence and a pressing unit that has different pressing forces at its upper and lower portions, where the lower pressing force is stronger, effectively positions the sheet bundle and prevents double feed by ensuring the topmost sheet rises smoothly and is conveyed correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a uniform pressing force is applied by the pressing member, then the trailing ends of the sheet bundle are positioned, but the topmost sheet cannot rise smoothly leading to paper feeding failure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed with different pressing forces at different locations: the upper portion exerts a weaker pressing force to allow the topmost sheet to rise smoothly, while the lower portion exerts a stronger pressing force to maintain positioning of the sheet bundle. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and paper feeding reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the end fence is positioned close to the sheet bundle to eliminate gaps, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the topmost sheet cannot rise due to excessive pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member provides localized differentiated pressing forces where the upper portion has weaker force to allow smooth rising of the topmost sheet, while the lower portion maintains stronger force for positioning. This enables the end fence to be positioned close to the sheet bundle for high alignment accuracy without preventing the topmost sheet from rising.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pressing member exerts strong pressing force, then the trailing ends are firmly positioned, but the topmost sheet cannot be separated and conveyed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is configured with spatially varying pressing forces: the lower portion exerts strong pressing force to firmly position the trailing ends of the sheet bundle, while the upper portion exerts weaker force that allows the topmost sheet to rise and be separated for conveyance. This local differentiation maintains positioning stability while ensuring proper sheet separation and conveyance efficiency.
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 apparatus prevents double feed and paper feeding failures by ensuring the topmost sheet rises smoothly and is positioned correctly, maintaining alignment and preventing the second sheet from being adsorbed with the topmost sheet, thus enhancing the reliability of the sheet conveyance process.
Implementation Method 1
air is blown by a blower being an air issuing unit to leading ends of an upper part of a loaded bundle of sheets. An air layer is formed between at least leading ends in a sheet conveyance direction
Implementation Method 2
The rising topmost sheet is suctioned by a suction unit, adsorbed to an adsorption belt
Data Source
AI summary
A paper feeding apparatus includes: a sheet loading unit for loading a bundle of sheets; a separation unit that separates a topmost sheet of the bundle of sheets loaded on the sheet loading unit, from the bundle of sheets; a conveyance unit that conveys the separated topmost sheet; an end fence that is movable in a sheet conveyance direction, abuts trailing ends in the sheet conveyance direction, and positions the bundle of sheets in the sheet conveyance direction; and a pressing unit that is provided in such a manner as to protrude from the end fence, and is able to press the trailing ends in the sheet conveyance direction of at least an upper part of the bundle of sheets, wherein the pressing unit has different pressing forces at an upper and a lower portion thereof, and has the lower pressing force stronger than the upper pressing force.