Pickup Roller Driven by Knock-Up Plate Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently picking up and feeding papers due to the need for multiple rotations of the pickup roller, which increases space and cost constraints, and requires complex electronic control systems to manage the knock-up plate and pickup roller operations.
Innovation Solution
The feeding apparatus employs a driving force transfer member that connects the moving member with the pickup member, allowing the knock-up plate and pickup roller to be raised and dropped using a single driving force, enabling multiple rotations of the pickup roller without additional electronic control elements, thereby simplifying the paper pickup process and reducing space and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pickup roller rotates multiple times to pick up and feed papers, then the paper feeding function is achieved, but the space requirements and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the knock-up plate mechanism and pickup roller into a single integrated assembly where the pickup roller is positioned to contact papers on the knock-up plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate paper elevation and pickup mechanisms, reducing space requirements while maintaining the paper feeding function through coordinated movement of the combined structure.
2Ease of operation
If electronic control elements are used to manage knock-up plate and pickup roller operations, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cam mechanism that automatically controls the knock-up plate's upward and downward movement in coordination with the pickup roller's rotation. The cam's profile is designed to provide the precise timing and displacement needed, eliminating the requirement for electronic sensors, motors, or control circuits while maintaining accurate operational control through pure mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential electronic control systems with a mechanical cam-follower mechanism. The cam converts rotational motion into the precise reciprocating linear motion required for the knock-up plate, providing accurate control through mechanical geometry rather than electronic signals, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the knock-up plate and pickup roller are operated independently, then flexible control is achieved, but the system requires complex coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the knock-up plate and pickup roller into a functionally integrated unit where both components are part of the same mechanical assembly. The pickup roller is positioned to contact papers on the knock-up plate, and their coordinated action is achieved through shared mechanical connections rather than independent control systems, reducing complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that coordinates the motion of the knock-up plate with the rotation of the pickup roller. By controlling the knock-up plate's movement through the cam profile, the system ensures proper timing and synchronization between plate elevation and roller rotation, achieving coordinated operation through a single mechanical mediator rather than complex multi-component control systems.
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
This solution enables reliable paper pickup and stable image formation by interlocking the rise and fall of the knock-up plate with the rotation of the pickup roller, reducing space constraints and costs while maintaining efficient paper feeding operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cam is rotated and applies a downward pressure to the knock-up plate, and thereby the knock-up plate is spaced apart from the pickup roller
Implementation Method 2
the pickup roller is rotated, and picks up and feeds an uppermost piece of paper from among the stacked papers
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding apparatus includes a knock-up plate to be rotatably installed on a main body of an image forming apparatus and install a paper, a knock-up spring to elastically apply pressure to the knock-up plate in a direction of a pickup roller, a cam to be fixed at one end of a knock-up shaft and downwardly apply pressure to the knock-up plate, and a driving force transfer member to transfer a rotating force of the knock-up shaft to the pickup roller.