Sheet Detection via Inclined Rotation Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet detecting apparatuses in image forming and reading systems face challenges in minimizing mechanical loss and space requirements while maintaining efficient sheet gap management, particularly in high-throughput environments.
Innovation Solution
The sheet detecting apparatus features a sensor flag with a rotation shaft inclined relative to the sheet surface, allowing for reduced mechanical loss and optimized space usage by deviating the rotation shaft and abutting portion in the sheet width direction, and utilizing a cam-shaped peripheral wall surface to facilitate smooth sheet detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the rotation shaft is disposed parallel to the sheet surface, then the structure is simple, but the mechanical loss amount increases and sheet gap cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation shaft is disposed to be non-parallel to the sheet surface, creating an asymmetric configuration that reduces the mechanical loss amount. This asymmetric arrangement allows the abutting portion to contact the sheet at an optimized angle, minimizing the distance the abutting portion must travel to return to its initial position, thereby reducing mechanical loss while accepting increased structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the abutting portion returns to home position by twist coil spring, then the structure is simple, but the sheet gap distance increases due to mechanical loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the rotation shaft orientation (from parallel to non-parallel with the sheet surface). This parameter change reduces the mechanical loss amount D1, which directly decreases the sheet gap distance D according to Equation 1 (D=D1+D2). The reduced sheet gap enables higher throughput by allowing sheets to be processed more closely together in time.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional sheet detecting apparatus is used, then the structure is established, but space requirements are large and mechanical loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a conventional parallel arrangement to a non-parallel three-dimensional configuration of the rotation shaft. This dimensional change optimizes the spatial relationship between the abutting portion and the sheet, reducing both the mechanical loss and the space required for the detection apparatus while maintaining effective sheet contact and detection functionality.
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 configuration significantly reduces mechanical loss and space requirements, enhancing the precision of sheet position detection and improving throughput by minimizing the sheet gap between consecutive sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a photo sensor 624, a light shielding portion 625 which shields an optical path from a light emitting portion to a light receiving portion of the photo sensor 624
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet detecting apparatus which detects a sheet conveyed while being nipped by a pair of fixing rollers includes: an abutting portion which is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft and against which the sheet abuts; and a photo sensor which detects the rotation of the abutting portion, wherein the rotation shaft is disposed at a predetermined inclination angle so that the rotation shaft is not parallel to a sheet surface of the sheet against which the abutting portion abuts.