Sheet Feeding Apparatus Abutment Member Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses with sloping-surface members fail to reliably separate sheets and prevent feeding failures, especially when sheets lean on the sloping surface during image forming processes.
Innovation Solution
The sheet feeding apparatus incorporates abutment members that pivot between protruding and retracting positions, with a transmission mechanism and moving mechanism to control their movement in synchronization with the sheet feeding process, ensuring proper sheet alignment and separation without interference with the conveyance rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the abutment member is positioned at the protruding position to prevent sheets from leaning on the sloping surface, then sheet separation reliability is improved, but the abutment member may interfere with the conveyance rollers during sheet feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment member is designed to dynamically change its position between protruding and retracting states based on the feeding cycle. During sheet insertion, it protrudes to prevent leaning; during conveyance, it retracts to avoid interference. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between preventing sheet leaning and avoiding roller interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment member operates periodically in synchronization with the sheet feeding process. It protrudes when sheets are inserted and retracts when sheets are conveyed by the rollers. This periodic action ensures that the abutment member is only in the protruding position during the insertion phase, eliminating interference during conveyance while maintaining sheet separation reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the abutment member is retracted to allow smooth sheet conveyance by rollers, then sheet feeding smoothness is improved, but sheets may lean on the sloping surface causing feeding failure
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment member transitions between static (retracted) and dynamic (protruding) states based on operational requirements. During conveyance, it remains retracted for smooth operation; during insertion, it protrudes to maintain reliability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between smoothness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment member protrudes in advance during the insertion phase to prevent sheets from leaning on the sloping surface before conveyance begins. This preliminary action ensures proper sheet positioning is established before the conveyance process starts, preventing feeding failures while allowing smooth roller operation during the actual conveyance phase.
3Measurement precision
If a motor-driven cam mechanism is used to control abutment member movement, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor-driven cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the abutment member's protruding position, manages its retraction, and synchronizes its movement with the sheet feeding cycle. By making this one component perform multiple functions, the patent achieves precise positioning without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for the abutment member are merged into a single cam mechanism driven by one motor. Instead of using separate actuators for protrusion and retraction, the cam mechanism integrates both movements and timing control into one unified system, reducing complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
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 enhances sheet separation reliability, reduces feeding failures, and increases productivity by preventing sheets from leaning on the sloping surface, while allowing for cost-effective and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The abutment member is urged by a spring member toward a retracting position
Implementation Method 2
a pivot shaft, about which the abutment members can rotate
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus (13) includes a stacking part (8), a feeding part (26), an abutment part (52) comprising an abutment area (57), the abutment part (52) being configured to move between a first position and a second position, a transmission part (40) comprising a rotary member (42), the rotary member (42) being configured to be stopped every one rotation, and a moving part (60) configured to move the abutment part (52) in response to rotation of the rotary member (42) such that the abutment part (52) positions at the first position in a case where the rotary member (42) is stopped, and the abutment part (52) moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position while the rotary member (42) makes one rotation.