Sheet Feeding Roller Cam Mechanism for Compact Reliable Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding devices face challenges in efficiently managing the movement of pickup and retard rollers, leading to increased complexity and size due to the need for multiple parts and independent driving mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using a rotating member with integrated cams and followers to control the position of the pickup and retard rollers, reducing the number of parts and apparatus size by integrating the cams with a single drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent driving mechanisms are used to control pickup and retard rollers, then reliable sheet feeding operation is achieved, but device complexity and apparatus size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent driving mechanisms into a single integrated driving mechanism that controls both the pickup roller and retard roller. This single mechanism includes a drive source, a first transmission mechanism for the pickup roller, and a second transmission mechanism for the retard roller, all integrated into one unified system. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the reliability of sheet feeding operations through coordinated control of both rollers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driving mechanism serves multiple functions by controlling both the pickup roller (for drawing out sheets) and the retard roller (for preventing multi-feed). The integrated system universally manages the positioning and operation of both rollers through a common drive source and coordinated transmission mechanisms, reducing the need for separate independent driving systems.
2Reliability
If multiple independent driving mechanisms are used to control pickup and retard rollers, then reliable sheet feeding operation is achieved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent driving mechanisms into a single integrated driving mechanism, thereby reducing the space required for housing separate motors and transmission systems. The unified structure occupies less apparatus space while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable sheet feeding operation.
3Device complexity
If a simplified mechanism with integrated cams is used, then device complexity and apparatus size are reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cams as intermediary elements within the integrated driving mechanism. These cams act as mediators that translate the rotation of a single drive source into precise positional control of both the pickup roller and retard roller. The cam profiles are designed to provide accurate timing and positioning, ensuring control precision is maintained despite the simplified single-mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated driving mechanism with cams is designed to automatically coordinate the operation of both rollers without requiring external control systems. The cam mechanisms self-regulate the timing and positioning of the pickup and retard rollers through their geometric profiles, maintaining control precision through the inherent mechanical design rather than complex electronic control.
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 allows for stable and efficient control of the rollers, reducing the number of parts and apparatus size while maintaining reliable sheet feeding operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first follower is provided on the first support member, and configured to make the first support member pivot about the first shaft, by making slide-contact with a circumferential surface of the first cam
Implementation Method 2
The second follower is provided on the second support member, and configured to make the second support member pivot about the second shaft, by making slide-contact with a circumferential surface of the second cam
Implementation Method 3
The pickup roller draws out the sheets from the sheet tray, one by one
Implementation Method 4
The feed roller transports the sheet drawn out by the pickup roller
Implementation Method 5
The retard roller is made to contact or moved away from the feed roller, to prevent multifeed of the recording sheets being transported by the feed roller
Data Source
AI summary
In a sheet feeding device, when the rotating member is set to a prespecified rotation angle, a first follower makes contact with a concave portion formed on a circumferential surface of a first cam, thereby retaining a first support member at a standby position, and a second follower makes contact with a concave portion formed on a circumferential surface of a second cam, thereby retaining a second support member at a standby position. When the rotating member is made to rotate, the first follower is disengaged from the concave portion of first cam, thereby making the first support member pivot about is shaft, and bringing the pickup roller into contact with a recording sheet, and the second follower is disengaged from the concave portion of the second cam, thereby making the second support member pivot about its shaft, and bringing the retard roller into contact with the feed roller.