Sheet Feeding Device Contact-Separation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently conveying sheets and easily removing jammed sheets, particularly due to the design of conveyance roller pairs and the lack of a reliable contact-separation mechanism that allows for easy detachment and reattachment of sheet trays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a contact-separation mechanism within the sheet feeding device, which includes a spring-driven movable part and an elongated guide, allows for the orthogonal movement of conveyance rollers, enabling easy insertion, removal, and reinsertion of sheet trays, facilitating sheet conveyance and jam removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fixed conveyance roller pair is used, then sheet conveyance is stable, but sheet tray removal and jam removal become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance roller pair is designed with dynamic capability to switch between contact and separation states. The movable support portion allows the second roller to move toward or away from the first roller, enabling the system to adapt between stable conveyance (contact state) and easy tray removal (separated state), thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and conveyance reliability
2Ease of operation
If a spring-driven contact-separation mechanism is added, then tray insertion/removal becomes easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring portion provides automatic restoration functionality, pushing the movable support portion back to its original position after tray insertion or removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual resetting or complex control systems, achieving ease of operation while minimizing added complexity
3Ease of operation
If the conveyance roller pair remains in contact state, then sheet conveyance is reliable, but jammed sheet removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support portion enables the conveyance roller pair to dynamically transition from contact to separation state. When jammed sheets need removal, the second roller can be separated from the first roller, creating space for manual intervention while maintaining reliable conveyance during normal operation
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 enhances the operational efficiency of sheet feeding by allowing for seamless sheet conveyance and easy removal of jammed sheets, improving user accessibility and reducing mechanical stress during tray operations.
Implementation Method 1
The contact-separation mechanism includes a spring and a movable part pushed in a first direction by the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes a body, a sheet tray including a contacted portion, a conveyance roller pair, and a contact-separation mechanism. The conveyance roller pair in the body includes one roller and another roller. The contact-separation mechanism includes a spring and a movable part. The movable part pushed by the spring in a first direction has a contact portion and an elongated guide. The contact portion contacts the contacted portion in response to an insertion of the sheet tray into the body to move the movable part in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The elongated guide changes a position of said another roller in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions with respect to the one roller according to a movement of the movable part in the first direction and second direction.