Sheet Feeding Device with Movable Contact Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sheet feeding devices of image forming apparatuses, there is a need for a mechanism that efficiently feeds sheets of varying sizes while preventing multiple sheets from being fed simultaneously, and ensuring proper alignment and regulation to prevent jams and ensure accurate feeding.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding device with a movable feeding unit, a moving unit, a contact unit, a limitation unit, and a releasing unit, which allows for forward and backward movement to contact and release sheets, utilizing a supporter driven by a second drive section and a tension spring to regulate sheet movement and prevent multiple feeding through a suppressing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a contact section and releasing section are added to feed sheets, then sheet feeding capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact unit is integrated with the feeding unit such that the contact unit moves together with the feeding unit as a single assembly. This merging reduces the number of independent moving parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the sheet feeding capability through the coordinated movement of the integrated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding unit serves multiple functions: it directly feeds sheets and simultaneously drives the contact unit to regulate sheet movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while improving sheet feeding capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a limitation unit is added to control contact unit movement, then sheet alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limitation unit is designed to dynamically adjust its constraint based on the movement state of the feeding unit. When the feeding unit moves forward, the limitation unit allows corresponding movement of the contact unit; when the feeding unit stops or reverses, the limitation unit restricts contact unit movement. This dynamic behavior achieves precise sheet alignment without requiring complex static constraint mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The limitation unit automatically regulates contact unit movement based on the feeding unit's position and motion state without requiring external control signals. The mechanism self-adjusts to maintain proper sheet alignment, eliminating the need for additional sensors, actuators, or control systems that would increase device complexity.
3Speed
If the feeding unit moves forward to feed sheets, then sheet feeding speed is improved, but risk of multiple sheet feeding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact unit is positioned to preliminarily contact and regulate the sheets before the feeding unit completes its forward movement. By establishing this preliminary contact and constraint, the system prevents multiple sheets from being fed simultaneously while maintaining high feeding speed through the coordinated motion of the integrated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The limitation unit provides real-time feedback on the contact unit's movement state to the feeding mechanism. This feedback ensures that the contact unit maintains proper contact with the sheets during forward movement, preventing multiple sheet feeding while allowing high-speed operation through coordinated control of the integrated feeding and contact units.
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
Enables efficient feeding of sheets of different sizes, prevents multiple sheets from being fed at once, and ensures proper alignment, reducing jamming and improving the reliability of the sheet feeding process.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring, which is a component of the supporter, is extended or retracted in accordance with movement of the supporter
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes: a feeding unit that is provided to be movable in a forward-backward direction to move forward or backward relative to a sheet placing unit on which a sheet is placed, and feeds the sheet; a moving unit that moves the feeding unit in the forward-backward direction; a contact unit that is provided to be movable, with which the sheet placed on the sheet placing unit is brought into contact; a limitation unit that limits movement of the contact unit; and a releasing unit that, when the moving unit moves the feeding unit in a direction away from the sheet placing unit, with the movement of the feeding unit, releases limitation on the movement of the contact unit by the limitation unit.