Sheet Feeding Device Remaining Quantity Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems lack an efficient mechanism to detect the remaining quantity of insertion sheets, leading to potential production of booklets without cover sheets due to insufficient sheet feeding.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a lift plate, actuating segment, driving unit, and detection mechanism that senses the top surface of sheets and determines the remaining quantity, ensuring timely insertion of cover sheets by adjusting the lift plate's position and feeding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no remaining quantity detection mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of booklet production is worsened due to potential production of incomplete booklets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection piece that acts as an intermediary mechanical element to transfer the state of sheet stacking height to the driving shaft position. This detection piece pivots about the driving shaft and couples to it via a link mechanism, serving as a mediator that converts physical sheet quantity into a detectable signal without requiring complex electronic sensors or measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection mechanism utilizes the existing driving shaft and actuating segment structure to perform dual functions: both driving the lift plate and detecting sheet quantity. The detection piece leverages the natural pivoting motion of the actuating segment about the driving shaft to automatically indicate remaining sheet quantity, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and making the existing components serve multiple purposes.
2Measurement precision
If a complex detection mechanism is provided to accurately detect remaining sheets, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems with a purely mechanical detection approach. The detection piece pivots mechanically about the driving shaft, and its position is sensed by a simple sensor that detects whether the detection piece is present or absent at a specific location. This mechanical substitution achieves accurate detection while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection mechanism transforms the physical parameter of sheet stacking height into the positional parameter of the detection piece angle. As sheets are consumed, the lift plate descends, causing the detection piece to pivot to different angles about the driving shaft. This parameter transformation converts a difficult-to-measure quantity (sheet count) into an easily detectable positional state.
3Productivity
If the lift plate position is not adjusted timely, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity is worsened due to production of incomplete booklets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection piece continuously monitors the remaining sheet quantity and provides real-time information to the control system. When the detection piece indicates that sheets are running low, the system receives immediate feedback and can automatically stop operation or alert the operator, preventing the production of incomplete booklets and ensuring continuous productive operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking portion, a lift plate, an actuating segment, driving unit, a sheet feeding portion, a first detecting portion, a remaining amount detection portion. The remaining amount detection portion includes a detection piece, a link mechanism, a second detecting portion, a controller. The link mechanism couples together the driving shaft and the detection piece at a coupling position attained by pivoting the lift plate through a predetermined angle from a lower limit position in rotation direction, so as to let the driving shaft and the detection piece rotate together. The second detecting portion senses whether or not the detection piece is present. The controller determines the remaining quantity level of the stacked sheets according to whether or not the second detecting portion is detecting the detection piece being present.