Sheet Feeding Device Leading End Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably detecting and conveying the leading end of a sheet roll due to manual insertion difficulties and unstable sensor output caused by sheet thickness, stiffness, and curling, leading to skew and potential paper jams.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding device equipped with a sensor and a roller positioned to detect the leading end of the sheet roll, with the sensor and roller facing the axial center and spaced apart in the circumferential direction, allowing for accurate detection and reliable conveyance of the sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect the leading end of the sheet roll, then detection capability is improved, but the output value becomes unstable due to sheet thickness, stiffness, and curling
Solution Approach 1:
A roller is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the sheet roll. The roller contacts the sheet roll surface and transmits mechanical motion when the leading end is detected, converting the detection task from direct optical sensing to mechanical actuation. This mediator stabilizes the detection process by providing consistent physical contact regardless of sheet variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical sensing of the sheet leading end with a mechanical detection system. Instead of relying on optical sensors to detect the leading end directly through variations in sheet properties, a roller mechanically contacts the sheet roll and translates the presence of the leading end into detectable mechanical motion or position change.
2Device complexity
If manual insertion of the sheet roll leading end is required, then device complexity is reduced, but time is lost and skew occurs due to oblique insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet roll leading end detection and insertion process is made self-service through automatic detection. The sensor and roller system automatically detects when the leading end is properly inserted and signals the system to begin operation, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing insertion time while maintaining simplicity.
3Speed
If the leading end of the sheet roll is inserted obliquely, then insertion speed is improved, but skew of the sheet roll orientation occurs resulting in service calls
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides feedback to the control system about the position and orientation of the sheet roll leading end. When oblique insertion is detected, the system can provide visual or audible guidance to the user to correct the insertion angle, ensuring proper orientation before the feeding process begins, thus preventing skew without reducing insertion speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes a sensor, a roller, and a support on which the sensor and the roller are disposed. The support supports the sensor and the roller so that the sensor and the roller contact a surface of the sheet roll. The sensor and the roller face toward an axial center of the sheet roll. The roller is spaced apart from the sensor in a circumferential direction of the sheet roll. The sensor has a detection accuracy capable of detecting a step at a leading end of the sheet roll.