Sheet Feeding Apparatus with End Detection for Misalignment Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses in image forming devices face feeding failures due to improper setting of back end and side end regulating members, leading to sheet misalignment and suction failures, especially when sheets are curled or not properly positioned.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a lifting and lowering sheet stacking portion, air blowing for sheet loosening, suction conveyance, back and front end detecting sensors, and a controlling mechanism to prevent feeding operation if sensors do not detect sheets correctly, ensuring proper alignment and preventing feeding failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is blown on the sheet bundle to loosen and separate sheets, then sheet separation is improved, but sheet alignment deteriorates due to mispositioned regulating members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of sheet presence and regulating member positioning before the sheet feeding operation. The detection unit checks whether sheets are properly positioned and regulating members are in correct positions before air blowing is activated, preventing alignment issues from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where detection units monitor the sheet bundle state and regulating member positions, and the control unit adjusts or prevents feeding operations based on this feedback information, ensuring both separation and alignment are maintained
2Productivity
If sheet feeding operation is performed without detection, then feeding speed is improved, but feeding reliability deteriorates due to undetected misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit performs preliminary checks of sheet presence and regulating member positioning before the feeding operation starts. This preliminary action ensures that only properly configured sheet bundles are fed, maintaining reliability without significantly impacting feeding speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-checking through automated detection units that monitor their own operational conditions. The detection unit automatically verifies sheet and regulating member status, enabling the system to self-correct or prevent feeding issues without external intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If regulating members are made adjustable for various sheet sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects sheet presence, determines sheet size, and monitors regulating member positions. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various sheet sizes with a single integrated component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical regulation mechanisms with a detection-based control system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical adjusting mechanisms, the system uses detection units to identify sheet characteristics and control the feeding process accordingly, reducing mechanical complexity
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 apparatus effectively prevents wasteful feeding operations by detecting potential failures before they occur, ensuring reliable sheet feeding by ensuring correct alignment and preventing suction failures, even with curled or mispositioned sheets.
Implementation Method 1
an air blowing portion (31) which blows air on a side face of sheets (35) stacked on the sheet stacking portion (12) to loosen the sheets (35)
Implementation Method 2
a suction conveyance portion (29) which suctions and conveys the sheets (35) loosened by the air blowing portion (31)
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a back end detecting sensor which detects a back end side in a conveying direction of the topmost sheet stacked on the sheet tray, a front end detecting sensor which detects a front end side in the conveying direction of the topmost sheet, and a CPU. The CPU disables start of a sheet feeding operation of a feeding unit in a case where the back end detecting sensor and the front end detecting sensor do not detect the sheet when the sheet tray is lifted toward the feeding unit and then stopped in a predetermined position. Accordingly, a state that a feeding failure is possibly caused is detected before feeding the sheets so as to eliminate the wasteful feeding operation.