Sheet Feeding Device Path Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional feeding devices risk damaging the trailing end of a sheet when switching its direction, and require a large device size due to the distance between the rotating member and the reversing roller.

Innovation Solution

A feeding device with a path-switching mechanism that includes a flap-like rotating member to guide the sheet, reducing damage by shortening the distance to the reversing roller and allowing for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating member is used to switch the traveling direction of the sheet, then the sheet can be guided to another path, but the trailing end of the sheet is at risk of being damaged when it contacts the rotating member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath switching capabilityVSAvoidsheet trailing end damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating member is rotated in advance before the trailing end of the sheet arrives, so that when the trailing end contacts the rotating member, it is already in the correct position to guide the sheet smoothly to the second conveying path without causing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the rotating member does not rotate until the trailing end of the sheet has passed through, then the sheet can be conveyed safely, but a certain distance to a reversing roller is necessary, resulting in a larger device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet damage preventionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating member performs preliminary rotation before the trailing end of the sheet arrives, eliminating the need for a long distance to the reversing roller and thereby reducing the overall device size while still preventing sheet damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution minimizes sheet damage and enables a downsized feeding device by using a flap to manage the sheet's direction change, ensuring effective guidance without increasing device size.

Implementation Method 1

a frictional member disposed on the placing surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2218668B1Feeding device and image recording apparatus with the feeding device

Publication Date: 2013.12.11 BROTHER KOGYO KK

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A feeding device (41) includes a conveying roller (45) that conveys a sheet downstream when the conveying roller rotates forward. A first guide member (82) guides the conveyed sheet toward the conveying roller. A second guide member (33) guides the sheet when the conveying roller rotates in reverse. A rotating member (49) is positioned between the first guide member and the conveying roller, and has a support shaft (87) and a pressing portion (48). The rotating member (49) rotates about the support shaft (87) between a first supported state where the rotating member is separated from the second guide member (33), and a second supported state where the rotating member is closer to the second guide member. In the first supported state, the sheet is conveyed from the first guide member (82) to the conveying roller. A trailing end of the sheet moves toward the second guide member (83) when the rotating member (49) transitions from the first to the second supported state.