Sheet Feeding Apparatus Return Claw Regulating Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses face issues with multiple feeding of sheets and poor setting properties due to the curved leading edge portion of the return claw, which affects the alignment and feeding performance.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a leading edge regulating portion and a return claw that includes a regulating surface extending in the stacking direction to position the sheets accurately, and a return mechanism to prevent multiple feeding by returning separated sheets to the supporting tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the return claw has a curved leading edge portion to ensure the separated sheet is returned to the manual feed tray, then the sheet return reliability is improved, but the setting property of sheets on the tray deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The return claw is divided into two functional portions: a curved leading edge portion for reliable sheet return and a flat abutting surface for proper sheet alignment. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the return claw are given different geometric qualities: the leading edge portion is curved to ensure reliable sheet return, while the abutting surface is flat to provide proper alignment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between return reliability and setting property.
2Manufacturing precision
If sheets are aligned against the abutting surface to improve setting property, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the sheet return reliability deteriorates due to the curved leading edge portion
Solution Approach 1:
The return claw is segmented into a flat abutting surface for alignment and a curved leading edge portion for return reliability. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting surface is designed with flat geometry for precise alignment, while the leading edge portion has curved geometry for reliable sheet return. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between alignment accuracy and return reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a regulating portion with a regulating surface extended in the stacking direction is added to improve setting property, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return claw is designed to serve multiple functions: it returns separated sheets to the tray, aligns sheets through its abutting surface, and regulates leading edge positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate regulating mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating function is merged into the return claw structure itself through the addition of the abutting surface. This integration avoids adding separate complex regulating mechanisms while achieving the desired setting property improvement.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a regulator to regulate a position of leading edges of first and second sheets supported on a sheet support. A drive transmission drives a return for returning the second sheet toward the sheet support and the regulator by a driving force, wherein the return includes a first cam follower, a first pivot shaft, and a claw supported pivotably around the first pivot shaft. The drive transmission includes a first cam to drive the return by engaging with the first cam follower and rotating, and the regulator includes a second pivot shaft that is parallel to the first pivot shaft. The regulating member includes the regulating surface and is arranged such that at least a portion of the regulating member is overlapped with the claw in an axial direction of the second pivot shaft.