Sheet Feeding Device Single Drive Source Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding devices experience deformation of print media when transitioning from a standby to a feeding state due to improper edge handling, leading to unclear positioning and reduced sheet-feeding performance.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding device design incorporating a roller, a driving unit, a flap that swings between standby and feeding positions to prevent transport, and a guide that separates the print medium from the roller, utilizing a single drive source to manage the transition and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flap and setting guide are moved separately using different driving sources, then the print medium can be transported without deformation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving functions for the flap and setting guide into a single driving source. The driving source selectively drives either the flap or the setting guide based on the operational state, eliminating the need for separate driving sources while maintaining the ability to prevent print medium deformation during sheet feeding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where a single driving source alternates between driving the flap and driving the setting guide depending on whether the sheet feeding device is in standby state or feeding state. This dynamic switching allows one driving source to perform multiple functions that previously required two separate driving sources.
2Measurement precision
If the flap prohibits movement of the print medium edge during standby state, then positioning is clarified, but the print medium may be deformed when transitioning to feeding state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the setting guide move in advance before the flap releases the print medium edge. When transitioning from standby to feeding state, the setting guide first moves to separate the print medium from the roller, and only then does the flap release the edge, allowing the print medium to be transported without deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic coordination between the flap and setting guide movements. The system transitions from a static configuration where the flap holds the print medium edge during standby state to a dynamic sequence where the setting guide moves first to prepare the print medium for transport, then the flap releases the edge to allow movement without deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes a setting roller, a motor, a flag, a setting guide, a setting-guide swinging device, and a locking mechanism. The motor generates a driving force to rotate the setting roller. The flap swings between a standby position and a feeding position, and, when at the standby position, does not allow transport of a sheet. The setting guide swings between a standby position and a feeding position, and, when at the standby position, separates a sheet from the setting roller. The setting-guide swinging device swings the setting guide using the driving force from the motor. The locking mechanism prevents the flap from swinging to the feeding position when the flap and the setting guide are in the respective standby positions.