Sheet Feeding Unit With Switchable Roller Press Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses experience issues with multi-feed or absence of sheet feeding due to inconsistent press forces when handling different types of sheets.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a storage chamber, a delivery roller, a support member, and a press force switch mechanism that allows for adjustable contact pressure on sheets, enabling integration with the apparatus main body and allowing for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed press force is applied by the delivery roller, then the sheet feeding mechanism is simple, but multi-feed or absence of sheet feeding occurs when handling different types of sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery roller's press force is made dynamically adjustable through a switch mechanism that changes the pressing position of the delivery roller against the sheets. This allows the press force to be adapted to different sheet types (e.g., heavy vs. light sheets) by selecting different pressing positions, thereby preventing multi-feed or absence of feeding while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of press force by altering the contact position of the delivery roller. The switch mechanism enables selection between multiple pressing positions, each providing a different press force magnitude. This parameter adjustment allows reliable sheet feeding across various sheet types without requiring a complex variable force mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery roller is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the press force cannot be adjusted for different sheet types
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery roller is designed with a switching mechanism that enables it to change its pressing position dynamically. This allows the same delivery roller to adapt to different sheet types by selecting appropriate pressing positions, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed rollers or complex adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery roller is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different pressing positions. A single delivery roller structure serves as both a simple fixed roller and an adjustable press force mechanism, depending on the selected position. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to different sheet types while minimizing structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sheet feeding section and storage section are integrated, then maintenance is difficult, but the structure is compact and space-efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feeding apparatus is segmented into a storage section and a sheet feeding section that can be separated. The support member enables the sheet feeding section to be pulled out independently from the storage section, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the delivery roller and related components without disassembling the entire integrated structure. This segmentation maintains the compact integrated design while improving maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sheet feeding apparatus provided with a storage chamber for storing sheets, a sheet feeding unit including a delivery roller for contacting the sheet stored in the storage chamber to deliver the sheet from the storage chamber, a support member for supporting the storage chamber to allow the chamber to be installed and pulled out in/from an apparatus main body, and a press force switch mechanism including an operation member to switch a press force used for the delivery roller to contact the sheet, the sheet feeding unit is configured to be capable of being installed and pulled out in/from the main body apparatus integrally with the storage chamber, and the press force switch mechanism is provided in the sheet feeding unit.