KR20060069565A - Feed sensing unit of image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a paper feed sensing unit of an image forming apparatus that is improved so as not to deviate from the rotation support structure of a paper sensing unit for sensing a fed recording paper. And a return spring for returning the paper detecting unit to its original position by fixing one end to the frame and the frame on which the rotating support unit and the rotating support unit are formed, and the other end of which is fixed to the paper detecting unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the paper jam and device failure in advance by preventing the rotation axis of the paper sensing unit from being easily detached from the frame due to the repulsive force generated by the excessive paper feed force of the supplied recording paper.

Image Forming Device, Paper Feed, Actuator Feed

Description

Feed sensing unit of image forming apparatus {Feed Sensing Unit of Image Forming Apparatus}

1 is a view schematically showing an image forming apparatus in which a paper sheet detecting unit of the present invention is installed.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state before the operation of the paper feed detection unit according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state after the operation of the paper feed detection unit according to the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II ′ shown in FIG. 3.

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing another embodiment of the rotary support shown in FIG.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view along the line H-H 'shown in FIG.

** Explanation of Signs of Major Parts of Drawings **

300: paper feed unit

310: frame                 

320: paper detection unit

321: first detection unit

322: second detection unit

340: light sensor

350: rotation axis

355: return spring

360, 390: rotation support

361, 391: hall

370: spring fixing part

371: home

F: paper feed force

F ': Repulsive force

The present invention relates to a paper feed sensing unit of an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a paper feed sensing unit of an image forming apparatus to prevent a paper jam phenomenon by preventing a paper sensing unit sensing a supplied recording paper from being separated.

In general, an image forming apparatus is an apparatus for recording an image to be printed on a recording medium such as recording paper.

Conventional image forming apparatuses include a paper feeder for loading and feeding a large amount of recording paper for recording an image, an image forming unit for supplying recording paper from the paper feeder to form an image, and receiving and recording a recording paper from the image forming unit. It consists of a fixing part which mounts the old image, and the discharge part which discharge | releases the recording paper on which the image was fixed by the discharge roller. Further, a pickup roller for picking up the recording paper and a feed roller for feeding the picked up recording paper are provided for feeding the recording paper from the paper feeder to the image forming unit.

Here, the recording paper loaded in the paper feeder is picked up by the pickup roller and fed to the image forming unit by the feed roller. At this time, a paper feed detection unit is installed to contact one surface of the paper feeder and detect the feeding.

The configuration and operation of a conventional paper feed detection unit are as follows.

The conventional paper feed sensing unit has a rotating shaft and a paper sensing unit is formed on the rotating shaft, and the paper detecting unit is formed to detect the recording paper fed in contact with one surface of the recording paper. Here, the paper sensing unit is an actuator feed.

And both ends of the rotating shaft is fitted into the groove provided in the main frame. Here, the groove is in an open top, and both ends of the rotating shaft are fitted from the top of the groove.

Therefore, when the recording paper is picked up by the pickup roller and fed to the feed roller, the recording paper is brought into contact with one end of the paper sensing unit, and at the same time, one end of the paper sensing unit is pushed to rotate the rotary shaft to recognize that the recording paper is being fed.

However, when the recording paper fed in this way has a thickness that is larger than the standard or when a plurality of recording papers are fed due to a paper defect, an excessive feeding force is applied to one end of the paper detecting unit, thereby causing the paper in the opposite direction to the feeding force direction. Repulsion occurs.

When such a repulsive force is continuously applied to one end of the paper sensing unit, a phenomenon occurs that both ends of the rotating shaft or the egg end are separated from the groove.

Because the rotary shaft is supported by the upper part is inserted into the groove of the opening as described above, when a predetermined force or more is applied to the rotary shaft is pushed to the top and is separated.

Therefore, when either side of both ends of the rotation axis of the paper sensing unit is separated or left and right flow occurs, paper jams occur when the paper is fed into the device, which causes the device to break down and the device needs to be repaired. A problem arises.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to rotate through a cap or hole-shaped rotating support that can be supported by covering both ends of the rotation axis of the paper sensing unit It is to provide a paper feed detecting unit of the image forming apparatus that can be supported so that the rotating shaft is not separated by excessive repulsive force and can easily prevent the paper jam phenomenon.

The paper feed sensing unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is a paper sensing unit formed with a rotating shaft to be rotated by the recording paper is fed; A rotation support part which covers both ends of the rotation shaft to support the rotation; An optical sensor installed in the frame to detect feeding of the recording paper by an operation of the paper detector, and a frame including the rotation support part; And a return spring to which the one end is fixed to the frame and the other end is fixed to the paper sensing unit to return the paper sensing unit to its original position.

The paper sensing unit includes a first sensing unit for sensing the recording paper, and a second sensing unit formed at a predetermined angle with the first sensing unit to open and close the optical path.

And it is preferable that the rotation support is a cap formed with a hole in one side open.

In addition, the rotation support is preferably a body formed with a through hole.

And it is preferable to further form a spring fixing portion to which one end of the return spring is inserted and fixed on the frame.

The spring fixing part may be an insertion groove formed on the frame.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in more detail the configuration of the paper sheet detecting unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

1 is a view schematically showing an image forming apparatus in which a paper feeding unit of the present invention is installed, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before an operation of the paper feeding unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an operation of the paper feeding unit according to the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line II ′ of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing another embodiment of the rotational support shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 5. Partial section view along the line H-H '.                     

Referring to FIG. 1, the paper feed detecting unit 300 according to the present invention includes a paper feed unit 120 on which the recording paper 10 is loaded, and a pickup roller to pick up the recording paper 10 from the paper feed unit 120. 130 and a fixing unit for fixing an image of the feed roller 150 for feeding the picked-up recording paper 10 to the image forming unit 140 and the recording paper 10 on which the image is formed in the image forming unit 140 ( 160 of the recording paper 10 to be fed by the feed roller 150 in the image forming apparatus consisting of a 160, and the discharge tray 190 is discharged to the recording paper 10, the image is fixed through the fixing unit 160 It is installed to detect the feeding state by touching one side.

Referring to Figure 2, the paper feed detection unit 300 according to the present invention is a paper sensing unit for detecting the recording paper 10 by rotating in contact with one surface of the recording paper 10, the rotary shaft 350 is formed and supplied ( 320, a rotation support part 360 having holes 361 that cover both ends of the rotation shaft 350, and a frame 310 having the rotation support part 360 formed therein, and a paper feed force of the recording paper 10. When the paper sensing unit 320 is rotated by (F), one end is fixed to the frame 310 and the other end is fixed to the paper sensing unit 320 so as to return to the original position. Here, the paper detection unit 320 may be an actuator feed.

The other end of the return spring 355 is inserted into and fixed to the groove 371 of the spring fixing part 370 formed to protrude on the frame 310.

Although not shown in the drawing, the spring fixing part 370 may be an insertion groove formed on the frame 310.

Although not shown in the figure, it may be installed to be fixed to the sliding movement on the frame 310 to vary the fixed position of the return spring 355. That is, it is possible to form a sliding rail on the frame 310 and to have a structure to be inserted into the sliding rail and to be fixed on the sliding rail at a predetermined portion. And the locking groove is formed on the sliding rail so that the locking projection formed in the spring fixing portion can be fixed at any position.

The paper sensing unit 320 is provided with two bar-shaped first and second sensing units 321 and 322. The first sensing unit 321 and the first sensing unit are in contact with the recording paper 10. The second sensing unit 322 is formed to form a predetermined angle with the 321.

In addition, when the optical sensor 340 including the light emitting unit 341 and the light receiving unit 342 is mounted on the frame 310 near the second sensing unit 322, and the paper sensing unit 320 is rotated in its original position, the second sensor 322 is rotated in the original position. One end of the sensing unit 322 is configured to be positioned in the optical path a between the light emitting unit 341 and the light receiving unit 342.

In addition, one side of the hole 361 formed in the rotation support part 360 is open, and one end of the rotation shaft 350 is fitted into one side of the hole 361.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the hole 391 formed in the rotation support part 390 may be formed to cover and support both ends of the rotation shaft 340 in an open form on both sides thereof.

Meanwhile, the rotation support parts 360 and 390 mounted to the frame 310 may be molded and mounted in a separate molding from the frame 310.

Next, the operation and effect of the paper feed sensing unit will be described through the assembly method of the paper feed sensing unit of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration.

A method of assembling the paper feed sensing unit of the image forming apparatus will be described.

2 to 4, when a pair of rotary support units 360 having holes 361 are formed on the frame 310, a distance L ′ is formed between the pair of rotary support units 360. In addition, the paper detecting unit 320 having a rotation shaft 350 having the same length L as the separation distance L 'is provided.

The installation method of the paper detection unit 320 is as follows.

First, a case in which the rotation support part 360 is a cap having a hole 361 on which one side is opened will be described.

One end of the rotation shaft 350 is first inserted into the hole 361 of the cap 360, and then the other end is assembled to be rotated by inserting the other end into the hole 361 of the cap 360 of the other side. In this state, since the flow distance L ″ between the both ends of the rotation shaft 350 and the inner surface of the hole 361 is formed, the left and right flow of the paper sensing unit 320 occurs. Fix the paper detection unit 320 using the (355).

Referring to the mounting method of the return spring 355, one end of the return spring 355 is first inserted into or attached to the first sensing unit 321 or the second sensing unit 322, and the other end of the frame ( It is fixed to the groove 371 formed in the spring fixing part 370 formed on the 310. In addition, it may be fixed to the insertion groove formed on the frame 310.

Here, the return spring 355 is installed in a state in which the rotary shaft 350 is wound, and one end and the other end thereof are fixed as described above.

In addition, the spring fixing part 370 allows the paper sensing unit 320 to be fixed at the center between the set of caps 360, and one end of the second sensing unit 322 of the paper sensing unit 320 is the optical path (a). ) Should be installed in the position to open / close.

On the other hand, in the case of the rotary support portion 390 having a body formed with the through hole 391 shown in Figs. Support.

Next will be described the operation of the paper sheet detecting unit is assembled as described above.

2 and 3, as shown in FIG. 1, when the recording paper 10 is supplied from the paper feeding unit 120 at a predetermined feeding speed, one end of the first sensing unit 321 is contacted. In addition, the first sensing unit 321 and the second sensing unit 322 rotate simultaneously in the direction in which the paper feeding force F acts by the generated paper feeding force F. FIG.

At this time, both ends of the rotation shaft 350 of the paper detection unit 320 is inserted into the hole 361 of the cap 360 and rotated in a covered state.

Next, one end of the second sensing unit 322 cuts off the optical path a between the light emitting unit 341 and the light receiving unit 342, and thus the optical sensor 340 transmits a predetermined signal to the controller (not shown). To recognize that the recording sheet 10 is being supplied.

Next, after all of the recording paper 10 is supplied, the first sensing unit 321 and the second sensing unit 322 are returned to their original positions by the return force of the return spring 355, and the second sensing unit 322 One end of) will open the optical path (a). Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 341 is recognized by the light receiving unit 342 to inform the controller that the recording paper 10 is not being supplied.

However, when a plurality of recording papers 10 are supplied at one time or a thick recording paper 10 is supplied according to a bad state of the recording paper 10, a paper feed force generated in the recording paper 10 supply direction as in the prior art. (F) is generated more strongly, which causes a repulsive force (F ') in the opposite direction to the paper feeding force (F).

At this time, both ends of the rotation shaft 350 are inserted into the hole 361 of the cap 360 and are covered and supported so that one end thereof is fixed to the first sensing unit 321 without being separated by the repulsive force F '. Since the other end of the return spring 355 is fixed to the spring fixing part 370 groove 371 or the insertion groove formed on the frame 310 on the frame 310, the flow to the left and right does not occur.

This is because both ends of the rotation shaft 350 are fixed in the state covered by the hole 361 as described above.

In addition, referring to Figures 5 and 6, even in the case of the rotation support portion 390 which is a body having an open hole (391) on both sides can be prevented from being separated both ends of the rotary shaft 350 as described above.

Therefore, even if a paper jam occurs when the recording paper 10 is supplied, the rotation shaft 350 of the paper sensing unit 320 is not separated by the repulsive force F 'applied to the paper sensing unit 320 and the spring high By preventing the left and right flow through the government 370 it is possible to prevent the failure of the device in advance.

Although not shown in the drawings, the spring fixing part 370 may be changed to change the fixing position of the return spring 355 in order to change the rotational position of the paper detecting part 320. The spring fixing part 370, which is installed to be variable, can be fitted into the locking groove of the spring fixing part 370 in a locking groove formed at an arbitrary position on the sliding rail.

The paper feed sensing unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention covers the both ends of the rotary shaft of the paper sensing unit which senses the feeding of the fed recording paper so as to be supported by rotation so that the rotary shaft is easily detached due to the excessive feeding force of the paper being fed. To prevent them.

Therefore, even if a paper jam occurs when feeding the recording paper, it is possible to prevent the device malfunction caused by the recording paper being stuck in the device by preventing the paper detection part from being easily separated from the rotation support part.

Claims (5)

A paper detecting unit formed with a rotating shaft so as to be rotated by the paper loaded; A rotation support part covering and supporting both ends of the rotation shaft; A frame in which the rotatable support is formed; An optical sensor installed in the frame to detect feeding of the recording paper by an operation of the paper detecting unit; And And a return spring to which the one end is fixed to the frame and the other end is fixed to the paper detection unit to return the paper detection unit to its original position. The method of claim 1, And the paper sensing unit includes a first sensing unit for sensing the recording paper and a second sensing unit formed at a predetermined angle with the first sensing unit to open and close an optical path of the optical sensor. Feed detection unit of the device. The method of claim 1, And the rotation support part is a cap having an open hole at one side thereof. The method of claim 1, The paper feed detecting unit of the image forming apparatus, characterized in that the rotating support portion is a body having a through-hole. The method of claim 1, The paper feed detecting unit of the image forming apparatus, characterized in that the protruding spring fixing portion is formed in the groove is formed in which one end of the return spring is inserted and fixed.

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