Paper Separating Mechanism - Minolta EP1080 Service Manual

26-2. Paper Separating Mechanism

The paper separating mechanism ensures that only the top sheet of paper is
fed in by separating the second sheet of paper from the top one. This is
accomplished by the Torque Limiter fitted to the Separator Roll shaft which
stops the Separator Roll when there is a change in friction between the Feed
and Separator Rolls.
1. At the Time of Double Feed:
The top sheet of paper is fed into the copier by the Feed Roll. Since the
coefficient of friction between the top and second sheets of paper is
smaller than that between the second sheet of paper and the Separator
Roll, the two sheets of paper slip and the second sheet of paper is not fed
into the copier. The driving force of the Feed Roll is at this time consumed
by the two slipping sheets of paper and not transmitted to the Separator
Roll which is stopped by its Torque Limiter. In other words, the force of
the Torque Limit is greater than the driving force of the Feed Roll as it is
transmitted through the two sheets of paper.
2. Normal Feeding:
The friction coefficient on the top side of the paper is equivalent to that on
the underside. Hence, the driving force of the Feed Roll is directly
transmitted to the Separator Roll through the paper, causing the
Separator Roll to be turned by the Feed Roll. In other words, the force of
the Torque Limit is smaller than the driving force of the Feed Roll as it is
transmitted through the paper.
Feed Roll
Separator Roll
*Stationary in this condition.
M-84