Belt Conveying Unit for Rigid Sheet Transport
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably conveying highly rigid sheets, such as cardboard or envelopes, due to high resistance and paper jams caused by curved conveying paths with small curvature radii, leading to conveyance failures and flipping noises.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a belt conveying unit is introduced, featuring a first and second conveying unit with a holding section, where the belt is wound between rotating members, and a guide member guides the sheet onto the belt, reducing resistance by applying a conveying force along the outer side of the path, and the belt's elasticity helps absorb shocks, ensuring smooth conveyance of rigid sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a curved conveying path with small curvature radius is used, then the space occupied by the conveying path is reduced, but highly rigid sheets cannot move along the conveying path causing paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
A belt conveying unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the curved conveying path and the rigid sheet. The belt contacts the sheet and transfers conveying force, enabling the sheet to follow the curved path without direct friction resistance from the path itself. This mediator allows the system to maintain a compact curved path while reliably conveying rigid sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the conveying mechanism from direct contact with the curved path to contact with a moving belt. By altering the conveying parameter from friction-based direct contact to friction-based indirect contact through the belt, the system reduces resistance for rigid sheets while maintaining the compact curved path geometry.
2Volume of moving object
If a curved conveying path with small curvature radius is used, then the overall size of the image forming apparatus is reduced, but conveyance resistance increases causing flipping noises
Solution Approach 1:
The belt acts as a mediator that isolates the sheet from direct contact with the curved path. This reduces the harmful friction and resistance that cause flipping noises, while still allowing the compact curved path to be used for space-saving design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful direct friction between the sheet and curved path into a beneficial indirect friction through the belt. The belt's movement along the curved path transfers force smoothly to the sheet, converting what would be harmful resistance into effective conveying action.
3Ease of operation
If guide plates are used to fix the curved section, then the conveying direction is changed smoothly, but highly rigid sheets receive much greater resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The belt conveying unit serves as an intermediary that replaces the direct guide plate-to-sheet contact. The belt moves with the sheet, reducing the static friction and resistance that would otherwise occur between the rigid sheet and fixed guide plates, while still achieving smooth direction changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static guide plates to a dynamic belt conveying unit. The belt moves continuously along the curved path, adapting its position to the sheet's movement, which reduces resistance for rigid sheets while maintaining smooth conveying direction changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces conveyance resistance and prevents paper jams, enabling reliable conveyance of highly rigid sheets without flipping noises, while maintaining a compact and space-saving design.
Implementation Method 1
The belt conveying unit is disposed along an outer side of the first sheet conveying path and is configured to include a belt to convey the sheet toward the holding section of the second conveying unit
Implementation Method 2
the belt's elasticity helps absorb shocks, ensuring smooth conveyance of rigid sheets
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveying unit to convey a sheet in a first direction, a second conveying unit disposed on a downstream side of the first conveying unit to convey the sheet in a second direction, and a first path formed between the first and second conveying units. At least the second conveying unit has a holding section to hold and convey the sheet. The sheet conveying device further includes a belt conveying unit disposed along an outer side of the first path and includes a belt to convey the sheet toward the holding section. The belt is stretched around a first belt holding and rotating member and a second belt holding and rotating member disposed on an upstream side of the second conveying unit in the second direction.