Conveying Device Movable Member Decurling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively decurling sheets with liquid applied, leading to paper jams and potential generation of additional curls due to incomplete or inappropriate decurling methods.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device featuring a pair of rotary bodies and a movable member that adjusts its position to selectively decurl the trailing end of the sheet, preventing paper jams by warping the sheet in the opposite direction of the curl, thereby addressing the back curl issue without affecting the leading end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a known conveying device passes the sheet between a belt and a conveyance drive roller to decurl the sheet, then the sheet is warped in the opposite direction of the curl to decurl it, but this may cause paper jams or generate additional curls due to incomplete or inappropriate decurling
Solution Approach 1:
The decurling function is segmented into two distinct regions: a first region with a first rotary body and a second region with a second rotary body. The movable member selectively positions itself in either region based on the sheet's curl state, allowing targeted decurling action on specific portions of the sheet rather than applying uniform decurling across the entire sheet, thereby preventing paper jams and additional curls
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is configured to dynamically change position between the first region and the second region based on the sheet's curl characteristics. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different curl conditions and apply decurling force only where needed, improving reliability while preventing harmful effects like paper jams
2Ease of operation
If a movable member is disposed upstream from the first rotary body to move between the first region and the second region, then selective decurling of the trailing end is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions are assigned different functions: the first region handles general sheet conveyance while the second region provides additional decurling capability. The movable member enables the system to switch between these regional functions based on local needs (trailing end curl vs. leading end curl), achieving selective decurling without requiring complete redesign of the entire conveying system
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member serves multiple functions: it can position itself in the first region for standard conveyance or in the second region for enhanced decurling. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle various curl conditions, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through component reuse
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying device includes a pair of rotary bodies and a movable member. The pair or rotary bodies includes a first rotary body disposed in a first region, and a second rotary body disposed in a second region and facing the first rotary body across a sheet conveyance passage through which a sheet applied with liquid is conveyed. The movable member is disposed upstream from the first rotary body in a sheet conveyance direction. The movable member is configured to move between the first region and the second region with respect to the sheet conveyance passage. The movable member is configured to move to the second region in a middle of conveyance of the sheet between the first rotary body and the second rotary body.