Conveyor Sheet Path Switching via Mechanical Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in cost reduction and noise reduction, particularly with electromagnetic solenoids, and may damage sheets during conveyance direction switching.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor system with a conveyance element that rotates to switch sheet paths, utilizing a guide member, transmission elements, and a controller to manage the rotation of a lever that positions the guide member, allowing for silent and cost-effective sheet direction switching without sheet damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an electromagnetic solenoid is used to switch conveyance path, then the conveyance direction can be changed, but the production cost increases and operating sound becomes inappropriate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance direction switchingVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic solenoid (electromechanical system) with a purely mechanical linkage system consisting of a conveyance roller, guide member, lever, and transmission elements. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for expensive electromagnetic components while maintaining the ability to switch conveyance directions through mechanical motion transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the electromagnetic solenoid from the system, replacing it with a mechanical alternative. By taking out the problematic electromagnetic component, the invention eliminates the associated high production cost and operating sound while preserving the core function of conveyance path switching through a simplified mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If a roller and claw mechanism is used to switch conveyance direction, then production cost is reduced and operating sound is minimized, but the sheet may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidsheet damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guide member as an intermediary element between the lever and the sheet conveyance path. This guide member smoothly redirects the sheet along a curved path defined by its arc-shaped guiding surface, eliminating the need for direct nipping or gripping actions that could damage the sheet while still achieving effective conveyance direction switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member features an arc-shaped guiding surface that provides a curved, continuous path for the sheet to follow during direction switching. This curved geometry allows the sheet to transition smoothly between conveyance paths without abrupt changes in direction or contact with sharp edges, thereby preventing sheet damage while maintaining the mechanical cost-effective design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Speed

If the guide member is rotated quickly to switch paths, then the conveyance direction changes rapidly, but the sheet may be damaged due to sudden path changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath switching speedVSAvoidsheet damage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arc-shaped guiding surface of the guide member creates a curved transition path that allows the sheet to follow a smooth trajectory during direction switching. This curvature ensures that even when the guide member rotates quickly, the sheet experiences gradual directional changes rather than abrupt shifts, preventing damage while maintaining rapid path switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic motion where the guide member rotates to change the conveyance path in real-time. The lever and transmission elements work together to rotate the guide member smoothly and quickly, while the arc-shaped guiding surface dynamically adapts the sheet's path, allowing rapid switching without subjecting the sheet to sudden, damaging forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8611808B2Conveyor and image forming apparatus including conveyor

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A conveyor including a conveyance element configured to rotate in a first rotary direction for sending in a first direction a sheet conveyed along a first path and in an opposite second rotary direction for sending the sheet to a second path including: a guide member for rotating between first and second positions; a first transmission element for transmitting a drive force to the conveyance element; a lever for rotating the guide member to at least one of the first and second positions; a second transmission element connected with the first transmission element to transmit the drive force to the lever; and a transmission controller for controlling transmission of the drive force from the second transmission element to the lever, wherein the transmission controller transmits the drive force from the second transmission element to the lever while the lever rotates the guide member.