Decurling Mechanism for Image Formers Using Bent Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require special operations to correct curl in sheets based on the basis weight of the paper, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a decurling mechanism that includes a first guide unit and a rotatable second guide unit, where the first guide unit has an upstream guide part and a bent guide part, and the second guide unit is positioned to face the bent guide part with a space allowing sheet passage, enabling automatic correction of curl without needing to adjust operations based on paper weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing image forming apparatuses use special operations to correct curl based on paper basis weight, then curl correction can be achieved, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The decurling mechanism automatically detects and corrects paper curl based on the paper's own characteristics as it passes through the guide units, without requiring external intervention or special operations by the user. The system self-adjusts to different paper types through the interaction between the bent guide part and rotatable second guide unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the physical state of the paper by applying mechanical force through the guide units, altering the paper's curvature from curled to flat. The rotatable second guide unit dynamically adjusts its position to accommodate different paper rigidity levels, effectively changing the correction parameters based on paper properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing apparatuses adjust transport part positions based on paper weight, then accurate curl correction is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decurling mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the fixed first guide unit with bent guide part, and the movable second guide unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining correction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The second guide unit is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different paper types. This dynamic capability enables precise curl correction for various paper weights without requiring multiple fixed-position mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems perform special operations for different paper weights, then curl correction adapts to paper type, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bent guide part is pre-configured with a specific curvature designed to counteract common paper curl patterns. As paper enters the decurling mechanism, this pre-configured geometry immediately begins the correction process, eliminating the need for preliminary detection or setup operations and maintaining high processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The decurling mechanism operates continuously as paper passes through the guide units, with no interruption or special operation required for different paper types. The rotatable second guide unit continuously adapts its position during the paper transport process, ensuring uninterrupted correction and maintaining productivity.
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 apparatus effectively corrects curl in sheets without requiring special operations for different paper weights, ensuring consistent output quality and simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
the first guide unit has a guide part that includes an upstream guide part disposed upstream with respect to a sheet transport direction, and a bent guide part that is bent at an endpoint position of the upstream guide part in a direction of entry into a sheet transport passage
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit that transports a sheet of paper carrying an unfixed image through a nip part to fix the unfixed image to the sheet, the nip part applying heat and pressure to the sheet, a first guide unit that guides transport of the sheet, the first guide unit coming into contact with a first side of the sheet leaving the nip part of the fixing unit, and a second guide unit that guides transport of the sheet, the second guide unit coming into contact with a second side of the sheet leaving the nip part of the fixing unit, the second guide unit being rotatable, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first guide unit has a guide part. The guide part includes an upstream guide part disposed upstream with respect to a sheet transport direction, and a bent guide part that is bent at an endpoint position of the upstream guide part in a direction of entry into a sheet transport passage relative to the upstream guide part. At least one portion of the second guide unit is disposed to face the bent guide part such that the at least one portion of the second guide unit is positioned within an area corresponding to a portion of the bent guide part from an upstream end to a downstream end with respect to the sheet transport direction, with a space being provided between the at least one portion of the second guide unit and the bent guide part to allow passage of the sheet.