De-curling Roller Nip Width and Belt Tension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional de-curling devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively de-curling sheets with varying thickness and image area ratios, leading to improper conveyance and potential jamming due to inconsistent de-curling forces.
Innovation Solution
The de-curling device incorporates a nip width adjusting mechanism and a belt tension adjusting mechanism to dynamically adjust the de-curling force by varying the nip width and tension of the endless belt, allowing for customizable de-curling forces based on sheet thickness and image area ratios, ensuring proper sheet conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional de-curling device with fixed pressing force is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively de-curl sheets with varying thickness and image area ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressing force adjustable through a pressing force regulator that can move the pushing roller along the endless belt. This allows the de-curling force to be dynamically changed according to different sheet types (varying thickness and image area ratios), transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of pressing force by allowing the pushing roller to be positioned at different locations along the endless belt. By adjusting the pressing force parameter, the device can effectively de-curl various sheet types with different thickness and image area ratios, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Force
If the pressing force is increased to de-curl thicker sheets, then de-curling effectiveness improves, but sheets with smaller image area ratios may be damaged or improperly conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force regulator enables dynamic adjustment of the pushing roller position, allowing the system to apply appropriate pressing force for each sheet type. Thicker sheets receive higher pressing force while sheets with small image area ratios receive reduced force, preventing damage while maintaining effective de-curling for all sheet types.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the pressing force parameter based on sheet characteristics, the system optimizes de-curling effectiveness for thick sheets while avoiding excessive force that would damage sheets with small image area ratios. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between de-curling force and sheet protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressing force is decreased to protect sheets with small image area ratios, then sheet damage is prevented, but thicker sheets cannot be properly de-curled
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable pressing force regulator allows the system to dynamically select the appropriate pressing force level. When processing sheets with small image area ratios, the regulator reduces the force to prevent damage. When processing thicker sheets, it increases the force to achieve proper de-curling, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If a fixed de-curling force is applied, then the device operation is simple, but sheets with different properties experience improper conveyance and potential jamming
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining relatively simple operation through automated or pre-set pressing force regulation, the system dynamically adjusts the de-curling force based on sheet properties. This ensures reliable conveyance for different sheet types (varying thickness and image area ratios) without significantly complicating the operation, as the adjustment can be automated or guided by simple selection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A de-curling device de-curls a sheet and includes an endless belt, a de-curling roller, a nip width adjusting mechanism, and a belt tension adjusting mechanism. The endless belt is looped around a pair of supporting rollers. The de-curling roller is provided between the pair of supporting rollers and has a first outer circumferential surface pressed against a second outer circumferential surface of the endless belt to form a nip portion at which the endless belt curves along the first outer circumferential surface, the de-curling roller being configured to de-curl the sheet passing through the nip portion. The nip width adjusting mechanism adjusts the nip width by moving the de-curling roller in a direction intersecting the second outer circumferential surface of the endless belt. The belt tension adjusting mechanism adjusts the tension of the endless belt according to the nip width adjusted by the nip width adjusting mechanism.