Elastic Impact Absorption in Sheet Conveying Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying apparatuses in image forming devices suffer from image blur due to the impact generated when the sheet rear end passes through guides, which is not adequately reduced by the limited deflection of elastic members fixed downstream in the conveying direction.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying apparatus with an upstream and downstream rotating member pair, a curved sheet conveying path, an elastic impact absorption member between them, and a supporting portion to deflect the elastic member along the path, reducing the impact by absorbing it as the sheet passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elastic member is fixed on the downstream in the conveying direction of the pre-transfer guide, then the sheet can be guided smoothly, but the deflection amount of the elastic member is limited and the impact generated when the sheet passes cannot be reduced satisfactorily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional fixing approach by fixing the elastic member on the upstream side instead of the downstream side. This inversion allows the elastic member to deflect more freely in the downstream direction, increasing its ability to absorb impact while still guiding the sheet smoothly. The upstream fixation point creates a longer effective deflection zone, resolving the contradiction between smooth guidance and impact reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the elastic member to span across a larger area in the conveying direction, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to its configuration. By fixing the upstream end and allowing downstream deflection, the elastic member operates in an extended spatial dimension, enabling greater deflection amplitude and improved impact absorption capability while maintaining sheet guidance functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If the deflection amount of the elastic member is limited, then the structure remains compact, but the impact generated when the sheet passes cannot be reduced satisfactorily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the elastic member configuration by allowing it to deflect freely in the downstream direction from its upstream fixation point. This dynamic arrangement enables the elastic member to adapt its deflection amount based on the incoming sheet's characteristics and speed, absorbing impact effectively without requiring a permanently extended structure. The dynamic deflection capability resolves the contradiction between compact structure and impact reduction.
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 the impact on the sheet, minimizing image blur by deflecting the elastic member to absorb the shock, thereby stabilizing the sheet conveyance and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, provided between the upstream rotating member pair and the downstream rotating member pair, configured to guide the sheet and to deform by being pressed by a rear end portion of the sheet conveyed by the downstream rotating member pair
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention includes a curved sheet conveying path provided between an upstream rotating member pair and a downstream rotating member pair, an elastic member, provided between the upstream rotating member pair and the downstream rotating member pair, configured to guide the sheet and to deform by being pressed by a rear end portion of the sheet conveyed by the downstream rotating member pair, a fixing portion configured to fix the elastic member, and a supporting portion, provided downstream of the fixing portion in the conveying direction, configured to support the elastic member from an opposite side of a guide surface of the elastic member guiding the conveyed sheet so that a portion of the elastic member between the fixing portion and the support portion is deflected along the curved sheet conveying path.