Elastically Deformable Roller Decurler for Sheet Curl Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in correcting sheet curls post-fusing, which can reduce exit tray capacity and affect sheet conveyance stability, as existing decurler devices may not effectively address both upward and downward curls with adjustable nip pressure.
Innovation Solution
A decurler device comprising a first elastically deformable roller, a second rigid roller, a support unit, a unit drive section, and a drive controller, forming a curved nip portion to correct sheet curls by rotating the rollers and adjusting the nip pressure dynamically based on curl direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed nip pressure decurler device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively address both upward and downward curls with optimal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The decurler device employs a movable support unit that can rotate about a third rotational shaft, allowing the nip portion to dynamically change its orientation. This enables the device to adapt to both upward and downward curls by adjusting the nip angle, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to different curl conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the geometric parameter of the nip portion by rotating the support unit to different angles. This parameter change allows the nip pressure to be effectively directed differently for upward versus downward curls, providing adaptability without requiring completely separate devices for each curl type.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support unit is rotated during sheet conveyance, then curl correction effectiveness is improved, but the risk of sheet displacement or misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is rotated to the appropriate angle before the sheet enters the nip portion. This preliminary positioning ensures that the nip is optimally oriented for the detected curl type, and the rotation is completed prior to sheet engagement, preventing instability during the actual decurling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive controller rotates the support unit based on detection of sheet curl direction and amount. This feedback mechanism ensures the nip portion is correctly oriented before and during sheet conveyance, maintaining both precision and reliability by adapting to actual sheet conditions.
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 decurler device effectively corrects both upward and downward curls by forming a curved nip portion, stabilizing sheet conveyance and maintaining exit tray capacity, ensuring efficient sheet handling and image forming processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first roller is elastically deformable. The second roller elastically deforms the first roller by being pressed by the first roller to form a curved nip portion between itself and the first roller.
Data Source
AI summary
A decurler device corrects a curl of a sheet. The decurler device includes a first roller, a second roller and a support unit. The first roller rotates about a first rotational shaft as an axial center. Further, the first roller is elastically deformable. The second roller rotates about a second rotational shaft in parallel with the first rotational shaft as an axial center. Further, the second roller is pressed by the first roller to elastically deform the first roller, thereby forming a curved nip portion between itself and the first roller. The second roller rotates to convey a sheet. The support unit rotatably supports the first and second rollers. Further, the support unit is rotatable about a third rotational shaft in parallel with the first rotational shaft as an axial center. The support unit rotates when a sheet is conveyed with it nipped by the nip portion.