Flap Mechanism for Sheet Path Switching in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with properly discharging curled sheets, which can erroneously enter the facedown discharge path, leading to incorrect orientation and reduced efficiency in duplex image forming.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a flap mechanism and moving mechanism that pivotally positions a cover to direct sheets along specific transport paths, preventing entry into incorrect paths and ensuring proper discharge, utilizing an electromagnetic solenoid to switch the flap's position and a moving mechanism to adjust the flap's position based on the rear cover's opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single path is used for discharging and inverting sheets, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to slower duplex image forming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transport system into separate paths: a main transport path for normal sheet conveyance and a return path for inverting sheets. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple sheets in different paths, improving duplex forming speed while keeping each individual path relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable flap that can dynamically switch between blocking the return path and allowing sheet passage, and blocking the main path to guide sheets into the return path. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt its configuration based on whether sheets need inversion, optimizing both productivity and path utilization.
2Productivity
If a facedown discharge path is provided for duplex forming, then productivity is improved, but curled sheets may erroneously enter the path causing orientation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the flap upstream at the junction before sheets enter the facedown discharge path. The flap proactively guides sheets onto the correct path before they can potentially curl and misenter the facedown path, preventing orientation errors before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable flap acts as an intermediary element between the main transport path and the facedown discharge path. It controls sheet flow into the facedown path, ensuring that only properly positioned sheets enter, thereby preventing curled sheets from causing orientation errors while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If the electromagnetic solenoid continuously activates to maintain flap position, then reliability of path switching is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by activating the electromagnetic solenoid only when path switching is needed, rather than continuous activation. The movable flap mechanism maintains its position through mechanical stability and gravity when not actuated, reducing energy consumption while ensuring reliable path switching at appropriate intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable flap system exhibits self-service characteristics where the flap's own weight and the mechanical structure maintain its position in blocking states without continuous energy input. The electromagnetic solenoid only provides periodic activation to change position when needed, allowing the system to maintain reliability with minimal energy consumption.
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
This configuration ensures that sheets are discharged straight and prevents entry into the first transport path, enhancing the efficiency of duplex image forming by maintaining the correct orientation and reducing energy consumption by minimizing the need for continuous solenoid activation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an electromagnetic solenoid to switch the flap's position
Implementation Method 2
a moving mechanism configured to, in response to closing of the first cover, move away from the flap and, in response to opening of the first cover, push and move the flap to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A first transport unit transports, along a first path, a sheet transported from an image forming unit. A second transport unit transports the sheet along a second transport path branched from a junction with the first transport path. A first cover, when open, holds the sheet transported to an exterior of a housing and, when closed, partially constitutes the second transport unit. A flap is disposed at the junction and, when at a first position, blocks the second transport path and guides the sheet along the first transport path and, when at a second position, blocks the first transport path and guides the sheet along the second transport path. A drive unit moves the flap between the first position and the second position. A moving mechanism moves away from the flap in response to closing of the first cover, and pushes and moves the flap to the second position.