Guide Plate Air Actuation for Sheet Path Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-body discharge type image forming apparatuses face challenges in mounting post processing devices due to the limited space of the in-body discharge space, requiring a relay unit that occupies part of the space and necessitates a complex mechanism to switch sheet conveyance paths, often using solenoids which introduce operation delays and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a relay unit that includes a guide plate switched by a stepping motor drive mechanism, allowing precise control of the guide plate's posture to switch between sheet conveyance paths, eliminating the need for additional drive mechanisms and reducing noise and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a solenoid drive mechanism is used to swing the guide plate, then the sheet conveyance path can be switched, but operation delay occurs and additional members are needed which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet conveyance path switchingVSAvoidoperation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the solenoid drive mechanism with a blowing/blowing hole mechanism that uses compressed air flow to swing the guide plate. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact and operation delay associated with solenoids, while also removing the need for additional members like movable pieces and noise reduction components, thereby reducing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic pressure through blowing holes to actuate the guide plate. Compressed air is directed through holes in the guide plate to create pressure differential that swings the guide plate to the desired position, providing rapid response without the delay inherent in electromagnetic solenoid operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If a solenoid drive mechanism is used to swing the guide plate, then the sheet conveyance path can be switched, but additional members are needed which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet conveyance path switchingVSAvoidnumber of members

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary members from the drive mechanism. By eliminating the solenoid, movable piece, and noise reduction member, the design achieves path switching functionality with a simpler structure that requires fewer components and reduces overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the relay unit occupies part of the in-body discharge space, then the sheet can be conveyed to the post processing device, but the space usage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet conveyance functionVSAvoidin-body discharge space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a swingable guide plate that can dynamically change position between two states: directing sheets to the relay unit (post-processing path) or to the in-body discharge section (discharge path). This dynamic switching mechanism allows the same space to serve multiple functions at different times, optimizing space utilization while maintaining full conveyance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a vertical swing motion of the guide plate to switch between different sheet paths. By utilizing vertical movement rather than horizontal displacement, the relay unit can be positioned in the vertical dimension without permanently occupying horizontal discharge space, allowing flexible space usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables efficient sheet conveyance path switching without additional drive sources, reducing operational delays and costs, while maintaining precise control over the guide plate's posture, thus optimizing space usage and functionality within the in-body discharge space.

Implementation Method 1

a blowing hole 84 which blows air so as to swing the guide plate 80

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

The blowing hole 84 blows air to swing the guide plate 80. The guide plate 80 switches a conveyance path for a sheet discharged from the first exit port 141 between a first path via the relay unit 50 and a second path other than the first path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure differential:

Data Source

PatentUS8960673B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a relay unit and a guide plate. The relay unit is detachably mounted in the in-body discharge section and receives a sheet discharged from the first exit port and conveys the sheet. The guide plate switches a conveyance path for the sheet discharged from the first exit port between a first path via the relay unit and a second path other than the first path. The relay unit includes a conveyance roller and a drive device. The conveyance roller conveys the sheet. The drive device rotates the conveyance roller. The drive device changes the posture of the guide plate between a first posture corresponding to the first path and a second posture corresponding to the second path.