Interlocked Reading Unit and Conveyance Guide for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with sheet jamming and focusing due to level differences between the image sensor and conveyance guide, which can lead to inaccurate image reading and increased noise during sheet conveyance.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a reading unit and conveyance guide that move interlocked via a torsion coil spring or compression spring connection, maintaining a consistent gap and level difference to prevent jamming and ensure accurate image reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor is pressed against the sheet to achieve accurate focus, then image reading precision is improved, but sheet jamming occurs due to level difference between conveyance guide and image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance guide is configured to be movable in the sheet thickness direction rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This movement enables the conveyance guide to follow the sheet surface contour, eliminating level differences that cause jamming while maintaining the pressing force needed for accurate image reading.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the fixed pressing unit and the conveyance guide. This intermediary allows relative movement between the pressing force application point and the conveyance guide, enabling the guide to adapt to sheet variations while maintaining stable pressing contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyance guide is fixed to maintain stable structure, then structural stability is improved, but level difference with image sensor causes sheet jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance guide transitions from a fixed structure to a movable one in the sheet thickness direction. This dynamic capability allows the guide to adapt to varying sheet positions and contours, preventing jamming while maintaining overall structural stability through controlled movement within defined limits.
3Measurement precision
If the reading unit is pressed against the sheet for accurate focus, then image reading accuracy is improved, but noise increases during sheet conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The movable conveyance guide dynamically adjusts to sheet surface variations, maintaining optimal contact pressure for accurate reading while reducing erratic movements and vibrations that generate noise during conveyance.
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 sheet jamming and noise by maintaining a stable positional relationship between the reading unit and conveyance guide, ensuring accurate image reading and reliable conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
A connection unit connects the reading unit and the conveyance guide such that the reading unit and the conveyance guide move in an interlocked manner
Implementation Method 2
An image forming apparatus with a reading unit and conveyance guide that move interlocked via a torsion coil spring or compression spring connection
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming unit forms an image on a sheet. The sheet is conveyed through a conveyance path after the image has been formed on the sheet. A reading unit reads the image formed on the sheet in the conveyance path. A conveyance guide constitutes a portion of the conveyance path and guides the sheet. A pressing unit presses the reading unit against the sheet. A connection unit connects the reading unit and the conveyance guide such that the reading unit and the conveyance guide move in an interlocked manner.