Movable Chute Control for Stable Sheet Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in stabilizing sheet conveyance between a transfer nip and a fixing nip while minimizing power consumption due to the need for continuous cam rotation during each printing operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a movable chute mechanism controlled by a drive source and a controller, allowing it to switch between actuated and non-actuated modes during a print job, optimizing sheet conveyance and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cam is rotated with a driving device each time printing is performed on one sheet material, then the conveyance guide can move between operating positions to stabilize sheet conveyance, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive source operates periodically rather than continuously - it actuates the chute only when needed (at specific timings during sheet conveyance) and remains inactive at other times. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining sheet conveyance stability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute is designed to be movable between different positions (first position and second position) rather than fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the chute to adapt its position based on operational requirements, enabling stable sheet conveyance when actuated while allowing power savings when in a default position.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the chute is kept in a fixed position, then power consumption is reduced, but sheet conveyance stability between transfer nip and fixing nip deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chute transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one, capable of moving between at least two positions. This allows the system to optimize between power consumption (when chute is in default position) and sheet conveyance stability (when chute is actuated to appropriate position).
Solution Approach 2:
The chute mechanism is designed to automatically move to the appropriate position based on operational conditions without requiring continuous external control. The drive source activates the chute only when needed, and the chute maintains its position autonomously, reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring stability when required.
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 design stabilizes sheet conveyance and reduces power consumption by efficiently managing the chute's position, preventing sheet jams and minimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyance guide is pulled from the first operating position toward the third operating position by the spring
Implementation Method 2
The conveyance guide moves between the first operating position, the second operating position, and the third operating position by rotation of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer roller, a fuser, a chute, a drive source, a reciprocating mechanism, and a controller. The transfer roller transfers toner to a sheet. The fuser fixes toner on the sheet. The chute is located upstream from the fuser in a sheet conveying direction. The chute is configured to convey the sheet toward the fuser. The chute is movable between a first position and a second position. The reciprocating mechanism reciprocates by drive force from the drive source and moves the chute between the first position and the second position. The controller executes: a first mode of actuating the drive source when conveying one sheet; and a second mode of not actuating the drive source when conveying one sheet. The controller switches between the first mode and the second mode in a middle of a print job.