Relay Conveyance Device Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in efficiently conveying sheets between image forming devices and post-processing devices with different height positions, as conventional methods lack flexibility and precision in aligning sheets for processing.
Innovation Solution
A relay conveyance device with a device main body featuring a relay conveyance path, multiple unit supporting portions at different heights, a discharge unit, and adjustable processing and discharge mechanisms to align and process sheets correctly for post-processing, ensuring horizontal reference positions and smooth sheet discharge to varying carry-in ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a post-processing device has carry-in ports at different height positions, then the device can process sheets from multiple image forming devices at different heights, but the complexity of aligning and conveying sheets to the correct height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay conveyance device employs adjustable discharge units that can change their discharge positions in the height direction. The discharge unit includes a discharge position adjustment mechanism that allows the discharge position to be dynamically adjusted to match the carry-in port height of different post-processing devices, enabling versatile sheet reception while maintaining simple alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the height parameter of the discharge position by providing multiple adjustable discharge positions. The relay conveyance device can adjust the discharge height to match different carry-in port heights, allowing the same device to work with multiple image forming devices at different elevations without increasing operational complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If the discharge unit is fixed at a single height position, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to post-processing devices with carry-in ports at different heights
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating multiple fixed-height devices, the invention provides a single relay conveyance device with a dynamically adjustable discharge unit. The discharge position adjustment mechanism allows the same simple base structure to adapt to different height requirements, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The relay conveyance device is designed as a universal device that can serve multiple post-processing devices at different heights. The adjustable discharge unit enables one device to perform the function of multiple fixed-height devices, simplifying manufacturing while expanding adaptability
3Device complexity
If the processing unit is not adjustable, then the device structure is simpler, but the processing unit cannot maintain proper horizontal alignment when the discharge unit inclination is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is mounted on the adjustable discharge unit, so when the discharge position is adjusted, the processing unit moves together to maintain its horizontal reference position. This dynamic coupling ensures that the processing unit remains properly aligned regardless of the discharge height, without requiring separate complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit and discharge unit are combined into an integrated assembly where the processing unit is supported by the discharge unit. This merging ensures that when the discharge unit's inclination or position is adjusted, the processing unit automatically maintains its proper horizontal alignment relative to the sheet path
Data Source
AI summary
A relay conveyance device includes a discharge unit which discharges a sheet toward a carry-in port, a decurling unit attached to the discharge unit, and a discharge adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a height direction inclination of the discharge unit. The discharge adjustment mechanism is set to be capable of adjusting an inclination of the discharge unit such that the decurling unit maintains a predetermined reference position even when the discharge unit is supported by any of a plurality of unit supporting portions set according to a height position of the carry-in port.