Rigid Sheet Conveyance with Elastic Belt Hardness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently conveying highly rigid sheets, such as cardboard, due to increased resistance and paper jams, especially when using curved conveying paths with small radii, which leads to conveyance failures and flipping noises.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a belt conveying unit and rotary belt holding members, where the belt has a specific hardness and extension rate, is used to guide and hold the sheet, reducing resistance by applying a conveying and propelling force, and absorbing the impact of the trailing edge, thus preventing conveyance failures and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a curved conveying path with small radius is used, then the device size is reduced, but the conveyance resistance increases and paper jams occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the conveying belt, specifically setting the hardness to 40-80 degrees and extension rate to 5-10%, to optimize the balance between compact design and reliable conveyance of rigid sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying belt acts as an intermediary between the sheet and the conveying system, with its elastic properties absorbing impact and reducing resistance, enabling smooth conveyance through curved paths
2Force
If the belt hardness is increased, then the conveying force is improved, but the impact absorption capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the belt hardness parameter to a specific range (40-80 degrees) that balances conveying force and impact absorption, preventing both insufficient conveyance and sheet damage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the extension rate is increased, then the impact absorption is improved, but the conveying efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets the extension rate within 5-10%, optimizing the balance between impact absorption capability and conveying efficiency, ensuring the belt is elastic enough to absorb impact but stiff enough to maintain conveying speed
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 conveys highly rigid sheets without paper jams or noise, ensuring smooth operation and reducing conveyance resistance, allowing for a compact and space-saving design that handles various sheet types.
Implementation Method 1
the belt has a specific hardness and extension rate... absorbing the impact of the trailing edge
Implementation Method 2
applying a conveying and propelling force... reducing resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes first and second conveying units configured to hold and convey a sheet, a first sheet conveying path between the first and second conveying units, and a registration unit to change a positional condition of the sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit. In at least one embodiment, the second conveying unit includes a moving and guiding unit and a rotary conveyance unit facing each other and forming a sheet holding section therebetween to hold and convey the sheet, and the moving and guiding unit and the rotary conveyance unit are disposed in the vicinity of the first conveying unit so that a distance between the second conveying unit and the registration unit is relatively increased.