Printer Roller Nip Switching via Cover-Linked Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require separate operations for switching the nip state of conveyance rollers and opening/closing covers, leading to increased costs due to the need for solenoids, sensors, and electrical components, which prevent nip state switching when the power is off.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical nip switching mechanism using a lever and cam system that switches between nip and non-nip states in conjunction with the opening/closing of a housing portion, eliminating the need for electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a solenoid and opening/closing sensor are used to switch the nip state in conjunction with cover opening/closing, then the nip state can be switched automatically, but the cost of the apparatus increases and the nip state cannot be switched when the power supply is off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical system (solenoid, sensor, wiring) with a purely mechanical linkage system. The coupling member mechanically connects the lever member to the first rotation shaft, transmitting motion through mechanical coupling rather than electrical actuation. This eliminates the need for power supply and electrical components while maintaining automatic nip state switching through the mechanical connection between the cover opening/closing motion and the roller pressure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical components (solenoid, opening/closing sensor, wiring) from the system entirely. By taking out these complex electrical elements and replacing them with simple mechanical linkages, the design achieves the same functional outcome (automatic nip state switching) with significantly reduced complexity and cost, while also eliminating the dependency on power supply.
2Device complexity
If separate operations are required for releasing nip and opening cover, then the structure can be simple, but the operational complexity and time increase during jam processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover opening/closing operation with the nip state switching operation through a mechanical linkage system. The coupling member connects the lever member (actuated by cover opening/closing) to the first rotation shaft, so that a single operation simultaneously performs both functions: opening the cover and releasing the nip. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate operations, reducing time loss while maintaining relatively simple structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system provides multi-functionality, where the single act of opening or closing the cover simultaneously performs multiple functions: it opens the access door, switches the nip state (either releasing or reapplying pressure), and prepares the system for the next operation. This universal operation reduces the total number of steps required during jam processing and normal operation.
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
Enables seamless switching between nip and non-nip states without power, reducing operational complexity and costs, while allowing jam processing without additional manual steps.
Implementation Method 1
a cam non-rotatably fixed to the first rotation shaft and configured to rotate in the third direction along with rotation of the first rotation shaft in the third direction and rotate in the fourth direction along with rotation of the first rotation shaft in the fourth direction
Implementation Method 2
a first biasing member configured to bias the lever support portion in the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a second biasing member configured to bias the main body portion to rotate the main body portion in the third direction, the driven roller is maintained in the nip state by a biasing force of the second biasing member in the closed state
Implementation Method 4
the lever pressing portion presses the lever member in the second direction and displaces the lever support portion in the second direction against a biasing force of the first biasing member when the opening/closing portion transitions from an open state to a closed state
Data Source
AI summary
When a user opens an opening/closing portion for accessing an inside of a housing, a shaft member is displaced in a +Z direction by a biasing force of a spring, and moves a lever member in the +Z direction. A rotation shaft rotates in a +θ direction along with displacement of the shaft member in the +Z direction. As a result, a cam rotates in the +θ direction together with the rotation shaft, and presses, by a projection portion, a cam reception portion of an arm unit main body in a −X direction against the biasing force of the spring. Due to this, the cam rotates the arm unit main body in a −θ direction. Then, a driven roller moves the +Z direction along with rotation of the arm unit main body in the −θ direction, and is switched from a nip state to a non-nip state.