Rotatable Casing Decurler for Compact Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decurling mechanisms in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently adjusting decurling force and adapting to changes in environment and paper conditions, often resulting in complex structures that increase the size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A decurler system comprising a first elastically deformable roller, a harder second roller, a casing with adjustable cam members, and a control section that allows for rotation of the casing and rollers to change the center distance and decurling force, enabling flexible adjustment of the decurling force without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the positions of rollers or pressing force are adjusted to adapt to environmental changes and paper conditions, then decurling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable casing that can change the relative positions of the first and second rollers dynamically. The casing rotation mechanism allows the roller assembly to pivot between multiple positions, enabling adaptation to different paper curl directions and magnitudes without requiring multiple separate roller assemblies or complex adjustment mechanisms for each roller individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotatable casing structure serves multiple functions: it simultaneously adjusts the positions of both rollers, controls the pressing force at the nip region, and adapts to different paper conditions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each roller, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are added to change roller positions and pressing force, then decurling flexibility is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position adjustment mechanisms for both rollers into a single rotatable casing structure. By combining the adjustment functions for the first roller and second roller into one unified casing that rotates as a whole, the apparatus achieves full decurling force adjustment flexibility without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby minimizing the space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable casing provides dynamic adjustment capability where a single rotational movement simultaneously changes the relative positions and pressing force of both rollers. This dynamic mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, significantly reducing the apparatus footprint while maintaining full adjustment flexibility.
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 solution allows for precise adjustment of the decurling force and direction, effectively correcting curl in recording paper sheets while maintaining a compact apparatus design, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first roller is made elastically deformable. The second roller is made harder than the first roller and is configured to nip the recording medium at a nip region formed by pressure engagement of the second roller against the first roller to decurl the recording medium.
Data Source
AI summary
A decurler is operable to remove curl from a recording medium and includes a first roller, a second roller, a casing, a roller drive section, a casing rotary drive section, a housing, and a pair of cam members. The casing includes first and second supporting portions rotatably supporting the first and second rollers, respectively, with the first and second rollers pressed into engagement against each other movably away from each other. Each of the pair of cam members is mounted to the casing rotatably about a rotational axis of the casing independently of the casing and includes a circular hole. The circular hole in the cam member includes first to third recesses formed at circumferentially different portions of an inner periphery thereof so that an outer periphery of the first supporting portion is engageable with the first to third different recesses depending upon the rotation of the casing.