Rotating Gate Mechanism for Sheet Conveyance Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming devices, the existing gate mechanisms generate noise due to contact between the sheet's trailing end and the gate during conveyance, particularly when switching between one-sided and two-sided printing modes.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device incorporates a gate mechanism that rotates to adjust its contact point with the sheet, ensuring the trailing end first contacts the gate at a position where the front surface and trailing end face each other, minimizing noise by controlling the gate's rotation based on sheet type and printing mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gate mechanism is used to switch conveyance paths for one-sided and two-sided printing, then path switching capability is improved, but noise is generated when the sheet's trailing end contacts the gate
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is made rotatable about an axis to dynamically adjust its orientation. The gate rotates to different angular positions depending on whether one-sided or two-sided printing is performed, allowing the contact point with the sheet to be optimized for each mode and preventing the trailing end from hitting the gate
Solution Approach 2:
The angular position of the gate is changed as a parameter to control where on the sheet the gate contacts. By adjusting the gate's rotation angle based on the printing mode, the contact location is optimized to prevent noise-generating impacts from the trailing end
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 effectively reduces noise generation during sheet conveyance by optimizing the gate's position and rotation, accommodating different sheet types and printing requirements, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid is used as a drive source of the gate.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device including a gate mechanism reduces a noise generated when a sheet is conveyed. The image forming device includes a conveyance path and a gate. The conveyance path is branched into a plurality of paths, and the sheet is conveyed along a conveyance direction. The gate is provided at a position in the conveyance path at which the conveyance path is branched into the plurality of paths, and switches a path through which the sheet is conveyed. The image forming device rotates the gate in a direction in which a contact point of the gate, which faces a front surface of the sheet to be conveyed and is located at a position at which a trailing end of the sheet first comes into contact with the gate, and a front surface of the sheet to be conveyed face each other.