Rotating Sheet Conveyance Path Segments for U-Turn and Straight Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying apparatuses, such as automatic document feeders, face challenges in switching between U-turn and straight conveyance paths without interference between movable and fixed conveyance paths, which can lead to conveyance failures and limitations in handling different sheet types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying apparatus with a first, second, and third conveying unit that can rotate to form connected conveyance paths in two distinct postures, allowing seamless switching between U-turn and straight paths without interference, enabling reliable conveyance of sheets regardless of posture, and accommodating various sheet sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable conveyance path is rotatably provided to switch between U-turn and straight paths, then adaptability to different sheet types is improved, but interference between movable and fixed conveyance paths occurs during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The movable conveyance path is divided into multiple segments (first movable conveyance path and second movable conveyance path) that can independently rotate and position themselves. This segmentation allows each segment to be precisely controlled to avoid interference with fixed conveyance paths while maintaining adaptability for different sheet types.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance path configuration is made dynamic through rotational movement of movable segments. The system transitions between different operational states (U-turn path, straight path, bypass path) by rotating segments to specific angular positions, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining reliable operation through controlled dynamic positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conveyance paths are switched between U-turn and straight configurations, then versatility in handling different sheet sizes is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable conveyance path segments serve multiple functions: they form U-turn paths for regular documents, straight paths for thick sheets, and bypass paths for jam clearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each conveyance mode, thereby managing structural complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable conveyance path segments are positioned and configured to nest within or alongside fixed conveyance structures when not in use. This nesting approach minimizes the overall space requirements and reduces structural complexity by allowing components to share the same spatial envelope.
3Ease of operation
If a movable conveyance path rotates to switch paths, then operational flexibility is improved, but interference with fixed conveyance paths occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Before the movable conveyance path segments rotate into their operational positions, the system预先 positions them to ensure clear separation from fixed conveyance paths during the transition. This preliminary positioning action prevents interference from occurring during path switching, maintaining both operational flexibility and conveyance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable conveyance path segments act as intermediaries between the document feed and discharge paths. By controlling their rotational position, they can mediate the flow of sheets through different paths without interfering with fixed conveyance structures, enabling flexible operation while maintaining reliability through controlled intermediary positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sheet conveying apparatus that includes a conveying unit capable of changing its posture through rotation, and forms a sheet conveyance path capable of conveying a sheet without fail regardless of which posture the conveying unit is in. A first conveying unit is capable of being in a first posture and in a second posture by rotating from the first posture. In a case where the first conveying unit is in the first posture, a sheet conveyance path is formed in which the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path, and the third conveyance path are connected in this order. In a case where the first conveying unit is in the second posture, a sheet conveyance path is formed in which the first conveyance path and the third conveyance path are connected in this order.