Sheet Alignment Roller Pivot Mechanism for Jammed Sheet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in efficiently aligning the side edges of sheets during transport, particularly when dealing with paper jams, which can complicate the removal process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet alignment device with a roller support mechanism that pivots up and down, utilizing a motor-driven one-way clutch and torque limiters to precisely align the sheet edge against an alignment member, ensuring accurate positioning and facilitating easy removal of jammed sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transport roller and free roller are moved away from each other to facilitate jammed sheet removal, then ease of operation for sheet removal is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional moving mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support device is designed to dynamically change the position of the roller between two states: a first position where the roller contacts the sheet for normal operation, and a second position where the roller moves away from the sheet to facilitate jammed sheet removal. This dynamic positioning is achieved through a pivot mechanism that allows the roller support device to rotate about a shaft, enabling easy sheet removal without complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The roller support device serves multiple functions: it supports the roller during normal sheet transport, enables sheet alignment by contacting the sheet, and facilitates jammed sheet removal by moving the roller away. This multi-functionality is achieved through the pivot mechanism that allows the same device to perform both operational and removal facilitation roles without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If pressure of transport roller is loosened to facilitate jammed sheet removal, then ease of operation for sheet removal is improved, but productivity decreases due to interrupted transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the roller position based on operational needs: during normal transport, the roller is in the first position applying pressure to move sheets; when sheet removal is needed, the roller pivots to the second position to reduce pressure and facilitate removal. This dynamic switching minimizes interruption to overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The roller support device is positioned and configured in advance to enable quick transition to the sheet removal position. The pivot mechanism is pre-configured so that when sheet removal is needed, the roller can quickly move to the second position without requiring complex adjustment procedures, thereby minimizing productivity loss
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 enables precise sheet edge alignment, simplifying the removal of jammed sheets and enhancing the efficiency of the image forming process by minimizing mechanical interference.
Implementation Method 1
The roller rotates by being contacted by the sheet being transported along the sheet transport route
Implementation Method 2
The second one-way clutch rotates with a second rotative driving force, generated by a self-weight of the roller support device when the motor is stopped, and making the roller support device pivot downward
Implementation Method 3
The first one-way clutch transmits a first rotative driving force for making the roller support device pivot upward with respect to the shaft of the roller support device
Implementation Method 4
The first torque limiter disconnects the first rotative driving force from the first one-way clutch, when the rotation control device limits the rotation of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet alignment device includes a roller that moves a sheet on a sheet transport route so that a side edge of the sheet abuts against an alignment member, a first one-way clutch that transmits a first rotative driving force for making a roller support device pivot upward with respect to the shaft of the roller support device, when a motor rotates in a first direction, a first torque limiter that disconnects the transmission of the first rotative driving force, when a rotation control device limits the rotation of the shaft, a second one-way clutch that rotates with a second rotative driving force, and making the roller support device pivot downward, when the motor is stopped, and a second torque limiter that stops the rotation of the shaft, by being subjected to a rotational torque of the second one-way clutch.