Sheet Buffering Mechanism with Reverse Rollers for Jam Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining alignment precision while reducing jam occurrences, particularly when using rotary members that only contact the upper surface of sheets.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sheet processing apparatus that incorporates a buffering mechanism with reverse conveyance rollers and in-body discharge rollers, allowing for controlled sheet alignment and conveyance to prevent jams, while maintaining precision through strategic offsetting of sheets in the buffering portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rotary member (paddle or belt) that contacts only the upper surface of the sheet is used for alignment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision cannot be maintained while reducing jams
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from single-surface contact alignment (upper surface only) to multi-surface contact alignment by introducing reverse conveyance rollers that contact the lower surface of the sheet. This dimensional change in contact points enables simultaneous achievement of alignment precision and jam reduction without increasing overall device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance force applied by the rotary member to the sheet is increased to improve alignment precision, then alignment precision is improved, but jam occurrence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse conveyance rollers apply conveyance force in the opposite direction to the rotary member's force. This counterbalancing approach distributes the total conveyance force, preventing excessive force concentration that causes sheet crumpling and jams, while maintaining sufficient force for precise alignment through coordinated action
3Reliability
If the conveyance force applied by the rotary member to the sheet is decreased to reduce jams, then jam occurrence is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the rotary member and reverse conveyance rollers into a coordinated alignment system. The combined action of both components provides sufficient total conveyance force for precise alignment while distributing force application to prevent sheet damage and jams
4Device complexity
If a simple buffer mechanism is used to prevent paging disorder, then the device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and jam reduction are not effectively achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer mechanism is made dynamic through the reverse conveyance rollers that can actively adjust sheet position and apply controlled conveyance force in the opposite direction. This dynamic capability enables the simple buffer structure to achieve precise alignment and reduce jams without adding complex components
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 jam occurrences while maintaining high alignment precision, even when processing multiple sheets, thereby enhancing the productivity and reliability of the image forming system.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyance roller pair that nips and conveys a sheet
Implementation Method 2
a moving member that moves the sheet in a direction following the sheet discharge direction of the conveyance roller pair
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A sheet processing includes a first conveyance path (81), a buffering portion (4B), a second conveyance path (82), a conveyance roller pair (29), a supporting portion (32), a moving member (33), a regulating portion (39), and a processing unit (51). The buffering portion (4B) is configured to superimpose a first sheet and a second sheet on each other in a state of being offset from each other in a sheet conveyance direction. An offset amount, by which a leading end of the first sheet in the sheet conveyance direction projects downstream in the sheet conveyance direction with respect to a leading end of the second sheet in the sheet conveyance direction in a state before the first sheet and the second sheet are discharged onto the supporting portion (32), is larger than a distance from a sheet contact position of the moving member (33) to the regulating portion (39) in the sheet conveyance direction.