Sheet Conveyance Skew Correction via Interlocked Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance apparatuses struggle with skew correction, particularly when conveying sheets of varying widths, as they often fail to effectively pivot and align sheets before discharge or reverse conveyance, leading to disorder and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a conveyance regulation member comprising multiple pivotable portions and engagement structures that adjust based on sheet width, allowing for interlocked pivoting to correct skewing and ensure proper alignment, regardless of sheet width, by using first and second conveyance regulating portions supported at different positions and engagement portions for coordinated pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single conveyance regulation member is used to control sheet conveyance, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively correct skewing for sheets of various widths
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance regulation member is divided into multiple independent pivotable portions (first conveyance regulation portion and second conveyance regulation portion) that can pivot independently or in coordination. This segmentation allows each portion to adapt to different sheet widths and skew conditions, providing versatile skew correction capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable portions are designed to dynamically adjust their pivoting behavior based on sheet characteristics. The engagement portion enables the portions to pivot in an interlocked manner when needed, while also allowing independent pivoting for different sheet widths, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring a complex control mechanism.
2Volume of moving object
If the conveyance regulation member is arranged near the curved conveyance path for compact design, then the apparatus size is reduced, but skew correction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the curved conveyance path configuration for compact apparatus design and incorporates the conveyance regulation member within this curved path. The pivotable portions are designed to effectively correct skewing even in the constrained curved space, maintaining both compact size and skew correction effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flapper is designed to pivot by contact with sheet leading edge for skew correction, then skew correction ability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper is designed with pivotable portions that dynamically respond to sheet contact. The portions pivot automatically when contacted by the sheet leading edge, providing skew correction ability through simple mechanical motion without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional actuators.
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 enables efficient skew correction and reliable sheet alignment across various widths, improving image forming accuracy and reducing the need for additional skew correction mechanisms, thus enhancing the overall conveyance and image formation process.
Implementation Method 1
the sheet abuts the first conveyance regulating portion and pivots only the first conveyance regulating portion
Implementation Method 2
the sheet abuts the second conveyance regulating portion and pivots the second conveyance regulating portion while also pivoting the first conveyance regulating portion through the engagement portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance portion, a reverse conveyance portion, and first and second conveyance regulating portions. An engagement portion contacts the first conveyance regulating portion so that it pivots in a first pivoting direction in an interlocked manner with the second conveyance regulating portion. The first and second conveyance regulating portions are arranged between the conveyance portion and the reverse conveyance portion in a first sheet conveyance direction, and an urging member urges the first and second conveyance regulating portions toward a position where the first and second conveyance regulating portions project to a first conveyance path through which the sheet conveyed from the conveyance portion toward the reverse conveyance portion is conveyed.