Sheet Conveyer Oblique Guide Alignment for Short Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the existing sheet conveyer systems face challenges in conveying sheets to the widthwise end when the sheet length is insufficient, leading to incorrect positioning and failure in double-face printing due to inadequate oblique conveyance force.
Innovation Solution
The sheet conveyer system includes a pair of rollers, a regulative guide, a first guide, and a second guide arranged to apply a conveying force and regulate the sheet's position, ensuring proper widthwise alignment by applying an oblique conveying force and utilizing guides to contact the sheet at specific areas, enhancing the ability to shift the sheet sideward to the widthwise end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the oblique conveyer roller is used to shift the sheet sideward, then the sheet can be conveyed to the widthwise end, but if the sheet length is insufficient, the sheet may not be conveyed to the widthwise end completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sheet contact area into multiple segments: a first guide contacts a first area on the sheet, and a second guide contacts a second area on the sheet. These guides are arranged at different positions upstream from the oblique conveyer roller, creating segmented contact points that work together to shift the sheet sideward effectively even when the sheet length is short.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the first and second guides to partly overlap each other in the height direction (orthogonal to both conveying direction and widthwise direction). This three-dimensional arrangement allows the guides to contact different areas on opposite faces of the sheet, utilizing the height dimension to improve sideward shifting capability without requiring longer sheet length.
2Device complexity
If the oblique conveyer roller applies conveying force only when the sheet is in contact with it, then the structure is simple, but the sheet may fail to be conveyed in the correct widthwise position when sheet length is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second guides are arranged upstream from the oblique conveyer roller to contact the sheet before it reaches the roller. This preliminary action begins the sideward shifting process earlier in the conveying path, allowing the sheet to be gradually guided to the correct widthwise position even with insufficient length to engage the oblique roller alone.
3Length of stationary object
If the sheet is conveyed in a short distance by the oblique conveyer roller, then the conveying path is compact, but the sheet may not reach the side regulative guide member
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the height dimension through overlapping arrangement of the first and second guides, the patent creates an effective mechanical advantage that amplifies the sideward shifting force. This allows the compact conveyer path to achieve sufficient lateral displacement without extending the conveying path length in the horizontal plane.
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 configuration improves the ability to convey sheets to the correct widthwise position, ensuring successful double-face printing by maintaining the sheet's alignment and applying sufficient oblique force, even with shorter sheet lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rollers configured to nip the sheet and apply a conveying force to shift the sheet sideward
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyer to shift a sheet at one side of the sheet conveyer in a widthwise direction is provided. The sheet conveyer includes a pair of rollers, a regulative guide arranged at a position closer to the one side than the pair of rollers in the widthwise direction, a first guide arranged at a position upstream from the pair of rollers with regard to a conveying direction to contact a first area on a first face of the sheet at a position closer to the one side in the widthwise direction than a widthwise center of the sheet, and a second guide arranged at a position upstream from the pair of rollers with regard to the conveying direction to contact a second area on a second face of the sheet. The second guide partly overlaps the first guide in a direction of height.