Sheet Feed Device Variable Roller Angle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feed devices in image forming apparatuses face increased conveyance resistance due to the use of dedicated electric components to move conveyance rollers, which raises costs and efficiency concerns.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feed device with a conveyance roller pair and a variable mechanism that adjusts the arrangement angle of one roller relative to the other, coupled with a transmission mechanism using the driving force from upstream rollers to pivot the conveyance pressure roller, allowing smooth sheet conveyance without the need for a dedicated electric component to move the conveyance pressure roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated electric component is used to move the conveyance pressure roller, then the sheet conveyance smoothness is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance pressure roller moves itself by utilizing the driving force from the upstream conveyance roller through a transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for a dedicated electric component. The roller's own operational force is redirected to achieve its positioning movement, reducing device complexity while maintaining conveyance smoothness
Solution Approach 2:
The driving force from the upstream conveyance roller serves dual purposes: it both conveys the sheet forward and simultaneously drives the transmission mechanism that positions the conveyance pressure roller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, lowering device cost while maintaining operational reliability
2Device complexity
If the conveyance pressure roller is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the conveyance resistance increases due to sheet abutting
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance pressure roller is designed to be dynamically adjustable in position along the conveyance path rather than being completely fixed. This dynamic positioning capability allows the roller to adapt to different sheet orientations and conveyance conditions, reducing conveyance resistance without requiring complex dedicated electric control systems
Solution Approach 2:
A transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the upstream conveyance roller and the conveyance pressure roller. This intermediary transfers and transforms the driving force to achieve roller positioning, providing a simple mechanical solution that reduces conveyance resistance without adding complex electric control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feed device comprises a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path which are different sheet conveyance paths, and a conveyance path merging section for merging the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path together. At least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path includes an upstream side roller that feeds sheet to downstream side in a conveyance direction. The conveyance path merging section comprises a conveyance roller pair that conveys the sheet fed from the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path through a nip; a variable mechanism that makes an arrangement angle of one roller of the conveyance roller pair to the other roller thereof variable; and a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force from the upstream side roller provided in one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path to the variable mechanism.