Sheet Guide Width Control for Quiet Paper Conveyance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying devices in image forming apparatuses generate noise during sheet conveyance due to sheet vibration, particularly at the trailing end, which can be disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A guide mechanism in the sheet conveying device that adjusts the conveyance path width dynamically based on the sheet's leading and trailing ends, using a control system to set the width to minimize sheet vibration and noise, especially for thick or thin sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed conveyance path width is used, then the device structure is simple, but sheet vibration and noise occur during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism dynamically adjusts the conveyance path width based on sheet characteristics. The control section receives sheet information (thickness, size) and commands the guide mechanism to change the distance between guide members, optimizing the conveyance path width for each sheet type to suppress vibration and noise while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of the conveyance path width based on sheet parameters. By receiving sheet information from the information acquisition section and adjusting the guide mechanism accordingly, the system optimizes the conveyance path width to match sheet characteristics, reducing vibration and noise without requiring a completely complex device structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyance path width is adjusted for each sheet, then sheet vibration is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control section receives sheet information (thickness, size, weight) from the information acquisition section and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the guide mechanism. This closed-loop control system stabilizes sheet conveyance by adapting the conveyance path width to each sheet's characteristics while keeping the control system manageable through automated decision-making based on pre-acquired sheet data.
Solution Approach 2:
The information acquisition section acquires sheet characteristics before conveyance begins. This preliminary acquisition of sheet information allows the control section to pre-calculate the optimal conveyance path width and configure the guide mechanism in advance, ensuring sheet stability during conveyance without requiring complex real-time control adjustments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveyance path width is narrowed, then sheet vibration is suppressed, but sheet conveyance speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveyance path width based on sheet characteristics and conveyance phase. For thick or lightweight sheets prone to vibration, the guide mechanism narrows the path width to suppress vibration. For normal sheets, the wider path maintains conveyance speed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both vibration suppression and speed maintenance based on real-time sheet information.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism applies different conveyance path widths to different sheets based on their specific characteristics. Thick sheets receive a narrower conveyance path for vibration suppression, while standard sheets maintain a wider path for optimal speed. This localized optimization ensures each sheet receives the appropriate conveyance conditions for its specific properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device in an embodiment includes a first roller unit, a first conveyance path, a guide mechanism, and a control section. The first roller unit rotates and conveys a sheet. The first conveyance path conveys the sheet to the first roller unit. The guide mechanism is disposed along the first conveyance path and guides the conveyance of the sheet. The guide mechanism is capable of changing a conveyance path width. The control section sets the conveyance path width at a time when a leading end of the sheet passes a first position of the guide mechanism to first width. The control section sets the conveyance path width at a time when a trailing end of the sheet passes the first position to second width smaller than the first width.