Reversing Sheet Conveyance Guide Layout for Binding Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in maintaining productivity during sheet processing operations, particularly when performing binding processing, due to inefficiencies in sheet conveyance and buffering mechanisms that can lead to reduced output rates.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a movable conveyance guide and a reverse unit that allows for controlled sheet reversal and buffering, enabling synchronized conveyance and buffering operations to maintain sheet alignment and prevent backflow, using a non-return flapper and synchronized roller operations to manage sheet flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return flapper is used to prevent sheet backflow during reversal, then sheet conveyance reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
A non-return flapper is introduced as an intermediary component between the conveyance roller pair and the buffer. This flapper acts as a mediator that allows sheets to pass in the forward direction while blocking backward movement, thereby preventing sheet backflow and improving conveyance reliability without requiring complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return flapper is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on sheet flow direction. The flapper rotates to allow forward passage of sheets and automatically blocks backward movement, providing adaptive control that improves reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If sheets are buffered for binding processing, then processing versatility is improved, but productivity decreases due to reduced output rate
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer performs preliminary buffering of sheets before binding processing, storing sheets in advance to allow the main image forming apparatus to continue operating at full speed. This decouples the binding operation from the image forming process, maintaining productivity while enabling versatile processing options
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet processing system is segmented into independent modules: the image forming apparatus and the binding apparatus with buffer. This segmentation allows the buffer to handle sheet accumulation and release independently, enabling versatile processing sequences without affecting the overall output rate of the main apparatus
3Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance guide is positioned closer to the second conveyance guide, then sheet alignment precision is improved, but the risk of sheet jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first conveyance guide is positioned with optimized local spacing relative to the second conveyance guide, creating a narrow but sufficient gap that provides adequate sheet alignment precision while maintaining enough clearance to prevent jamming. The positioning is specifically tailored to the local requirements of sheet guidance without compromising overall conveyance reliability
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
The solution enhances productivity by allowing simultaneous processing of multiple sheets without lowering the output rate, improving the efficiency of image forming systems by ensuring smooth conveyance and alignment for binding operations.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyance roller pair configured to nip and convey the sheet reversed on the second conveyance path by the reverse unit
Implementation Method 2
a conveyance roller pair configured to nip and convey the sheet
Implementation Method 3
a holding unit configured to hold the first conveyance guide in a movable manner
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes first and second conveyance paths, a conveyance roller pair, first and second conveyance guides, and a holding unit. The reverse unit reverses a sheet having passed through the first conveyance path. The second conveyance path conveys the sheet having passed through the first conveyance path between the reverse unit and the first conveyance path. The conveyance roller pair nips and convey the reversed sheet. The first conveyance guide forms the second conveyance path and the second conveyance guide forms the second conveyance path. The holding unit moveably holds the first conveyance guide. The first conveyance guide moves between a first position located at a first distance from the second conveyance guide and a second position located at a second distance. The sheet reversed by the reverse unit is conveyed toward the conveyance roller pair by the first conveyance guide located at the first position.