Sheet Discharge Roller Layout for Thin Profile and Stable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet discharge apparatuses face challenges in achieving a thin vertical configuration while maintaining improved stacking performance due to the configuration of the first and second rotating shafts and rollers, which hinder compactness.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a lower sheet guide, discharge rollers, and elastic pieces that guide and support sheets, allowing for a thin vertical configuration and enhanced stacking performance by using a combination of elastic pieces and rollers to stabilize sheet positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first discharge roller body and a second discharge roller body are configured with the first rotating shaft located above the second rotating shaft to deform the sheet into a wavy shape and increase rigidity, then stacking performance of sheets is improved, but the vertical height of the sheet discharge apparatus increases making it difficult to achieve a thin configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (first shaft above second shaft) to a horizontal arrangement where both rollers share the same shaft level. The wavy deformation function is maintained by positioning rollers at the same height but spaced horizontally, eliminating vertical height increase while preserving sheet stabilization and stacking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of two separate rotating shafts into a single shaft configuration. Both discharge rollers are mounted on the same shaft, combining their operational levels horizontally rather than stacking them vertically, thus achieving a thin profile while maintaining dual-roller functionality for sheet wave deformation and stacking stability.
2Reliability
If multiple elastic pieces are added to stabilize sheet positioning and enhance stacking performance, then sheet support and stacking performance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies elastic pieces at specific localized positions (between the two discharge rollers and at the downstream end) rather than uniformly throughout the apparatus. This targeted placement provides sheet stabilization exactly where needed during the discharge process while minimizing the overall number of components and maintaining configuration simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a limited number of elastic pieces (one first elastic piece between rollers, two second elastic pieces at downstream end) rather than extensive support mechanisms. This partial action approach provides sufficient sheet stabilization and stacking performance without over-engineering the system, thus avoiding excessive complexity.
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 enables a compact vertical design with improved sheet stacking performance by utilizing elastic pieces to stabilize sheets during discharge, enhancing the vertical space utilization and sheet support.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic piece and the second elastic pieces deform the sheet into a wavy shape when viewed in the discharge direction, thereby increasing rigidity of the sheet and stabilizing the position of the sheet when the sheet is discharged
Implementation Method 2
a discharge roller including: two rollers configured to convey the sheet guided by the first guide surface in a discharge direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a lower sheet guide including a first guide surface configured to guide a surface of a sheet, a discharge roller including two rollers configured to convey the sheet in a discharge direction, and a shaft extending in a width direction perpendicular to the discharge direction, a discharge tray configured to support the sheet, a first elastic piece located between the two rollers in the width direction and located above the shaft at a position of the shaft, a plurality of second elastic pieces located so as to sandwich the two rollers in the width direction and located above the shaft at the position of the shaft, a plurality of third elastic pieces located so as to sandwich the two rollers in the width direction and located downstream of the second elastic pieces in the discharge direction.