Sheet Stacker with Adjustable Angle and Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet stackers in image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining optimal sheet stackability for various types of sheets, particularly those with low stiffness and high contact resistance, as the angle of the sheet stacking face affects the conveyance and stacking performance, leading to issues like curling and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacker configuration that includes a movable sheet stacking member with adjustable angles and a regulator to maintain the optimal height and angle settings, utilizing a biasing force adjuster and angle setter to ensure proper alignment and prevent curling, even with sheets of varying stiffness and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sheet stacking member is positioned closer to the sheet conveying portion, then sheet conveyance efficiency is improved, but sheet curling and misalignment occur due to suboptimal angle settings
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet stacking member is designed with movable upstream portion that can adjust its position and angle dynamically. The angle setter mechanism allows the stacking member to be positioned at different angles (first angle or second angle) relative to the sheet conveying portion, enabling optimal adaptation to different sheet types and conveyance requirements while preventing curling and misalignment.
2Reliability
If the sheet stacking member angle is adjusted to optimize stacking, then sheet stackability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional angle setting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force applier automatically applies biasing force to the movable upstream portion of the sheet stacking member, enabling self-adjustment and maintaining optimal positioning without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control systems. This simplifies the overall device complexity while ensuring reliable sheet stacking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upstream portion of the sheet stacking member is movable, then adaptability to different sheet types improves, but control precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator mechanism provides feedback control for the movable upstream portion of the sheet stacking member. When the upstream portion is located closer to the sheet conveying portion at either the first angle or the second angle, the regulator prevents further movement, ensuring precise positioning control and maintaining accuracy across different sheet types.
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 ensures stable and efficient sheet stacking across different types of sheets by maintaining the optimal height and angle settings, preventing curling and misalignment, and enhancing overall stackability and conveyance performance.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to bias the sheet stacking member upward
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacker includes a sheet stacking member, a biasing force applier, an angle setter, and a regulator. The sheet stacking member has an upstream portion in a sheet conveyance direction. The upstream portion is movable in a vertical direction. The biasing force applier is configured to apply a biasing force to bias the sheet stacking member upward. The angle setter is configured to set an angle of the sheet stacking member in the sheet conveyance direction, relative to a sheet conveying portion, between a first angle and a second angle. The regulator is configured to regulate movement of the sheet stacking member in a case in which the upstream portion of the sheet stacking member is located closer to the sheet conveying portion at either the first angle or the second angle.