Sheet Tilt Correction Mechanism for Variable Media Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting the tilt of sheets to ensure high-quality image formation, particularly due to variations in sheet characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a tilt correction mechanism comprising a first conveying mechanism, a correction member, a first orientation adjustment mechanism, a support member, and a second orientation adjustment mechanism, which allows for precise and adaptable tilt correction through a combination of automated and manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional tilt correction mechanism using a registration roller pair is used, then the sheet tilt can be corrected by conveying the sheet to a stopped nip portion, but the correction precision is insufficient due to variations in sheet characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The correction member is designed to be rotatable about a shaft portion, allowing dynamic adjustment of the contact surface angle. The first orientation adjustment mechanism enables automated dynamic positioning of the correction member based on detected tilt angles, while the second orientation adjustment mechanism allows manual dynamic adjustment. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various sheet characteristics and achieve precise tilt correction for different sheet types.
2Extent of automation
If only an automated orientation adjustment mechanism is used, then the tilt correction can be precisely controlled based on detected tilt angles, but the system lacks adaptability to accommodate different sheet characteristics requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt correction mechanism incorporates both automated and manual adjustment capabilities through two independent orientation adjustment mechanisms. The first mechanism provides automated control based on tilt detection, while the second mechanism enables manual adjustment. This multi-functional design allows the single correction member to handle both automatically detectable tilts and manually adjustable sheet characteristics, making the system universally applicable to various sheet types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the correction member is positioned downstream, then the sheet can be conveyed more stably, but the tilt correction effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The correction member is positioned upstream of the first conveying mechanism, allowing tilt correction to be performed before the sheet enters the main conveying path. The second conveying mechanism further upstream conveys the sheet obliquely toward the contact surface, preparing the sheet for correction in advance. This preliminary correction approach ensures that sheets are properly aligned before stable conveying, maintaining both correction effectiveness and conveying stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first conveying mechanism conveys a sheet. A correction member is provided more on an upstream side of a conveying direction of the sheet than the first conveying mechanism, and includes a contact surface that comes into contact with a side end of the sheet at one end of a conveying path of the sheet in a width direction. A first orientation adjustment mechanism is operated by being input with a drive signal and changes an angle of the contact surface. A second conveying mechanism is provided more on the upstream side of the conveying direction than the correction member, and conveys the sheet toward the contact surface along a direction oblique with respect to the conveying direction. A support member supports the correction member and the first orientation adjustment mechanism. A second orientation adjustment mechanism is capable of changing an orientation of the support member by being operated manually.