Swinging Roller Image Conveyance for Scratch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing image quality degradation and conveyance malfunctions due to the interaction between recording materials and sensors, particularly when switching conveyance directions after the fixing process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a first rotating member that guides the recording material without swinging and a second rotating member that performs a swinging motion to stabilize the material's trajectory, using heat-resistant materials like polytetrafluoroethylene to prevent image scratches, and a swinging roller that supports the material's surface to manage conveyance and prevent jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a paper discharge sensor is arranged to detect the conveyance state of recording material, then detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor rubs against the recording material causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary between the paper discharge sensor and the recording material. The guide member redirects the recording material so that it does not directly contact the sensor, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while preventing image quality degradation from rubbing.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyance direction of recording material is switched after the fixing device, then discharge unit accessibility is improved, but conveyance malfunction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the conveyance direction. When the conveyance direction is switched, the guide member moves accordingly to guide the recording material properly, preventing conveyance malfunctions while maintaining discharge unit accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed roller guides the recording material, then image quality protection is improved, but conveyance stability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to material variations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is configured to move in response to variations in recording material properties such as thickness and stiffness. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stable conveyance across different material types while the guide member continues to protect the image surface from direct sensor contact.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, first and second rotating members, and a discharge unit to discharge a recording material to an outside. The fixing unit fixes an image from the image forming unit onto the recording material. The first rotating member comes into contact with and guides the image bearing recording material, and is driven to rotate by conveyance of the recording material. The second rotating member comes into contact with the image bearing recording material more on a downstream side than the first rotating member in a conveyance direction of the recording material, guides the recording material, and is driven to rotate by conveyance of the recording material. The first rotating member does not perform swinging motion by coming into contact with the recording material, and the second rotating member performs swinging motion by coming into contact with the recording material.