Drive roll/idler roll nip release mechanism

US7967289B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Xerox Corporation · US

Inventors

• Marina L. Tharayil · Rochester, US
• Keith Buddendeck · Rochester, US
• Paul J. DeGruchy · Hilton, US
• Steven R. Moore · Pittsford, US
• Barry P. Mandel · Fairport, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 26, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2801/06
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A drive roll/idler roll nip release mechanism utilizes the motor used for the drive nip, coupled with one-way clutches, to power the nip release as a sheet is handed off to a downstream nip. A drive shaft is coupled to a first one-way clutch in one direction and an idler cam shaft is coupled to a second one-way clutch in the opposite direction. This allows the idler cam shaft to be driven only when the motor is reversed, and the drive shaft to be driven only when the motor is moving forward. The one-way clutch on the drive shaft allows the drive wheels to freewheel when the motor is reversed in order to engage the nip release. Thus, the nip release is activated while the drive nip continues to rotate in the direction of sheet motion.