Detachable Feeding Unit Power Supply for Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the electric power supply to the fixing device is interrupted when the openable door is opened, making it difficult to facilitate jam clearance and maintain a pressure-released state, which can lead to issues in both the fixing device and feeding device.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detachable feeding unit and a power source that maintains electric power supply to the driving source via an electric power supplying path even when the door is open, allowing the pressure eliminating mechanism to function independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric power supply to the driving source is interrupted when the openable door is opened, then safety is improved, but the ability to facilitate jam clearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two independent paths: one for the fixing device and one for the feeding device. The feeding device's driving source receives power through a path that does not depend on door status, allowing independent operation for jam clearance while the fixing device maintains safety interlocking. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling selective power supply based on functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power supply characteristics to different devices within the same system. The feeding device is configured with a door-independent power supply path, giving it local autonomy for operation during door opening, while the fixing device maintains the traditional door-dependent safety interlocking. This local differentiation allows each component to operate according to its specific safety and functional needs.
2Reliability
If the electric power supply is forcedly interrupted with opening of the openable door, then safety is improved, but the pressure-released state cannot be maintained, worsening device functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into independent paths for different devices. The feeding device's driving source is connected through a path that remains active regardless of door status, enabling continuous operation for maintaining pressure-released state during door opening. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functional flexibility while preserving safety features where needed.
3Ease of operation
If the openable door is opened for jam clearance, then ease of operation is improved, but the electric power supply is erroneously interrupted, causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate power supply paths for the feeding device that are independent of door status. This segmentation ensures that opening the door for maintenance or jam clearance does not interrupt power to the feeding device's driving source, maintaining power supply stability during operational access scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding device is granted local quality of door-independent power supply, allowing it to operate continuously during door opening for maintenance purposes. This local autonomy ensures reliability of power supply during ease-of-operation scenarios, preventing erroneous interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main assembly having a door, a feeding unit including first and second rotatable members configured to form a nip for feeding a sheet and a moving mechanism configured to move the first rotatable member in a spacing direction relative to the second rotatable member, a power source provided in the apparatus main assembly, and a motor provided in the apparatus main assembly and configured to drive the moving mechanism. The feeding unit is detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly upon opening of the door. An electric power supplying path is capable of supplying electric power from the power source to the motor via the feeding unit despite the door being in an open state.