Divided Sheet Guide Plate Mechanism for Jammed Sheet Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet transfer devices in image forming apparatuses face difficulties in easily removing jammed sheets without leaving any part behind, especially when the jammed sheet is across the device and its adjacent unit, and the process often requires a large area for removal, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sheet transfer device with a divided sheet guide plate configuration, where the first divided sheet guide plate can be drawn out and the second divided sheet guide plate is turnable, allowing for easy extraction of jammed sheets while occupying a minimal area, and incorporating push-in prohibiting portions to prevent improper retraction and ensure safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer unit is drawn out substantially horizontally to take out the jammed sheet, then the jammed sheet can be accessed, but the occupied area becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet guide member is configured to open in a direction substantially orthogonal to the sheet transfer direction, allowing the jammed sheet to be accessed by opening the guide member rather than drawing out the entire drawer unit horizontally. This dimensional change in the opening direction reduces the occupied area while still providing access to the jammed sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet guide member is divided into a first sheet guide member and a second sheet guide member that can be opened relative to each other. This segmentation allows only the necessary portion to be opened for sheet removal, reducing the overall occupied area compared to drawing out the entire drawer unit.
2Ease of operation
If the sheet guide member is opened by turning about a supporting shaft, then the sheet transfer route is exposed, but the drawer unit must be fully drawn out which is difficult if the unit is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet guide member is segmented into first and second members that can be opened relative to each other. This allows the opening operation to be performed on a lighter, segmented structure rather than the entire heavy drawer unit, making the operation easier while still providing access to the jammed sheet.
3Extent of automation
If the jammed sheet is moved to completely enter the drawer unit or main body, then the sheet is stopped, but the jamming state may become worse
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sheet guide member from the main body to form a separable drawer unit. When a jam occurs, the guide member can be opened to directly access and remove the jammed sheet without moving it completely into the drawer unit or main body, thereby avoiding worsening the jamming state while still providing automated assistance for sheet removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A first sheet transfer guide plate includes a first divided sheet guide plate and a second divided sheet guide plate separably connected to each other. The first divided sheet guide plate is capable of being drawn out by being moved relative to the second divided sheet guide plate in a sheet width direction orthogonal to a sheet transfer direction. The second divided sheet guide plate with the first divided sheet guide plate drawn out is turnable about a turning shaft in a direction away from a second sheet transfer guide plate. The turning shaft is arranged parallel to the sheet transfer direction and arranged in a rear end of the second divided sheet guide plate. The rear end is located opposite to a side toward which the first divided sheet guide plate is drawn out.