Document Feeder Open Cover Mechanism for Jam Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document feeders in image forming apparatuses do not have a structure to open the sheet feed section, which can lead to paper jams and interference between parts when trying to handle jams, affecting printing efficiency and apparatus safety.
Innovation Solution
A document feeder with an open/close cover that allows for easy handling of paper jams, featuring a unit pressing member to maintain the document feed unit's position and a detection sensor to ensure accurate positioning, along with a sheet feed tray that lifts documents into contact with the feed unit, and a pivotally supported sheet feed shaft with a roller mechanism for efficient document transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sheet feed section is made fixed and closed to maintain position accuracy, then position accuracy of the document feed unit is improved, but paper jams cannot be accessed and handled
Solution Approach 1:
The open/close cover is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between closed (for accurate document feeding) and open (for paper jam access) states. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by adapting the cover's state to the operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet feed section is segmented into a fixed apparatus body and a movable open/close cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be independently moved for paper jam access while the main document feed unit remains fixed for position accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the open/close cover is made movable to access paper jams, then ease of operation for jam handling is improved, but interference (collision) between parts may occur during opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The unit pressing member is actuated in advance to press the document feed unit toward the sheet feed tray before the open/close cover is opened. This preliminary action ensures that the document feed unit is in a safe position that prevents collision with the moving cover.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection sensor detects the position of the document feed unit and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether it is safe to open the cover or if the unit pressing member should first reposition the document feed unit to avoid collision.
3Reliability
If the document feed unit is pressed toward the sheet feed tray to prevent collision, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pressing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The unit pressing member is combined with the open/close cover, using the cover's movement mechanism to drive the pressing action. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having a separate pressing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The open/close cover serves multiple functions: it provides access for paper jam handling, it drives the unit pressing member to prevent collision, and it maintains the closed state for accurate document feeding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A document feeder includes an apparatus body to which a document feed unit is attached, a sheet feed tray that moves up and down toward the document feed unit, an open/close cover attached openably and closably to the apparatus body and opens the document transport path and the document feed unit when opened, and a unit pressing arm attached to the open/close cover. When the open/close cover is closed, the unit pressing arm presses the document feed unit toward the sheet feed tray.