Image Forming Apparatus Jam Processing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently processing paper jams, especially when sheets are jammed between the conveying path of the fixing conveyance unit and the main body frame, leading to sheet tearing and subsequent re-jamming issues, and existing solutions are costly or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a conveyor, jam detector, and controller that displays processing information and forcibly conveys sheets to a predetermined position for easy removal, using a combination of door operations and motor control to guide the user through jam release procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fixing conveyance unit is drawn out to remove the sheet, then the sheet can be accessed for removal, but the sheet is torn into parts causing sheet torn off
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit performs preliminary action by automatically conveying the jammed sheet to a predetermined position before the user attempts removal. This prevents the sheet from being in a vulnerable straddled state when the door is opened, eliminating the tearing problem while maintaining easy accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the door is opened to access the sheet, then the sheet becomes accessible, but the sheet straddles between conveying paths causing tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically repositioning the sheet to a safe location before the user opens the door. This eliminates the need for the user to navigate the complex conveying path configuration manually, reducing both the accessibility issue and the risk of sheet damage from the complex path structure.
3Productivity
If the sheet is forcibly delivered to escape tray, then the jam is resolved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit performs self-service by automatically conveying the jammed sheet to a predetermined position using its existing motor and mechanism. This eliminates the need for costly dedicated escape trays or forced delivery mechanisms, maintaining high jam processing efficiency while avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is capable of easily performing jam processing. When an occurrence of a jam of a sheet which is conveyed on a conveying path is detected, the image forming apparatus displays a jam processing display screen which guides processing in accordance with a position where the jam has occurred. After the processing in accordance with the jam processing display screen is performed, if a state of the jam remains unchanged, the image forming apparatus performs forced feeding, which forcibly conveys the sheet to a predetermined position. The image forming apparatus displays the jam processing display screen urging to perform processing in accordance with the position of the sheet after the sheet is forcibly conveyed.