Image Forming Apparatus Side-Cover Roller Mechanism for Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in removing sheet jams that occur downstream of the fixing portion in the duplex conveyance passage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus design includes a side cover that, upon opening, coordinates with one of a pair of conveyance rollers to move away from the other, exposing the sheet conveyance passage from the pair of conveyance rollers to the discharge portion, facilitating efficient jam removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the side cover is opened to remove sheet jams in the duplex conveyance passage, then the sheet jam can be accessed, but the conveyance passage remains difficult to access when jams occur downstream of the fixing portion
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance passage is segmented into multiple sections: the duplex conveyance passage and the sheet conveyance passage. The sheet conveyance passage is further divided by the movable conveyance roller into accessible and non-accessible sections. This segmentation allows targeted access to different parts of the conveyance system without requiring complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance roller is designed to be movable rather than fixed. When the side cover is opened, the conveyance roller moves to a position that exposes the sheet conveyance passage downstream of the fixing portion. This dynamic adjustment enables the passage to transition between closed and open states, improving jam removal accessibility without permanent structural changes.
2Ease of operation
If additional motors are added to improve sheet jam removal accessibility, then the conveyance passage can be opened more effectively, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance roller is designed to move automatically in response to side cover opening without requiring a separate motor. The mechanical connection between the side cover and conveyance roller creates a self-actuating system where the cover's own movement drives the roller to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for additional power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The side cover serves dual functions: it protects the duplex conveyance passage and simultaneously acts as a mechanism to open the sheet conveyance passage for jam removal. By integrating these functions, the design avoids adding separate actuators while achieving multiple objectives.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion that forms a toner image on an image carrier, a transfer portion, a fixing portion, a discharge portion, a pair of conveyance rollers, a sheet conveyance passage, a duplex conveyance passage, and a side cover. The side cover forms the outer surface of the duplex conveyance passage. In a manner coordinated with the opening of the side cover, one of the pair of conveyance rollers moves in a direction away from the other of the pair of conveyance rollers to open part of the sheet conveyance passage from the pair of conveyance rollers to the discharge portion.