Image Reading Feed Guides for Open-Access Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face issues with jam clearance properties due to the need for manual sheet feeding when a sheet jams in the sheet feeding passage, which complicates the removal process.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus is designed with upper and lower feeding guide units that are movable between open and closed positions, allowing easy access to the feeding passage for jam clearance without the need to manually feed the jammed sheet to a discharge opening, and eliminating the need for a roller pair between image reading sensors, thereby reducing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a roller pair is manually rotated to send the sheet downstream when a sheet jams, then the sheet can be moved forward, but manual feeding to the discharge opening is required which worsens jam clearance property
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually rotating the roller pair to move the sheet downstream as in conventional designs, this invention introduces a reverse feeding mechanism that automatically moves the sheet upstream (in the opposite direction of normal feeding) to extract it from the apparatus. The reverse feeding roller pair rotates in the reverse direction under control of the control unit, inverting the conventional sheet movement approach to eliminate manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects sheet jams through the sheet feeding detection unit and executes reverse feeding without user intervention. The control unit autonomously controls the reverse feeding roller pair to move the jammed sheet upstream and discharge it from the sheet discharge opening, making the system self-service for jam clearance operations.
2Ease of operation
If the feeding passage is made accessible for jam removal, then ease of operation improves, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sheet from the apparatus through the sheet discharge opening at the upstream end by reversing the feeding direction. This eliminates the need to open or access the feeding passage for jam removal, as the sheet can be discharged from the compact upstream opening without increasing apparatus volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a first image reading unit, a second image reading unit provided on a side opposite from the first image reading unit with respect to a sheet feeding passage, a first guiding member, a second guiding member, a first unit holding the first image reading unit and the second guiding member, and a second unit holding the second image reading unit and the first guiding member. One of the first unit and the second unit is movable relative to the other unit so as to open the sheet feeding passage.