Inlet Guide Locking for Stable Sheet Transport During Jam Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet postprocessing apparatuses face inefficiencies in handling paper jams and accidental opening of transport routes, leading to malfunctions in sheet transport.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a pivotable lower guide for the transport route, a removable collection tank with a restriction device that prevents accidental opening of the transport route, and a lever mechanism to manage paper jams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lower guide is made pivotable to allow easy access for paper jam handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening of the transport route

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of paper jam handlingVSAvoidtransport route stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A restriction device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the collection tank and the lower guide. When the collection tank is installed, the restriction device engages with the lower guide to prevent accidental pivoting, thus maintaining transport route stability while still allowing intentional access when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the collection tank is made removable for easy maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the restriction device mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidrestriction device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction device is merged with the collection tank assembly, so that the tank and restriction device function as an integrated unit. This allows the restriction mechanism to be removed together with the tank during maintenance, reducing the operational complexity despite the added structural integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12473170B2Sheet postprocessing apparatus including restriction device that restricts movement of lower guide of inlet guide, and image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sheet postprocessing apparatus includes an inlet guide, a perforation device, and a collection tank. The inlet guide includes an upper guide and a lower guide. The perforation device is located downstream of the inlet guide in a sheet transport direction. The collection tank is located on a lower side of the perforation device. The lower guide is supported so as to pivot in an up-down direction, about an end portion in a sheet width direction. The collection tank is removably supported, by sliding in the sheet width direction. The lower guide includes a lever located on the other end portion in the sheet width direction, and configured to disengage the lower guide from the upper guide. The collection tank includes a restriction device opposed to the lever and configured to restrict pivotal movement of the lower guide, when the collection tank is attached to the perforation device.