Movable Feed Guide Upward Opening for Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, users face difficulties in visual recognition and removal of sheet jams due to obstructed visibility caused by projecting portions, especially in compact designs where the angle of visibility is narrowed, and there is a risk of feed guide contact damage during manual removal.
Innovation Solution
The feed guide is designed to open upward, with a holding mechanism to maintain the open position and a recessed original sheet carrying table to enhance visibility, along with a sheet feed detecting mechanism to prevent accidental closure and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is reduced in size to narrow the distance between the original carrying plate and the fixing unit, then the compactness of the apparatus is improved, but the angle of visibility of the user is further narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The feed guide opening direction is inverted from the conventional downward opening to upward opening. This inversion allows the feed guide to open away from the compact space between the original carrying plate and fixing unit, providing sufficient angle of visibility even in a reduced-size apparatus configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed guide opening direction is changed from the vertical dimension (downward) to a different spatial orientation (upward). This dimensional change creates sufficient viewing angle without increasing the overall apparatus size, as the opening now utilizes the vertical space above the fixing unit rather than below.
2Reliability
If a spring is provided on the feed guide for automatically closing the feed guide, then the risk of contact damage is reduced, but sheet removal becomes a difficult task requiring one hand to hold the feed guide
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism for automatic closing is extracted (removed) from the feed guide structure. Instead of having the feed guide automatically close, the invention allows the feed guide to remain open when the side cover is opened, eliminating the need for springs and the associated operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed guide is designed to automatically remain open through its mechanical linkage with the side cover. When the side cover is opened, the feed guide is pulled open and held in that position without requiring any additional springs, dampers, or active control mechanisms to maintain the open state.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a feed guide forming a feed path of a sheet and having an end portion movable between a closed position and an open position by rotating around a shaft, wherein the end portion is positioned above the shaft when the feed guide is in the open position, and the feed guide is configured to provide access for removal of a jammed sheet when in the open position. The image forming apparatus further comprises a holding unit configured to releasably hold the end portion of the feed guide in the open position.