Movable Roller and Cover Mechanism for Jam Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in jam clearing operations due to the presence of a cover that protects the discharge roller pair, making it challenging for users to remove sheets during jam clearing.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device with a movable second roller and cover configuration, where the second roller can shift between a nip position and a separated position, and the cover can move between two positions, allowing for easier access during jam clearing without compromising protection against foreign matter entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is provided to protect the discharge roller pair, then safety and foreign matter prevention are improved, but jam clearing operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift between a first position that covers the discharge roller pair during normal operation and a second position that exposes the discharge roller pair during jam clearing operations. This dynamic configuration enables the same component to serve dual purposes: protection during operation and accessibility during maintenance.
2Reliability
If the cover is positioned to fully cover the discharge roller pair, then protection is improved, but sheet removal during jam clearing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's position is dynamically adjusted based on operational needs. During normal operation, the cover is in the first position providing full protection. During jam clearing, the cover moves to the second position that exposes the discharge roller pair, enabling easy sheet removal while maintaining protection during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor device, including: a first roller; a second roller disposed under the first roller and configured to be movable between a nip position at which the second roller cooperates with the first roller to nip a sheet therebetween so as to discharge the sheet in a discharge direction and a separated position located at a height level lower than the nip position; a cover configured to be movable between a first position and a second position located at a height level lower than the first position, the cover including a downstream wall which at least partially covers a downstream portion of the second roller located at the nip position when the cover is located at the first position; and a moving mechanism configured to move the second roller between the nip position and the separated position and to move the cover between the first position and the second position.