Regulation Member Rotation for Jam Clearance in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues where the regulation member can break or slip off due to excessive force applied during jam clearance, as existing solutions either fail to prevent slipping or restrict rotation angles, leading to potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a regulation member with a rotary shaft and an urging member that allows the tip end portion to rotate beyond a straight line connecting the contact point with the transfer portion and the fixing device, enabling it to absorb forces during jam clearance without breaking or slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regulation member is configured to prevent slipping off during jam clearance, then the regulation member can be prevented from slipping off, but the regulation member may still be broken when excessive force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation member is configured to be rotatable about a rotary shaft, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during jam clearance. This rotational freedom enables the regulation member to absorb excessive force applied by the user without transmitting it directly to fixed structural components, thereby preventing both slipping off and breakage simultaneously
2Strength
If the rotation angle of the regulation member is limited to prevent breakage, then the regulation member can be protected from breaking, but the regulation member may slip off when the user applies force larger than expected
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation member is configured to be rotatable about a rotary shaft, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during jam clearance. This rotational freedom enables the regulation member to absorb excessive force applied by the user without transmitting it directly to fixed structural components, thereby preventing both slipping off and breakage simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration prevents the regulation member from breaking or slipping off by allowing it to rotate freely within a wide angle range, thereby distributing forces evenly and ensuring safe jam clearance without damage.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the regulation member toward the transfer portion so as to bring a tip end portion of the regulation member into contact with the transfer portion at a contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device arranged downstream of a transfer portion and configured to fix a toner image on a sheet; a regulation member arranged upstream of the fixing device and configured to regulate the sheet; a rotary shaft configured to rotatably support the regulation member; an urging member configured to urge the regulation member so as to bring a tip end portion of the regulation member into contact with the transfer portion at a contact portion; and an openable and closable member provided on a main body to open an opening portion, wherein the tip end portion can be rotated from a side opposite to the rotary shaft to a side of the rotary shaft with respect to a straight line extending from the contact portion and contacting the fixing device.