Relay Conveyance Apparatus Cooling Mechanism for Jammed Sheet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In relay conveyance systems, when a sheet jams or an abnormality is detected, the conveyance operation is stopped, leading to sheets remaining on the path, and heating the path for curl correction or drying can cause discomfort to operators when removing these sheets.
Innovation Solution
A relay conveyance apparatus with a cooling mechanism, including a main duct, fan, and air blowing port, that cools the conveyance path and includes a conveyance guide switchable between path formation and opening positions, with protruding parts that interfere with the guide when in the opening position to prevent cover closure and restrict conveyance, allowing for safe sheet removal and path cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the relay conveyance path is heated for curl correction or drying, then sheet processing quality is improved, but operator comfort deteriorates when removing jammed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling mechanism is localized to the relay conveyance path area, providing cooling only where needed (the conveyance path) while leaving other areas unaffected. This allows the heater to maintain sheet processing quality in the conveyance path while the cooling mechanism reduces temperature specifically for operator comfort during jam removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling mechanism operates periodically or on-demand when jammed sheets need removal, rather than continuously. The controller activates cooling only when necessary (when conveyance is stopped due to jam or abnormality), maintaining sheet processing quality during normal operation while providing comfort during maintenance operations.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyance guide is turned to the path opening position for sheet removal, then access to the conveyance path is improved, but conveyance operation reliability deteriorates due to potential sheet conveyance failure
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding part acts as an intermediary indicator between the conveyance guide position and the cover closure state. It provides a physical signal that prevents cover closure when the guide is in the opening position, serving as a mediator that communicates the unsafe state without directly blocking the opening position itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand warning through the protruding part that prevents accidental cover closure when the conveyance guide is in the opening position. This prior cushioning prevents the harmful event (sheet conveyance failure) before it can occur by stopping the operator from closing the cover in an unsafe state.
3Volume of moving object
If the cover is designed to close completely for compactness, then device compactness is improved, but safety deteriorates when the conveyance guide is in the opening position
Solution Approach 1:
The cover closure state is made dynamic and conditional rather than fixed. The cover can close completely when the conveyance guide is in the path formation position (normal operation), providing compactness. When the guide is in the opening position, the protruding part dynamically prevents closure, providing safety. The system adapts its compactness based on operational state.
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
Enables efficient removal of jammed sheets while minimizing operator discomfort and maintaining a suitable temperature for sheet drying, allowing for quick resumption of conveyance operations by cooling the path only during jam clearing and using a simple, compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling mechanism includes a main duct, a fan and an air blowing port. The main duct is provided in the cover, and through the main duct, cooling air is passed. The fan feeds the cooling air to the main duct.
Implementation Method 2
The cooling mechanism cools the relay conveyance path. Through the air blowing port, the cooling air is blown from the main duct to the relay conveyance path.
Data Source
AI summary
The relay conveyance apparatus includes a casing, an opening, a cover, a conveyance guide, a protruding part and a cooling mechanism. The casing has an inner space in which a relay conveyance path is formed. The opening is formed in the casing. The protruding part is provided in the cover. When the conveyance guide is switched to a path formation position, the protruding part is inserted into the inner space of the casing to allow closing of the cover, and when the conveyance guide is switched to a path opening position, the protruding part interferes with the conveyance guide to restrict the closing of the cover. The cooling mechanism includes a main duct, a fan and an air blowing port. The air blowing port is provided in the protruding part, and through which the cooling air is blown from the main duct to the relay conveyance path.