Relay Conveying Unit Alignment in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with a relay conveying unit, improper connection between the relay conveying unit and the driving mechanism due to misalignment during reinsertion after jam treatment leads to defective sheet conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A relay conveying unit with a hook mechanism engaged by a turnable cover that ensures proper alignment and connection with the driving unit by using a projection on the cover to push the unit into position, securing engagement with the apparatus main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the relay conveying unit is pulled out for sheet jam treatment, then the sheet jam can be accessed and treated, but the relay conveying unit may not be properly positioned upon reinsertion causing defective drive of the conveying member
Solution Approach 1:
The relay conveying unit automatically performs self-alignment and self-positioning through the guide groove and guide protrusion mechanism during reinsertion, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments and ensuring reliable connection without requiring external assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove and guide protrusion act as intermediary elements that facilitate proper alignment between the relay conveying unit and the main body during reinsertion, ensuring the conveying member is correctly positioned between the drive sprocket and idler sprocket
2Loss of time
If the relay conveying unit is quickly reinserted after jam treatment, then operational time is reduced, but improper connection occurs causing sheet jam due to defective drive
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove and guide protrusion are pre-configured to automatically guide the relay conveying unit into the correct position during reinsertion, eliminating the need for careful manual alignment and enabling quick reinsertion without compromising connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning mechanism through guide groove and guide protrusion allows the relay conveying unit to automatically position itself correctly during rapid reinsertion, ensuring reliable connection without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes a relay conveying unit (9), a driving unit (11), and a cover (63). The relay conveying unit (9) includes a conveying member (103), and is housed in a storage space (7) of an apparatus main body (31) so as to be pulled out. The driving unit (11) is provided in the apparatus main body (31), and is coupled to the relay conveying unit (9) housed in the storage space (7). The cover (63) is turnable, and opens and closes the storage space (7). The relay conveying unit (9) includes a hook (125) which is engaged with the apparatus main body (31) when the relay conveying unit (9) is coupled to the driving unit (11). The cover (63) includes an operation part (71) which pushes the relay conveying unit (9) toward the storage space (7) to connect the relay conveying unit (9) to the driving unit (11) and to engage the hook (125) with the apparatus main body (31) by turning in a direction of closing the storage space (7).