Rotatable Locking Member for Sheet Conveyance Roller Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for long and thick paper in image forming apparatuses complicates sheet conveyance, as existing openable and closable members require increased size and rigidity to prevent jamming, leading to higher operating forces and reduced operability due to increased weight and size.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a pair of conveyance rollers, a support member, an openable and closable member, a locking protrusion, and a pivotable locking member that ensures secure closure with reduced user effort by utilizing rotatable components to manage the openable and closable member's position and force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the openable and closable member is made larger to increase the open space of the sheet conveyance path, then the jam clearance performance is improved, but the weight and size of the openable and closable member increase, leading to increased operating force and reduced operability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to rotate dynamically during the closing operation. The rotary member with inclined surface engages the locking member at different positions during rotation, allowing the locking member to pivot and follow the inclined surface. This dynamic engagement reduces the peak operating force required by converting part of the closing motion into rotational motion of the locking member, thereby improving operability while maintaining the larger size needed for jam clearance.
2Reliability
If the rigidity of the openable and closable member is increased to prevent incomplete locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the weight and size of the member increase, leading to increased operating force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing rigidity through additional material, the invention uses dynamic motion control. The rotary member with its inclined surface guides the locking member through a controlled rotation path, ensuring that the locking engagement occurs at the optimal position and angle. This dynamic guidance ensures complete and reliable locking without requiring excessive structural rigidity or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism by introducing rotation. The locking member transitions from a static engagement to a dynamic rotational engagement, allowing the system to achieve reliable locking through motion control rather than structural rigidity. The inclined surface of the rotary member provides a controlled parameter change in the engagement position, ensuring complete locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the openable and closable member is increased to accommodate long and thick paper, then the sheet conveyance capability is improved, but the operating force required increases due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic rotation to reduce operating force. As the openable and closable member is closed, the locking member rotates along the inclined surface of the rotary member. This rotational motion distributes the closing force over a longer duration and reduces the peak force required, making it easier to operate larger members designed to handle long and thick paper.
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
The solution enhances the operability of the openable and closable member by reducing the force required for operation and preventing incomplete locking, thereby improving jam clearance performance without increasing the member's weight or size significantly.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member is pivotable with respect to the openable and closable member and lockable to the locking protrusion so as to hold the openable and closable member in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
the locking protrusion or a part of the locking protrusion to which the locking member locks is rotatable
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a pair of conveyance rollers having a first conveyance roller and a second conveyance roller and configured to convey a sheet; a support member configured to support the first conveyance roller; an openable and closable member configured to support the second conveyance roller and pivotable with respect to the support member so as to make the second conveyance roller contact with and separate from the first conveyance roller; a locking protrusion provided on the support member; and a locking member provided to be pivotable with respect to the openable and closable member and lockable to the locking protrusion so as to hold the openable and closable member in a closed position in which the second conveyance roller contacts the first conveyance roller. The locking protrusion or a part of the locking protrusion to which the locking member locked is rotatable.