Automatic Cover Mechanism for Sheet Conveyance Roller Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance systems in image forming and reading apparatuses face difficulties in replacing the conveyance roller unit due to the need to remove a cover, which deteriorates workability and increases the risk of document jamming.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a cover unit that includes a first guide, a base unit, a roller unit, and a holder supported by an arm portion, where a cam mechanism allows the holder to swing and the cover member to open automatically when the roller unit is detached, reducing the need for manual cover removal and minimizing jamming risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is attached to the sheet feed cover to protect the conveyance roller unit, then document jamming is prevented, but the cover must be removed first before replacing the conveyance roller unit, which deteriorates replacement workability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cover member from the fixed structure and makes it detachable. The cover member can be separated from the sheet feed cover when the conveyance roller unit is removed, allowing the roller unit to be replaced without manually removing the cover first. This resolves the contradiction by enabling automatic cover detachment that prevents jamming during operation but does not hinder replacement workability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is configured to be automatically detached before the conveyance roller unit is fully removed. The holding portion on the sheet feed cover interacts with the cover member to automatically separate it when the roller unit is pulled out, performing the cover removal action preliminarily and automatically, thus preventing jamming during normal operation while simplifying the replacement process.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyance roller unit is arranged in an exposed manner to the conveyance path, then access for replacement is improved, but the area where documents may be caught is increased, requiring a cover that complicates the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be in a closed state during document conveyance to prevent catching, and automatically opens when the conveyance roller unit is removed for replacement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing protection when needed and access when maintenance is required, eliminating the need for manual cover removal.
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
Enhances the workability of replacing the sheet feed unit by allowing automatic opening of the cover member when the roller unit is detached, reducing the likelihood of document jamming and improving the ease of maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cam arranged on an outside of the conveyance path in the width direction and configured to abut against the arm portion, the cam being configured to swing the holder by rotating
Implementation Method 2
a roller configured to convey the sheet along the conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a cover unit having a first guide, a base unit to support the cover unit in an openable and closable manner, and having a second guide, the first guide and the second guide forming a conveyance path in a state where the cover unit is closed with respect to the base unit, and a sheet feeding unit detachable from the cover unit. In addition, a cover member is supported by the cover unit to be pivotable between a closed position and covers at least a portion of the feeding unit and an open position where the portion of the feeding unit is exposed. The cover member moves from the closed position to the open position by being pressed by the holder while the feeding unit is detached from the cover unit.