Sheet Conveyance Apparatus Movable Guide Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in maintaining operability and positioning accuracy when a sheet is jammed in the curved conveyance path, as the reverse conveyance unit's opening operation is hindered, and the sheet may be torn or difficult to remove, affecting maintainability and positioning accuracy of conveyance paths.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with an openable portion, a first movable guide, and a second movable guide, where the second guide is held in position by an abutment portion when the openable portion is closed, forming a second conveyance path, and a torsion coil spring urging mechanism to facilitate easy opening and accurate positioning of guides for jam clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reverse conveyance unit is made openable to facilitate sheet removal, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy of conveyance path components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plates are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt between two states: positioned for accurate sheet conveyance when closed, and repositioned to open the curved conveyance path when opened. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to serve both positioning accuracy and ease of operation needs in different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance path is segmented into multiple sections defined by movable guide plates that can be independently positioned. When a sheet jam occurs, individual guide plates can be moved to open specific sections of the curved path, allowing operator access for sheet removal while maintaining accurate positioning in other sections. This segmentation enables localized access without compromising overall positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the curved conveyance path is designed for sheet reversal, then adaptability is improved, but sheet damage risk increases when jams occur
Solution Approach 1:
Movable guide plates serve as intermediaries between the sheet and the fixed structural components. When a jam occurs, these guide plates can be moved to create clearance space, allowing the jammed sheet to be accessed and removed without forcing or tearing. This intermediary mechanism protects the sheet from damage while maintaining the curved path's reversal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved conveyance path incorporates movable elements that can dynamically adjust to open the path when needed. This dynamic design allows the path to maintain its curved configuration for normal reversal operations while being capable of opening to facilitate safe sheet removal, reducing sheet damage risk without compromising adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed guide plates are used to ensure positioning accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when sheet removal is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plates transition from fixed to movable designs, enabling them to maintain precise positioning during normal operation while being capable of being repositioned when sheet removal is needed. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to achieve both manufacturing precision for accurate conveyance and ease of operation for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable guide plates serve multiple functions: they provide precise positioning for accurate sheet conveyance during normal operation, and they can be repositioned to open the curved path for sheet removal. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining the benefits of fixed structures (positioning accuracy) with movable structures (operational flexibility) in a single component.
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 easy removal of jammed sheets and ensures accurate positioning of conveyance path components, enhancing maintainability and operability by allowing easy access and precise alignment of conveyance paths, reducing the risk of sheet damage and improving overall stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion coil spring urging mechanism to facilitate easy opening and accurate positioning of guides for jam clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a body portion and a guide unit having a first and second guides. Where an openable portion in the body portion is closed, a first conveyance path is formed between the first guide and a third guide in the openable portion and a second conveyance path is formed between the second guide and the body portion, and a sheet is conveyed from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path by passing through a gap between the guide unit and a downstream end of the third guide. In a state where the openable portion is open, the guide unit moves with respect to the openable portion so the second guide faces the third guide and the gap between the guide unit and the downstream end of the third guide becomes larger than the gap in a state where the openable portion is closed.