Sheet Conveying Device Pivoting Guide Members Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In internal exit tray type image forming apparatuses, mounting post processing devices is challenging due to limited internal sheet discharge space, leading to difficulties in sheet jam removal, where users may inadvertently tear jammed sheets when trying to dismount the relay unit.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a housing featuring pivotally movable guide members and a gap portion, allowing for easier visualization and safe removal of jammed sheets by providing a recess for manual extraction or allowing dismounting without interference, preventing sheet tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the relay unit is made easily mountable and dismountable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertently drawing the relay unit increases, causing sheet tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of jammed sheets before the user attempts to remove the relay unit. The detection unit checks whether a sheet is stuck between the relay unit and apparatus body, and only when no jam is detected does the system permit relay unit removal, thereby preventing sheet tearing while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user about the sheet jam status before allowing relay unit removal. The control unit receives detection results and generates appropriate responses (permission or prohibition signals), enabling the user to make informed decisions about relay unit removal and preventing accidental sheet damage.
2Reliability
If a sensor is added to detect jammed sheets, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit utilizes the existing mechanical structure of the relay unit and apparatus body interface. The detection mechanism leverages the natural interaction between components (such as switches activated by sheet presence or mechanical interlocks) rather than requiring completely independent sensing systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliable jam detection capability.
3Volume of moving object
If the internal sheet discharge space is made smaller, then the volume of the apparatus is reduced, but the ease of mounting post processing devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sheet discharge function into two parts: the internal sheet discharge portion integrated into the apparatus body, and the relay unit that can be mounted or removed independently. This segmentation allows the main apparatus to maintain a compact size while providing a dedicated mounting space for post-processing devices through the relay unit interface, resolving the contradiction between small volume and ease of device mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device includes a housing provided with first and second side surfaces facing each other, and third and fourth side surfaces substantially orthogonal to the first and second side surfaces and facing each other. An entrance port is formed in the first side surface, an exit port is formed in the second side surface, and a sheet conveying path is formed in the housing. The housing includes first and second guide members constituting the sheet conveying path. The first and second guide members are connected to be pivotally movable relative to each other on the side of the third side surface. A gap portion is formed between the first and second guide members in a region from the connection portion on the side of the third side surface to the first side surface.