Sheet Conveying Device Purging Mechanism for Jam Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium-sized image forming apparatuses face challenges in incorporating a purging function due to space and cost constraints, and existing sheet conveying devices struggle with efficiently managing sheet jams, requiring users to manually remove sheets, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a reversing mechanism that uses a control unit to manage sheet conveying paths, allowing sheets to be purged externally through a reversing port, reducing user effort by automatically discharging sheets when a jam occurs, and optimizing space usage within the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a purging tray is provided separately from the normal sheet discharging tray, then the purging function can be achieved, but the apparatus size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the purging function with the existing normal sheet discharging tray, allowing the same tray to serve both normal sheet discharge and purging purposes. This eliminates the need for a separate purging tray, thereby reducing apparatus size and cost while maintaining the purging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The normal sheet discharging tray is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the discharge tray for normal sheet output and also as the purging tray for automatic sheet discharge during purging operations. This multi-functionality approach allows the purging function to be integrated without increasing apparatus size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a purging tray is provided separately from the normal sheet discharging tray, then the purging function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the purging tray functionality into the existing normal sheet discharging tray structure, eliminating the need to manufacture a separate purging tray. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the purging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The normal sheet discharging tray is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both normal sheet discharge and purging operations. This universality reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If sheets are automatically discharged to a dedicated purging tray, then user effort is reduced, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the purging sheet discharge function with the normal sheet discharging tray, allowing automatic purging of sheets to the same tray where normal sheets are discharged. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated purging tray, reducing apparatus footprint while maintaining automatic sheet discharge functionality that reduces user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The normal sheet discharging tray serves dual purposes: it receives normally printed sheets and also automatically receives purged sheets during purging operations. This multi-functional design provides automatic sheet removal capability without requiring additional space for a dedicated purging tray.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device includes: a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet along a conveying path; a switching unit configured to switch a sheet conveying destination; a delivering unit configured to deliver the sheet on the delivery path toward the device at the sheet conveying destination; a reversing unit configured to first convey the sheet from the reversing port toward the outside of the casing and then delivers the sheet from the position toward a circulation path while reversing the conveying direction of the sheet; a circulating unit configured to convey the sheet delivered toward the circulation path along the circulation path and return the sheet to the conveying path while the sheet is reversed; and a control unit configured to control the conveying unit, the reversing unit, the delivering unit, the circulating unit, and the switching unit.