Sheet Feeding Device Illumination for Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the presence of option units like finishers can obstruct the reversing door, reducing visibility and accessibility during jam clearance due to limited opening angles and shadowing, making it difficult to remove stuck sheets effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an illumination device on the reversing door that illuminates the sheet feeding paths when opened, ensuring better visibility of stuck sheets and facilitating jam clearance, while avoiding obstruction and maintaining the door's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an option unit (e.g., finisher) is mounted to the image forming apparatus, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the opening angle of the reversing door becomes small and the open space for jam clearance becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feeding device is divided into multiple independent path segments (discharge feeding path, reverse induction path, switchback path, reverse discharge path, both-side feeding path). This segmentation allows the reversing door to access specific segments for jam clearance without being blocked by the mounted option unit, maintaining both system versatility and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sheet feeding paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The reverse induction path branches from the discharge feeding path, and the switchback path creates a three-dimensional routing structure. This dimensional arrangement allows the reversing door to open into accessible space while the option unit remains mounted, resolving the conflict between versatility and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If elements of the option unit are disposed at an upper portion of the reversing door to maintain the door openable, then the door remains functional, but the open space becomes dark as a shadow and viewability of stuck sheets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feeding paths are arranged in three-dimensional space with vertical and horizontal components. The reverse induction path and switchback path create spatial separation between the shadowed areas (under the option unit) and the illuminated open space where the reversing door can effectively operate for jam clearance.
3Illumination intensity
If a lamp is provided on the openable door to illuminate the feeding path, then visibility is improved, but the lamp becomes an obstacle when removing stuck sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is extracted from the reversing door structure and integrated into the option unit itself. This separation allows the lamp to provide necessary illumination without being positioned in a way that obstructs jam clearance operations, resolving the contradiction between visibility and operational ease.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the opening angle of the reversing door is limited due to the mounted option unit, then the option unit can be accommodated, but the space for jam clearance becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feeding system is segmented into multiple independent paths that can be accessed separately. The reversing door is designed to access specific segments (reverse induction path, switchback path) that remain accessible even with the option unit mounted, maintaining adequate open space area for jam clearance while accommodating the option unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple feeding paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions, allowing the reversing door to open into three-dimensional accessible space rather than being constrained to a single planar opening. This dimensional arrangement preserves sufficient open space area for jam clearance operations despite the limited opening angle caused by the mounted option unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly; an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet; an openable member rotatably supported by the main assembly; a first feeding guide provided on the openable member; a second feeding guide provided in the main assembly, wherein when the openable member is closed, a sheet feeding path for feeding the sheet is formed by the first and second feeding guides; a hole provided in the first feeding guide; and an illumination device, provided on the openable member, for illuminating at least a part of the second feeding guide through the hole when the openable member is open.