Sheet Feeding Apparatus Pivot Member for Jam Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses face challenges in improving jam handling capability without increasing size, as the lower guide and storage may interfere when attempting to open for jam removal, complicating the operation and risking damage.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a pivot member that pivots between two positions, allowing it to overlap or not overlap the drawer's moving path, and includes sliding contact surfaces to facilitate the pivot mechanism, enabling the lower guide to be opened and closed without interfering with the storage, thus enhancing jam handling capability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lower guide is opened downward to improve jam handling capability, then the ability to remove jammed sheets is improved, but the lower guide and storage may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The lower guide is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a closed state (for normal operation) and an opened state (for jam removal). This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different operational needs without permanent structural interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is divided into separable components that can be independently positioned. The lower guide can be detached or repositioned from the storage structure, allowing each component to perform its function without interfering with the other during respective operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower guide is configured to open widely for better jam handling, then the conveyance path can be opened more, but the storage cannot be mounted in the same state
Solution Approach 1:
The lower guide transitions between fixed and movable states. During mounting, it remains in a fixed closed position that allows storage installation. After mounting, it can be moved to an opened position for jam handling, eliminating the need for complex mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower guide is pre-configured in a closed state during the mounting process to prevent interference with storage installation. Once mounting is complete, it can be reconfigured to an opened state for jam removal operations, separating the mounting and maintenance phases.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lower guide is made movable to avoid interference, then the interference risk is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure uses simple movable elements such as hinges or sliding mechanisms that allow the lower guide to transition between positions without requiring complex control systems or multiple components. This maintains structural simplicity while achieving the desired functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes an apparatus body, a drawer portion including a first contact portion, a feeding portion, and a pivot member configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, the pivot member constituting a part of a conveyance path at the first position, wherein the pivot member does not overlap a moving path of the drawer portion in a case where the pivot member is located at the first position, and overlaps the moving path in a case where the pivot member is located at the second position. The pivot member includes a second contact portion that pivots the pivot member from the second position toward the first position while being in sliding contact with the first contact portion in a case where the pivot member is located at the second position and the drawer portion is being inserted into the apparatus body.