Sheet Conveying Guide Structure for Jam Access Without Exterior Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues where the upper guide member, when rotated upward for jam removal, can damage the exterior portions due to direct contact, compromising the structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flat guide portion on the upper guide member that contacts the apparatus exterior instead of the ribs, preventing damage by distributing the impact and maintaining the rotated position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper guide member is rotated upward for jam removal, then the sheet conveying path is opened and jam removal is enabled, but the exterior portions of the apparatus may be damaged due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
A flat guide portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the upper guide member and the apparatus exterior. When the upper guide member is rotated upward, this flat guide portion makes contact with the exterior portion instead of the main body, preventing direct damage while enabling the opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat guide portion is extracted as a separate functional element from the upper guide member structure. This dedicated contact surface is specifically designed to interact with the apparatus exterior, separating the jam removal function from the potential damage function.
2Ease of operation
If the upper guide member is rotated upward, then the sheet conveying path is opened, but structural integrity of the apparatus exterior is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flat guide portion serves as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical interaction between the rotating upper guide member and the apparatus exterior. This dedicated contact surface protects the structural integrity of the main apparatus body while still allowing the necessary rotational movement for path opening.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flat guide portion is added to the upper guide member, then protection against apparatus damage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper guide member is segmented into functional zones: the rib members for sheet guidance and the flat guide portion for protective contact. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat guide portion serves multiple functions: it protects the apparatus exterior from damage, provides a stable contact surface during rotation, and maintains the structural integrity of the upper guide member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sheet conveying device that is mounted to an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus and configured to be able to be pulled out forward from a mounting position. The sheet conveying device includes a lower guide member, an upper guide member, and a hinge portion that rotatably supports the upper guide member with respect to the lower guide member. A plurality of rib members are provided on an upper surface of the upper guide member. A flat guide portion is provided on the upper surface of the upper guide member and located farther above an upper end of the rib members. The sheet conveying device is configured such that if it is pulled out and the upper guide member is rotated, the upper guide member is supported in a position that opens a sheet conveying path.