Sheet Transport Path Cover Layout to Block Dust and Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium transport devices face issues with operability and dust ingress due to the need for large covers to expose wider sheet transport paths, which often result in interference and gaps that allow dust entry.
Innovation Solution
A medium transport device with overlapping first and second path forming members on inner sides of covers, allowing independent opening and closing without interference, and a comb-toothed structure with recessed portions to prevent dust entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comb-toothed structure is used to prevent medium catching, then medium transport reliability is improved, but the gap between covers must be widened which allows dust entry
Solution Approach 1:
The first path forming member is nested within the second cover, and the second path forming member is nested within the first cover. This nesting arrangement allows the comb-toothed structure to prevent medium catching while keeping the gap between covers minimal, thus preventing dust entry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If covers are divided to open wider transport path, then sheet transport path accessibility is improved, but operability deteriorates and large space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second covers are configured to rotate independently between open and closed states. This dynamic configuration allows each cover to be opened separately to access different portions of the transport path, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through independent rotation rather than requiring large opening spaces.
3Ease of operation
If end portions of path forming members overlap when covers are closed, then independent cover operation is enabled, but medium catching may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The path forming members are designed with specific local geometries where the end portions overlap when covers are closed. The first path forming member has a first end portion and the second path forming member has a second end portion that overlap in a controlled manner, enabling independent cover operation while the comb-toothed structure prevents medium catching.
Data Source
AI summary
In a state in which the first cover and the second cover are closed, an end portion of a first path forming member in a second direction and an end portion of a second path forming member in a first direction overlap each other when viewed from a medium width direction, the end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction is positioned in the second direction with respect to an end portion of the second cover in the first direction and the end portion of the second path forming member in the first direction is positioned in the second direction with respect to an end portion of the first cover in the second direction. When the closed first cover is opened, the end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction moves toward the inside of a medium transport device.