Sheet Support Device Cable Management for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual sheet feeding devices for image forming apparatuses face issues with cable damage due to the movement of electric fans and regulation plates, leading to potential disconnection and reduced productivity when handling special sheets like coated papers.
Innovation Solution
A sheet support device with movable regulating units and integrated air blowing mechanisms, where electric fans are positioned within the tray and cables are secured using holding portions to minimize movement-related damage, ensuring stable operation across varying sheet sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electric fan is arranged inside the manual feed tray to miniaturize the apparatus, then the device size is reduced, but the cable connecting the electric fan may be damaged due to movement of the fan and regulation plates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable path is segmented into multiple controlled sections using holding portions. The first holding portion secures the cable at a fixed position on the feed tray, while the second holding portion secures it to the regulation plate. This segmentation allows different parts of the cable to be managed independently, reducing the risk of damage during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions act as intermediary elements between the cable and the moving components. These holding portions provide secure attachment points that guide the cable through the movement range, preventing direct contact between the cable and potentially damaging moving parts while allowing the necessary motion.
2Productivity
If multiple coated sheets are set on the sheet tray for improved productivity, then feeding efficiency increases, but sheets may be re-adsorbed causing sheet jam
Solution Approach 1:
Air is blown onto the sheets before the feeding process begins. This preliminary action reduces the adhesion between sheets by disrupting static electricity and moisture, preventing re-adsorption during the feeding process and enabling reliable handling of multiple sheets.
3Device complexity
If the side regulation plate is used as the air blowing path, then the device structure is simplified, but the cable moves with the regulation plate increasing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management function is extracted from the moving regulation plate system. By using separate holding portions that secure the cable at fixed positions independent of the regulation plate movement, the cable is effectively removed from the moving components, eliminating the damage risk while maintaining the simplified air blowing path structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the risk of cable damage and enhances productivity by maintaining cable integrity during sheet feeding operations, even with larger or thicker sheets, while allowing for continuous feeding of multiple sheets without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an electric fan attached to the first moving unit to blow air, a duct that is provided inside the first regulation plate and in which air blown from the electric fan flows and is blown to a sheet supported by the supporting surface in the width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet support device includes a supporting portion, a first regulating unit, a second regulating unit, an electric fan, a duct, a cable, a fan-side holding portion, and a supporting portion-side holding portion. The duct is provided inside a first regulation plate, and air blown from the electric fan flows in the duct and is blown to a sheet supported by a supporting surface in a width direction. The cable connects to the electric fan. The fan-side holding portion secures a path of the cable in the width direction with respect to the electric fan. The supporting portion-side holding portion secures the path of the cable in the width direction with respect to the supporting portion. The supporting portion-side holding portion is positioned between two end portion imaginary planes orthogonal to the width direction at each of both end portions of a movement range of the fan-side holding portion.