Static Elimination Unit With Rotating Guides for Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face cumbersome jam clearance operations due to the need for manual intervention when a jam occurs in the static elimination device, particularly in configurations involving static elimination rollers.
Innovation Solution
A static elimination apparatus with a conveyance unit, non-contact static elimination units, and rotatable guide members that expose the conveyance path for easy access and maintenance, allowing for simplified jam clearance and cleaning of static elimination components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static elimination rollers are used to eliminate static electricity from sheets, then static elimination effectiveness is improved, but jam clearance operation becomes cumbersome requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The upper side unit is configured to be rotatable upward with respect to the lower side unit, transforming the static enclosure into a dynamic structure. This allows the conveyance path to be exposed during jam clearance operations, enabling easy removal of jammed sheets without manual intervention inside the device, while maintaining full enclosure during normal operation for effective static elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into an upper side unit and a lower side unit that can be rotated relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent access to the conveyance path by rotating the upper unit, separating the static elimination function (maintained in the closed configuration) from the maintenance access function (enabled in the open configuration).
2Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyance path is enclosed to maintain device structure, then device integrity is improved, but access for maintenance and jam clearance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The upper side unit's rotatable configuration provides a dynamic access mechanism that maintains device integrity during normal operation while enabling easy maintenance access when needed. The rotation mechanism allows the conveyance path to be exposed without compromising the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If static elimination rollers are in constant contact with sheets, then static elimination effectiveness is improved, but complexity of jam removal increases due to roller interference
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable upper side unit creates a dynamic configuration where the static elimination rollers can be positioned away from the conveyance path during jam clearance. This eliminates roller interference with jam removal while maintaining their contact-based static elimination function during normal operation.
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
Facilitates efficient and user-friendly jam clearance and maintenance operations by exposing the conveyance path and static elimination components, reducing manual effort and enhancing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact static elimination unit arranged above the conveyance path and configured to eliminate static electricity from the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit in a non-contact state
Implementation Method 2
a static elimination roller pair including a first static elimination roller configured to rotate while being in contact with an upper surface of the sheet and a second static elimination roller configured to form a nip portion together with the first static elimination roller and rotate while being in contact with a lower surface of the sheet, and configured to eliminate static electricity from the sheet in a state of being in contact with the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A static elimination apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet along a conveyance path, a non-contact static elimination unit arranged above the conveyance path and configured to eliminate static electricity from the sheet in a non-contact state, an upper side guide member arranged to face an upper surface of the sheet and configured to form part of the conveyance path, a lower side guide member arranged to face a lower surface of the sheet and configured to form the conveyance path together with the upper side guide member, a lower side unit in which the lower side guide member is arranged, and an upper side unit in which the non-contact static elimination unit is arranged and that is configured to be rotated upward with respect to the lower side unit to make at least part of the conveyance path exposed.