Swing Guide Unit for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, maintaining a clear sheet conveying path is challenging due to the compact design of the main body frame, especially when the struts are closely spaced, making it difficult to secure a guide mechanism for the sheet guide members, which can lead to jams and hinder easy clearing of obstructions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a swing guide unit supported by the main cover portion, which includes a post-fixing guide member that swings upward and is held by a guide unit holding portion when the main cover rotates, allowing the sheet guide member to be properly positioned even with closely spaced struts, ensuring the sheet conveying path remains clear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the struts are closely spaced to achieve compact design, then the main body frame size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to secure a guide mechanism for the sheet guide members
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit is designed to swing between a stored position and a working position. During sheet conveyance, it swings to the working position to guide the sheet between struts. When the cover opens for jam clearance, it swings to the stored position. This dynamic positioning allows the guide mechanism to function effectively in compact spaces while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide unit utilizes the vertical dimension by swinging upward to its working position, rather than requiring horizontal space between struts. The guide unit extends vertically above the struts when in the working position, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the spatial constraint caused by closely spaced struts.
2Volume of moving object
If the struts are closely spaced, then the compact design is maintained, but the sheet conveying path may become obstructed and harder to clear
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit's dynamic swinging capability allows it to move out of the way when the cover opens. As the cover rotates open, the guide unit swings upward to its stored position, clearing the sheet conveying path. This enables easy jam clearance while maintaining the compact strut spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism is segmented into a movable guide unit that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the guide unit to be moved out of the conveying path when needed for maintenance or jam clearance, while remaining in position during normal operation to maintain compact design.
3Reliability
If a swing guide unit is added to enable proper sheet guidance, then the sheet conveying path clarity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit is merged with the cover assembly, utilizing the cover's rotational movement to drive the guide unit's swinging motion. The cover and guide unit are kinematically coupled, so that cover rotation automatically positions the guide unit correctly without requiring separate actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide unit serves multiple functions: it guides the sheet between struts during conveyance, clears the path when the cover opens, and stores itself in a compact position when not in use. This multi-functionality justifies its complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single mechanism.
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
This configuration effectively guides the sheet guide member to a target position, facilitating easy clearing of jams and maintaining a clear conveying path, even when the struts are closely spaced, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member to be heated by a heater
Implementation Method 2
a pressure member for urging a sheet to the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A guide unit holding portion is formed at a position between two struts in a longitudinal direction of a fixing unit. When a main cover portion rotates from an open position to a closed position, a supported portion of a swing guide unit moves from a position where the supported portion is separated from the guide unit holding portion to a position where the supported portion is in contact with the guide unit holding portion. Further, the supported portion slides on the guide unit holding portion. When the supported portion slides on the guide unit holding portion, the swing guide unit is swung upward, and then held at a target position by the guide unit holding portion.