Swingable Sheet Path for Jam Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses face difficulties in treating sheet jamming issues, particularly when the finisher unit is pulled out, leading to instability and a risk of overturning, which necessitates a larger and more robust mounting frame than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus with a first and second conveying path, where the second path is swingable about an axis intersecting the sheet conveyance direction, allowing for easy access and removal of jammed sheets from the first path by opening the second path, thereby facilitating jamming treatment without requiring a large and sturdy mounting frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the finisher unit is pulled out from the sheet discharging area for jamming treatment, then access to the first sheet discharging path is improved, but the mounting frame becomes unstable and requires larger size
Solution Approach 1:
The second sheet discharging path is designed to be swingable between a closed position (for normal operation) and an open position (for jamming treatment). This dynamic configuration allows the path to change its state based on operational needs, providing access to the first path when required while maintaining structural stability when closed, thereby eliminating the need for a larger mounting frame.
2Ease of operation
If the second sheet discharging path is made swingable, then jamming treatment access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second sheet discharging path serves dual functions: it acts as a functional conveying path during normal operation and serves as an access gateway to the first sheet discharging path when opened for jamming treatment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate access mechanisms, thereby minimizing additional complexity while improving operational access.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus which facilitates eliminating of a jammed sheet occurring in the path when sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus are stored as being sorted into two directions. The present invention comprises a sheet post-processing apparatus including a first conveying path through which a sheet introduced from a first introducing port is conveyed, a second conveying path through which a sheet introduced from a second introducing port is conveyed, and a stack portion which stacks sheets conveyed through the second conveying path and which is configured to have at least a part of the stack portion be swingable about an axis intersecting with a sheet conveyance direction of a sheet conveyed to the second conveying path between a stack position where sheets are stacked and an open position where the first introducing port of the first conveying path is opened.