Image Forming Device Buffer Unit and Reverse Path Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices with duplex printing capabilities face productivity issues due to suspended image forming processes when handling multiple recording sheet stacks, and they often require larger sizes to accommodate buffer means and separate paper eject trays.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a buffer unit that holds a second recording sheet while the first is being post-processed, and a reverse path for duplex printing, where the post-processing unit, buffer unit, and reverse path are arranged vertically to minimize space and allow continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a buffer means is provided along the transport path to prevent suspension of image forming, then productivity is improved, but the device size increases due to longer transport distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal linear arrangement to a vertical three-dimensional layout. The buffer unit and reverse path are positioned vertically below the post-processing unit, allowing recording sheets to be temporarily stored and reversed in the vertical dimension rather than extending the horizontal transport path. This enables continuous image forming for subsequent stacks while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate second paper eject tray is provided for duplex printing to change transport direction, then duplex printing function is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the second paper eject tray function with the existing first paper eject tray. The same tray serves both as the initial ejection point for recording sheets and as the final destination after reverse transport for duplex printing. The reverse path enables the tray to be used twice in the sheet cycle, eliminating the need for a separate second tray and reducing device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic reverse path that can change the transport direction of recording sheets. This reversible transport mechanism allows the system to adaptively switch between simplex and duplex printing modes using the same physical infrastructure, providing versatility without requiring additional static components like a separate second eject tray.
3Volume of stationary object
If the post-processing unit, buffer unit, and reverse path are arranged vertically to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct vertical functional zones: the post-processing unit in the upper region and the buffer unit with reverse path in the lower region. This vertical segmentation allows each component to operate independently in its designated space while maintaining efficient sheet flow through the combined system, achieving compactness without excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device having a printer unit, a post-processing unit, and an eject tray. The printer unit forms images on recording sheets, and the post-processing unit performs processing on a recoding sheet stack composed of one or more recording sheets output from the printer unit before the recording sheet stack is ejected onto the eject tray. The image forming device includes: a buffer unit that, while a first recording sheet resides in the post-processing unit for the post-processing, holds a second recording sheet therein, the second recording sheet output from the printer unit subsequent to the first recording sheet; and a reverse path that reverses recording sheets when the image forming device performs duplex printing. In a plan view of the image forming device taken along a vertical direction, the post-processing unit, the buffer unit, and the reverse path at least partially cover one another.