Compact Sheet Transport Path for Duplex Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duplex image recording apparatuses require additional transport paths and bifurcations to achieve reverse sheet output, leading to increased size, longer transport times, and complex jam removal processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a compact sheet transport path configuration with strategically arranged bifurcations and a control system to facilitate face-up, face-down, and reversing transport operations, optimizing path layout to prevent size increase and simplify jam removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional sheet transport path is added to incorporate reversing function, then the apparatus can perform face-down output, but the apparatus size increases and sheet transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reversing transport path with the main transport path by making the reversing path a branch of the main path rather than a completely separate additional path. The sheet transport path includes a main path from sheet feeding to sheet output, and the reversing path branches from this main path to provide reversing capability. This integration allows the apparatus to achieve face-down output functionality while avoiding the need for completely independent additional transport paths, thereby controlling apparatus size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bifurcations are provided in transport paths, then duplex image recording and reverse sheet output functions are achieved, but sheet jam is more likely to occur and jam removal process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of bifurcations in the sheet transport path. Rather than symmetric or random placement, the bifurcations are strategically positioned at specific locations along the transport path. This asymmetric design allows for optimized sheet flow control and facilitates easier access for jam removal operations while maintaining the necessary duplex and reverse output functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bifurcations are randomly arranged in transport paths, then transport path flexibility is increased, but the process of removing jammed sheets becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary design considerations for maintenance accessibility into the transport path configuration. The bifurcations are pre-positioned at locations that anticipate potential jam scenarios and are accessible for removal operations. This preliminary planning ensures that while the transport path maintains flexibility for various printing functions, the bifurcation locations are optimized to facilitate straightforward jam removal without requiring complicated disassembly or access procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image recording apparatus 100 includes first to fifth transport paths (11) to (15). The first path (11) transports a sheet from a sheet feeding section (400) to a sheet output section (38) through a first confluence (21), an image recording section (30), a first bifurcation (24), and a second confluence (22) in that order. The second path (12) transports a sheet from the first bifurcation (24) down to a switchback section (12A) through a second bifurcation (25) and a third bifurcation (26) in that order. The third path (13) transports a sheet from the third bifurcation (26) to the first confluence (21) through a third confluence (23), and vice versa. The third path (13) is positioned between the switchback section (12A) and a portion of the first path (11) located in the image recording section (30). The fourth path (14) transports a sheet from the second bifurcation (25) to the third confluence (23), and vice versa. The fifth path (15) transports a sheet from the second bifurcation (25) to the second confluence (22).