Conveyance Path Friction Reduction for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while maintaining high-speed paper conveyance, particularly in bent conveyance paths where frictional resistance hinders efficient paper movement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a conveyance path structure with upstream, intermediate, and downstream paths, including friction-reducing parts and guide members with adjustable gaps and orientations to minimize friction, allowing for efficient paper conveyance and apparatus downsizing. Specifically, the second bent part is oriented opposite to the first, with friction-reducing elements on guide parts to support paper movement between paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If friction reducing parts are provided in bent conveyance paths, then paper conveyance speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Friction reducing parts are selectively provided only at specific locations where friction is most problematic (bent conveyance paths and connection portions between conveyance paths), rather than throughout the entire conveyance system. This localized approach reduces paper conveyance resistance at critical points while avoiding unnecessary complexity in straight sections where friction is already minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction reducing parts act as intermediary elements between the paper and the conveyance path surfaces. These intermediate components (such as rollers or coated surfaces) mediate the interaction between paper and guide parts, reducing direct friction and enabling smoother paper flow through bent sections without requiring major structural changes to the conveyance path itself.
2Volume of moving object
If conveyance path is shortened for downsizing, then apparatus size is reduced, but frictional resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance path is designed with varying local characteristics: bent sections and connection portions are equipped with friction reducing parts, while straight sections maintain normal construction. This allows the path to be compact overall while having low-friction zones at critical locations, thus reducing apparatus size without proportionally increasing frictional resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional routing of the conveyance path with multiple bent sections and vertical transitions, allowing the paper path to fold back on itself within a compact footprint. By utilizing vertical space and multiple dimensions rather than a simple linear path, the apparatus achieves downsizing while managing friction through strategically placed reduction elements at each dimensional transition.
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 enables both downsizing of the apparatus and high-speed paper conveyance by reducing frictional resistance, particularly in the intermediate and downstream paths, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a friction reducing part capable of abutting with the object conveyed in the first bent part is provided
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: as a conveyance to convey an object formed with an image, an upstream-side conveyance path; an intermediate conveyance path connected to a downstream end part of the upstream-side conveyance path via a first bent part; and a downstream-side conveyance path connected to the intermediate conveyance path via a second bent part, wherein the second bent part is bent to a side opposite to the first bent part, on an inner side of a bend of the first bent part, a friction reducing part capable of abutting with the object conveyed in the first bent part is provided, and the intermediate conveyance path includes: a pair of guide parts forming the intermediate conveyance path; and a friction reducing part that is provided on both a pair of the guide parts and is capable of abutting with the object conveyed between a pair of the guide parts.