Image Forming Apparatus Cover Tray and Third Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses do not allow printing on a medium different from the one placed on the tray without complicating the configuration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a cover that can open and close to mount a cartridge, featuring a first tray on the cover and a third opening for printing on a different medium, with a conveyance roller to handle the medium passed through this opening, allowing for printing on a medium distinct from the one on the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a third opening is added to enable printing on different media, then printing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance roller is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys print media from the first tray through the second opening, and also conveys print media from the third opening. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to print on different media types without requiring separate conveyance mechanisms for each opening, thereby improving versatility while avoiding increased complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conveyance function for media from the third opening with the existing conveyance roller used for media from the first tray. By combining these functions into a single roller system, the apparatus achieves the ability to handle multiple media types through different openings without adding separate conveyance mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body casing including a first opening and a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position; and a cartridge, which is capable of accommodating a toner and is mountable to the main body casing in a state where the cover is positioned in the open position; wherein the main body casing includes: a first tray, which is provided on the cover and is capable of placing a print medium thereon; a second opening, through which the print medium on the first tray passes; a first conveyance roller, which conveys the print medium passed through the second opening; a third opening, which is positioned between the first opening and the second opening; and a guide, which guides the print medium passed through the third opening to the first conveyance roller.