Duplex Printing Cassette with Integrated Reversing Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with duplex printing functions have a large size due to the separate reversing part, which requires additional space and increases the height of the device.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a feeding roller part within the main feeding part and the sub-feeding part, allowing the reversing of the printing medium within the main body, reducing the need for a separate reversing mechanism and minimizing the overall size of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate reversing part is provided above the feeding cassette to reverse the feeding direction of printing medium for duplex printing, then the duplex printing function is achieved, but the height and size of the image forming apparatus increase due to the additional space required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reversing part with the feeding cassette by providing a reversing roller that rotates within the feeding cassette structure. The reversing roller is positioned to contact printing medium discharged from the discharging part and guide it back to the image forming part, eliminating the need for a separate reversing mechanism above the cassette. This integration reduces the overall height while maintaining the duplex printing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the reversing function from a vertical arrangement (separate part above the cassette) to a horizontal arrangement within the cassette plane. The reversing roller is positioned at the front surface of the feeding cassette, utilizing the horizontal space within the main frame rather than requiring additional vertical height, thus reducing the apparatus height while achieving duplex printing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate reversing part is provided to enable duplex printing, then the duplex printing capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The reversing part is merged with the feeding cassette by integrating the reversing roller into the cassette structure. The reversing roller is positioned to contact printing medium discharged from the discharging part and guide it back to the image forming part, eliminating the need for a separate reversing mechanism above the cassette. This integration reduces the overall height while maintaining the duplex printing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding cassette is given multiple functions: it not only feeds printing medium to the image forming part but also houses the reversing roller that enables duplex printing by redirecting discharged medium back to the image forming part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated reversing components, simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including an image forming part which forms an image on a printing medium, a main feeding part which accommodates the printing medium and supplies the printing medium to the image forming part, and a reversing part which transfers the printing medium, on which an image is formed on a first surface thereof in the image forming part, to the main feeding part, wherein the main feeding part includes a feeding roller part which re-feeds the printing medium, having been transferred through the reversing part, to the image forming part.