Duplex Feeding Mechanism for Overlapped Media Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional duplex image forming apparatuses have inefficient image output per minute due to the complexity of their feeding structures, which hinder the compactness and velocity of recording medium feeding.
Innovation Solution
A duplex image forming apparatus with enhanced feeding structure, including a main body, recording medium receiving unit, image forming unit, exiting and reversing unit, and duplex feeding unit, where the recording medium is fed through a direct path and then reversed to overlap with a second medium on a duplex feeding path, allowing for efficient separation and re-supplying to form duplex images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the conventional duplex feeding structure is used, then the image forming apparatus can form images on both surfaces of recording media, but the feeding path is long and the feeding velocity is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by allowing the first recording medium P1 and the second recording medium P2 to overlap and be fed together through the same feeding path. The duplex feeding rollers 25, 27 simultaneously convey both media in an overlapped state, effectively nesting one medium within the spatial occupation of the other during transmission through the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the feeding process by implementing an overlapping feeding mechanism where multiple recording media are conveyed in the same spatial path at the same time. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to handle multiple media sheets concurrently rather than sequentially, thereby shortening the effective feeding path and increasing feeding velocity.
2Area of stationary object
If the conventional duplex feeding structure is used, then the image forming apparatus can form images on both surfaces of recording media, but the apparatus size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feeding paths for the first recording medium P1 and the second recording medium P2 into a single common path. The duplex feeding rollers 25, 27 serve both media simultaneously, and the separation is achieved through a shared separation roller 29. This consolidation of feeding paths reduces the overall apparatus footprint and simplifies the feeding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding rollers 25, 27 and separation roller 29 are designed with multi-functionality, serving both the first recording medium P1 and the second recording medium P2. These components can handle multiple media types and configurations, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each medium, thereby decreasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the conventional duplex feeding structure is used, then the image forming apparatus can form images on both surfaces of recording media, but the image output efficiency per minute decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining simultaneous feeding of both the first recording medium P1 and the second recording medium P2 through the overlapped feeding mechanism. The image forming unit can continuously process both media without interruption or waiting time, maximizing the productivity and image output efficiency per minute.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning and pre-aligning the first recording medium P1 and the second recording medium P2 in an overlapped state before they enter the image forming unit. The registration rollers 15 ensure proper alignment is achieved in advance, allowing the image forming process to proceed without delays for positioning or adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A duplex image forming apparatus including a main body, a recording medium receiving unit disposed on one side of the main body to receive at least first and second recording media, a recording medium supplying unit to feed the first recording medium to a recording medium supplying path, an image forming unit to form an image on a first side of the fed first recording medium, an exiting and reversing unit to discharge the first recording medium formed with the image on the first side from the main body through a direct exiting path in an exiting mode, or to reverse a feeding direction of the first recording medium in a reversing mode, and a duplex feeding unit to resupply the image forming unit with the first recording medium, a rear end of the first recording medium and a front end of the second recording medium being overlapped, to feed the overlapped first and second recording media along the duplex feeding path, and to separate the first recording medium and the second recording medium on the duplex feeding path after a predetermined time.