Duplex Printing Roller Separation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face issues with jamming and deterioration in print quality due to rubbing between sheets of paper during duplex printing, especially when sheets cross each other at a narrow gap between rollers, leading to increased friction and reduced transport accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a first and second transport path, where a roller pair is configured to be displaced between nipping and separation positions, and a variable member is used to control the transport direction, ensuring sheets are separated or minimally in contact, reducing friction and jamming by guiding sheets through a gap at a separation position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two sheets of media are transported in opposite directions along a narrow gap between separated rollers, then the medium can be continuously fed and high-speed printing can be achieved, but the two sheets rub against each other causing increased friction, transport load, and deterioration of printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
A third transport roller is introduced as an intermediary element between the two media sheets. This roller supports the media during the passing-each-other transport, preventing direct contact and rubbing between the sheets. The intermediary roller acts as a buffer that maintains separation while enabling continuous high-speed transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system utilizes a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where media sheets travel in opposite directions along a narrow gap. By positioning rollers at different heights and angles, the system creates a multi-dimensional transport path that allows simultaneous bidirectional movement without direct sheet contact, maintaining both speed and precision.
2Productivity
If two sheets of media are transported in opposite directions along a narrow gap between separated rollers, then circulation transport can be achieved, but the rubbing between sheets increases the occurrence frequency of jams
Solution Approach 1:
The third transport roller serves as a mediator that prevents direct interaction between the two media sheets during reverse transport. By supporting each sheet independently, the intermediary roller eliminates the catching and jamming that occurs when sheets rub against each other, thereby maintaining continuous transport capability while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively introduces the third roller to cushion and support the media before any jamming can occur. This prior cushioning prevents the breaking or catching of media ends by providing continuous support during the critical passing-each-other moment, thereby preventing jams before they happen.
3Ease of operation
If two sheets of media rub against each other during passing-each-other transport, then the coefficient of friction increases and transport load increases, but this causes deterioration of printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The third transport roller acts as an intermediary that physically separates the two media sheets during transport. This prevents the rubbing that would otherwise occur between sheets, maintaining low friction and light transport load while enabling the passing-each-other transport operation to proceed smoothly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the transport system by introducing an additional roller that modifies the contact dynamics. This parameter change transforms the direct sheet-to-sheet contact into indirect contact via the intermediary roller, fundamentally altering the friction and load characteristics to preserve print quality.
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 reduces inconvenience caused by sheet rubbing, minimizes jamming, and maintains print quality by ensuring sheets are separated or lightly in contact, enhancing the reliability and speed of duplex printing.
Implementation Method 1
a roller pair that is configured to apply a transport force to the recording medium in the first direction and the second direction at a downstream position of the recording unit in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit, a first transport path through which a medium is transported in a first direction during recording, a second transport path through which the medium after the recording is transported along a path that is different from the first transport path in a second direction, a discharge roller pair that is disposed at a downstream position of the recording unit and that is configured to be displaced between a nipping position and a separation position, and a flap that is disposed downstream of the recording unit. When the following medium is transported on the first transport path, the preceding medium is transported on the second transport path, and the respective media are disposed at a position of the discharge roller pair at the same time, the discharge roller pair is disposed at the separation position, and the flap is disposed at an advanced position.