Duplexing Unit Reverse Transport Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recording apparatuses with multiple sheet feed paths and reverse transport paths face issues with paper jams and skewing due to the increased curvature of the reverse transport path, leading to larger apparatus sizes and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus design with a narrower second transport path for reversing media, which reduces paper jams and skewing by allowing only smaller warped media to pass through, and includes a branching portion that overlaps with the recording portion to minimize vertical dimensions and allows for easy jam removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reverse transport path with increased curvature is provided to reverse the recording sheet, then the recording sheet can be reversed and recorded on the second surface, but paper jams occur more easily along the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical/diagonal direction) for the reverse transport path, allowing the sheet to travel upward and backward simultaneously. This diagonal path reduces curvature stress compared to traditional horizontal reversal paths, thereby reducing paper jams while maintaining double-sided recording capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse transport path is divided into multiple segments with different functions: a feeding section that guides the sheet upward, a reversing section with controlled curvature, and a discharge section that returns the sheet to the recording position. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall paper jam frequency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the recording sheet is bent and reversed in a non-flat state, then the sheet can be reversed for double-sided recording, but warping occurs and paper jams occur much more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flattening mechanism before the sheet enters the reverse transport path, and a support structure along the path that maintains sheet flatness. This preemptive cushioning prevents warping from developing, allowing the sheet to be reversed without excessive bending stress
Solution Approach 2:
A flattening roller or support surface acts as an intermediary between the sheet and the reverse transport path, providing a controlled transition that maintains sheet flatness during the reversal process and prevents warping
3Adaptability or versatility
If the width of the medium receiving portion is increased to accommodate maximum width sheets from both sheet cassette and manual feeding portion, then all sheets can be received, but the recording apparatus increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable guide member or adjustable width mechanism in the medium receiving portion that can dynamically adapt to different sheet widths. This allows the receiving portion to accommodate both narrow sheets from the sheet cassette and wider sheets from manual feeding without requiring a permanently large structure
Solution Approach 2:
The medium receiving portion is designed with a universal guide structure that can accommodate multiple sheet width specifications through adjustable components. This single multi-functional structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed-width receiving areas, reducing the overall apparatus footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes an apparatus main body including a recording head, and a duplexing unit configured to be removable with respect to the apparatus main body and forming a reverse transport path in which a sheet fed from the recording head side is reversed. The sheet width (for example, width of A4 short side) able to be transported to a region opposing the recording head through the reverse transport path is smaller than the width (for example, width of A4 long side) of the manual supply path, and in a case where the sheet on which recording is performed warps in the width direction, the extent of the warping is restricted to a predetermined range.