Image Forming Apparatus Vertical Stacking and Surface Rubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses where a second image forming part is positioned above a first image forming part in the gravitational direction, the apparatus tends to have a large dimension in this direction, and it is challenging to form images on the same surface without causing rubbing between the two parts, especially when the second image forming part faces upward.
Innovation Solution
The second image forming part is configured to transport the recording material so that its image formation surface faces downward in the gravitational direction, allowing it to form images from the lower side, which reduces the overall apparatus dimension and prevents rubbing by adjusting the sheet transport paths and image formation orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the second image forming part is provided at the upper side of the first image forming part in the gravitational direction, then the installation area is reduced, but the dimension in the gravitational direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the image formation direction from horizontal to vertical (from another dimension), allowing the second image forming part to form images from the lower side while positioned above the first image forming part. This dimensional change enables compact vertical stacking without increasing the gravitational dimension excessively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the image formation surface faces upward in the gravitational direction in the second image forming part, then rubbing of the image formation surface is prevented, but it becomes difficult to form an image on the same surface of the recording material in both image forming parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional configuration by having the second image forming part form images from the lower side with its image formation surface facing downward. This inversion allows both image forming parts to form images on the same surface of the recording material without causing rubbing, as the second part forms images from below while the first part forms images from above.
3Device complexity
If the second image forming part forms an image from the horizontal direction on a recording material transported upward, then the apparatus configuration is simplified, but the dimension in the gravitational direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the image formation direction parameter from horizontal to vertical, allowing the second image forming part to form images from the lower side. This parameter change enables the apparatus to achieve a compact gravitational dimension while maintaining relatively simple configuration through the use of standard image forming components arranged in a vertical configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first image forming part that forms an image on one surface of a recording material; and a second image forming part provided at an upper side of the first image forming part in a gravitational direction, the second image forming part that transports the recording material received from the first image forming part such that the one surface faces downward in the gravitational direction and that forms an image on the one surface from a lower side in the gravitational direction.