Image Forming Apparatus Dual-Use Open-Space Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges with increased size due to high-speed and large-volume printing requirements, leading to larger installation areas and costs, as well as prolonged jam processing times due to the need for additional trays and units for error recovery.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a main conveyance path, double-side reversing conveyance path, and a common open-space unit that serves as both a temporary tray and space for switching back recording media, allowing for efficient error recovery and minimizing installation area by integrating functions such as reverse discharge and double-side reversing operations within a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dedicated sheet holding unit is provided inside the image forming apparatus for storing misfed sheets, then sheet conveyance failures can be handled without stopping operation, but the main body of the image forming apparatus increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The open-space unit originally designed for switching back recording media in double-side reversing operations is made to serve dual purposes: both as a space for media reversal and as a temporary holding unit for misfed sheets. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate dedicated holding unit, thereby maintaining productivity while avoiding additional apparatus size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the function of the open-space unit (for media reversal) with the function of a temporary holding unit (for misfed sheets) into a single integrated structure. By merging these two previously separate functions into one unit, the apparatus avoids the size increase that would result from adding a separate dedicated holding unit
2Ease of operation
If multiple trays and units are added for error recovery, then jam processing capability is improved, but the number of parts increases and installation area expands
Solution Approach 1:
The open-space unit is designed to perform multiple functions: serving as a temporary holding unit for misfed sheets, providing space for switching back recording media in double-side reversing operations, and facilitating jam recovery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated units for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the error recovery function with the existing open-space unit structure, combining what would traditionally require separate trays and units into a single integrated solution. This reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining comprehensive jam processing capability
3Productivity
If high-speed and large-volume printing is implemented, then printing productivity is improved, but the toner fixing device and overall apparatus size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The open-space unit is designed to serve multiple functions including temporary holding of misfed sheets, space for media reversal in double-side operations, and facilitation of jam recovery. By making this unit multi-functional, the apparatus achieves high-speed printing capabilities without requiring additional separate units that would increase overall apparatus size
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a main conveyance path configured to convey a recording medium from a paper feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit; a double-side reversing conveyance path configured to switch back a recording medium, one side of which has an image formed, so as to reverse the sides of the recording medium for double-sided image formation; a sheet resending conveyance path configured to resend the recording medium reversed in the double-side reversing conveyance path to the main conveyance path; and a double-side reversing open-space unit configured to provide a space for switching back the recording medium on the double-side reversing conveyance path. The double-side reversing open-space unit also serves as a temporary tray for storing misfed recording media and remaining recording media left inside the image forming apparatus when a jam occurs.