Image Forming Apparatus Long Sheet Reversal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in handling long paper sheets, as the length of the reverse conveyance path needed to reverse these sheets requires a larger apparatus size, and extending the path outside the unit can lead to conveyance issues and paper jams.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a primary conveyance path, a reverse conveyance path, and connecting conveyance paths that allow for the reversal of long paper sheets by switching the conveyance direction, enabling image formation on both surfaces without extending the reverse conveyance path outside the unit, thus preventing paper jams and allowing for efficient handling of long sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the reverse conveyance path is extended to accommodate long paper sheets, then the apparatus can handle long paper sheets, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle long paper sheetsVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by introducing a reverser unit that flips paper sheets vertically. This allows the conveyance path to service long paper sheets without extending the horizontal length of the apparatus, as the reverser operates in the vertical direction while the conveyance path remains compact horizontally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The reverser unit acts as an intermediary between the conveyance path and the image forming units. It receives paper sheets from the conveyance path, performs the reversal operation, and returns them to the conveyance path, enabling the system to handle long paper sheets without requiring a proportionally longer conveyance path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the reverse conveyance path is extended outside the unit, then long paper sheets can be reversed, but paper jams may occur at the boundary between internal and external paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to reverse long paper sheetsVSAvoidconveyance reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reversal function is extracted from the conveyance path and placed in a separate reverser unit. This separation allows the conveyance path to remain entirely within the protective unit boundaries, eliminating the boundary issue between internal and external paths that causes paper jams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reverser unit serves as an intermediary that handles the reversal operation within the unit boundaries. By confining the reverser and its operation entirely within the unit, the system eliminates the reliability issue of paper jams at boundary transitions while still achieving the capability to reverse long paper sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a long paper sheet is stuck between the internal and external reverse conveyance paths, then the conveyance is suspended, but the apparatus can still reverse long paper sheets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to reverse long paper sheetsVSAvoidconveyance continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reversal operation is extracted from the conveyance path and performed in a dedicated reverser unit. This eliminates the vulnerability point where paper sheets could become stuck between internal and external paths, ensuring continuous conveyance operation while maintaining the ability to reverse long paper sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reverser unit acts as an intermediary that completely internalizes the reversal process within the unit boundaries. This eliminates the production interruption issue by preventing paper sheets from becoming stuck at boundary transitions, while still enabling the reversal of long paper sheets through the internal reverser mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10088792B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part that forms an image on a paper sheet; a first conveyance path that conveys the paper sheet on which the image is formed and that includes a primary conveyance path; a second conveyance path that reverses the paper sheet and includes a reverse conveyance path; a connecting conveyance path that connects the second conveyance path to the first conveyance path, and, before reversal at a time of conveyance to the second conveyance path, sends the paper sheet to the first conveyance path, starting from one edge of the paper sheet; and a return conveyance path that connects the second conveyance path to the first conveyance path, and, after the reversal at a time of conveyance to the second conveyance path, sends the paper sheet to the first conveyance path, starting from the other edge of the paper sheet.