Image Forming Apparatus Perpendicular Feeding Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming and reading apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while enabling double-sided reading and printing, as the parallel feeding directions of documents and recording media complicate the design, leading to user errors due to incorrect assumptions about completion during the reversal of feeding directions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus design positions the image forming part and image reading part with perpendicular feeding directions, incorporating a forward/backward switching mechanism and a two-sided printing unit to manage the document and recording medium paths, preventing ejection towards the user during reversal and maintaining a compact size by optimizing the feeding paths and rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document is temporarily ejected to the output tray for reversing the direction of travel, then the document can be fed back for double-sided reading, but the user may erroneously assume reading is completed and pick up the ejected document by mistake
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component to control the document path. The guide member directs the leading end of the document to a specific position, ensuring the document is fed back through the correct path (second feed path) after temporary ejection, preventing user confusion about reading completion status
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the document's leading end using the guide member before the actual double-sided reading process begins. This preliminary action ensures the document is correctly oriented and positioned in the feed path, preventing operational errors during the reversal process
2Volume of moving object
If the image reading part and image forming part are provided with parallel feeding directions, then the apparatus can be compact, but the design becomes complicated and user errors occur during reversal
Solution Approach 1:
The feed path is segmented into distinct sections: a first feed path for initial document feeding, a second feed path for feedback after temporary ejection, and a bypass path. The guide member controls transitions between these segments, simplifying the overall design by creating clear, separate pathways rather than a single complex path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the feed path design by using a guide member that can move or position the document at different heights/levels. This dimensional approach allows the document to be directed to different feed paths (first or second) based on reading completion status, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining compact size
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first unit configured to form an image, in a recording part, on a first surface of a recording medium being fed from a storing member for storing the recording medium, reverse the recording medium and feed it again to the recording part, form an image on a second surface of the recording medium, and eject the recording medium through an outlet; and a second unit disposed above the first unit. The second unit includes a first reading part, the first reading part being movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the recording medium. The first unit and the second unit form a first space therebetween, and a length from a front end of the first unit to the outlet is greater than or equal to a length of a maximum sized recording medium capable of being stored in the storing member.