Image Forming Apparatus Return Path Redesign
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face increased size and cost issues when optional devices like discharge units are attached for duplex printing, as they require modifications to the return path, leading to larger and more expensive devices.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a main casing that includes a conveying path, a discharge path, and a return path with a first and second path configuration, allowing the optional device to be positioned closer to the discharge tray without covering the opening, thereby preventing or reducing the increase in size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide is provided at the optional discharge unit to define part of the return path, then the return path can be properly defined, but the size and cost of the discharge unit and image forming unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide that defines the return path is extracted from the optional discharge unit and relocated to the main casing. Specifically, a guide is provided at the rear end of the conveying path in the main casing, allowing the return path to be properly defined without requiring the optional discharge unit to include its own guide, thereby reducing the size and cost of the discharge unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The main casing is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only houses the image forming unit and discharge tray but also provides guides for the return path that can be used by optional devices. This universal guide structure benefits all optional devices (discharge units, sorters, finishers) without requiring each to have its own guide, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optional device is positioned to allow sheet conveyance through an opening, then duplex printing is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to path configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The return path is segmented into two distinct paths: a first path that diverges from the conveying path and extends rearward to allow sheets to be temporarily conveyed out of the main casing, and a second path that diverges from the first path and extends forward to return sheets to the image forming unit. This segmentation allows optional devices to be positioned flexibly while maintaining clear, manageable path configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The return path utilizes the rearward dimension by extending behind the optional device through an opening in the main casing. This dimensional approach allows the return path to bypass the optional device rather than routing through it, reducing complexity and interference while enabling duplex printing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main casing including an image forming unit and a discharge tray, and an optional device configured to be removably attached to the main casing. The main casing includes a conveying path through which a sheet is conveyed from the image forming unit, a discharge path through which the sheet is conveyed toward one of the discharge tray and the optional device, the discharge path diverging from the conveying path, and a return path including a first path through which the sheet is conveyed temporarily out of the main casing via an opening formed in the main casing, and a second path through which the sheet is conveyed toward the image forming unit. The first path diverges from the conveying path. The second path diverges from the first path. The optional device is disposed closer to the discharge tray than the opening.