Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Overlap Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face productivity issues when handling batches of paper sheets, as they require deactivation during post-processing, and existing solutions do not effectively integrate insertion recording mediums without compromising productivity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a sheet overlapping section using rollers to align and convey recording and insertion sheets in an overlapped state, allowing simultaneous processing and reducing conveyance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus operates in parallel with the post processing apparatus, then productivity is improved, but the recording mediums may not be properly aligned or processed
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is activated in advance to temporarily hold the leading edge of the recording medium before the post processing apparatus is ready. This preliminary action ensures that the recording medium is positioned correctly and ready for processing, allowing the image forming apparatus to continue operating without waiting for the post processing apparatus to be fully ready, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliable processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. It can move forward to hold the recording medium when needed and retract when the post processing apparatus is ready. This dynamic mechanism enables flexible coordination between the image forming apparatus and post processing apparatus, allowing parallel operation while maintaining proper alignment and processing reliability.
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus is deactivated during post processing, then processing reliability is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper performs a preliminary holding action on the recording medium, positioning it ready for post processing before the actual processing begins. This allows the image forming apparatus to continue its operations without interruption, maintaining productivity while ensuring that the post processing can proceed reliably when the recording medium is presented to it.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary mechanism between the image forming apparatus and the post processing apparatus. It temporarily holds the recording medium, coordinating the timing between the two apparatuses. This intermediary function allows the image forming apparatus to operate continuously while ensuring that the post processing apparatus receives properly positioned recording mediums, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Productivity
If conveyance time is reduced by parallel processing, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper performs a preliminary alignment function by holding the leading edge of the recording medium at a precise position. This preliminary action ensures that the recording medium is properly aligned before it is conveyed to the post processing apparatus, maintaining alignment precision even as conveyance time is reduced through parallel processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper automatically positions and holds the recording medium without requiring manual intervention or complex external alignment systems. By using the stopper's inherent holding capability, the system achieves precise alignment through a simple, self-contained mechanism that does not add complexity to the parallel processing workflow, thus maintaining both productivity and alignment precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances productivity by enabling efficient overlap and simultaneous conveyance of recording and insertion sheets, reducing processing time and preventing jams, thus improving overall apparatus efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rollers Q1, Q3... which are rotated in a conveyance direction so as to convey the insertion recording medium P2
Implementation Method 2
the pair of rollers Q1, Q3... are temporarily stopped... so as to make the leading edge portions of the insertion recording medium P2 and the recording medium P1 overlap with each other
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an image forming apparatus, in which the recording medium and the insertion recording medium are conveyed in a state that they overlap each other. The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section to form an image on a recording medium; a sheet tray on which an inserting sheet is stacked; a sheet overlapping section to make the recording medium and the inserting sheet overlap with each other; a first conveyance section to convey the recording medium from the image forming section to the sheet overlapping section; a second conveyance section to convey the inserting sheet from the sheet tray to the sheet overlapping section; and a third conveyance section to simultaneously convey the recording medium and the inserting sheet from the sheet overlapping section to a post-processing section. The post-processing section processes the recording medium and the inserting sheet conveyed by the third conveyance section.