Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Routing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with integrated image reading and forming functions often require larger apparatus bodies due to the positioning of the image reading portion, which can restrict space and affect conveyance speed and precision.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a configuration with a first and second discharging portion, supporting portions, and switching mechanisms to efficiently convey sheets between image forming and reading units, allowing the image reading portion to be positioned above the first discharging portion and inside the apparatus, reducing the overall size while maintaining high productivity and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the image reading portion is disposed in a conventional position, then the apparatus body becomes larger, but the conveyance speed and precision are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The image reading portion is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement above the first discharging portion. This dimensional change allows the reading unit to share the vertical space above the discharging mechanism, reducing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus while maintaining functional separation and conveyance efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the image reading portion is disposed in a conventional position, then the conveyance precision is improved, but the apparatus body becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the image reading portion to a vertical position above the first discharging portion, the patent reduces the horizontal space requirement while maintaining the vertical alignment necessary for precise image reading. The switching portions ensure precise sheet routing to maintain processing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The first switching portion acts as an intermediary mechanism that precisely routes sheets between the first discharging portion and the image reading portion. This switching mechanism ensures accurate positioning and conveyance of sheets to the reading unit, maintaining image processing precision despite the compact vertical arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, first and second discharging portions, first and second supporting portions, an image reading portion, and first and second switching portions is provided. The first switching portion switches between causing a sheet bearing an image formed by the image forming unit to be discharged to the first supporting portion by the first discharging portion and causing the sheet to be conveyed toward the image reading portion that reads the image. The second switching portion switches between causing the sheet whose image has been read to be conveyed toward the second discharging portion that discharges the sheet whose image has been read to the second supporting portion and causing the sheet to be conveyed toward the image forming unit. The image reading portion is disposed above the first discharging portion and further on the inside of the apparatus than the second switching portion.