Image Processing Apparatus Conveyance Path and Rotary Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of image processing apparatuses is hindered by the difficulty in securing space for reversal and standby mechanisms, leading to prolonged interruptions in image processing operations and reduced convenience due to inaccessible mounting positions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a first and second conveyance path, where a rotary member is used to discharge, reverse, and standby the recording medium, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and allowing easy access for collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a reversal mechanism or standby mechanism is mounted inside the apparatus to achieve miniaturization, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the recording medium becomes difficult to collect during interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reversal mechanism and standby mechanism into a single integrated system. The reversal mechanism includes a reversal roller and conveyance path that can both reverse the recording medium and hold it in a standby state, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing apparatus size while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversal mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can reverse the recording medium, hold it in a standby state during interruptions, and facilitate easy collection of the recording medium. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while improving operational convenience.
2Ease of operation
If separate reversal and standby mechanisms are provided to improve operational convenience, then ease of collecting recording medium is improved, but the apparatus volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reversal and standby functions into a single mechanism system. The reversal mechanism includes a conveyance path and roller that can both reverse and hold the recording medium, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing apparatus volume while maintaining operational convenience.
3Speed
If the first rotary member rotates continuously to convey recording medium, then conveyance speed is improved, but recording medium may be damaged during standby periods
Solution Approach 1:
The first rotary member rotates periodically rather than continuously. It rotates to convey the recording medium during active periods and stops during standby periods, preventing damage from continuous rotation while maintaining efficient conveyance speed when needed. The control unit manages this periodic rotation based on operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit; a discharge unit to which a recording medium is discharged; a first conveyance path for conveying the recording medium from the image processing unit to the discharge unit; a second conveyance path having a part overlapped with the first conveyance path and for reversing and conveying the recording medium from the overlapped part to the image processing unit through a path different from the first conveyance path; a first rotary member that is arranged at the overlapped part; and a control unit that controls the first rotary member, wherein the control unit makes the recording medium stand by at a position including at least the overlapped part before the recording medium is conveyed to the image processing unit through the second conveyance path.