Intermediate Apparatus Sheet Conveyance Path for Tandem Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tandem image forming systems, the need to adjust image transfer timing on the downstream side leads to reduced productivity due to the requirement for the upstream image forming apparatus to standby or have long intervals between sheets, especially when the sheet length varies in the conveyance direction.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate apparatus is positioned between the first and second image forming apparatuses, with a sheet conveyance path that ensures the rear end of the sheet is located within the intermediate apparatus, preventing interference with the upstream apparatus and allowing continuous operation regardless of sheet length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If registration operation is performed to adjust image transfer timing on the downstream side, then image transfer timing is adjusted, but productivity is reduced due to standby or long intervals between sheets
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet conveyance path is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second image forming apparatuses. This path includes conveyance rollers that can independently control sheet movement, allowing the downstream apparatus to perform registration operations without affecting the upstream apparatus's continuous operation. The intermediary conveyance path decouples the timing synchronization requirement from the productivity constraint.
2Reliability
If the sheet conveyance path is configured to accommodate the rear end of the sheet within the intermediate apparatus, then interference with the upstream apparatus is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet conveyance path is designed to extend in the conveyance direction beyond what is traditionally expected, creating additional spatial buffer zone within the intermediate apparatus. This dimensional extension allows the rear end of the sheet to be accommodated without requiring complex mechanical interventions or modifications to the upstream apparatus, thereby maintaining operational continuity with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system of one aspect of the present invention includes a first image forming apparatus arranged on the upstream side in a sheet conveyance direction, a second image forming apparatus arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and an intermediate apparatus arranged between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus. The image forming system includes a sheet conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus through the intermediate apparatus. The sheet conveyance path is formed so that the rear end of a sheet having stopped on the sheet conveyance path is located on the sheet conveyance path within the intermediate apparatus.