Paper Path Recesses for Wrinkle-Free Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while preventing wrinkling of recording sheets, as the curved paper path structure increases the apparatus size and limits layout freedom.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a paper path with both an outer and inner recess, allowing for sufficient sheet deflection space and increased layout freedom by reducing the size of depressions in both guide parts, with the inner recess being larger than the outer recess and positioned downstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a curved part is formed at the paper path to prevent wrinkling, then wrinkling prevention is improved, but the apparatus size increases and layout freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curved part is divided into multiple segments: an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, both with curvature radii of 5mm or less. This segmentation allows the paper path to achieve sufficient deflection space for wrinkling prevention while maintaining a compact overall apparatus size, as each segment contributes to the total deflection capability without requiring a single large curved region.
2Reliability
If a large curved part is formed to provide sufficient deflection space, then wrinkling prevention is improved, but the degree of layout freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curved part is divided into an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, both with small curvature radii of 5mm or less. This segmentation enables sufficient deflection space to be achieved through the combined effect of multiple small curves rather than one large curve, thereby maintaining layout freedom and adaptability in the apparatus design.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper path utilizes both outer and inner curved surfaces simultaneously, effectively using two dimensions (outer and inner peripheries) to achieve the required deflection space. This dimensional approach allows sufficient wrinkling prevention while keeping the apparatus compact and maintaining layout freedom.
3Device complexity
If only one recess is provided at the paper path, then the structure is simpler, but sufficient deflection space cannot be reserved
Solution Approach 1:
The curved part is segmented into an outer curved surface and an inner curved surface, both with curvature radii of 5mm or less. This segmentation provides sufficient deflection space for wrinkling prevention while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation, as each segment is a straightforward curved surface that can be integrated into the paper path guides.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises: conveyance rollers for conveying paper to an image forming unit; a curved paper path for guiding paper conveyed by the conveyance rollers; and registration rollers, which are located at a downstream side of the paper path in a paper conveyance direction, for regulating the tip of paper to be conveyed to the image forming unit. The paper path has an outer guide part which constitutes an outer periphery side of the paper path, and an inner guide part which constitutes an inner periphery side of the paper path. The outer guide part is provided with an outer recess, which is depressed outward from the paper path, formed across the full width of paper. The inner guide part is provided with an inner recess, which is depressed in such a manner that the paper path expands, formed across the full width of paper.