Recording Apparatus with Shared Conveying Path for Long Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face challenges in downsizing while maintaining throughput, especially when handling long sheets, as the conveying distances required for larger sheets increase the apparatus size and hinder efficient sheet supply between recording modules.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with multiple modules, including a storage system, shared conveyor paths, and a controller that manages the switching of sheet paths and conveyance to ensure efficient supply and recording, allowing the trailing edge of one sheet to be downstream of the branch point before the next sheet is supplied, optimizing path lengths and module configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conveying distances L1 and L2 are set to be longer than or equal to the length of the maximum size sheet, then recording can be performed on long sheets, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conveying path into two separate paths (first conveying path and second conveying path) with different lengths. The first path has length L1 suitable for long sheets, while the second path has length L2 optimized for shorter sheets. This segmentation allows the apparatus to handle various sheet lengths without requiring the maximum possible conveying distance for all cases, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining versatility.
2Area of stationary object
If the apparatus size is kept small with shorter conveying distances L1 and L2, then the apparatus is downsized, but throughput decreases when handling long sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic path selection where the conveying path is switched between the first conveying path and the second conveying path based on the sheet length and recording requirements. The switcher dynamically redirects sheets to the appropriate path, allowing the apparatus to optimize throughput for long sheets using the extended first path while maintaining compact size through the shorter second path for常规 sheets.
3Area of stationary object
If a trailing edge of a sheet on which recording is being performed by a second image forming device is located upstream of the branch point, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the next sheet cannot be supplied until the trailing edge moves downstream, reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switcher as an intermediary device at the branch point that actively manages sheet flow between the two conveying paths. The switcher monitors the position of trailing edges and proactively redirects sheets to appropriate paths, preventing bottlenecks where sheets would otherwise need to wait passively for trailing edges to clear the branch point. This active mediation reduces waiting time and improves throughput while maintaining compact dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: first and second recording modules; a storage accommodating a recording medium; a first path extending from the storage to the first recording module; and a second path extending from the storage to the second recording module and including a shared portion shared with the first path. A trailing edge of a recording medium for which recording is being performed by the first recording module on a leading edge of a recordable area is located upstream of a branch position on the first path. When recording is being performed by the second recording module on a trailing edge of a recordable area of a recording medium, the trailing edge of the recording medium on which the recording is being performed by the first recording module is located downstream of the branch position on the first path and a module path of the first recording module.