Image Forming Apparatus Reverse Unit Downward Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses discharge printed pages with the printed surface facing upward, causing inconvenience when arranging multiple sheets in the correct order.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus reverses the moving direction of the printing medium after passing through the fusing unit, allowing the printed surface to be discharged downward, with a reverse unit and guide ribs facilitating smooth downward movement and correct orientation of the pages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printing medium is discharged with the printed surface facing upward, then the discharge structure is simple, but it causes inconvenience when arranging multiple sheets in the correct order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by discharging the printing medium with the printed surface facing downward instead of upward. This is achieved through the reverse unit that reverses the moving direction of the printing medium after it passes through the fusing unit, allowing pages to be discharged in the correct order without requiring complex rearrangement operations.
2Volume of moving object
If the printing medium feeding path is optimized for compact arrangement, then the overall size of the apparatus is reduced, but the path configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by arranging the feeding path in a U-shape configuration that moves the printing medium upward and then downward through the fusing unit. This dimensional approach allows compact packaging of the apparatus while maintaining an efficient printing path, as the vertical arrangement optimizes space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding path is segmented into distinct sections: a feeding section that feeds the printing medium upward, a reverse unit that changes the direction, and a discharge section that moves the medium downward. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while contributing to the overall compact design.
3Ease of operation
If a reverse unit is added to reverse the moving direction of the printing medium, then the printed surface faces downward during discharge, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse unit serves multiple functions: it reverses the moving direction of the printing medium, guides the medium through the discharge path, and ensures proper orientation for discharge. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired discharge orientation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy drawing out of printed pages in the correct order and reduces the overall size of the apparatus by optimizing the printing medium feeding path, enhancing user convenience and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a fusing unit to fuse the visible image to the printing medium by applying heat and pressure to the printing medium
Implementation Method 2
a reverse unit to reverse a moving direction of the printing medium, after the printing medium has passed through the fusing unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a housing having a discharge port, a plurality of photosensitive bodies mounted in the housing, a transfer unit to transfer visible images formed on the plurality of photosensitive bodies onto a printing medium, a fusing unit to fuse transferred visible images to the printing medium, and a reverse unit to reverse a moving direction of the printing medium, after the printing medium has passed through the fusing unit. As the moving direction of the printed printing medium is reversed by the reverse unit, the printing medium may be discharged while a printed surface of the printing medium is directed downward, allowing a user to easily draw out the printing medium.