Sheet Conveyance Path for Reverse Reading in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in image reading processes, leading to prolonged processing times due to the placement of reading units in duplex conveyance paths or near reverse portions, which result in increased conveyance times and adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a specific configuration with a reading unit positioned along a second conveyance path that connects the reverse conveyance path to the discharge path, allowing for simultaneous reading and discharge of sheets while minimizing the time between sheet readings by controlling conveyance speeds and paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reading unit is disposed in the duplex conveyance path, then the image can be read during sheet conveyance, but the conveyance time until discharge becomes long and the adjustment process time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is extracted from the conventional duplex conveyance path and placed in a dedicated post-reverse conveyance path. This allows the reading function to be separated from the main image formation process, enabling simultaneous reading and discharge operations without interfering with each other, thus reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
A new spatial dimension is introduced by creating a separate post-reverse conveyance path that operates independently from the traditional duplex path. This additional conveyance route allows sheets to be read and discharged in parallel, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the process by enabling overlapping operations
2Productivity
If the reading unit is disposed in front of the reverse portion, then the image can be read before reversing, but sheets must be read continuously with widened intervals to prevent interference, making the adjustment process time long
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet is reversed before being conveyed to the reading unit. This preliminary reversal action positions the sheet in a stable state for reading, eliminating the need for widened intervals between sheets. The reading operation can proceed continuously without waiting for sheet separation, as the reverse portion has already prepared each sheet individually
Solution Approach 2:
By placing the reading unit in the post-reverse conveyance path, the system enables continuous reading of sheets without interruption or interval delays. The conveyor continuously feeds reversed sheets through the reading unit, maintaining uninterrupted operation and maximizing productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a discharge conveyance path configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to outside, a reverse conveyance path configured to reverse a conveyance direction of the conveyed sheet and convey the sheet, a first conveyance path configured to guide the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit to the reverse conveyance path, a second conveyance path configured to guide the sheet reversed in the reverse conveyance path from the reverse conveyance path to the discharge conveyance path, and a reading unit configured to read the image of the sheet in the second conveyance path.