Sheet Conveying Apparatus Second Discharge Reversing Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the intersection of conveyance and reverse paths leads to difficulties in discharging sheets to secondary discharge trays while reversing, resulting in decreased sheet conveying performance.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying apparatus with a storage portion, first and second stack portions, and conveyance paths, including a second discharge sheet reversing portion positioned downstream of the intersection point, which conveys sheets to the second stack portion while reversing, enhancing the ability to discharge sheets to separate trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the reverse path and conveyance path intersect at the same location, then the apparatus structure is compact, but sheet conveying performance deteriorates due to difficulty in discharging sheets to the second discharge tray while reversing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second discharge sheet reversing portion positioned at a different location (downstream of the intersection point) to handle sheet reversal for the second discharge tray. This spatial separation in the conveyance path allows simultaneous reversal operations without interfering with sheets being conveyed to the first discharge tray, thereby resolving the conflict between compact structure and conveying performance
2Device complexity
If a single reversing portion is used for both discharge trays, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to discharge sheets to separate trays efficiently is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reversing function into two separate reversing portions: a first discharge sheet reversing portion for the first discharge tray and a second discharge sheet reversing portion for the second discharge tray. Each reversing portion is independently positioned and operates separately, enabling efficient and independent sheet discharge to either tray without mutual interference
3Length of moving object
If the second conveyance unit is positioned upstream of the intersection point, then the conveyance path length is reduced, but sheets cannot be conveyed to the second stack portion while reversing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The second conveyance unit is positioned downstream of the intersection point, allowing it to receive sheets after the reverse path has cleared the intersection area. This positioning enables the system to preliminary complete the reversal operation upstream before the sheet enters the second conveyance unit, ensuring continuous conveyance without interference between reversing and discharge operations
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a storage portion to store a sheet, first and second stack portions, first and second conveyance paths to convey a sheet towards the first stack portion and the second stack portion, respectively, a first conveyance unit, a reverse path, and a second conveyance unit. The first conveyance unit is provided downstream of the first conveyance path and reverses and conveys a sheet conveyed to the first conveyance path. The reverse path conveys, once more to the first conveyance path, a sheet that has been reversed by the first conveyance unit. The second conveyance unit is provided in the second conveyance path and downstream of an intersection point between the second conveyance path and the reverse path. While conveying and reversing a sheet conveyed to the second conveyance path towards the reverse path, the second conveyance conveys the conveyed sheet towards the second stack portion.