Switch Member Sheet Diversion for Compact Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming systems are bulkier due to the need for a long sheet transport path and additional drive mechanisms to transport sheets to a retract tray, making them less compact.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switch member that can divert sheets downward for storage in a tray positioned below, eliminating the need for a dedicated upward transport path and reducing system size by integrating the storage tray within the existing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retract tray is disposed above the sheet feed apparatus to discharge sheets, then sheets can be discharged during multi-feed abnormalities, but the transport path becomes long and additional drive mechanisms are required, increasing system size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the storage tray above the sheet feed apparatus as in conventional systems, this invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the storage tray below the switch member. This inversion eliminates the need for upward transport paths and additional drive mechanisms, significantly reducing system size while maintaining the capability to handle multi-feed abnormalities by diverting sheets to the storage tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the storage tray with the existing sheet transport structure by positioning it below the switch member and utilizing the switch member's dual functionality for both normal sheet routing and abnormality handling. This integration eliminates separate drive mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity and size.
2Device complexity
If a storage tray is positioned below the switch member with a predetermined space, then sheets can be diverted downward for storage without requiring upward transport paths, but space utilization and compactness must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the storage tray below the switch member rather than horizontally adjacent to it. This vertical arrangement allows sheets to be diverted downward into the predetermined space, effectively using unused vertical volume and reducing the horizontal footprint of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tray is nested within the predetermined space defined by the side wall member and other structural elements of the image forming apparatus. This nesting arrangement allows the storage tray to occupy otherwise unused space within the existing apparatus structure, achieving compact integration without requiring additional external space.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to miniaturize an image forming system, the present invention provides an image forming system which is provided with a sheet feed apparatus including a transport roller pair capable of transporting a sheet in a sheet transport direction S, and an image forming apparatus including an image forming section capable of forming an image on the sheet acquired from the sheet feed apparatus, including a switch member disposed on the downstream side of the transport roller pair in the sheet transport direction to be switched between a first position for guiding the sheet transported by the transport roller pair to the image forming apparatus, and a second position for guiding the sheet transported by the transport roller pair downward, and a storage tray disposed below the switch member predetermined space apart to be able to store the sheet guided to below the switch member positioned in the second position.