Image forming apparatus
US6669189B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyance path extending from a sheet tray to an image forming section. A switchback path with a reversing device is connected to the intermediate portion of the conveyance path for switching back a sheet thereon. The switchback path reduces an interval between consecutive sheets being conveyed in the apparatus for thereby enhancing the productivity of image formation. In addition, the switchback path switches back a sheet being conveyed via a refeed path and the above conveyance path in a duplex print mode, thereby obviating the need of an exclusive switchback path for the duplex print mode. The apparatus is reduced in thickness despite the presence of the switchback path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.