Continuous Paper Feeding Timing Coordination in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low-cost image forming apparatuses, it is challenging to adjust the timing for paper arrival at the resist roller position and toner image transfer without stopping the paper at the resist roller position, which affects the synchronization of paper transport and image data ejection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a continuous paper feeding mechanism where the resist roller is not stopped, utilizing an operation unit, storage unit, print control processing unit, data processing unit, image processing unit, and drive processing unit to coordinate paper feeding and image data ejection timing, ensuring the paper transport timing coincides with image data ejection through vertical synchronization signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the resist roller is stopped to adjust paper arrival timing, then the paper can be stopped precisely at the resist roller position, but the device complexity increases and the low-cost structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and determining the optimal paper feeding timing in advance, before the actual paper transport occurs. The control unit pre-calculates the timing based on paper size, orientation, and other parameters, allowing the continuous paper feeding mechanism to arrive at the correct position without requiring the resist roller to stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopping mechanism (resist roller drive motor) with a control-based timing adjustment system. Instead of physically stopping the resist roller, the system uses the control unit to calculate and adjust the paper feeding timing through software algorithms, substituting mechanical control with electronic control.
2Productivity
If the paper is fed continuously without stopping, then the productivity increases and first copy time is reduced, but the timing coordination between paper transport and image data ejection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor and adjust the paper feeding timing based on real-time conditions. The system receives feedback about paper position, size, and orientation, and dynamically adjusts the feeding timing to ensure proper synchronization with image data ejection, enabling continuous operation without compromising timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the paper feeding timing adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the feeding timing based on varying paper sizes, orientations, and other parameters, allowing the system to maintain optimal synchronization during continuous operation without requiring mechanical stops.
3Device complexity
If the resist roller position is fixed without stopping capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of paper positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations to determine the exact timing and position parameters needed for accurate paper positioning. By pre-calculating the optimal feeding timing based on paper size and orientation, the system achieves precise positioning without requiring the resist roller to stop or be mechanically adjustable.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) continuously performs primary paper feeding in which paper is transported from a paper feeding roller (42) to a resist position roller (44) and secondary paper feeding in which the paper is transported from the resist position roller (44) to an ejection roller (45) while not stopping the resist position roller (44). The image forming apparatus (1) divides image data into pieces of band data, stores the pieces of band data, calculates the number of specific bands corresponding to an in-advance paper feeding timing in accordance with the paper size and the paper orientation, and outputs an in-advance paper feeding timing notice when image process is completed up to the number of specific bands.