Continuous Paper Image Forming Apparatus Reverse Conveyance Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses using continuous paper face challenges in forming images at the shortest possible regular intervals due to the absence of adjustment timing, resulting in blank areas between images on the continuous paper.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a conveying unit that conveys paper in both forward and reverse directions, an image forming unit that fixes images, and a control unit that adjusts the image forming process by reversing the paper conveyance to align the image edge with the upstream side of the image forming unit after fixing, allowing for continuous image formation without gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If adjustment is performed between pages after data transfer on continuous paper, then image formation can be completed, but blank areas appear between images due to paper conveyance during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage positioning accuracyVSAvoidimage formation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional adjustment timing by performing image formation first and then conveying the paper in reverse direction to reposition it for the next image. This reversal eliminates the need to suspend image formation during adjustment, thereby preventing blank areas while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous image formation by performing adjustments during reverse conveyance rather than suspending image formation. The useful action of image formation continues uninterrupted, while adjustments are performed in the background during the reverse conveyance phase, eliminating blank areas between images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of operation

If continuous paper is conveyed during adjustment, then the system can maintain operation, but images cannot be formed at shortest possible regular intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidinterval between images

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the sequence by first completing image formation and then conveying paper in reverse for adjustment. This allows the system to maintain continuous operation without sacrificing the regularity of image intervals, as adjustments occur during reverse conveyance rather than pausing the forward conveyance cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between forward conveyance for image formation and reverse conveyance for adjustment. This rhythmic alternation ensures images are formed at regular intervals while maintaining continuous operation, as the reverse conveyance period is precisely controlled to synchronize with the image formation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If adjustment timing is not provided on continuous paper, then continuous conveyance is maintained, but blank areas R appear between images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous conveyance efficiencyVSAvoidimage spacing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by inverting the adjustment timing to occur after image formation through reverse conveyance. This maintains continuous forward conveyance efficiency while achieving precise image spacing, as the reverse conveyance actively repositions the paper to eliminate blank areas without interrupting the overall continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by repositioning the paper through reverse conveyance before the next image formation begins. This preliminary repositioning ensures that the paper is correctly positioned for the next image, preventing blank areas while maintaining continuous conveyance efficiency throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10353336B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a conveying unit configured to convey continuous paper in a forward direction and in a reverse direction; an image forming unit configured to form an image on the continuous paper conveyed in the forward direction; a fixing unit configured to fix the image formed onto the continuous paper; an adjusting unit configured to adjust the image forming unit while the continuous paper is conveyed in the reverse direction; and a control unit configured to cause the conveying unit to convey the continuous paper in the reverse direction by an amount equivalent to a predetermined reverse conveyance distance to adjust the bottom edge of the image in a conveying direction to a position on an upstream side of the image forming unit, and cause the conveying unit to convey the continuous paper in the forward direction and cause the image forming unit to resume image formation.