Double-Side Feeding Path Curvature Control for Sheet Slipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the double-side printing process, particularly in reducing the gap between sheets and optimizing the double-side feeding path to enhance productivity and compactness.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a control system that selects between first and second double-side feeding controls, adjusting the feeding path and re-feeding mechanisms to optimize the image forming process, allowing for efficient double-side printing by alternating the image formation on subsequent sheets, thereby reducing sheet slipping and increasing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the double side feeding path is shortened to make the apparatus compact, then the apparatus size is reduced, but sheet slipping increases particularly with thicker or glossy papers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the double side feeding path configurable between a first path and a second path based on sheet type detection. When thick or glossy papers are detected, the system dynamically switches to the second double side feeding path which has a larger curvature radius, preventing sheet slipping while maintaining compactness for ordinary papers using the first path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter (curvature radius) of the double side feeding path based on sheet properties. The second double side feeding path has a larger curvature radius compared to the first path, and this parameter change is applied selectively according to sheet thickness and surface characteristics to prevent feeding issues.
2Volume of moving object
If the curvature of the double side re-feeding unit is increased to shorten the feeding path, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but sheet slipping occurs particularly with thicker or glossy papers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between two different re-feeding path configurations. The first re-feeding unit has a smaller curvature radius for compactness, while the second re-feeding unit has a larger curvature radius to prevent slipping with problematic sheet types. The control system switches between these configurations based on detected sheet properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature radius parameter of the re-feeding unit is changed based on sheet characteristics. When thick or glossy papers are detected, the system switches to the second re-feeding unit with a larger curvature radius, thereby preventing sheet slipping while maintaining efficient path length for ordinary papers.
3Productivity
If double-side printing is performed by feeding sheets through a circulating system, then productivity is improved, but complex control is needed to manage image formation intervals and prevent sheet slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the double side feeding path into distinct first and second paths, and similarly segments the re-feeding into first and second re-feeding units. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path and simplifies control by providing clear alternatives rather than requiring complex continuous adjustment of a single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically selects appropriate feeding and re-feeding paths based on sheet type detection. This dynamic selection simplifies control logic compared to continuously adjusting a single complex path, as the system can switch between pre-configured optimal paths for different sheet types, thereby managing image formation intervals and preventing slipping more easily.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer member, a fixing unit, a double-side feeding path through which the sheet, performed with image formation on a first surface thereof and passed through the fixing unit; is fed to transfer the toner image onto a second surface thereof, a first feeding unit to feed the sheet in the double-side feeding path and a second feeding unit to feed the sheet fed by the first feeding unit toward the transfer member. A controller selects a first double-side feeding control in which the sheet is fed by the second feeding unit or a second double-side feeding control in which the sheet is fed by the first feeding unit and the second feeding unit in a case in which the double-side printing is performed in the second mode.