Duplex Conveying Control for Multi-Tray Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in optimizing conveying control for multiple supply units during sequential duplex printing, leading to inefficiencies in interleaf control systems.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the number of interleaf sheets based on the supply unit, alternately conveying reversed and newly supplied sheets to optimize the interleaf control process, incorporating a first and second supply unit, reversing unit, and multiple conveying units to manage sheet flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single conveying control is used for multiple supply units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to inability to optimize for each supply unit
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying control is segmented into unit-specific controls. The control unit identifies which supply unit is providing the recording medium and applies different conveying controls (different predetermined numbers of sheets) for each supply unit, allowing optimization for each unit while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying control parameters are made dynamic and adaptive. The control unit changes the predetermined number of sheets based on real-time identification of the supply unit being used, enabling the system to adapt conveying control to match the specific characteristics and capabilities of each supply unit.
2Productivity
If the predetermined number of sheets is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to inability to adapt to different supply units
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined number of sheets is transformed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic one. The control unit automatically adjusts this parameter based on which supply unit is active, enabling optimal interleaf control for each supply unit without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the conveying control parameter (predetermined number of sheets) according to the supply unit being used. This parameter change allows the system to optimize performance for each supply unit's specific characteristics, such as sheet supply speed and positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sheets are always conveyed from the same supply unit, then the conveying control is simplified, but the adaptability decreases and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different supply units based on which unit is providing the recording medium. The control unit identifies the active supply unit and adjusts the conveying control accordingly, enabling flexible use of multiple supply units while maintaining optimized control for each unit's characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying apparatus is designed to universally handle multiple supply units with different characteristics. By implementing supply unit identification and adaptive control, the system can accommodate various supply units (such as different trays or cassettes) and optimize performance for each, making the system versatile and adaptable.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying apparatus includes a first conveying unit that conveys a recording medium, a reversing unit that reverses the recording medium conveyed by the first conveying unit, a second conveying unit that conveys the recording medium from the reversing unit to the first conveying unit, and a first supply unit and a second supply unit that supply the recording medium to the second conveying unit at different supply positions. When sequentially reversing/conveying multiple sheets of the recording medium, a control unit alternately conveys the recording medium that has been reversed by the reversing unit and the recording medium that is supplied from the first or second supply unit after a predetermined number of sheets of the recording medium have been reversed by the reversing unit, and changes the predetermined number depending on whether the recording medium is supplied from the first supply unit or the second supply unit.