Image Forming Apparatus Delivery Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inaccuracies in delivering a recording medium to the retaining position due to expansion/contraction or vibration of circulating members, such as chains, which can shift the delivery timing and position.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with rotating members, an annular circulating member, a retaining member, an image forming section, a delivering unit, and detectors that control the delivery of the recording medium based on detected rotation information to ensure precise alignment with the retaining member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circulating member such as a chain is used to transport the recording medium, then the recording medium can be delivered to the retaining position, but expansion/contraction or vibration of the circulating member may shift the delivery timing and position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the circulating member's position and state before delivery occurs. The detector captures position information in advance, allowing the controller to pre-calculate the optimal delivery timing that compensates for anticipated expansion/contraction or vibration, ensuring accurate delivery despite circulating member instability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the circulating member's position and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the delivery timing based on this real-time feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains delivery accuracy despite variations in circulating member stability
2Manufacturing precision
If delivery timing is adjusted to compensate for circulating member vibration, then delivery accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical timing adjustment mechanisms with a detection-based control approach. Instead of using mechanical devices to physically adjust delivery timing, the system uses a detector to sense position and a controller to calculate and command the appropriate timing, substituting mechanical complexity with sensing and computational control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the delivery mechanism to self-adjust based on detected circulating member position. The detector and controller work together to automatically determine and apply the correct delivery timing without requiring external intervention or complex preset mechanical adjustments, allowing the system to adaptively correct for circulating member variations
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes plural rotating members that are rotatable; an annular circulating member that is wound around the plural rotating members and circulates when the rotating members rotate; a retaining member attached to an attaching portion of the circulating member and that circulates together with the circulating member, the retaining member being configured to retain a recording medium in an area where the attaching portion comes into contact with one of the rotating members; an image forming section that forms an image on the recording medium at an image forming position defined on a circulation path along which the circulating member circulates; a delivering unit that delivers the recording medium to a retaining position where the recording medium is to be retained by the retaining member; a detector that detects rotation of the one rotating member; and a controller that controls delivery of the recording medium from the delivering unit to the retaining position, the delivery being controlled with reference to information detected by the detector.