Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Conveyance Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maximizing the number of sheets processed per unit time while extending the life of development rollers, as they often require continuous switching between monochrome and color image formation states, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced roller lifespan due to simultaneous conveyance of fewer sheets and frequent state changes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus switches between image formation states based on the type of images on consecutive sheets, conveying the next sheet either before or after forming images on the current sheet, allowing for simultaneous conveyance of multiple sheets and optimizing the page order to reduce unnecessary state changes, thereby improving processing efficiency and extending roller life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the apparatus conveys fewer sheets simultaneously and frequently switches between monochrome and color states, then the development roller life is extended, but the number of sheets processed per unit time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines in advance whether to convey the (N+2)th sheet before or after forming images on the (N+1)th sheet, based on the image types. This preliminary planning allows optimization of both roller life and processing throughput by pre-determining the conveyance timing and state switching schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts the conveyance timing of sheets and the switching between monochrome and color states based on the specific combination of image types. The system can flexibly change the number of sheets conveyed simultaneously and the timing of state transitions to balance roller life extension with processing efficiency.
2Productivity
If the apparatus operates continuously in the color state to maximize sheets processed per unit time, then productivity is improved, but the development roller life is reduced due to continuous operation and frequent conveyance of fewer sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs periodic switching between monochrome and color states rather than continuous color operation. By strategically inserting monochrome operation periods and adjusting conveyance timing, the system reduces cumulative roller wear while maintaining high overall processing throughput through optimized state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit pre-determines the optimal switching points between monochrome and color states based on the sequence of image types. This allows the system to plan roller rest periods in advance while ensuring continuous productivity through pre-arranged conveyance timing and state transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus frequently switches between monochrome and color states to adapt to different image types, then adaptability is improved, but the development roller life is reduced due to frequent state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines in advance the optimal timing for state switching based on the sequence of image types to be processed. By pre-planning when to switch between monochrome and color states, the system minimizes the number of transitions while still adapting to different image type combinations, thereby extending roller life.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts the timing and frequency of state switches based on the specific sequence of monochrome and color images. The system optimizes the balance between adaptability to different image types and reduction of wear from frequent switching by flexibly modifying the conveyance schedule and state transition points.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is configured to control a print engine and a conveyor to form an image on both sides of a sheet. The controller is configured to: in a case where images to be formed on both sides of each of an Nth (N is a positive integer) sheet, an (N+1)th sheet, and an (N+2)th sheet are all monochrome image or all color image, convey the (N+2)th sheet to the print engine and form an image before forming an image on both sides of the (N+1)th sheet; and in a case where the images to be formed on both sides of each of the Nth sheet, the (N+1)th sheet, and the (N+2)th sheet are a mixture of the monochrome image and the color image, convey the (N+2)th sheet to the print engine and form an image after forming an image on both sides of the (N+1)th sheet.