Image Forming Apparatus Speed Synchronization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with excessive sheet bending and slippage due to speed differences between the conveyance belt, fixing unit, and conveyance roller, leading to deteriorated image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that adjusts the rotational speeds of the belt motor and fixing motor based on stored sheet conveying speeds and reference values to minimize speed differences between the transfer belt, fixing unit, and conveyance roller, thereby controlling sheet bending and slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the speed difference between the conveyance belt and the fixing unit is large, then the sheet conveying speed can be optimized for each component, but the sheet may be excessively bent between the conveyance belt and the fixing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rotational speeds of the belt motor and fixing motor adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the rotational speeds based on detected speed differences, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain optimal speed relationships between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter of the motors to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the rotational speeds of the belt motor and fixing motor based on detected speed differences, the system optimizes the speed relationship between the conveyance belt and fixing unit, preventing excessive sheet bending while maintaining efficient conveyance.
2Shape
If the speed difference between the conveyance belt and the fixing unit is small, then sheet bending is reduced, but the sheet may slip in the belt unit or the fixing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual speed difference between the conveyance belt and fixing unit, comparing it with desired parameters, and adjusting the motor rotational speeds accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the speed difference is maintained within an optimal range, preventing both excessive bending and slippage.
3Speed
If the speed difference between the conveyance roller and the conveyance belt is large, then each component can operate at optimized speeds, but the sheet may be excessively bent between the conveyance roller and the conveyance belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conveyance roller speed dynamic and adjustable. The controller modifies the rotational speed of the conveyance roller based on detected speed differences, enabling real-time optimization of the speed relationship between the roller and conveyance belt to prevent sheet bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter of the conveyance roller motor to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the rotational speed based on detected conditions, the system maintains optimal speed synchronization between the conveyance roller and conveyance belt, preventing excessive sheet bending.
4Shape
If the speed difference between the conveyance roller and the conveyance belt is small, then sheet bending is reduced, but the sheet may slip on the conveyance roller or the belt unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to monitor and adjust the speed relationship between the conveyance roller and conveyance belt. By detecting actual speed differences and adjusting motor speeds in real-time, the system maintains the speed difference within an optimal range that prevents both bending and slippage.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a belt unit including a transfer belt and a first memory that stores a first sheet conveying speed of the transfer belt; a second memory storing a first reference value and a second sheet conveying speed of the fixing unit a controller configured to: control at least one of the belt motor and the fixing motor to bring the speed difference between the sheet conveying speed of the transfer belt and the sheet conveying speed of the fixing unit closer to the first reference value by setting a rotational speed of the fixing motor based on the first reference value and a first speed difference between the first sheet conveying speed read from the first memory and the second sheet conveying speed read from the second memory.