Image Recording Apparatus Power Saving Sheet Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face power wastage and sheet misalignment issues when entering a power-saving mode during the drying process of recording sheets, particularly when sheets are held vertically, leading to potential jamming and ink stains.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a both-side printing function that includes a conveying unit, a driving unit, a holding unit, and a controller to manage power supply interruption to the driving unit while maintaining the recording medium in a stable position after the first face is printed but before the second face, utilizing a conveying path and discharge tray to prevent misalignment and support the sheet during power-saving mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image recording apparatus enters a power saving mode by interrupting power supply to the driving unit during the drying process, then power consumption is reduced, but the recording sheet may fall or become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control by distinguishing between the driving unit (conveying roller) and the discharge roller. The discharge roller maintains continuous operation independent of the driving unit's power state, creating a segmented control system that allows power saving while maintaining sheet position stability through the discharge roller's continuous engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge roller acts as an intermediary mechanism that maintains sheet position stability during power saving mode. By keeping the discharge roller operational while interrupting power to the driving unit, the discharge roller serves as a mediator that prevents sheet falling and misalignment without requiring continuous power supply to all conveying components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the recording sheet is held vertically during drying, then the drying process can be completed, but the sheet may fall or be misaligned causing jamming or ink stains
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge roller maintains continuous useful action by operating without interruption during the drying process. This continuous operation ensures the recording sheet remains firmly held and positioned correctly throughout the drying period, preventing falling and misalignment while allowing the drying process to complete successfully.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge roller performs a self-service function by automatically maintaining sheet position stability through its continuous operation. The roller's ongoing engagement with the sheet provides inherent position maintenance without requiring additional active control mechanisms or power supply to the driving unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus having a both-side printing function for ejecting ink to record images on a first face and a second face of a recording medium is provided. The image recording apparatus includes: a conveying unit which conveys the recording medium; a driving unit which drives the conveying unit; a conveying path along which the recording medium is conveyed; a holding unit which is provided on the conveying path and holds a part of the recording medium; and a controller which controls the image recording apparatus to enter a power saving mode of interrupting power supply to at least the driving unit in a state that the recording medium is held by the holding unit, after the image is recorded on the first face of the recording medium but before the image is recoded on the second face of the recording medium.