Print Media Conveyance Control for Single-Motor Torque Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with torque shortages and conveyance accuracy due to varying torque requirements based on the position of succeeding print media, particularly when multiple rollers are driven by a single motor, leading to potential motor stoppages and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control unit switches drive control of the drive source based on the position of the succeeding print medium, adjusting parameters such as acceleration and rotational speed to manage torque demands effectively, ensuring consistent conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple conveyance rollers are driven by the same motor to reduce component count and downsize the apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but torque availability becomes insufficient when multiple print media need to be conveyed concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive control movable and adjustable based on real-time conditions. The control unit dynamically switches between different drive control modes (first drive control for single media, second drive control for multiple media) depending on the position and state of print media on the conveyance path. This allows the single motor to adapt its control characteristics to match varying torque demands, resolving the contradiction between using fewer motors and maintaining sufficient torque for concurrent media conveyance.
2Productivity
If a single motor drives multiple conveyance rollers to improve sheet conveyance efficiency through concurrent conveyance, then productivity is improved, but conveyance accuracy deteriorates due to torque shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the position of print media on the conveyance path and using this information to adjust drive control. The control unit determines whether to apply first or second drive control based on feedback about media position, ensuring that torque is appropriately managed to maintain conveyance accuracy even when multiple media are conveyed concurrently. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve both high productivity and accurate conveyance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor drives multiple conveyance rollers with varying torque requirements, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential motor stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching between different drive control parameters (first drive control and second drive control) based on operational conditions. When multiple print media are detected on the conveyance path, the control unit transitions to second drive control which adjusts torque parameters to prevent motor overload and stoppages. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains both adaptability to varying conditions and reliability of continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a first conveyance unit provided in a conveyance path and configured to convey a print medium, a second conveyance unit provided upstream of the first conveyance unit in the conveyance path and configured to convey a print medium, a drive source configured to drive the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit, and a control unit configured to control the drive source so as to execute a conveying operation in which a second print medium succeeding a first print medium is conveyed by the second conveyance unit while the first print medium is conveyed by the first conveyance unit. The control unit is configured to switch drive control of the drive source in accordance with a position of the second print medium when starting the conveying operation.