Printing Apparatus Curl Suppression for Movable-Tray Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print media curling during printing leads to improper sorting when using a movable tray, causing the media to move and disrupt the sorting process.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a determining unit that enhances curl suppression operations during sorting, and a control unit that extends the retention time of print media in the conveying path when sorting is enabled, ensuring proper stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable tray is used to sort print media, then sorting capability is improved, but print media curling causes improper sorting and disruption of the sorting process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by extending the retention time of print media in the conveying path before discharge, allowing curling to be suppressed in advance. The determining unit identifies when curling suppression is needed, and the control unit adjusts conveying speed accordingly to prevent curling before the media reaches the movable tray, ensuring reliable sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveying speed of the conveying unit based on real-time conditions. When the determining unit detects that curling suppression is necessary (particularly when a movable tray is being used for sorting), the control unit reduces the conveying speed to extend retention time, allowing the print media to acclimate and reduce curling dynamically before discharge.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveying speed is reduced to extend retention time for curl suppression, then curling suppression is improved, but printing productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively extending retention time only when and where necessary. The determining unit assesses each print medium and sorting condition to decide whether curling suppression is needed, and the control unit adjusts conveying speed accordingly. This partial adjustment maintains productivity while providing sufficient curl suppression for problematic cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the conveying speed parameter dynamically based on detected conditions. The control unit adjusts the conveying speed of the conveying unit in response to determinations by the determining unit, creating a variable retention time that adapts to different print media types, sizes, and sorting requirements, balancing curl suppression with productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique that enables proper sorting of discharged print media by suppressing curling of each of the print media sufficiently. A determining unit determines a curling suppressing operation to be executed such that in a case where sorting operation is executed, the suppressing operation having a higher effect of suppressing curling is executed than in a case where the sorting operation is executed. Then, a print control unit controls a print head to perform printing on print media while executing the suppressing operation determined by the determining unit.