Printing Apparatus Envelope Conveyance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing methods face challenges in efficiently conveying envelopes by long-edge feed when a post-processing apparatus is connected, leading to potential jamming due to larger conveyance roller intervals exceeding the short edge of the envelope, which restricts printing time optimization.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus is designed to prevent long-edge feed conveyance when a post-processing apparatus is connected, while allowing long-edge feed conveyance to optimize printing time by controlling the envelope orientation and size settings, ensuring the envelope is conveyed and printed efficiently without jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If envelope is conveyed by long-edge feed to shorten printing time, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to envelope jamming when post-processing apparatus is connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting timeVSAvoidenvelope conveyance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the envelope conveyance method based on the connection status of post-processing apparatus. When a post-processing apparatus is detected as connected, the system automatically switches from long-edge feed to short-edge feed, preventing jamming while maintaining optimal performance when no post-processing apparatus is present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects the connection status of post-processing apparatus and uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate envelope conveyance method. The detection result feeds back to the control unit, which then selects the suitable feed direction to avoid jamming while optimizing printing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If long-edge feed conveyance is used to optimize printing time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for connection detection and conditional control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting timeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects both the presence of post-processing apparatus and provides information for determining envelope conveyance method. The control unit integrates both detection and decision-making functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2610675B1Printing apparatus, control method thereof, and program
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 CANON KK
  • EP2610675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2610675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2610675B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit (103) configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelop.