Printing Apparatus Conveyance Control for Load Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance accuracy in printing apparatuses is compromised due to variations in roller diameter and decentering, leading to fluctuations in conveyance amount and image quality when switching between single and dual roller conveyance states, as existing methods fail to account for load fluctuations during state transitions.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the driving of conveyance rollers based on load fluctuations between the rollers to stabilize conveyance amount during state transitions, using sensors and calculations to manage rotational phases and conveyance amounts, thereby minimizing transient changes and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printing medium is conveyed by two conveyance rollers on the upstream and downstream sides, then the conveyance capacity is increased, but the conveyance accuracy decreases due to load fluctuations and bending during state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations of the conveyance amount based on the rotational phase and load fluctuations before the state transition occurs. By pre-calculating the expected conveyance amount and preparing correction values in advance, the system can maintain conveyance accuracy during the transition from single roller to dual roller conveyance mode without sudden jumps or fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual conveyance amount and compares it with the target conveyance amount. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the rotational speed or drive parameters of the conveyance rollers to compensate for load fluctuations and bending effects, ensuring that the conveyance accuracy is maintained even when operating with two rollers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyance rollers are subjected to loads that uniform their conveyance amounts, then the conveyance uniformity is improved, but the conveyance accuracy decreases due to roller bending and position displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on mechanical load balancing to uniform conveyance amounts, the system uses a control-based approach. The control unit calculates the expected conveyance amount based on rotational phase and load data, and adjusts the drive signals to compensate for bending and position changes. This substitution of mechanical control with intelligent control allows the system to maintain accuracy while achieving uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the conveyance rollers based on real-time load measurements and rotational phase data. By adjusting the drive parameters (such as torque or speed) in response to changing conditions, the control unit compensates for bending effects and maintains both uniformity and accuracy of the conveyance process.
3Reliability
If the conveyance state is switched from single roller to dual roller mode, then the conveyance reliability is improved, but the conveyance accuracy fluctuates due to transient load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations of the conveyance amount based on the rotational phase and load fluctuations before the state transition occurs. By pre-calculating the expected conveyance amount and preparing correction values in advance, the system can maintain conveyance accuracy during the transition from single roller to dual roller conveyance mode without sudden jumps or fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares compensatory control signals in advance based on predicted load fluctuations during the state transition. By pre-calculating and applying correction values before the transition completes, the system cushions against the harmful effects of transient load changes, ensuring smooth and accurate conveyance during the switch from single to dual roller mode.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively stabilizes conveyance amount and improves accuracy by accounting for load fluctuations and transient changes, preventing degradation in image quality during state transitions.
Implementation Method 1
forces in opposite directions are applied to the conveyance rollers through the printing medium. The forces cause the conveyance rollers to slip and make their conveyance amounts equal.
Implementation Method 2
the conveyance rollers bend to themselves. Since this bending displaces the conveyance rollers sandwiching the printing medium, the position of the printing medium changes as well.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing unit, first and second conveying units conveying a printing medium, a driving unit driving the first and second conveying units, and a control unit controlling the driving unit. The conveyance state of the printing medium makes transition from a first conveyance state in which the printing medium is conveyed only by the first conveying unit to a second conveyance state in which the printing medium is conveyed by both the first and second conveying units. The control unit controls the driving unit based on a fluctuation in a load that mutually acts between the first and second conveying units through the printing medium to suppress a fluctuation in a conveyance amount at the time of the transition of the conveyance state from the first conveyance state to the second conveyance state.