Control Apparatus for Recording Media Alignment Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet alignment mechanisms in recording systems risk soiling due to direct contact with unfixed recording agents, such as ink, which can lead to image distortion or soiling of sheets during stacking.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that includes an application unit for recording agents, a conveyance unit, a stacking member, a pressing member, and a control unit to manage the timing of the pressing member's contact with stacked recording media, ensuring the recording agent is fixed before contact to prevent soiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pressing member directly contacts recording media for alignment, then sheet alignment accuracy is improved, but the recording agent may transfer to the apparatus member causing soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit delays the operation of the pressing member until after the recording agent has been applied and partially dried on the recording medium. By timing the pressing action to occur after ink application, the patent prevents the pressing member from contacting unfixed recording agent, thereby eliminating soiling while maintaining alignment functionality.
2Productivity
If the pressing member operates immediately after sheet discharge, then productivity is improved, but the recording agent is not yet fixed causing soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from the recording agent application process to determine the optimal timing for pressing member operation. By monitoring whether the recording agent has been applied and considering its drying time, the system dynamically adjusts when to activate the pressing member, ensuring alignment occurs at the appropriate moment without compromising productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes an application unit, a conveyance unit, a stacking member, a pressing member, and a control unit. The application unit applies a recording agent to a recording medium, which then is conveyed by the conveyance unit. The stacking member stacks sequentially conveyed recording media with a surface of the recording media to which the recording agent is applied facing up. The pressing member presses the sequentially stacked recording media. The control unit controls timing at which the pressing member contacts the recording media. The pressing member presses an upper surface of the stacked recording medium. The control unit controls the timing at which the pressing member contacts a recording medium when the recording medium has been stacked on the uppermost recording medium, based on data for applying the recording agent to a predetermined area, on the recording medium, including an area which the pressing member can contact.