Recording Apparatus Roller Synchronization for Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recording apparatuses face challenges in improving throughput while preventing sheet jams, particularly when the second and third roller pairs are driven in synchronization, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with multiple modules, including a first and second recording module, a shared conveyor path, and a controller that determines the trailing edge of the sheet to synchronize the roller pairs, ensuring the sheet is supplied to the second module only when the trailing edge is downstream of the first roller pair, preventing jams and optimizing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second and third roller pairs are driven independently of each other, then individual motors are required for the respective roller pairs, but this increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive functions of multiple roller pairs into a single motor system. The first motor drives both the first roller pair and the second roller pair through a shared drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors for each roller pair while maintaining independent drive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions by driving different roller pairs at different times. The motor serves as a universal drive source that can be selectively engaged with either the first roller pair or the second roller pair through the switcher mechanism, reducing the total number of motors required.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single roller is provided for the second and third roller pairs, then a power-transmission switching mechanism is required, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission path into distinct sections that can be selectively activated. The switcher mechanism divides the drive transmission into separate pathways, allowing independent control of power delivery to different roller pairs without requiring a complex universal switching system.
Solution Approach 2:
The switcher acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the single motor and multiple roller pairs. It provides a simplified interface for power transmission switching, reducing the overall system complexity by using a dedicated switching component rather than a complex multi-functional transmission system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the second and third roller pairs are driven in synchronization, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sheet jams may occur between the second roller pair driven continuously and the first roller pair driven intermittently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the roller pair drive system. The controller dynamically adjusts the operation mode of the roller pairs based on real-time conditions, switching between synchronized drive and independent drive modes. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain synchronization for cost efficiency while preventing jams through timely mode changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control to monitor the position and state of sheets during conveyance. Based on feedback from sensors detecting sheet position, the controller adjusts the drive mode of the roller pairs to prevent jams, allowing the system to maintain synchronization when safe and switch to independent control when jam risk is detected.
4Reliability
If the sheet to be supplied to the second image forming device is intermittently conveyed by the third roller pair in accordance with the intermittent conveyance in the first image forming device, then sheet jams are prevented, but throughput lowers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveyance rhythm of the roller pairs based on the processing status of sheets in different image forming devices. When the first device is processing a sheet, the third roller pair intermittently conveys sheets to prevent jams. When the first device completes processing, the system transitions to continuous conveyance mode to maximize throughput, creating an adaptive conveyance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic intermittent conveyance during specific phases of the printing process. The third roller pair operates in periodic intervals synchronized with the processing cycles of the first image forming device, conveying sheets intermittently during active printing phases and continuously during idle phases, optimizing both jam prevention and throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: first and second recording modules; a storage accommodating a recording medium; a first path extending from the storage to the first recording module; a second path extending from the storage to the second recording module and including a first shared portion shared with the first path; a first roller pair disposed downstream of a branch position on the first path; and a second roller pair disposed on the first shared portion. The controller is configured to: determine whether a trailing edge of the recording medium on which recording is being performed by the first recording module is located downstream of the first roller pair on the first path; and when the trailing edge is located downstream of the first roller pair on the first path, cause the second roller pair to supply a recording medium from the storage to the second recording module.