Transfer Schedule Control for Double-Sided Printing Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in double-sided printing across various sheet sizes, leading to prolonged waiting times due to differing transfer speeds, which complicates the configuration and increases printing time.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs multiple paper feed units, a printing unit, a resist unit, a circulating path with adjustable transfer speeds, and a control unit that sets a transfer schedule based on sheet sizes to optimize the feeding and transfer of print media, allowing for efficient double-sided printing by prioritizing the transfer speed of larger sheet sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transfer speed is adjusted for each sheet size in the circulating transfer route, then the transfer efficiency for specific sheet sizes is improved, but the waiting time for transfer increases and a considerable time is required to complete printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transfer speed adjustment based on sheet size. The circulating transfer route changes its transfer speed according to the detected sheet size (A4, A3, B5, etc.), allowing optimal transfer performance for each sheet type while maintaining overall system efficiency through coordinated control of multiple paper feed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by having multiple paper feed units prepare and queue print media before the printing cycle. The system detects sheet sizes in advance and pre-positions appropriate media in the circulating transfer route, reducing waiting time during actual printing operations.
2Reliability
If detectors and standby configurations are added to manage sheet transfer, then the sheet transfer control is improved, but the configuration of the apparatus becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing components multi-functional. The circulating transfer route serves both as the primary transfer path and as a temporary holding area for sheet size adjustment. The control unit integrates multiple functions including sheet size detection, transfer speed control, and coordination of multiple paper feed units into a single unified system, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of sheet size detection, transfer speed control, and media management into an integrated control system. Rather than using separate detectors and standby mechanisms, the system combines these functions in the circulating transfer route and control unit, simplifying the overall apparatus configuration while maintaining reliable sheet transfer control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paper feed units are used to feed print media of different sheet sizes, then the adaptability for different sheet sizes is improved, but the coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary actions by having multiple paper feed units prepare and queue print media before the printing cycle. The system detects sheet sizes in advance and pre-positions appropriate media in the circulating transfer route, reducing waiting time during actual printing operations and simplifying coordination during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sheet size detection to dynamically adjust the operation of multiple paper feed units. When a particular sheet size is detected, the control unit receives feedback and coordinates the appropriate paper feed units accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies coordination through automated response to detected conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a plurality of paper feed units 20 drawing and feeding, one by one, print media stacked on a paper feed table, a printing unit 30 printing a print medium, a secondary paper feed unit 14 feeding a print medium fed from the plurality of the paper feed units 20 to the printing unit 30, a circulating path CR on which a print medium printed by the printing unit 30 is transferred at a transfer speed of the print medium determined for each sheet size, a reversal unit 50 reversing a print medium transferred on the circulating path CR to feed the reversed print medium to the secondary paper feed unit 14, a transfer schedule setting unit 70c setting, when a double-sided printing request of a set of print media of two kinds of sheet sizes is included in a print job, a transfer schedule of the print media of two kinds of sheet sizes so that the waiting time for transfer in the print job is reduced, and an equipment control unit 70d causing the plurality of the paper feed units 20 or the reversal unit 50 to feed a sheet to the secondary paper feed unit 14 based on the set transfer schedule.