Image Forming Apparatus Error Recovery With Accessible Stacking Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face reduced productivity due to the need to stop operations when escape trays are inaccessible, causing sheets to fully stack and necessitate stopping the image forming process to resume from errors.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a control system that detects first and second errors, allowing continuous operation for first errors and diverting sheets to accessible stacking portions, while stopping ink ejection and diverting sheets to inaccessible stacking portions for second errors, thereby maintaining productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If escape trays are disposed at positions where they cannot be accessed during image forming operation, then the number of sheets left in the conveyance paths is reduced, but the image forming operation has to be stopped when sheets fully stack on the escape tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides escape trays into two types: first escape trays accessible during operation and second escape trays inaccessible during operation. This segmentation allows the system to utilize both types for different error conditions, resolving the contradiction by having inaccessible trays reduce sheet accumulation while accessible trays prevent operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different escape trays are assigned different accessibility characteristics and discharge destinations based on local requirements. First escape trays are located at positions where sheets can be discharged during operation, while second escape trays are positioned to receive sheets after operation stoppage. This local differentiation optimizes both sheet management and operational continuity.
2Productivity
If escape trays are disposed at accessible positions during image forming operation, then the image forming operation can continue, but sheets may fully stack on the escape tray causing operation stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments escape tray functionality into two categories: first escape trays for accessible discharge during operation, and second escape trays for inaccessible discharge after operation stoppage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous operation while managing sheet accumulation through the second escape tray mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion is configured to discharge sheets to the second escape tray in advance when operation stoppage is anticipated or occurs, preventing excessive sheet accumulation on accessible escape trays. This preliminary action ensures that even if sheets are discharged to accessible trays, the system can continue operating by using the second escape tray for additional sheet management.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple escape trays are disposed in the image forming system, then the number of sheets left in the system is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments escape trays into first and second escape trays with distinct functions and accessibility characteristics. This segmentation organizes the complex multi-tray system into manageable categories, each serving specific error recovery purposes, thereby reducing the practical complexity despite having multiple trays.
Solution Approach 2:
Both first and second escape trays serve the universal function of receiving and storing sheets during error conditions. The second escape tray additionally serves as a backup storage location that can be accessed after operation stoppage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while maximizing sheet handling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first stacking portion, a second stacking portion, a conveyance portion, an error detection portion, and a control portion configured to control the conveyance portion. The control portion is configured to execute (i) a first recovery operation in a case where the first error is detected, the first recovery operation being an operation that is executed to recover from the first error, and that controls the conveyance portion to discharge a sheet to the first stacking portion and not to discharge a sheet to the second stacking portion, and (ii) a second recovery operation in a case where the second error is detected, the second recovery operation being an operation that is executed to recover from the second error, and that controls the conveyance portion to discharge a sheet to at least one of the first stacking portion and the second stacking portion.