Feeding Apparatus Jam Location Detection via Roller Speed Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses like copiers and printers, users face difficulty in identifying and removing stuck recording materials, as existing systems do not accurately determine whether the jammed material is inside the cassette or the conveying path, leading to burdensome and sometimes incorrect jam clearance procedures.
Innovation Solution
A feeding apparatus with a control unit that determines the position of a stuck recording material by analyzing the rotation speed of a separation roller, distinguishing between jams on the upstream or downstream side of the nip portion, and guiding the user to the correct access point for removal through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor does not detect a recording material for a predetermined period of time after feeding operation is started, then delay jam is detected, but the user cannot determine whether the jam sheet is in the cassette or conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying path is divided into multiple sections (first conveying section with first rotary member, second conveying section with second rotary member) with sensors positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to detect jam locations more precisely by determining which section's sensor fails to detect the recording material, thereby providing location information without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors are introduced as intermediaries positioned at different locations along the conveying path. These sensors act as mediators that provide indirect information about jam location - when a sensor fails to detect the recording material, it indicates the jam occurred before that sensor's position, allowing the system to narrow down the jam location without directly observing the jam sheet itself.
2Ease of operation
If the user opens the door to remove the jam sheet, then the conveying path becomes accessible, but the user cannot visually recognize the jam sheet if it is accommodated in the cassette
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection path into multiple zones with dedicated sensors (first sensor in first conveying section, second sensor in second conveying section). By analyzing which sensor fails to detect the recording material, the system can determine whether the jam sheet is in the cassette or has entered the conveying path, providing visibility information that guides the user to the correct access point without requiring them to open both the cassette and door.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user about the detected jam location based on sensor data. When a sensor fails to detect the recording material, the system uses this feedback information to determine the jam location and can guide the user to the appropriate access point (cassette or door), preventing unnecessary actions and improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the cassette is opened to remove the jam sheet, then the jam sheet can be accessed, but this becomes burdensome when the jam sheet is actually in the conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying path is segmented into sections with sensors positioned to detect the recording material at different points. This segmentation enables the system to quickly determine which section contains the jam by checking which sensor fails to detect the material, allowing the user to access only the correct location (cassette or door) and avoid wasting time opening the wrong access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using multiple sensors positioned along the conveying path before instructing the user to access the jam. By detecting which sensor fails to detect the recording material, the system preliminarily determines the jam location and can guide the user to the correct access point in advance, preventing unnecessary actions and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding apparatus includes a feeding rotary member, a conveying rotary member pair, an output unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The conveying rotary member pair includes first and second rotary members. The control unit stops a feeding operation when the detection unit does not detect the recording material by the time when a threshold time has elapsed after an operation of feeding a recording material is stated. The control unit determines that the recording material is stopped at a position on an upstream side relative to the nip portion in the feeding direction in a case where a rotation speed of the second rotary member, indicated by a state signal output from the output unit at least in a period of time from when the recording material reaches the nip portion to when the feeding operation is stopped, is faster than a threshold speed.