Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Discharge Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in distinguishing between normal and abnormal recording materials without complicating the sheet discharge mechanism and incurring productivity losses.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an image former, a conveyor, an output image reader, and a controller that adjusts the sheet discharge position of recording materials based on the image quality, ensuring that normal and abnormal images are discharged to different positions on the sheet discharge tray in the conveyance direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet discharge position is shifted in the width direction to distinguish normal and abnormal recording materials, then the image quality distinction is achieved, but the sheet discharge mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of sheet discharge position differentiation from the width direction (lateral shift) to the conveyance direction (longitudinal position). By controlling abnormal sheets to be discharged at positions different in the conveyance direction compared to normal sheets, the system achieves image quality distinction without requiring complex lateral positioning mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If the conveyance speed is slowed down to allow switching between sheet discharge paths, then the distinction between normal and abnormal recording materials is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs image quality inspection before the sheet discharge decision is made. The output image reader reads the output image of each recording material, and the controller determines whether to discharge to the normal or abnormal sheet discharge position based on this preliminary inspection result, allowing fast conveyance speeds while maintaining accurate distinction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using path switching in the width direction which requires slow conveyance for switching, the patent uses position differentiation in the conveyance direction. This allows the sheet to be discharged at different longitudinal positions based on inspection results without requiring path switching mechanisms that would slow down conveyance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sheet discharge paths are provided for normal and abnormal recording materials, then the image quality distinction is achieved, but the sheet discharge mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sheet discharge paths for normal and abnormal recording materials into a single conveyance path. Instead of providing separate discharge paths that would require switching mechanisms, the system uses one discharge position for normal sheets and a different discharge position for abnormal sheets, simplifying the overall sheet discharge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent differentiates sheet discharge positions along the conveyance direction rather than using separate width-direction paths. This allows distinction between normal and abnormal sheets through positional control in the direction of motion, eliminating the need for complex multi-path switching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus including: an image former that forms an image on a recording material; a conveyor that conveys the recording material; an output image reader that reads an output image formed on the recording material; a sheet discharge tray that accommodates the recording material discharged from the conveyor; and a controller that controls an operation of the conveyor based on a reading result of the output image reader. The controller causes a sheet discharge position of a first recording material, on which the output image as a normal image is formed, on the sheet discharge tray to differ from a sheet discharge position of a second recording material, on which the output image as an abnormal image is formed, on the sheet discharge tray in a conveyance direction.