Power Saving Control for Sheet Post-Processing Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems waste energy as post-processing apparatuses, such as adhesive bookbinding machines, cannot be shifted to a power saving state independently, leading to unnecessary electric power consumption even when only sheet delivery is required.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus with a power saving control portion that maintains power to the conveying portion while interrupting power to the post-processing portion, allowing for sheet discharge during power saving mode, even when the image forming system is operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the post-processing apparatus is kept in normal operation mode to ensure sheet delivery capability, then sheet delivery function is maintained, but electric power consumption increases due to unnecessary operation of post-processing portions
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processing apparatus is divided into two independent functional portions: the sheet conveying portion and the sheet post-processing portion. The power saving control portion can independently control power supply to each portion, allowing the conveying portion to remain powered for sheet delivery while the post-processing portion enters power saving mode, thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts its operational state by switching between normal operation mode and power saving mode based on actual needs. The power saving control portion monitors system state and dynamically controls power supply to the post-processing portion, enabling the system to adapt between full functionality and energy-efficient operation
2Loss of energy
If the post-processing apparatus is shifted to power saving state to reduce energy waste, then electric power consumption decreases, but the apparatus cannot perform sheet delivery to downstream apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the apparatus into conveying and post-processing portions with independent power control, the system can maintain sheet delivery productivity while reducing energy loss. The conveying portion remains operational to ensure sheets continue to be delivered, while only the post-processing portion enters power saving state
3Reliability
If the heating heater in adhesive bookbinding apparatus is kept ON to maintain operational readiness, then bookbinding function is available, but unnecessary electric power is consumed when only sheet delivery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bookbinding apparatus is segmented such that the heating heater is part of the post-processing portion that can be independently powered down. When only sheet delivery is needed, the heater is turned off to save energy while the conveying portion remains operational, allowing the system to maintain reliability for bookbinding when needed while reducing power consumption during delivery-only operations
Solution Approach 2:
The heating heater operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when bookbinding processing is actually required and turned off during periods when only sheet delivery is needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining functional availability
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing apparatus has a sheet conveying portion which receives and conveys a sheet discharged from an apparatus on an upstream side, and discharges it to an apparatus on a downstream side or a discharge tray, a sheet post-processing portion which carried out post-processing on the sheet, and a power saving control portion which renders the sheet post-processing apparatus into a power saving state, and the power saving control portion maintains electric power supply to the sheet conveying portion, and interrupts electric power supply to the sheet post-processing portion. The sheet post-processing apparatus, even in the power saving state, is capable of discharging the sheet discharged from the apparatus on the upstream side to the apparatus on the downstream side or a discharge tray.