Image Forming Apparatus With Sheet-Pressing Feature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face the challenge of printing before setting optimal image forming conditions due to the time required for measuring sheet features, leading to potential mismatches between the printed image and the intended conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a conveyance unit, a measurement unit, a sheet detection sensor, and a pressing member, allowing controlled stopping and restarting of sheet conveyance for precise measurement and setting of image forming conditions before printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet is stopped at the measurement position and caused to abut against the media sensor for measurement, then the measurement precision of sheet feature amounts is improved, but the time required for measurement and condition setting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member moves to the second position in advance before the sheet reaches the measurement position, so that when the sheet arrives, it is immediately pressed and measured without delay. This preliminary positioning of the pressing member reduces the time required for measurement while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the image is printed before the image forming conditions are set, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the sheet type through measurement of feature amounts and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate image forming conditions before printing. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct conditions are set based on actual sheet properties, maintaining printing reliability while enabling timely production.
3Measurement precision
If the pressing member is moved to the second position closer to the measurement unit, then the measurement precision is improved by stabilizing sheet posture, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to be movable between the first and second positions, allowing it to dynamically adjust its location based on the measurement requirements. This dynamic positioning capability enables precise measurement while managing the complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed complex structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures accurate and timely setting of image forming conditions, preventing mismatches and ensuring high-quality printing by stabilizing sheet posture for precise feature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a media sensor for discriminating a type of a sheet (sheet type). The media sensor measures feature amounts of the sheet by using, for example, an optical sensor or an ultrasonic wave sensor
Implementation Method 2
The media sensor measures feature amounts of the sheet by using, for example, an optical sensor or an ultrasonic wave sensor
Implementation Method 3
The media sensor measures feature amounts of the sheet by using, for example, an optical sensor or an ultrasonic wave sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet, a measurement unit for measuring a feature amount of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit, a sheet detection sensor for detecting the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit, a pressing member movable between a first position separated from the measurement unit and a second position closer to the measurement unit than the first position, a moving unit configured to move the pressing member, an image forming unit configured to form, based on a predetermined image forming condition, an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a controller, the controller is configured to stop conveyance of the sheet by the conveyance unit in a case where the sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor.