Sheet Conveyance Shape Detection with Speed-Synchronized Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance systems in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting sheet shapes and synchronizing detection signal output intervals with varying conveyance speeds, leading to reduced accuracy and inefficiencies in preventing developer adherence to conveyance belts.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance device and method that includes a first conveyance member with a stepped driving cycle, a shape detecting portion using light emission and reception, and speed detecting portions for the first and second conveyance members, which determine the output interval of detection signals based on the rotation speeds to ensure accurate sheet shape detection and prevent developer adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first conveyance member is driven at variable speeds in a stepped manner, then the sheet can be conveyed to different positions with flexibility, but the detection signal output interval becomes unsynchronized leading to reduced detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection signal output interval based on the rotation speed of the first conveyance member. The determination processing portion continuously monitors the rotation speed and switches the output interval accordingly, making the detection system adaptive to varying conveyance speeds while maintaining synchronization and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the rotation speed detection to control the detection signal output timing. The second speed detecting portion provides real-time rotation speed information to the determination processing portion, which then adjusts the output interval of the detection signal to maintain synchronization between the conveyance member motion and the detection sampling.
2Ease of operation
If the detection signal output interval is fixed, then the system operation is simple, but the detection accuracy decreases when conveyance speed varies
Solution Approach 1:
The detection signal output interval is changed from a fixed value to a dynamic value that adjusts based on rotation speed. The switch control portion receives rotation speed information and automatically switches between different output intervals, maintaining detection accuracy across varying speeds while requiring minimal operational intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the light receiving portion continuously outputs detection signals, then the sheet shape detection coverage is maximized, but the data processing load increases and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detection signal output is organized into periodic intervals synchronized with the rotation cycle of the first conveyance member. The switch control portion generates detection signals at regular intervals corresponding to the rotation period, which reduces the total number of signals compared to continuous output while maintaining complete detection coverage through systematic sampling.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy of sheet shape detection and reduces the risk of developer adherence to conveyance belts by synchronizing detection signal output intervals with conveyance speeds, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitting portion emits light toward a detection position located between the first conveyance member and the second conveyance member in the conveyance path, the light extending in a width direction of the sheet perpendicular to the conveyance path. The light receiving portion receives the light that has been emitted from the light emitting portion and reflected on the sheet passing the detection position
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance device includes a shape detecting portion, and a switch control portion. The shape detecting portion detects a shape of a sheet at a detection position between a first conveyance member and a second conveyance member. The switch control portion, when a front end of the sheet has passed a arrangement position at which the first conveyance member is arranged, switches an detection interval at which the shape of the sheet is detected by the shape detecting portion, to a first interval that corresponds to a rotation speed of the first conveyance member, and when a rear end of the sheet has passed the arrangement position, switches the detection interval to a second interval that corresponds to the rotation speed of the second conveyance member.