Sheet Conveyance Timing Control via Load Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance systems in image forming apparatuses face precision issues due to deviations in timing caused by individual differences in mechanical transmission mechanisms, leading to potential productivity losses.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a drive source, conveyance portion, transmission mechanism, load detection, and control portion that adjusts the timing of switching between transmission ratios based on detected load changes and response times to improve timing precision in sheet conveyance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical transmission mechanism is used to change sheet conveyance speed, then shared use of the drive source is advanced, but timing deviation occurs due to individual differences in the transmission mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion detects the actual timing of sheet conveyance speed change using a sensor and compares it with the ideal timing, then adjusts the control signal timing for the transmission mechanism based on the detected deviation. This feedback loop compensates for individual differences in transmission mechanisms and maintains precise timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion dynamically adjusts the timing parameter of the control signal sent to the transmission mechanism based on detected load changes and actual conveyance timing. By changing the timing parameter in response to actual conditions, the system compensates for variations in transmission mechanism performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the timing of transmission ratio switching is adjusted to compensate for delay, then sheet position precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion uses feedback from the sensor that detects sheet position and load detection to automatically adjust switching timing. This feedback-based approach simplifies the control logic compared to requiring manual calibration or complex predictive models, as the system self-adjusts based on actual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically measures its own timing deviations using the sensor and load detection, then self-corrects by adjusting the transmission ratio switching timing. This self-service capability reduces the need for external calibration or complex control algorithms.
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 precision of sheet position control during conveyance, reducing deviations and improving productivity by accurately adjusting the speed change timing in response to detected load changes and response times.
Implementation Method 1
a load detection portion configured to detect a load acting on the drive source
Implementation Method 2
a transmission mechanism configured to switch between a first state in which the transmission mechanism transmits the driving force to the conveyance portion at a first transmission ratio, and a second state in which the transmission mechanism transmits the driving force to the conveyance portion at a second transmission ratio different from the first transmission ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a drive source, a conveyance portion, a transmission mechanism configured to switch between a first state and a second state, a load detection portion configured to detect a load acting on the drive source, and a control portion configured to control the drive source and the transmission mechanism. The control portion is configured to change, on a basis of a detection result of the load detection portion, a timing in the conveyance operation at which a control signal for switching the transmission mechanism from the first state to the second state is issued, the timing being changed in accordance with a delay time from when the control signal is issued to when change in the load corresponding to the switching of the transmission mechanism from the first state to the second state appears.