Sheet Discharge Pivot Member for Accurate Full Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses incorrectly detect full load status when the interval between continuously conveyed sheets is shortened, leading to premature cessation of the image forming operation and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharge apparatus with a pivot member that pivots in response to sheet discharge, a detecting unit to monitor the pivot member's position, and a control unit that adjusts the sheet interval between preceding and succeeding sheets, allowing for accurate detection of the number of sheets discharged and preventing erroneous full load detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the interval between continuously conveyed sheets is shortened to increase productivity, then the number of sheets discharged per unit time increases, but the sensor erroneously detects full load status and stops the image forming operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member is pushed up in advance by the leading end of each discharged sheet before the sheet is fully laid on the sheet supporting portion. This preliminary action allows the system to detect sheet discharge status proactively, distinguishing between sheets in transit and sheets fully deposited, thereby preventing erroneous full load detection during continuous conveyance at shortened intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member is designed to dynamically respond to sheet discharge by pivoting up when a sheet is discharged and pivoting down when the sheet is fully laid. This dynamic mechanism transforms the static sensor detection into an active, state-responsive system that accurately tracks the discharge process, enabling reliable detection even when sheets are conveyed at short intervals
2Productivity
If the sheet interval is set to a predetermined distance or shorter during continuous conveyance, then productivity is improved, but the sensor signal remains continuously on and cannot switch off to detect actual full load status
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member performs a preliminary push-up action when the leading end of each sheet contacts it during discharge. This preliminary detection occurs before the sheet is fully laid, creating a distinct detection event that is independent of subsequent sheet arrival, allowing the sensor to accurately track each sheet's discharge status even at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member acts as an intermediary between the discharged sheet and the sensor. It translates the physical presence of the sheet's leading end into a mechanical pivoting motion that the sensor can detect, providing clear, discrete signals for each sheet discharge event regardless of the interval between sheets
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
Enables continuous discharge of sheets at a short interval without reducing productivity, accurately detecting the full load status and preventing premature cessation of the image forming operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot member configured to pivot in an up-down direction around a pivot axis by being pressed by the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharge apparatus includes a pivot member pivoting in an up-down direction by being pressed by a sheet discharged from a sheet discharging portion, with the pivot member retained by being in contact with an uppermost sheet supported on the sheet supporting portion. A control unit changes a sheet interval between a preceding sheet and a succeeding sheet and executes a first discharge operation in which at least one sheet is discharged, and a second discharge operation in which sheets are discharged by the sheet discharging portion at a first sheet interval such that the pivot member does not contact with an uppermost sheet supported on the sheet supporting portion during the second discharge operation, and the control unit acquires a number of sheets to be discharged in the second discharge operation based on a detected position of the pivot member detected during the first discharge operation.