Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Discharge Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face productivity decreases due to the need to change sheet conveying speeds frequently when handling sheets discharged in reverse and non-reverse modes, requiring costly motors and increasing production costs, especially when mixed discharges occur.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a discharging unit capable of discharging sheets at different speeds and a control unit that adjusts the discharging speed based on the previous sheet's mode, maintaining equivalent speeds between the image forming apparatus and the sheet post processing device to minimize speed changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharging speed is changed to match the sheet post processing device receiving speed, then the sheet can be conveyed without pushing or slipping, but the productivity decreases due to frequent speed changes when handling mixed discharge modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the discharging speed adjustable and changeable based on the discharge mode. The system dynamically switches between first discharging speed (for reverse discharge) and second discharging speed (for non-reverse discharge), allowing the image forming apparatus to adapt its speed to match the sheet post processing device requirements while maintaining reliable sheet conveying without pushing or slipping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the discharging speed parameter according to the discharge mode. When discharge mode changes between reverse and non-reverse, the system adjusts the discharging speed parameter accordingly, enabling the sheet post processing device to receive sheets at appropriate speeds without frequent motor changes, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliable conveying
2Productivity
If a costly motor with large torque is used to enable quick speed changes, then the productivity can be maintained during mode switching, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard motor with speed adjustment capability instead of an expensive high-torque motor. By dynamically adjusting the discharging speed through control mechanisms rather than relying on motor torque, the system maintains productivity during mode switching while significantly reducing device manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of using a high-torque motor with a control-based speed adjustment system. Instead of relying on mechanical torque to enable quick speed changes, the system uses electronic control to adjust the discharging speed, substituting a costly mechanical component with a more economical control mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus connected to a conveying-speed-changeable sheet post processing device includes a discharging unit which discharges a sheet in a reverse discharge mode with front and back surfaces of the image-formed sheet reversed, and a non-reverse discharge mode without front and back surfaces of the image-formed sheet reversed, and discharges the sheet at a first speed or a second speed lower than the first speed; and a control unit which controls the discharging unit to discharge the sheet at the first speed in the reverse discharge mode and at the second speed in the non-reverse discharge mode. When the sheet is discharged at the second speed, the control unit controls the discharging unit to discharge a subsequent sheet at the second speed even if the subsequent sheet is to be discharged in the reverse discharge mode.