Sheet Feeding Apparatus Air Separation Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with sheet feeding failure due to high adhesion between sheets with smooth surfaces, leading to feeding failures and sheet skew when air separation methods are used, as edges tend to curl and rotate.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a control system that selectively executes air blowing operations based on detected sheet presence and type, using two modes (fixed and manual) to minimize sheet skew by optimizing air separation timing and reducing adhesion between sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is blown to a bundle of sheets with smooth surface to separate them, then sheet adhesion is reduced and feeding is enabled, but sheet edges curl and rotate causing skew
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing operation is performed in advance before the feeding operation starts. The control unit executes the air blowing operation for a predetermined period after detecting sheets on the manual feed tray, so that sheets are separated and edges are flattened before the feeding process begins, preventing skew during feeding
Solution Approach 2:
The air blowing operation is executed periodically based on detected sheet presence. The control unit repeatedly executes the air blowing operation for a predetermined period whenever sheets are detected on the manual feed tray, ensuring consistent separation and edge stabilization before each feeding operation
2Reliability
If air blowing operation is executed continuously to maintain sheet separation, then feeding reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing operation is executed periodically rather than continuously. The control unit repeatedly executes the air blowing operation for a predetermined period whenever sheets are detected on the manual feed tray, and stops it when sheets are removed, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining feeding reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit detects sheet presence on the manual feed tray and uses this feedback information to control the air blowing operation. The air blowing operation is executed only when sheets are detected, and the control unit adjusts the operation timing based on the detected sheet state, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption
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 effectively reduces sheet skew and improves feeding accuracy by ensuring appropriate air separation timing, enhancing the First Copy Out Time (FCOT) and overall printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a separation portion configured to separate the plurality of sheets supported on the sheet support portion by blowing air to the plurality of sheets
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus configured to feed a sheet includes a sheet support portion, a feeding portion, a sheet support detection portion, a separation portion, and a control portion configured to selectively execute a first mode and a second mode, wherein in a case where a first type is set as a sheet type of the sheets in a state where the first mode is selected, the control portion starts air blowing by the separation portion upon detection that the sheets are supported on the sheet support portion, and wherein in a case where the sheet type setting operation is executed upon detection that the sheets are supported on the sheet support portion and the first type is set as the sheet type in a state where the second mode is selected, the control portion starts air blowing by the separation portion.