Sheet Feeding Timing Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face productivity decreases due to varying sheet-to-sheet intervals caused by differences in conveyance path lengths and the ability to temporarily stop sheet conveyance in sheet feeding and conveying mechanisms, leading to potential sheet collisions and inefficient processing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that determines feed and delivery request timings based on apparatus information from the sheet supplying mechanism, calculating conveyance times and speeds to optimize sheet delivery and prevent collisions, ensuring minimal sheet-to-sheet intervals and maintaining productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveyance path length is increased to prevent sheet collisions, then sheet safety is improved, but sheet-to-sheet interval increases leading to reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance speed variable rather than constant. The control unit dynamically adjusts the conveyance speed based on the type of sheet supplying mechanism and the length of the conveyance path. By increasing conveyance speed in systems with longer conveyance paths, the sheet-to-sheet interval is reduced while still preventing sheet collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of conveyance speed according to the configuration of the sheet supplying mechanism. When a sheet conveying apparatus is inserted (resulting in longer conveyance path), the conveyance speed is increased to compensate. This parameter change allows the system to maintain optimal sheet-to-sheet intervals and productivity regardless of the specific mechanism configuration
2Productivity
If the conveyance speed is increased to reduce sheet-to-sheet interval, then productivity is improved, but the risk of sheet collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit receives information about the sheet supplying mechanism type and conveyance path length, then adjusts the conveyance speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the conveyance speed is optimized for each specific configuration, maintaining high productivity while preventing sheet collisions through appropriate speed adjustment
3Reliability
If different sheet-to-sheet intervals are used for different sheet supplying mechanism configurations, then sheet collision prevention is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control unit determine the sheet supplying mechanism type and conveyance path length in advance, before sheet conveyance begins. Based on this preliminary information, the appropriate conveyance speed is pre-calculated and set. This preliminary determination simplifies the control process compared to real-time complex calculations, while still achieving reliable sheet collision prevention
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is configured to execute a print job for printing on a sheet supplied from a sheet supplying mechanism formed of a first sheet feeding apparatus configured to temporarily stop conveyance of the sheet within a conveyance path thereof or a second sheet feeding apparatus configured not to temporarily stop conveyance of the sheet within a conveyance path thereof. The image forming apparatus includes an image former configured to form an image on the sheet; an obtaining device configured to obtain apparatus information representing a type of an apparatus forming the sheet supplying mechanism; and a controller configured to determine, based on the apparatus information and the sheet supplying mechanism instructed to feed the sheet by the print job, timings to send, to the sheet supplying mechanism, a feed request for starting to feed the sheet and a delivery request for instructing to deliver the sheet.