Sheet Finisher Tray Counting via Rotatable Pressure Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet finishing apparatuses cannot accurately determine the number of recording media on a tray after power loss or power saving mode, leading to inconvenient multiple trips by users to remove all sheets, as the memory of counted stacks is erased, and the system incorrectly indicates a tray full condition.
Innovation Solution
A sheet finishing apparatus with a rotatable moving member that changes its angular position in response to the number of recording media on the tray, detected by sensors, and a controller that controls output based on sensor data and job information to prevent unnecessary sheet stacks from being output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate counter is used to count sheet stacks after the detecting member detects the first stack, then the tray full condition can be controlled, but the memory is erased when power is turned off or power saving mode is entered, requiring multiple trips by users to remove all sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure arm mechanism automatically serves the dual function of pressing the sheet stack and counting the number of sheets through its angular position changes. The system uses the physical state of the sheet stack (presence/absence) to automatically determine both tray full condition and sheet count, eliminating the need for separate counters that require power maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it presses the sheet stack to secure it on the tray, and simultaneously its angular position indicates the number of sheets present. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate counting mechanisms and maintains operation continuity even after power loss.
2Device complexity
If the detecting member only detects the presence of the first sheet stack, then the structure is simple, but after power loss the system cannot determine the number of sheet stacks, causing incorrect tray full indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure arm uses its own angular position changes, caused by the weight and stacking of sheets, to provide counting information. The system leverages the physical characteristics of the sheet stack itself to generate the measurement signal, eliminating the need for complex external detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic counting systems with a mechanical measurement approach. The angular position of the pressure arm, which is a mechanical component, directly reflects the number of sheets through physical interaction, providing a reliable measurement that persists without continuous power supply.
3Loss of energy
If the memory storing counted sheet stacks is erased during power saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot determine the correct number of sheets, requiring users to empty the tray completely
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the physical presence and weight of the sheet stack to automatically generate counting information through the pressure arm's angular position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for powered memory storage, as the mechanical state of the sheets themselves provides the data needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure arm continuously maintains contact with the sheet stack, preliminarily measuring the angular position to determine sheet count. This continuous mechanical measurement occurs regardless of power state, ensuring the system always knows the correct number of sheets without requiring powered memory retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet finishing apparatus for an image forming apparatus includes a discharging member configured to discharge recording media. A tray is configured to receive the discharged recording media. A rotatable moving member is configured to contact the discharged recording media such that an angular position of the rotatable member changes in response to a number of the recording media on the tray. A detecting member is configured to detect a movement of the moving member. A controller is configured to control an output of the recording media to the tray based on an output of the detecting member.