Sheet Interval Detection in Detachable Feeding Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with multiple detachable sheet feeding units, serial communication delays can hinder sheet conveying speed, leading to a loss of real-time status data and reduced throughput, as the increased number of status data checks complicates the sheet-to-sheet interval detection, making it difficult to maintain high processing speeds without adding dedicated signal lines, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a transmitting unit sending feeding instructions via a signal line to sheet feeding units, utilizing first and second sheet detectors to detect sheets, and a receiving unit to gather status data, allowing the image formation controller to determine whether to continue or stop the image formation based on sheet-to-sheet interval detection by the second sheet detector, thereby maintaining throughput without additional signal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple detachable sheet feeding units are connected via serial communication, then the sheet feeding capacity is increased, but the communication delay increases and real-time status data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sheet detection function into two independent detectors: a first sheet detector in the sheet feeding unit and a second sheet detector in the image forming apparatus. This segmentation allows each detector to operate independently, with the first detector providing local real-time detection and the second detector providing confirmation, thereby overcoming the limitations of serial communication delays while maintaining multi-unit capacity.
2Productivity
If the sheet conveying speed is increased, then the throughput is improved, but the sheet-to-sheet interval becomes shorter and sensor detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first sheet detector performs preliminary detection of the sheet-to-sheet interval at the sheet feeding unit before the sheet reaches the image forming apparatus. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for high-speed operation by detecting sheets earlier in the process, giving the control system advance notice and enabling it to maintain accurate detection even at reduced sheet-to-sheet intervals.
3Productivity
If a dedicated signal line is added for sensor information, then the throughput can be maintained, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing signal lines multi-functional by having them transmit both control signals and status data bidirectionally. The first sheet detector in the sheet feeding unit communicates with the control unit through the existing communication interface, allowing status data to be transmitted without requiring dedicated sensor signal lines. This universal usage of existing lines maintains throughput while avoiding additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Detachable sheet feeding units are connected to an image forming apparatus. A transmitting unit transmits a feeding instruction via a signal line to a sheet feeding unit that is to perform sheet feeding. A first sheet detector, which is placed in the sheet feeding unit, detects a sheet that has been fed from the sheet feeding unit. A second sheet detector is provided downstream of the first sheet detector in terms of the sheet conveyance direction. If the feeding instruction is transmitted and a plurality of sheets are fed from the sheet feeding unit, an image formation controller determines whether to cause the image forming operation to continue or stop based upon whether a sheet-to-sheet interval of a plurality of sheets has been detected by the second sheet detector in a state in which the result of detection by the first sheet detector indicates presence of a sheet.