Paper jam detection device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of paper jam detection device, comprising: slide rail, it extends along paper transmission direction arrangement;Multiple pedestals, perpendicular to paper transmission direction arrangement, and interval arrangement in the upper of paper guide channel along paper transmission direction, each pedestal is slidably arranged on slide rail;The length size of pedestal is configured to cover the width range of paper transmission path;Multiple microswitches, it is respectively arranged on pedestal, and the trigger portion of microswitch is arranged to the side towards paper guide channel;Micro-control unit, electrically connected to multiple microswitches, and multiple microswitches transmit on-off signal to micro-control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing machinery and equipment, specifically, to a paper blockage detection device. Background Technology

[0002] In automated equipment for printing, copying, and packaging, continuous and stable paper transport is crucial for ensuring normal operation. However, due to factors such as differences in paper material, fluctuations in transport speed, and wear and tear on mechanical parts, paper clogging, including paper wrinkling, misalignment, and stacking, is prone to occur. If paper clogging is not detected and addressed in a timely manner, it can not only lead to equipment downtime and reduced production efficiency but may also cause secondary malfunctions such as paper breakage and mechanical damage, increasing maintenance costs.

[0003] Currently, existing paper blockage detection devices suffer from the following main shortcomings: Most devices use single-point sensors or localized detection structures, which can only monitor specific locations along the paper transport path and cannot cover multiple areas of the path, easily creating blind spots and resulting in low detection sensitivity; the sensor positions of traditional detection devices are fixed and cannot be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as paper width and thickness. When changing to different paper sizes, the detection components need to be disassembled and adjusted again, which is cumbersome and difficult to guarantee accuracy; existing devices mostly use embedded structures, and switch failures require complete machine disassembly and repair, resulting in high maintenance costs and long repair times; some detection systems lack a fast signal processing mechanism, resulting in a long delay in recognizing paper blockage signals and an inability to intervene in the early stages of paper blockage, leading to the expansion of the fault.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a paper jam detection device that is highly sensitive, adaptable, simple and stable in structure, and has a rapid response. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a paper blockage detection device to at least solve the problems of limited detection range, low sensitivity, poor adaptability, and high maintenance cost of existing paper blockage detection devices.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a paper blockage detection device, comprising: A slide rail is provided that extends along the paper transport direction; Multiple bases are arranged perpendicular to the paper transport direction and spaced apart above the paper guide channel along the paper transport direction. Each base is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The length of each base is configured to cover the width of the paper guide channel. Multiple microswitches are respectively disposed on the base, and the trigger part of the microswitches is disposed on the side facing the paper guide channel; The microcontroller is electrically connected to a plurality of microswitches, which transmit on / off signals to the microcontroller.

[0007] Furthermore, each of the bases is provided with at least one micro switch, and the at least one micro switch is located at the center of the base along the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the slide rail is a ball bearing guide rail, and the base is slidably engaged with the slide rail via a slider.

[0009] Furthermore, the slide rail is equipped with a knob-type mechanical locking mechanism; when the base slides along the slide rail to the target position, the knob-type mechanical locking mechanism can fix the base and the slide rail relative to each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the slide rail is made of high-strength aluminum alloy.

[0011] Furthermore, the base is provided with a micro switch mounting hole, and the micro switch is fixed to the micro switch mounting hole by fasteners.

[0012] Furthermore, the fastener is an M4 bolt, and the micro switch mounting hole is a threaded hole adapted to the M4 bolt.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an audible and visual alarm unit, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and can issue an alarm signal when the microcontroller unit determines that a paper jam has occurred.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention uses multiple bases spaced apart along the paper transport direction, along with microswitches on each base facing the paper guide channel, to form a detection network covering the entire paper transport path, effectively eliminating blind spots present in traditional single-point detection. At the same time, the base length covers the width of the paper guide channel, and the distributed layout of the microswitches significantly improves the detection sensitivity for abnormalities such as paper wrinkles and offsets, ensuring that paper blockages at any location can be detected in a timely manner.

[0015] This utility model adopts a base design that can be slidably mounted on the slide rail, combined with a knob-type mechanical locking mechanism, so that the detection component can be flexibly adjusted according to different paper specifications. It can quickly adapt to the paper transmission needs of various widths without disassembly, solving the problems of poor adaptability and cumbersome adjustment of traditional devices. The combination of ball guide rail and high-strength aluminum alloy material not only ensures the smooth and accurate adjustment process, but also improves the stability and service life of the overall structure, and reduces detection errors caused by mechanical vibration.

[0016] The modular base design and bolt-fixed microswitch assembly structure of this utility model allow for the maintenance and replacement of individual components without disassembling the entire machine, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0017] This invention achieves rapid response and intuitive prompting of paper jam signals through the linkage of the microcontroller unit and the audible and visual alarm unit. Combined with the self-check function of switch connectivity when the equipment is started, it further improves the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the device and effectively reduces the risk of equipment damage caused by untimely paper jam handling. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the paper blockage detection device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the paper blockage detection device in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the above image: 1. Slide rail; 2. Base; 3. Micro switch. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "level," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-2 The technical solution of this embodiment is described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following implementation methods and embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the paper blockage detection device in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 The present invention provides a paper blockage detection device, including a slide rail 1, multiple bases 2, and multiple microswitches 3. The arrows indicate the paper transport path, and the dashed boxes represent the paper.

[0025] The slide rail 1 extends along the paper transport direction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the slide rail 1 is fixedly mounted on the outer side of the paper transport path of the printing equipment, and can be secured by means of bolts or other methods to ensure that the slide rail 1 remains parallel to the paper transport path and is in a stable position. The length of the slide rail 1 is adapted to the length of the paper transport path of the printing equipment, typically covering the entire travel from the paper inlet to the paper outlet, providing sufficient installation space for the spaced arrangement of multiple bases 2. This fixing method ensures the structural rigidity of the slide rail 1 and facilitates adjustment of the installation position according to different equipment models, enhancing the versatility of the device.

[0027] Multiple bases 2 are arranged perpendicular to the paper transport direction and are spaced apart above the paper guide channel along the paper transport direction. Each base 2 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 1. The length of the base 2 is configured to cover the width range of the paper guide channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the length of the base 2 is at least greater than the maximum adaptable width of the paper guide channel to ensure that it does not obstruct the passage of paper and that there are no blind spots for detection at the edge where paper blockage is detected.

[0029] In some embodiments, by sliding the base 2 along the slide rail 1, the detection position can be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as the length of different papers. This allows for adaptation to various specifications, from narrow-width tickets to wide-width cardboard, without replacing the entire detection assembly, significantly improving the device's versatility and reducing adjustment costs when changing paper sizes. Furthermore, based on the distribution of areas prone to paper clogging in the paper transport path, the number of bases 2 and the switch density in those areas can be increased by sliding the base 2, while appropriately reducing the layout in non-critical areas. This achieves precise allocation of detection resources, ensuring detection reliability while avoiding unnecessary cost waste. Moreover, if a single base 2 or its microswitch 3 malfunctions, the base 2 can be slid apart for individual replacement or repair without affecting other detection components, significantly shortening maintenance downtime and reducing equipment operation and maintenance costs.

[0030] Multiple microswitches 3 are respectively disposed on the base 2, and the trigger part of the microswitches 3 is disposed on the side facing the paper guide channel.

[0031] In some embodiments, the triggering part of the micro switch 3 adopts an elastic metal contact structure. The contact extends into the paper guide channel by an appropriate length and is preset with an appropriate triggering force. On the one hand, the appropriate extension length can avoid unnecessary friction between the contact and the normally transmitted paper, reducing paper wear or transmission resistance. On the other hand, the appropriate triggering force can ensure that the switch is reliably triggered when the paper is blocked and arched, and can also prevent false triggering caused by external factors such as mechanical vibration and airflow disturbance, further improving detection accuracy.

[0032] In some embodiments, the micro switch 3 adopts a waterproof and dustproof housing design, which can effectively resist contaminants such as dust and ink splashes that may exist in the working environment of printing equipment, extend the service life of the switch, reduce the maintenance frequency caused by switch failure, and indirectly improve the operational stability of the entire detection device.

[0033] In some embodiments, when a paper jam occurs, the paper arches upwards due to obstructed transport. As the jam worsens, the arch height gradually increases until it contacts and presses the elastic metal contact of the microswitch 3. The contact deforms under pressure, causing the internal contacts of the microswitch 3 to close, changing the original high-level signal to a low-level signal and transmitting it to the microcontroller. Since multiple microswitches 3 form a distributed detection network along the paper transport direction, paper jams at different locations will trigger the corresponding microswitches 3 to operate. The microcontroller can preliminarily determine the specific area where the paper jam occurs based on the location information of the triggered switches, providing precise guidance for operators to handle the fault and further shortening the troubleshooting time.

[0034] The microcontroller unit is electrically connected to multiple microswitches 3, and the multiple microswitches 3 transmit on / off signals to the microcontroller unit.

[0035] In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit is located on the motherboard of the printing equipment and is electrically connected to each microswitch 3 through the onboard circuit of the PCB. This eliminates the need for additional complex external wiring and reduces the risk of signal interference or short circuits caused by messy wiring.

[0036] In some embodiments, the signal input terminal of the microcontroller is equipped with a filtering circuit, which can reduce the noise of the on / off signal transmitted by the micro switch 3, avoid signal distortion caused by electromagnetic interference during equipment operation, and ensure the accuracy of paper blockage judgment.

[0037] In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit is pre-programmed with a switch connectivity self-test program. Each time the device is started, it automatically sends a detection signal to each microswitch 3 and receives feedback. If an open circuit or short circuit fault is detected in a certain microswitch 3, it will immediately trigger the audible and visual alarm unit to issue a fault prompt and display the corresponding number of the faulty switch on the device operation interface, so that the operator can quickly locate and replace the faulty component.

[0038] During normal testing, the microcontroller unit's response time to the low-level signal emitted by the micro switch 3 is less than 100ms, and it only determines paper jam when the low-level signal lasts for 2s. This ensures the speed of paper jam detection and effectively avoids the problem of misjudgment caused by the paper briefly shaking and triggering the switch.

[0039] Preferably, each base 2 is provided with at least one micro switch 3, and the at least one micro switch 3 is located at the center of the base 2 along the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, each base 2 is provided with at least one microswitch 3. Since the arching formed when paper gets stuck is generally concentrated in the middle area of ​​the paper width direction, especially when the width of the paper guide channel is adapted to the paper size, the paper is more prone to upward deformation in the middle due to the lack of edge support when squeezed by the transmission resistance. Therefore, placing at least one microswitch 3 at the center of the base 2 along the perpendicular direction of paper transmission can preferentially capture the abnormal signal of this high-frequency paper jam area, greatly improving the response efficiency of paper jam detection. At the same time, the microswitch 3 at the center position can serve as a basic detection point. Even in scenarios where only a simplified detection structure is required, a single central switch can cover the core area where the paper is most prone to arching, balancing the requirements of detection reliability and structural simplification.

[0041] In some embodiments, multiple microswitches 3 can be spaced apart on each base 2 along the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, forming an array of microswitches 3 in the paper width direction. This ensures seamless coverage of the edges and middle areas of papers of different widths. Even if the paper has local wrinkles or slight shifts, the corresponding microswitches 3 can be touched, avoiding the problem of missed detection due to sparse detection points.

[0042] Preferably, the slide rail 1 is a ball bearing guide rail, and the base 2 is slidably engaged with the slide rail 1 via a slider. The structure of the ball bearing guide rail and slider allows the base 2 to slide smoothly and be precisely positioned, ensuring that the adjustment process is labor-saving and efficient.

[0043] Preferably, the slide rail 1 is equipped with a rotary mechanical locking mechanism; when the base 2 slides along the slide rail 1 to the target position, the rotary mechanical locking mechanism can fix the base 2 relative to the slide rail 1. The rotary mechanical locking mechanism can reliably fix the base 2 after it is in place, preventing position displacement due to vibration during equipment operation and ensuring detection stability.

[0044] Preferably, the slide rail 1 is made of high-strength aluminum alloy. The high-strength aluminum alloy slide rail 1 not only ensures the structural rigidity and deformation resistance of supporting multiple bases 2, but also significantly reduces the overall weight, making the device easier to install and debug, and able to adapt to the long-term vibration environment of the printing equipment.

[0045] Preferably, the base 2 is provided with a mounting hole for the micro switch 3, and the micro switch 3 is fixed to the mounting hole by fasteners.

[0046] Preferably, the fastener is an M4 bolt, and the mounting hole of the micro switch 3 is a threaded hole adapted to the M4 bolt.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fixing method of M4 bolts and matching threaded holes enables precise positioning and stable assembly of the micro switch 3, avoiding displacement or false triggering caused by vibration, and ensuring detection accuracy and structural durability. On the other hand, the standardized detachable design simplifies switch replacement and maintenance operations, and is also compatible with multiple models of micro switches 3, greatly improving the operation and maintenance efficiency and adaptability of the device.

[0048] Preferably, it also includes an audible and visual alarm unit, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and can issue an alarm signal when the microcontroller unit determines that a paper jam has occurred.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the specific steps of the working process of this paper blockage detection device are as follows: First, when the printing equipment is powered on, the microcontroller unit (MCU) automatically triggers the initialization program, sending detection signals to each of the microswitches 3 on the base 2 and receiving the on / off status feedback from each switch. If all microswitches 3 return a normal high-level signal, the MCU determines that the detection system is fault-free, the device enters standby mode, and the printing equipment is allowed to start the paper transport process. If one or more microswitches 3 return a low-level signal or no signal, the MCU immediately controls the audible and visual alarm unit to emit flashing lights and a buzzer, displays the corresponding number of the faulty switch on the equipment operation interface, and locks the paper transport function until the operator replaces the faulty switch and completes the self-test again.

[0050] After the self-test passes, the paper is conveyed normally along the paper guide channel. At this time, the paper is not in contact with the elastic metal contact of the microswitch 3, and all microswitches 3 remain in the normally open state, continuously transmitting high-level signals to the microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit collects the signals from each switch in real time. If it continuously receives high-level signals without signal fluctuations, it determines that the paper conveying is normal, and the device maintains the monitoring state without interfering with the printing process.

[0051] When the paper arches upwards due to transmission resistance, it first contacts the microswitch 3 on the corresponding area of ​​the base 2. The contact is compressed, causing the internal contacts of the switch to close, and the signal transmitted from the switch to the microcontroller changes from high to low. Upon detecting the low-level signal, the microcontroller starts a 2-second delay timer. If the low-level signal persists for 2 seconds, the microcontroller determines that a real paper jam has occurred and locks the position information of the trigger switch. If the signal returns to a high level within 2 seconds, the microcontroller determines it is an interference trigger, clears the timing record, and returns to normal monitoring.

[0052] Once the microcontroller unit confirms a paper jam, it immediately executes a linkage operation, sending a stop command to the main control system of the printing equipment to cut off the power to the paper conveyor motor, preventing further paper stacking and worsening of the jam. It also controls the audible and visual alarm unit to emit flashing lights and a buzzer to alert the operator and sends a fault code containing the location of the paper jam to the host computer. The host computer interface simultaneously displays a schematic diagram of the paper jam location to assist the operator in quickly locating the problem.

[0053] Following the prompts from the host computer, the operator locates the paper jam, removes the abnormal paper from the paper guide channel, and manually presses the "Reset" button on the equipment. Upon receiving the reset signal, the microcontroller unit re-collects the states of all microswitches: if all switches return to a high level, the paper jam is determined to be cleared, the audible and visual alarm unit stops alarming, the motor lock is released, and the printing equipment is allowed to restart the transmission process; if a low-level signal still exists, the alarm state continues until the paper jam is completely cleared.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model without departing from the technical solution of this utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A paper blockage detection device, characterized in that, include: A slide rail is provided that extends along the paper transport direction; Multiple bases are arranged perpendicular to the paper transport direction and spaced apart above the paper guide channel along the paper transport direction. Each base is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The length of each base is configured to cover the width of the paper guide channel. Multiple microswitches are respectively disposed on the base, and the trigger part of the microswitches is disposed on the side facing the paper guide channel; The microcontroller is electrically connected to a plurality of microswitches, which transmit on / off signals to the microcontroller.

2. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the bases is provided with at least one micro switch, and the at least one micro switch is located at the center of the base along the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction.

3. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide rail is a ball bearing guide rail, and the base is slidably engaged with the slide rail via a slider.

4. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide rail is equipped with a knob-type mechanical locking mechanism; when the base slides along the slide rail to the target position, the knob-type mechanical locking mechanism can fix the base and the slide rail relative to each other.

5. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide rail is made of high-strength aluminum alloy.

6. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with a micro switch mounting hole, and the micro switch is fixed to the micro switch mounting hole by fasteners.

7. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fastener is an M4 bolt, and the micro switch mounting hole is a threaded hole adapted to the M4 bolt.

8. The paper blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an audible and visual alarm unit, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and can issue an alarm signal when the microcontroller unit determines that a paper jam has occurred.

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