Conveyance Device Sheet Length Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing processes where sheets of varying lengths are used, existing conveyance systems experience reduced efficiency due to the need to reset conveyance speed and timing for each sheet length, leading to standby times and decreased productivity.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance device with a processor that adjusts the feed start time and conveyance speed based on sheet length, maintaining conditions for preceding sheets when succeeding sheets are shorter and adjusting for longer sheets by resetting only after all preceding sheets are ejected, thereby optimizing the conveyance path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyance speed and timing are reset for each sheet length, then the conveyance system can handle varying sheet lengths, but the productivity decreases due to standby times
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines the conveyance conditions in advance based on the sheet length before the sheet is actually conveyed. By pre-calculating the appropriate feed start time and conveyance speed based on stored sheet length information, the system prepares the conveyance system ahead of time, eliminating the need to wait for previous sheets to clear when switching to different sheet lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveyance conditions (feed start time and conveyance speed) based on the actual sheet length detected. When a sheet of a different length is detected, the control unit modifies the conveyance parameters in real-time to match the new sheet length, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions without resetting the entire conveyance sequence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyance condition is reset for each sheet length change, then the system adapts to new sheet lengths, but the standby time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of conveyance conditions based on sheet length information before the actual conveyance begins. By pre-calculating the feed start time and conveyance speed in advance, the system eliminates the need to wait for previous sheets to clear the conveyance path, thereby reducing standby time when switching between different sheet lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance operation continues without interruption by maintaining the conveyance condition of the preceding sheet when the succeeding sheet has a shorter length. This allows the system to keep the conveyance path in motion continuously, avoiding idle standby periods that would occur if the system waited for all preceding sheets to be ejected before starting the next sheet.
3Manufacturing precision
If the feed start time and conveyance speed are adjusted for each sheet, then the conveyance precision is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the conveyance parameters (feed start time and conveyance speed) based on the sheet length detected. By storing sheet length information and using that to determine appropriate conveyance conditions, the system maintains precise control over the conveyance process while using a relatively simple control approach that leverages pre-stored data rather than complex real-time calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance device includes a processor that adjusts a conveyance condition including at least one of a feed start time of a medium by a feeder and a conveyance speed of the medium by a conveyor in a conveyance path including a processing path and a circulation path, based on a length of the medium in the conveyance direction. The processor adjusts the conveyance condition on the basis of a fact that a length of the succeeding medium conveyed to the circulation path in the conveyance direction is longer than that of the preceding medium conveyed to the circulation path, and maintains the conveyance condition of the preceding medium on the basis of a fact that the length of the succeeding medium in the conveyance direction is shorter than that of the preceding medium.