Discharge Unit Timing Control for Sheet Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading apparatuses face sheet jamming issues due to leftover sheets on the discharge tray interfering with incoming sheets during subsequent operations.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a supply tray, discharge tray, conveyance guide, reading sensor, discharge unit, controller, and sheet detection unit, where the controller determines the timing to move the discharge unit based on sheet detection results to prevent interference and ensure the discharge tray is clear before starting the next operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge unit is moved downward after image reading operation to prepare for next operation, then the discharge opening is positioned for sheet discharge, but leftover sheets on the discharge tray interfere with incoming sheets causing sheet jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet detection unit detects leftover sheets on the discharge tray before the discharge unit moves downward. The controller uses this detection information to determine the appropriate timing for moving the discharge unit, ensuring that the discharge opening is positioned only when the discharge tray is clear or the sheet stack height is sufficient, thereby preventing sheet jamming while maintaining operation readiness
2Reliability
If the discharge unit remains at the upper position to avoid interfering with sheets on the discharge tray, then sheet jamming is prevented, but the next image reading operation cannot start timely
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet detection unit continuously monitors the discharge tray for leftover sheets and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this real-time information to dynamically determine when the discharge unit should move to the lower position, allowing the next operation to start as soon as the tray is clear, thus minimizing operation delay while preventing sheet jamming
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a supply tray which supports sheets and includes a movable plate configured to move in correspondence to reduction in a number of the sheets, a discharge tray which is located below the supply tray; a discharge unit which has a discharge opening for discharging the sheet and moves from a lower position and a higher position in correspondence to reduction in the number of the sheets supported on the supply tray, a controller which controls movements of the movable plate and the discharge unit, and a sheet detection unit which detects whether the sheets supported on the discharge tray is lower than a predetermined height. The controller determines a timing to move the discharge unit from the higher position toward the lower position based on a detection result of the sheet detection unit.