Paper Conveyance Device with Adjustable Suction Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet conveyance apparatuses cannot temporarily accumulate sheets in the middle of conveyance and convey them one by one to downstream processing apparatuses, especially when the processing speeds of upstream and downstream apparatuses differ.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a drive roller, idle roller, endless conveyor belt, suction box, and stopper plate, allowing sheets to be sequentially accumulated and then conveyed one by one, using airflow holes and a mechanism to prevent contact between accumulated sheets and the conveyor belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sheets are temporarily accumulated in the middle of conveyance, then sheets can be conveyed one by one to downstream apparatus, but conventional apparatus cannot separate accumulated sheets one by one
Solution Approach 1:
The suction box is divided into multiple independent suction ports that can selectively suction individual sheets from the accumulated stack. Each suction port corresponds to a specific sheet position, allowing precise separation of one sheet at a time from the accumulated bundle without affecting other sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction box acts as an intermediary device between the accumulated sheets and the downstream apparatus. It temporarily holds sheets through suction force, then releases them one by one to the downstream apparatus, mediating the transfer process to enable controlled single-sheet conveyance.
2Productivity
If the processing speed of upstream apparatus is faster than downstream apparatus, then sheets need to be temporarily accumulated, but conventional apparatus cannot handle varying sheet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The suction box is mounted on a movable carriage that can reciprocate along the conveyer belt. The carriage position is adjustable to accommodate different sheet sizes, allowing the suction box to align with the rear end of sheets regardless of their length. This dynamic positioning enables the system to handle various sheet dimensions while maintaining accumulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the suction box along the conveyer belt to adapt to different sheet sizes. By adjusting the carriage position, the suction box maintains proper alignment with sheets of varying lengths, enabling consistent single-sheet separation and conveyance across different sheet dimensions.
3Reliability
If vacuum suction is used to convey sheets, then sheets can be held and conveyed, but duplicate feed occurs when multiple sheets are in the attraction region
Solution Approach 1:
The suction box employs localized suction ports that are spatially distributed and selectively activated. Only the suction port corresponding to the target sheet is activated at any given time, creating a localized attraction zone. This prevents multiple sheets from being simultaneously suctioned, eliminating duplicate feed while maintaining reliable sheet holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction box operates with periodic activation of individual suction ports as sheets pass by. Each suction port is activated only when its corresponding sheet is in the correct position, creating a time-space coordinated suction pattern. This periodic, selective activation ensures single-sheet conveyance without duplicate feeding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates smooth handover of sheets between processing apparatuses by temporarily accumulating and conveying them one by one, accommodating varying sheet sizes through adjustable carriage and suction box positions.
Implementation Method 1
an intake source configured to generate a negative pressure inside the suction box
Implementation Method 2
the papers are conveyed by attracting in vacuum to a conveying belt
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
An endless conveyer belt 3 is stretched between drive and idle rollers 1, 2. A carriage 8 is arranged so as to reciprocate along the endless conveyer belt. A suction box 11 is arranged between upper and lower belt portions 3c, 3d of the endless conveyer belt and fixed to the carriage. A stopper plate 14 is fixed to the carriage and extends across a conveyer surface 3b and upward from the conveyer surface. A conveyance roller pair 13 is arranged at the upstream end of the conveyer surface. A region of the conveyer surface from a stopper plate 14 to the upstream end u forms a sheet accumulation area 15. A cover sheet 17 covers a region upstream of the suction box in the sheet accumulation area. The cover sheet is subjected to tension in the longitudinal direction by a winding-type constant force plate spring 18 and continually tensed spaced apart from the endless conveyer belt.