Sheet Conveyance Control for Tray Sorting History
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in sorting sheets discharged separately to multiple trays in the original order, leading to time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing control method and apparatus that utilize multiple conveyance paths and trays, allowing selective execution of different conveyance processes based on sheet thickness and history, enabling sorting of sheets on multiple trays in their original order by recording conveyance history and selecting appropriate paths for each sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sheets are discharged separately to multiple trays for processing, then sheet processing can be performed on different sheets simultaneously, but sorting sheets back to original order becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system records conveyance history information for each sheet during the initial conveyance process, storing which tray each sheet was discharged to. This preliminary recording action enables automatic sorting later without manual intervention or time-consuming search operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses the recorded conveyance history information as feedback to determine the appropriate conveyance path for each sheet during the sorting process, ensuring sheets are returned to their original order efficiently
2Adaptability or versatility
If sheets are conveyed through multiple paths to different trays, then processing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance device is designed with multiple conveyance paths (first, second, third paths) that can be selectively activated based on processing needs. The same physical infrastructure serves both the initial processing conveyance and the subsequent sorting conveyance, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity
3Productivity
If sheets are processed in batches on multiple trays, then processing efficiency increases, but sheet damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines and records the conveyance path for each sheet during the initial processing phase, before the sorting operation begins. This preliminary determination allows for careful, controlled sorting that minimizes handling and reduces sheet damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting process automatically selects conveyance paths based on the recorded history information without requiring manual intervention. This automated self-service sorting reduces the risk of human error and excessive handling that could damage sheets
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device can selectively execute a first conveyance process of conveying sheets on a first tray and discharging the sheets onto a second tray, a second conveyance process of conveying the sheets on the first tray and discharging the sheets onto a third tray, or a third conveyance process of conveying the sheets on the third tray and discharging the sheets onto the second tray. A control device records conveyance history information indicating by which conveyance processes each of the sheets on the first tray has been conveyed in a storage device. Furthermore, the control device causes the sheet conveying device to sequentially select the first conveyance process or the third conveyance process for each of the sheets based on the conveyance history information and execute the selected process.