Sheet Discharge Roller Control for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet discharge apparatuses generate excessive noise during the stacker mode due to continuous rotation of all discharge rollers, even when only the upper discharge tray is removed, leading to inefficiencies and noise pollution.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharge apparatus with a first and second discharge tray system, where the second discharge tray is detachable, and a controlling unit that halts the first discharge roller when the second tray is detached, allowing it to continue rotating until sheet discharge is complete, then halts, reducing unnecessary roller rotation and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If all discharge rollers are rotated during stacker mode, then sheets can be discharged properly, but noise is generated unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge roller's rotation state is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. In stacker mode, the discharge roller is halted to reduce noise, while in normal discharge mode, it rotates to perform its function. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by making the roller rotation conditional rather than continuous.
Solution Approach 2:
Different discharge rollers have different operational characteristics. The first discharge roller (associated with the detachable second tray) is halted in stacker mode, while the second discharge roller (associated with the fixed first tray) continues to operate. This local differentiation allows noise reduction in specific areas while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the first discharge roller is halted immediately when the second tray is detached, then noise is reduced, but a discharging sheet may be cut in half
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the discharge process and determines whether to halt the first discharge roller based on the state of sheet discharge. If a sheet is already being discharged when the second tray is detached, the roller continues rotating to complete the discharge before halting. This preliminary assessment prevents sheet damage while enabling noise reduction when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback about the discharge status and tray attachment state to make intelligent decisions about roller operation. By monitoring whether a sheet is in the process of being discharged, the system provides feedback-based control that balances noise reduction with sheet integrity protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharge apparatus includes first and second discharge trays, a support unit, first and second discharge rollers, and first and second controlling units. The second discharge tray is disposed above the first discharge tray and is detachable from the support unit. The first and second discharge rollers discharge a sheet toward the first and second discharge trays respectively. The first controlling unit executes control such that, in a case that the second discharge tray is detached from the support unit while the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller are halted, the first discharge roller remains halted, and in a case that the second discharge tray is detached from the support unit while the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller are rotating, the first discharge roller is halted after the first discharge roller continues rotating until a sheet has been discharged toward the first discharge tray.