Sheet Discharge Stack Control for Overflow-Free Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet discharging apparatuses fail to accurately determine the maximum stackable sheet amount, leading to potential overflow and jamming, especially with varying sheet sizes and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharging apparatus with a moving member and detection system that adjusts discharge modes based on sheet type, length, and environmental factors, allowing for controlled stacking and preventing overflow by restricting or continuing discharge depending on the detection position of the moving member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical sensor detects that the moving member has reached the second position, then the control portion restricts discharge of sheets, but this causes premature stopping of printing operations and reduces the number of sheets that can be stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection range into multiple positions (first, second, and third positions) with distinct control responses. The first position triggers restriction mode, while the second position allows continued discharge with counting, and the third position triggers complete stop. This segmentation enables more precise control and increases the number of stackable sheets while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion dynamically adjusts discharge restriction based on the moving member's position and the type of sheet being discharged. The system transitions between different control modes (first mode with restriction and second mode with continued discharge) depending on real-time detection results, optimizing both accuracy and productivity adaptively.
2Reliability
If the control portion stops printing immediately when the optical sensor detects the second position, then sheet overflow is prevented, but this causes unnecessary interruptions and reduces stacking capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary counting of discharged sheets after reaching the second position before completely stopping. This preliminary action allows the system to determine the exact number of stackable sheets and make informed decisions about when to stop, preventing premature interruptions and optimizing printing operation continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion continuously monitors the moving member's position and adjusts discharge restriction based on real-time feedback. When the second position is detected, the system enters a monitoring phase where it counts discharged sheets and adjusts control accordingly, rather than immediately stopping, thus reducing unnecessary interruptions.
3Device complexity
If the moving member is used to detect sheet stack height, then the detection is simple and effective, but this method cannot accurately account for varying sheet sizes and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the predetermined number of sheets based on multiple parameters including sheet type, sheet length in the conveyance direction, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains high measurement precision across varying conditions while using the simple moving member detection mechanism.
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
Enhances the ability to stack more sheets without overflow or jamming by dynamically adjusting discharge operations based on sheet characteristics and environmental conditions, maintaining efficient and stable sheet handling.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor, an arm-like rotor that extends from a rotary shaft into a sheet discharging space, and an arm-like sensor that extends upward from the rotary shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharging apparatus includes a discharging portion, a stacking portion, a moving member configured to move to a first position, a second position, and a third position, a detection portion, and a control portion. In a case where the detection portion detects that the moving member has reached the second position, the control portion controls the discharging portion in a first mode or a second mode. In the second mode, the control portion restricts the discharge of a sheet after a predetermined number of sheets has been discharged to the stacking portion. The control portion is configured to determine the predetermined number of sheets, depending on a type of the sheet discharged by the discharging portion, a length of the sheet in a sheet conveyance direction, and temperature and/or humidity.