Sheet Feeder Gap Detection Using Integrated Diffused Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeder systems face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining accurate detection of sheet separation timing, leading to inconsistent sheet intervals and potential detection errors due to the requirement of bulky optical elements.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeder system with a gap occurrence detection unit that includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a converging reflector, where the light emitting element emits diffused light and the light receiving element is on the same side of the sheet transport path, with the converging reflector on the opposite side to converge and reflect light for detection, eliminating the need for additional optical elements and improving space efficiency and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If both light diffusion plate and light converging plate are arranged as optical elements, then accurate detection of sheet separation timing is achieved, but apparatus size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light diffusion function from a separate light diffusion plate and integrates it into the light emitting element itself. The light emitting element is configured to emit diffused light directly, eliminating the need for the light diffusion plate while maintaining the ability to accurately detect sheet separation timing through the combination of the modified light emitting element and light converging plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light diffusion function with the light emitting element by configuring it to emit diffused light. This consolidation reduces the number of separate optical elements needed, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining detection accuracy through the integrated design working with the light converging plate.
2Measurement precision
If both light diffusion plate and light converging plate are arranged as optical elements, then accurate detection of sheet separation timing is achieved, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light diffusion plate from the optical element arrangement, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This extraction lowers production costs while maintaining detection accuracy through the redesigned light emitting element and light converging plate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a light emitting element configured to emit diffused light directly, replacing the need for expensive optical plates. This substitution with a more cost-effective light source configuration reduces apparatus cost while maintaining the necessary detection precision.
3Productivity
If pick-up roller picks up uppermost recording sheet, then sheet feeding operation is performed, but following sheet is occasionally picked up together with uppermost one
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using the light emitting element and light receiving element to detect the timing when the following sheet is separated from the uppermost sheet. This detection information is fed back to control the pick-up roller operation, allowing the system to adjust and maintain consistent sheet separation, preventing multiple sheets from being picked up together while maintaining feeding efficiency.
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
This configuration allows for precise detection of sheet separation timing without additional optical elements, enhancing productivity by maintaining consistent sheet intervals and reducing detection errors, while also reducing the overall cost and size of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element emitting diffused light
Implementation Method 2
a converging reflector is disposed on the other side of the sheet transport path for converging, onto the light receiving element, light that is emitted by the light emitting element and reaches the converging reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeder picking up and transporting sheets includes a transport unit transporting sheets along a sheet transport path one by one, a gap occurrence detection unit detecting, within a predetermined section of the sheet transport path, occurrence of a gap between sheets, and a controller controlling a timing of the transport of sheets according to a result of the detection. The gap occurrence detection unit includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit. The first detection unit is configured to detect light that is emitted toward the predetermined section, reaches a converging surface thereof across the predetermined section, and converged on a receiving element thereof. The second detection unit is configured to detect light reflected by a sheet passing through the predetermined section. The occurrence of the gap is detected based on outputs from the first detection unit and the second detection unit.