Sheet Feed Pay-Out Detection Without a Dedicated Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying devices require a dedicated sensor to detect the pay-out amount of sheets from a stack, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device that measures the elapsed time from sheet supply to detection using a lift portion, a sheet supply portion, and detection portion, without requiring a dedicated sensor, to calculate the pay-out amount based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated sensor is provided to detect the pay-out amount of sheets, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the image sensor to perform both its original function (detecting sheet presence and position) and an additional function (measuring pay-out amount). The control unit processes image sensor data to calculate pay-out amount by comparing the position of the sheet tip relative to the separation nip portion, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated sensor while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing image sensor and control unit to self-determine the pay-out amount without external dedicated sensors. The control unit automatically calculates pay-out amount by analyzing image data from the existing sensor, making the system self-sufficient for both sheet detection and pay-out measurement functions.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated sensor is provided to detect the pay-out amount of sheets, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by making the existing image sensor perform multiple functions. Instead of purchasing and installing an additional dedicated sensor, the system uses the image sensor's capability to detect sheet position and combines this with control unit calculations to determine pay-out amount, thereby eliminating extra hardware costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines pay-out amount using its own existing image sensor and control processing capabilities, eliminating the need to purchase, install, and maintain separate dedicated sensors, thus reducing overall manufacturing and operational costs.
3Productivity
If the sheet below the sheet to be conveyed is pulled by the sheet to be conveyed, then sheet supply efficiency is improved, but sheet separation reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the sheet tip relative to the separation nip portion using image sensor data. When the sheet tip reaches or exceeds the separation nip position, the control unit adjusts the conveying member's rotation to stop or reverse, preventing the conveying member from pulling the next sheet. This feedback control maintains reliable sheet separation while allowing efficient conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by monitoring sheet position in advance and adjusting the conveying member's rotation before the sheet can be excessively pulled. The control unit prevents the harmful effect of pulling the next sheet by controlling the conveying member's rotation based on real-time position feedback, thereby maintaining separation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device includes a sheet supply portion, a detection portion, and an acquisition processing portion. The sheet supply portion supplies an uppermost sheet in a stack of sheets lifted by a lift portion. The detection portion detects the sheet supplied by the sheet supply portion. The acquisition processing portion acquires a pay-out amount of the sheet from the stack of sheets based on an elapsed time from a start of supply of the sheet by the sheet supply portion to a time when the sheet is detected by the detection portion, that is measured at a timing at which the stack of sheets is lifted by the lift portion, and an elapsed time from the start of supply of the sheet by the sheet supply portion to the time when the sheet is detected by the detection portion, that is measured after the timing.