Sheet Feed Pay-Out Detection Using Conveyance Timing

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 detection portion, and processing portions to calculate the pay-out amount without a dedicated sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepay-out amount detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the image sensor to perform both its original function (detecting sheet presence and position on the conveying path) and a new function (measuring pay-out amount of sheets from the stack). The control portion calculates pay-out amount based on elapsed time measurements that are already being taken for conveyance control, thus making the existing sensor system serve multiple purposes without adding dedicated detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing resources (image sensor and timing functionality) to achieve the measurement of pay-out amount. The control portion utilizes the elapsed time measurement capability that is already integrated into the sheet conveyance control system, allowing the system to self-measure the pay-out amount without external or dedicated measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepay-out amount detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the image sensor to perform both its original function (detecting sheet presence and position on the conveying path) and a new function (measuring pay-out amount of sheets from the stack). The control portion calculates pay-out amount based on elapsed time measurements that are already being taken for conveyance control, thus making the existing sensor system serve multiple purposes without adding dedicated detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing resources (image sensor and timing functionality) to achieve the measurement of pay-out amount. The control portion utilizes the elapsed time measurement capability that is already integrated into the sheet conveyance control system, allowing the system to self-measure the pay-out amount without external or dedicated measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If elapsed time measurement is used to calculate pay-out amount, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by sheet feed speed variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system simplicityVSAvoidpay-out amount detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the elapsed time from sheet supply start to detection and using this information to calculate and adjust the pay-out amount. The control portion uses the measured elapsed time to determine the pay-out amount, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual sheet feed conditions rather than relying on fixed predetermined values, thereby maintaining precision despite speed variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4671175A1Sheet conveying device capable of acquiring pay-out amount of sheet from stack of sheets without providing dedicated sensor, an image forming apparatus, and acquisition method

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

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AI summary

A sheet conveying device includes a sheet supply portion (28), a detection portion (25), and an acquisition processing portion (44). The sheet supply portion (28) supplies an uppermost sheet (SH1) in a stack of sheets (SB1) lifted by a lift portion (31). The detection portion (25) detects the sheet (SH1) supplied by the sheet supply portion (28). The acquisition processing portion (44) acquires a pay-out amount of the sheet (SH1) from the stack of sheets (SB1) based on an elapsed time from a start of supply of the sheet (SH1) by the sheet supply portion (28) to a time when the sheet (SH1) is detected by the detection portion (25), that is measured at a timing at which the stack of sheets (SB1) is lifted by the lift portion (31), and an elapsed time from the start of supply of the sheet (SH1) by the sheet supply portion (28) to the time when the sheet (SH1) is detected by the detection portion (25), that is measured after the timing.