Sheet Separating Device with Segmented Feed Groove
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multifeed occurs when long sheets, especially those with smooth surfaces, are fed into a multi-function machine, leading to improper separation and feeding issues due to increased friction and inclination.
Innovation Solution
A sheet separating device with planar separating portions and openings between them, held on a manual feed tray, which allows for gap creation between sheets to prevent multifeed and includes features like flexible coupling portions and sheet regulating sticks to manage sheet alignment and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long sheets with smooth surfaces are stacked and placed on a manual feed tray, then the sheets can be fed into the multi-function machine, but multifeed occurs where sheets remain stacked and are fed without being separated
Solution Approach 1:
The feed tray surface is segmented into multiple independent feeding surfaces (first feeding surface and second feeding surface) separated by a feeding groove. This segmentation allows sheets to be fed one at a time through the groove, preventing multifeed while maintaining ease of operation. The groove physically divides the feeding area, ensuring sheets are separated during the feeding process.
2Device complexity
If long sheets with smooth surfaces are fed through a single feeding opening, then the feeding process is simple, but sheet inclination increases leading to improper separation
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding opening is segmented into multiple openings (first feeding opening and second feeding opening) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows sheets to be fed through separate openings, reducing inclination and improving alignment precision while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the feed tray are given different properties through the feeding groove and multiple openings. The groove area provides separation functionality while the opening areas provide feeding functionality. This local differentiation addresses the specific problem of sheet inclination at the feeding location without complicating the entire device.
3Device complexity
If a single feeding opening is used, then the device structure is simple, but multifeed occurs due to increased friction and inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The single feeding opening is divided into multiple openings separated by a feeding groove. This segmentation reduces friction between sheets and prevents multifeed by ensuring sheets are fed through separate openings. The groove structure adds minimal complexity while significantly improving sheet separation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet separating device includes a sheet separator that includes plural separating portions which have a planar shape and which are stacked one on top of another. The sheet separator has openings provided between the plural separating portions at both ends of the plural separating portions in a sheet passing direction. The sheet separator allows gaps between the plural separating portions facing one another to receive one of plural sheets apiece so as to cause the plural sheets to be kept separated from one another. The sheet separating device is held on a placement portion of a sheet processing apparatus that includes a sheet processing unit and the placement portion. The sheet processing unit sequentially feeds thereinto the plural sheets through a feeding opening and performs processing on the plural sheets. The plural sheets to be fed through the feeding opening are placed on the placement portion.