Sheet Separation Nozzle Synchronization for Multi-Feed Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet separating devices suffer from poor separation capability, leading to multi-feed issues and unstable conveyance performance, as they fail to effectively separate sheets using air-assist methods.
Innovation Solution
A sheet separating device with a lifting nozzle and a separating nozzle, controlled by shutter members and driving mechanisms, synchronizes the airflow to lift and separate sheets uniformly, preventing excessive lifting and disturbance, thereby reducing multi-feed occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air-assist separation method is used to separate sheets, then sheet separation capability is improved, but multi-feed occurs due to poor separation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing unit is divided into multiple nozzles (first nozzle, second nozzle, third nozzle) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each nozzle targets specific areas of the sheet bundle to provide distributed air assistance for separation, preventing concentrated air flow from causing excessive lifting and multi-feed while maintaining effective separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzles are positioned to blow air at different locations and angles relative to the sheet bundle. The first nozzle blows along the conveying direction at the front surface, the second nozzle blows at the side surface, and the third nozzle blows at the rear surface. This local differentiation of air flow characteristics enables precise control over sheet separation without causing harmful multi-feed effects.
2Power
If shutter member opens and closes air outlet port to increase airflow rate, then air-assist effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member performs periodic opening and closing actions to control air flow from the fan to the nozzles. This periodic action creates pulses of high airflow rate at controlled intervals, enhancing the air-assist effect for sheet separation while using a simple on/off control mechanism rather than continuous complex regulation.
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
The solution enhances sheet separation capability, reduces multi-feed incidents, and maintains stable sheet feeding performance by ensuring uniform air pressure and accurate detection of sheet positions, improving productivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting nozzle (322) configured to blow lifting air (A1) against a sheet bundle (1) placed on a sheet loading portion to lift sheets
Implementation Method 2
a separating nozzle (323) configured to blow separating air (A2) to separate the first sheet (1A) from the second sheet (1B)
Implementation Method 3
the first sheet (1A) sucked onto a conveying belt (161) by a negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet separating device includes: a lifting nozzle configured to blow air against an end portion of a sheet bundle placed on a sheet loading portion to lift sheets; a separating nozzle configured to separate the sheets; a lifting-nozzle shutter member configured to open and close the lifting nozzle; a separating-nozzle shutter member configured to open and close the separating nozzle; a lifting-shutter driving mechanism configured to drive the lifting-nozzle shutter member; a separating-shutter driving mechanism configured to drive the separating-nozzle shutter member; and an open/close control unit configured to control the lifting-shutter driving mechanism and the separating-shutter driving mechanism such that the lifting-nozzle shutter member and the separating-nozzle shutter member are opened or closed simultaneously.