Sheet Separation Roller Pinch Mechanism for Trajectory Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet separating apparatuses face challenges in reliably separating sheets one at a time, regardless of the number of sheets stacked, due to variations in the trajectory of the leading end of the sheet, leading to either simultaneous conveyance or failure of sheet conveyance, and require a reduction in size.
Innovation Solution
A sheet separating apparatus is designed with a separation roller and a separation piece that cooperate to nip the sheet at a first nip position, and a pinch roller that abuts the separation roller and nips the sheet at a second nip position, with the pinch roller's outer circumferential surface featuring an arc extending from the sheet supporting surface to the second nip position, allowing for stable sheet separation and apparatus size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separation roller is positioned to contact the sheet from the opposite side of the sheet supporting surface, then the sheet can be conveyed to the separation roller, but the trajectory of the leading end of the sheet varies significantly depending on the number of sheets stacked, causing either simultaneous conveyance or failure of sheet conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch roller acts as an intermediary component between the sheet supporting surface and the separation roller. It contacts the leading end of the sheet first and guides it onto the separation roller, mediating the transition and ensuring stable trajectory regardless of the number of sheets stacked. This intermediary mechanism resolves the trajectory stability issue while maintaining reliable sheet separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinch roller performs a preliminary action by contacting and guiding the leading end of the sheet before it reaches the separation roller. This preliminary guidance ensures that the sheet is properly positioned and oriented, preventing trajectory variations that would occur if the sheet contacted the separation roller directly. The preliminary action stabilizes the sheet path before the main separation operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus structure is simplified to reduce size, then the overall dimensions decrease, but the ability to maintain stable sheet trajectory and prevent simultaneous conveyance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch roller is positioned within the space between the sheet supporting surface and the separation roller, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement. This nested configuration allows the addition of the pinch roller function without significantly increasing the overall apparatus volume. The pinch roller fits into the available space, enabling reliable sheet conveyance while maintaining a compact apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinch roller operates in a different spatial dimension or plane compared to the main separation roller, creating a multi-layered sheet handling system. The pinch roller contacts the sheet at a different location and angle, guiding it onto the separation roller. This dimensional differentiation allows both rollers to function effectively within a compact volume, maintaining reliability without increasing apparatus size.
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 apparatus ensures reliable separation of sheets one at a time, regardless of the number of sheets stacked, while reducing the size of the apparatus, by stabilizing the trajectory of the leading end of the sheet and preventing issues like simultaneous conveyance or failure.
Implementation Method 1
a pinch roller, which is provided on an upstream side with respect to the first nip position in the conveyance direction, and which is configured to abut on the separation roller so as to be rotatable around a second shaft center, which is parallel to the width direction, by a rotation of the separation roller
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet separating apparatus includes a stacker having a sheet supporting surface, a separation roller rotating around a first shaft center parallel to a width direction of the sheet supporting surface, contacting a sheet fed from the stacker and conveying the sheet to a downstream side in a conveyance direction perpendicular to the width direction, a separation piece facing the separation roller and separating the sheet one at a time in cooperation with the separation roller, the separation roller and the separation piece nipping the sheet at a first nip position, and a pinch roller provided on an upstream side with respect to the first nip position and abutting on the separation roller to be rotatable around a second shaft center parallel to the width direction, the pinch roller having a portion overlapping the separation piece as seen from the width direction.