Collection Tray Extension Rail for Sheet Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet collection apparatuses have limited collection capacity, requiring replacement of the entire apparatus to increase the collection amount, which is economically burdensome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extension rail that expands the up-and-down shift range of the collection tray, allowing for increased sheet collection without replacing the existing apparatus, using a drive member and shift rail to facilitate the tray's movement and incorporating a load reduction member to manage the increased load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the collection tray is disposed above the image formation section to downsize the apparatus, then the protruding amount is reduced and the apparatus is downsized, but the collection amount is limited to above 500 sheets to 1500 sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the shift range of the collection tray by adding an extension rail in the vertical dimension. The collection tray can now shift along both the original shift rail and the extended extension rail, effectively increasing the collection amount from 500-1500 sheets to over 2000 sheets while maintaining the compact overhead configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If the entire apparatus is replaced to increase the collection amount by about 500 sheets to 1000 sheets, then the collection capacity is improved, but significant economic loads are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the rail system into two independent parts: the original shift rail and the addable extension rail. This modular segmentation allows the extension rail to be installed separately without replacing the entire apparatus, reducing economic costs while achieving the desired increase in collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension rail is designed to be compatible with the existing shift rail system, allowing the same drive member and control mechanisms to serve both the original and extended ranges. This multi-functionality enables cost-effective expansion of collection capacity without requiring entirely new systems.
3Quantity of substance
If an extension rail is added to extend the shift range of the collection tray, then the collection amount is increased by over 2000 sheets, but the load on the drive system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a spring member that acts as a counterweight mechanism. The spring is configured to extend when the collection tray moves downward along the extension rail, providing a counterbalancing force that reduces the load on the up-and-down motor and drive system during operation.
4Quantity of substance
If the collection tray shifts along a longer range to increase collection capacity, then the collection amount increases, but the complexity of the shift mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a dynamic engagement mechanism where the collection tray's up-and-down pinion can automatically engage with either the original shift rack or the extension rack based on the tray's position. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle the extended range without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional actuators.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus provided with a collection tray for receiving a discharged sheet and shifting, a discharge unit (binding unit constituting a part of a sheet processing apparatus) for discharging a sheet, a shift rail (up-and-down rail including an up-and-down rack) provided in the discharge unit to permit a shift of the collection tray corresponding to a sheet collection amount of the collection tray, a drive member (up-and-down motor) that shifts the collection tray along the shift rail, and an extension rail capable of being added and set onto the shift rail to extend a shift range of the collection tray. By this means, it is possible to increase a collection amount of sheets relatively with ease.