Movable Stacking Unit for Compact Print Media Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while effectively sorting printed media every predetermined number without overlapping, as known techniques often require larger apparatus configurations.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a movable stacking unit supported by a first supporting unit, which is extendable and movable in a shift direction intersecting the conveyance direction, allowing for sorting of print media on a stacking portion while minimizing the apparatus's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the stacking portion is moved obliquely to the conveyance direction to prevent overlapping of print media, then the sorting function is achieved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting functionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking portion is configured to move not only in the conveyance direction (first direction) but also in a width direction (second direction) intersecting the conveyance direction. This two-dimensional movement capability allows the stacking portion to shift to different stacking positions, preventing overlapping of print media bundles while maintaining a compact apparatus footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking portion is designed as a movable component rather than a fixed structure. It can dynamically adjust its position in both the conveyance direction and width direction based on sorting requirements. The movable configuration includes engagement structures that allow the stacking portion to be positioned at different locations, enabling flexible sorting without increasing the overall apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the stacking portion is made extendable in the conveyance direction, then the stacking capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking portion is divided into multiple stackable members that can be arranged in series in the conveyance direction. Each stacking member can independently support print media, and multiple members can be stacked to increase the overall stacking capacity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher capacity without requiring a single complex large-scale structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple stacking members are configured to be stackable one on top of another in the conveyance direction, forming a nested arrangement. The stacking members can be engaged with each other through engagement structures, allowing compact storage when not in use and extended configuration when stacking capacity is needed. This nested design increases capacity while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260035198A1Printing apparatus and stacking apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 CANON KK

AI summary

There is provided a technique that can suppress upsizing of an apparatus while sorting print media every predetermined number of print media on a stacking portion. To do so, a reciprocating member that reciprocates while being regulated in an X direction orthogonal to a Y direction by a first supporting member is provided, and a second stacking portion extendable in the Y direction relative to the first supporting member is moved in the X direction by action of the reciprocating member.