Curved Transport Path Scrap Removal in Post-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-processing apparatuses for punching holes in media face challenges with static electricity causing punched scraps to remain attached to the medium, leading to malfunctions and requiring inconvenient brush replacements for removal.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus with a transport path featuring a curved second transport path that separates punched scraps from the medium by moving the trailing edge from a first transport path to a second transport path, utilizing a curved outer member to effectively remove adhering scraps without the need for brushes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a brush member is used to scrape punched scraps from the punch pin, then punched scraps can be removed from the medium, but the brush member needs to be replaced by the user which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the medium itself to remove scraps. The curved transport path causes the medium to bend, and punched scraps adhere to the outer surface of the bent medium and are automatically removed without requiring user intervention or replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical brush scraping system is replaced with a curvature-based removal system. Instead of using a mechanical brush to scrape scraps off, the invention uses the physical bending of the medium transport path to naturally separate and remove scraps through adhesion to the curved surface.
2Reliability
If punched scraps remain attached to the medium due to static electricity, then scraps are not completely separated from the medium, but transporting them downstream causes malfunctions in internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful static electricity adhesion into a beneficial force. Instead of trying to overcome static electricity, the system uses it to make scraps adhere to the curved transport path, where their position is changed from an harmful state (transported downstream) to a beneficial state (removed at the curve).
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
This solution actively removes punched scraps from the medium, eliminating the need for brush replacements and enhancing user convenience by ensuring efficient operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
some punched scraps may remain in the medium without being completely separated from the medium or may remain attached to the medium due to, for example, static electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes a transport path having a first path member and a second path member, a punching member disposed on the transport path to perform punching on the medium. The transport path includes a first transport path disposed downstream of the punching member in a transport direction and a second transport path continuously extending downstream of the first transport path in the transport path, the second transport path having a curved shape to hold the medium in a curved state, the first path member in the second transport path forms an outer side of the curved shape and is disposed at a position further separated from the first surface than the first path member in the first transport path, and an upstream end in the transport direction of the medium in the curved state is moved from the first transport path to the second transport path.