Inclined Sheet Placement Unit for Bundle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-processing apparatuses face challenges in stabilizing sheet bundles during loading, as thick or multi-folded sheets tend to swell and collapse, leading to issues with overlapping and proper alignment on the sheet ejection tray, and require costly mechanisms for stopper movement and conveyor belt rotation.
Innovation Solution
A sheet placement unit with an inclined sheet placement section and a sheet holding device that includes a center holding member and right-left holding members to prevent collapse and regulate the folding section, combined with a sheet conveyance belt system that stops and restarts based on edge detection for controlled loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet ejection tray extends horizontally to facilitate sheet bundle loading, then the loading process becomes simpler, but the tray needs to bend at the waist which reduces workability and may cause collapse of thick or multi-folded sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet ejection tray is designed with an asymmetric inclined structure where the downstream side is higher than the upstream side. This asymmetric inclination prevents sheet bundle collapse by maintaining structural rigidity while facilitating smooth loading, eliminating the need for horizontal extension that would require waist bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray changes its geometric parameter from horizontal to inclined, specifically positioning the downstream side higher than the upstream side. This parameter change in inclination angle improves both workability and sheet bundle stability simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a movable stopper is equipped on the sheet ejection tray to prevent sheet bundle collapse, then sheet bundle stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to required driving motors and return mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The complex movable stopper mechanism with driving motors and return mechanisms is completely removed from the system. Instead, the inclined tray structure itself provides the necessary sheet bundle stability through its geometric design, eliminating the need for active mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined tray structure automatically maintains sheet bundle stability through its own geometric configuration without requiring external control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the inherent properties of the inclined surface to prevent collapse.
3Ease of operation
If the sheet ejection tray is inclined with the downstream side higher than the upstream side to improve workability, then ease of operation is improved, but sheet bundles may slide or misalign during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined tray structure is pre-configured with specific geometric parameters and supporting structures that anticipate and prevent sliding or misalignment during the loading process. The design incorporates features that guide sheet bundles into proper positions before loading occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design incorporates localized supporting structures or friction-enhancing features at specific locations on the inclined surface. These local modifications provide necessary grip and alignment assistance exactly where needed during the loading process.
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
Ensures stable and efficient loading of sheet bundles without collapse, preventing leading edges from entering open sections and maintaining proper alignment, enhancing workability and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for costly motor-driven stoppers and conveyor belt reversals.
Implementation Method 1
the sheet placement section on which the sheet bundle having been provided with the folding process is loaded, and which is inclined so that a downstream side of the sheet placement section in the sheet conveying direction is higher than another side
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet placement unit on which a plurality of sheet bundles having been produced by folding a plurality of sheets are stacked while being overlapped. The sheet placement unit includes a sheet placement section on which the folded sheet bundle having been provided with a folding process is loaded, the sheet placement section being inclined so that a downstream side of the sheet placement section in a sheet conveying direction is higher than another side, a sheet conveyance device to convey the sheet bundle loaded on the sheet placement section in a sheet conveying direction while the plurality of sheet bundles are overlapped, and a sheet holding device provided swingably above the sheet placement section, the sheet holding device comprising a sheet contacting section which comes in contact an upper surface of the sheet bundle loaded on the sheet placement section.