Movable Stack Tray Positioning for Printing Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-process apparatuses face inefficiencies in printing large numbers of sheets due to delays caused by the need for the movable stack tray to return to a predetermined position after printing, resulting in reduced work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A movable stack tray system with a vertical position detection mechanism and an upper surface sensor that automatically adjusts the tray's position when a request command is not received, ensuring it remains at a suitable height for immediate subsequent printing by moving upward when the upper surface is not sensed, thereby preventing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the stack tray is moved substantially downward to maintain the difference in level when printing on a large number of sheets, then sheets can be properly stacked, but the stack tray remains at a lower position after printing, causing delay in subsequent printing
Solution Approach 1:
The stack tray is moved upward to a predetermined upper position immediately after printing is completed, before the next printing job starts. This preliminary action ensures that the stack tray is ready at the correct position for the next batch of sheets, eliminating waiting time and preventing delay in subsequent printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects whether sheets are stacked on the stack tray and uses this information to control the timing of the stack tray's upward movement. When the detection unit determines that sheets have been stacked, it triggers the stack tray to move upward automatically, creating a feedback-based control mechanism that optimizes the tray position timing
2Ease of operation
If the stack tray is moved upward to a predetermined position after printing starts, then the tray is ready for next printing, but it takes time for the tray to move, risking delay in subsequent printing
Solution Approach 1:
A detection unit monitors whether sheets are stacked on the stack tray and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this real-time information, the control unit determines the optimal timing to move the stack tray upward, ensuring the tray is repositioned immediately after printing completes without unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 2:
The stack tray is moved upward to the predetermined position as a preliminary action immediately after printing is completed, preparing the system for the next printing job before it actually starts, thus eliminating idle time and ensuring continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-process apparatus according to one example of the present invention includes a movable stack tray for stacking a sheet that is elevated in a vertical direction; a movable tray position detection unit that detects a vertical position of the movable stack tray while a request command for post-processing of the sheet is not received; an upper surface sensor that senses either an upper surface of the movable stack tray or an upper surface of the sheet stacked on the movable stack tray when a first position of the movable stack tray detected by the movable tray position detection unit is lower than or equal to a predetermined first height; and a movable tray moving unit that moves the movable stack tray upward when either the upper surface of the movable stack tray or the upper surface of the sheet stacked on the movable stack tray is not sensed by the upper surface sensor.