Paper Processing Apparatus Variable Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper processing apparatuses face challenges in responding to varying paper thickness and bundle sizes, leading to issues like non-feeding, folded lines, and instability in conveying force, which can result in equipment failures and a large apparatus size that is difficult to downsize.
Innovation Solution
A paper processing apparatus with a discharging unit, a paper returning unit, a supporting unit, a contact and separation unit, and a pressurizing unit that adjusts contact pressure based on paper thickness, allowing for stable conveying force and compact design by eliminating unnecessary pressure and rotating mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional paper processing apparatuses use fixed discharging rollers and discharge guide plates, then the structure is simple, but the conveying force becomes unstable when paper thickness or bundle size varies
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge guide plate is made rotatable about a rotation axis instead of being fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The pressurizing unit applies variable pressure to the discharging rollers based on paper thickness and bundle size, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different paper conditions while maintaining stable conveying force
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurizing unit changes the contact pressure parameter of the discharging rollers according to paper thickness and bundle size. By varying this physical parameter, the system maintains optimal conveying force for different paper conditions without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration
2Reliability
If paper processing apparatuses include multiple rotating and pressurizing mechanisms, then conveying force can be adjusted, but the apparatus size increases and becomes difficult to downsize
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing unit and the rotation mechanism for the discharge guide plate are integrated into a compact arrangement. The rotation axis is positioned to allow the discharge guide plate to pivot close to the discharging rollers, merging multiple functions into a compact spatial configuration that reduces overall apparatus volume
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge guide plate rotates about an axis that positions it in a different spatial dimension relative to the discharging rollers. This dimensional arrangement allows the mechanism to achieve conveying force adjustment without increasing the footprint or overall size of the apparatus
3Ease of manufacture
If discharging rollers apply constant pressure, then the mechanism is simple, but paper may be damaged on thin sheets or non-feeding may occur on thick bundles
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing unit varies the contact pressure parameter of the discharging rollers based on paper thickness and bundle size. By dynamically adjusting this physical parameter, the system adapts to different paper conditions without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection means to sense paper thickness and bundle size, providing feedback to the pressurizing unit. This feedback mechanism allows the pressurizing unit to automatically adjust the contact pressure to appropriate levels, preventing damage to thin paper while ensuring adequate grip on thick bundles
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
The apparatus ensures stable paper conveying force across different thicknesses and bundle sizes without damaging the paper, while being compact enough to be mounted within an image forming apparatus, enhancing reliability and reducing equipment size.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing unit that is moved by the contact and separation unit, that does not load the discharging unit in a standby state where the discharging unit is held apart from the paper, and that applies contact pressure in a state where the discharging unit is in contact with the paper
Data Source
AI summary
A paper processing apparatus includes: a discharging unit that discharges the paper onto a staple tray; a paper returning unit that reverses the paper discharged by the discharging unit and performs alignment in a conveying direction by abutting the paper against a rear end reference fence; a supporting unit that supports the discharging unit in a state capable of coming in contact with or separating from the paper; a contact and separation unit by which the discharging unit comes in contact with or separates from the paper; and a pressurizing unit that is moved by the contact and separation unit, does not load the discharging unit in a standby state where the discharging unit is held apart from the paper, and applies contact pressure in a state where the discharging unit is in contact with the paper.