Paper Sheet Processing Apparatus Holding Mechanism for Stable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper sheet post-processing apparatuses generate noise and cause curling of paper sheets due to the forced bending of their rear ends, leading to instability in stacking and potential interference during the stacking process.
Innovation Solution
A paper sheet processing apparatus with a tray, a feeding mechanism, a holding mechanism featuring a tab and press member to securely hold the rear end of the paper sheet, and a returning mechanism that aligns the paper sheet to prevent collisions and maintain stability, even with longer paper feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the paddle is rotated by 180° to press down the rear end of the paper sheet each time a paper sheet is supplied, then the paper sheets can be stacked in an orderly stacked state, but a relative large noise is generated and the rear end of the paper sheet is curled causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the paddle rotating 180° to press down the paper sheet rear end, and replaces it with a dedicated holding mechanism (tab and press member) that gently holds the rear end without forcing it downward. This separates the alignment function from the harmful pressing action, eliminating noise and curling while maintaining stacking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tab and press member as intermediary components between the paper sheet rear end and the stacking mechanism. These intermediaries gently hold and position the paper sheet rear end without the violent 180° rotation, thereby achieving stable stacking without generating noise or causing paper curling.
2Reliability
If the rear end of the paper sheet is forcibly bent downward from the conveying path, then the paper sheet is prevented from interfering with the next paper sheet, but the rear end of the paper sheet is curled when supplied to the processing tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful forced bending action from the conveying path and replaces it with a holding mechanism positioned at the destination (tab and press member in the tray). This extracts the interference prevention function from the transport process and implements it gently at the stacking location, preventing both interference and curling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the tab and press member ready in advance at the tray position to hold the paper sheet rear end as soon as it arrives. This preliminary positioning prevents interference with subsequent sheets without requiring violent bending during conveyance, thereby maintaining paper flatness and stacking stability.
3Device complexity
If a simple conveying mechanism is used to feed paper sheets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rear end of the paper sheet may leave the tab when the feed distance is too long causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the returning mechanism actively return the paper sheet rear end to the tab position before the next feeding cycle begins. This ensures that even if the feed distance is long and the rear end tends to leave the tab, it is proactively repositioned to maintain reliable holding without complicating the overall conveying mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the returning mechanism that monitors and corrects the position of the paper sheet rear end. When the rear end moves away from the tab during long feed cycles, the returning mechanism detects this and actively returns it to the correct position, ensuring continuous reliable holding while keeping the conveying mechanism simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus has a standby tray to receive a paper sheet to be supplied from a digital copier, a processing tray to receive a paper sheet dropped from a standby tray, and a stapler to staple the rear end aligned on the processing tray. When a first paper sheet is supplied to the standby tray, the standby tray roller is brought into contact with the paper sheet and rotated reversely, the paper sheet is returned a little, and the rear end of the paper sheet is placed at the holding position on the tab. Then, the press member presses the rear end of the paper sheet, to receive a second paper sheet.