Post-Processing Device High-Speed Mode Sheet Bundle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delays in sheet conveyance to the post-processing device occur due to unfinished processes, leading to reduced productivity in image forming apparatuses when multiple print jobs are entered consecutively.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing device with an alignment mechanism, prestacking mechanism, and control unit that switches to a high-speed operation mode when necessary to expedite the completion of current sheet bundles, allowing for simultaneous preparation and processing of next bundles, thereby reducing delays and improving productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the post-processing device operates at normal speed to ensure proper alignment and processing of sheet bundles, then processing quality is maintained, but productivity decreases when multiple print jobs are entered consecutively
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processing device dynamically switches between normal operation mode and high-speed operation mode based on the timing relationship between current bundle output and next bundle prestacking. The control unit monitors whether the current sheet bundle can be completely output before the next sheet bundle completes prestacking, and adjusts the operation speed accordingly to maintain alignment quality or improve productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The operation speed parameter of the post-processing device is changed from normal speed to high-speed based on the timing condition. When the next sheet bundle completes prestacking before the current sheet bundle is completely output, the device switches to high-speed operation mode to reduce delays and improve overall productivity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the post-processing device waits for current sheet bundle to complete processing before accepting next sheet bundle, then processing order is maintained, but sheet conveyance delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prestacking mechanism performs preliminary action by temporarily keeping the next sheet bundle in an upstream position before the sheet rest, completing prestacking in advance. This allows the next sheet bundle to be ready for immediate processing once the current sheet bundle is output, reducing conveyance delay while maintaining processing order
Solution Approach 2:
The post-processing device achieves continuity of useful action by overlapping the output process of the current sheet bundle with the prestacking process of the next sheet bundle. When timing conditions are met, the device operates in high-speed mode to ensure continuous processing without idle time, eliminating delays in sheet conveyance
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing device for applying a post-process to one or more sheets outputted by a device of a preceding stage, a printer for example, is provided. The post-processing device includes: an alignment mechanism for applying an alignment process for arranging a current sheet bundle; an output mechanism for outputting the current sheet bundle; a prestacking mechanism; and a control unit. The control unit performs a control in such a manner that at least a part of operation of the alignment mechanism or of operation of the output mechanism is switched from a normal operation mode for operation at a normal operation speed to a high-speed operation mode for operation at an operation speed greater than the normal operation speed when a time to completely output the current sheet bundle is later than a time to completely perform prestacking the next sheet bundle.