Sheet Printer Edge Stacking via Registration Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet printers face challenges in efficiently stacking printed sheets on a pallet, as the stacks are often positioned away from the pallet edges, making them unsuitable for direct engagement by finisher separators.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning a sheet with a corresponding edge at a pallet edge position inside the printer using a registration unit, allowing the stack to be formed directly at the pallet edge within the stacker, eliminating the need for additional repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stacker positions the stack spaced apart from the pallet edges due to stacker restrictions, then the stacking process is simple and uses existing stacker components, but the stack cannot be directly engaged by finisher separators
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet is preliminarily positioned at the pallet edge position inside the printer before stacking occurs. The registration unit adjusts the sheet position in the lateral direction so that when the sheet is stacked by the stacker, it is already at the correct position for finisher engagement, eliminating the need for post-stack repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional loading aids are provided to reposition the stack outside the printer, then the stack can be positioned at the pallet edge for finisher engagement, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The registration unit, which is already present in the printer for general sheet positioning purposes, is utilized to also position the sheet at the pallet edge position for stacking. This multi-functional use of existing equipment eliminates the need for additional specialized loading aids or repositioning devices.
3Productivity
If the sheet is positioned at the pallet edge position inside the printer using registration unit control, then the stack is formed directly at the pallet edge suitable for finishers, but the positioning control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines the actual position of the sheet inside the printer and compares it to the desired pallet edge position. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the registration unit to achieve precise positioning at the pallet edge, ensuring accurate stack formation for finisher compatibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to directly stack printed sheets at the edge of a pallet for improved compatibility with certain finishers, the present invention provides: A sheet printer (1) comprising: - a stacker (20; 120) at an end of a transport path of the printer (1), which stacker (20; 120) is configured to hold a pallet (30; 130) and to form a stack (16; 116) of printed sheets (S, S') thereon; - a registration unit (6, 12; 112) for adjusting an position and/or orientation of a sheet (S, S'), characterized in that - the stacker (20; 120) comprises a stack holder (29) for holding the pallet (30; 130) with one of its edges at a predetermined pallet edge position (P; P') in a first direction (X, Y); and - that a controller (38) is configured to control registration unit (6,12; 112) to position the sheet (S, S') with a corresponding edge at the predetermined pallet edge position (P; P') in the first direction (X, Y).