Punch Motor Current Control for Sheet Post-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-processing apparatuses for punching sheets consume excessive power and produce significant operating sounds due to constant current settings in both punching and non-punching sections, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the current values of the punch motor and end position adjusting motor, setting a higher current value during punching and a lower value during non-punching sections, optimizing motor torque and reducing unnecessary power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant current is supplied to the punch motor during both punching and non-punching sections, then the punch motor maintains ready-to-punch torque, but power consumption and operating sound increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by supplying current to the punch motor in periodic pulses synchronized with the sheet conveyance cycle. Current is supplied only during the punching section when the punch actually contacts the sheet, and interrupted during non-punching sections. This periodic current supply pattern maintains punch motor readiness only when needed, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring the punch is ready to operate during each punching cycle.
2Force
If constant current is supplied to the punch motor, then sufficient torque is available for punching, but operating sound increases during non-punching sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to supply current to the punch motor only during the punching section and interrupt it during non-punching sections. This synchronized periodic current supply ensures sufficient torque is available exactly when the punch contacts the sheet, while eliminating motor operation and associated noise during non-punching periods when torque is not required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the punch motor is stopped during non-punching sections, then power consumption is reduced, but the punch may not be ready for immediate punching when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the punch motor in a ready state through periodic current supply during the conveyance cycle, even though full punching torque is not continuously required. The motor receives current in advance during the punching section to ensure immediate torque availability when the sheet arrives, rather than requiring full continuous power that would waste energy during non-punching periods.
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
This approach reduces power consumption and operating sounds by minimizing current flow during non-punching sections, enhancing the efficiency and quiet operation of the punching unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor configured to rotate the punch
Implementation Method 2
a second motor configured to move the moving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus to perform a post-processing for a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus includes a punching unit, first and second motors, and a control unit. The punching unit includes a punch that is rotated by the first motor to punch the sheet, and a moving unit moved by the second motor to move the punch in a width direction intersecting with a sheet conveying direction. The control unit controls at least the first motor. In a first section from a first position in which the punch starts punching the sheet to a second position in which the punching ends, the control unit sets a current value for driving the first motor to a first current value. In a second section other than the first section, the control unit can set the first motor driving current value to a second current value lower than the first current value.