Segmented Sheet Gate Structure to Prevent Stacker Jams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sheet processing devices face issues with sheet jamming due to the leading end of the sheet being caught by the gate during movement.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a gate with first and second extension parts disposed at intervals orthogonal to the stack and conveyance directions, with the second extension part closing the gap between adjacent first extension parts, ensuring flexibility and reducing the likelihood of sheet catching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a gate is used to receive sheets into the stacker, then sheet stacking function is improved, but sheet catching and jamming occurs during sheet movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet stacking functionVSAvoidsheet conveyance reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gate is divided into multiple first extension parts disposed at intervals, creating a segmented structure that reduces sheet catching while maintaining the receiving function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Second extension parts are introduced as intermediary elements to close spacing between adjacent first extension parts, preventing sheet from being caught in gaps while allowing smooth sheet passage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If extension parts are added to the gate, then sheet catching is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet conveyance reliabilityVSAvoidgate structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple first extension parts and second extension parts are merged into a single gate structure, achieving sheet catching prevention without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension parts are configured with flexible materials or structures that allow easy bending of sheet leading ends, reducing conveyance resistance without complex mechanical mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12466682B2Sheet processing device

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

Provided is a sheet processing device that includes a guide, a support section, a stacker, and a gate. The guide is provided with a conveyance surface along a conveyance direction of a sheet. The support section is configured to form a conveyance path of the sheet together with the guide. The stacker is provided with a stack surface that supports a surface of the sheet conveyed through the conveyance path. The gate is configured to be able to receive the sheet into the stacker. The gate includes a first extension part and a second extension part. A plurality of first extension parts are disposed at intervals in a direction orthogonal to each of a normal direction of the stack surface and the conveyance direction. The second extension part is disposed to close spacing between two of the adjacent first extension parts in the orthogonal direction.