Sheet Post-Processing Device Alignment for Folded Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sheet post-processing devices face challenges in efficiently aligning and sorting sheets that have undergone folding, leading to irregular stacking and potential misalignment during the discharge process, particularly when handling bundles with folded sheets.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a pair of reciprocatable alignment members and a shift unit, controlled by a controller, which adjusts the alignment and discharge position based on whether sheets have been folded, using different alignment modes and shifting strategies to prevent misalignment and irregular stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If both alignment members reciprocate to align sheets, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases when handling folded sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the alignment process by switching between first and second alignment modes based on whether sheets are folded. The controller determines the folding state and selectively activates one or both alignment members, making the system adaptable rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing alignment precision while avoiding unnecessary complexity for folded sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the alignment members based on sheet condition. When sheets are folded, the system modifies which alignment members reciprocate and their reciprocation ranges. This parameter adjustment allows maintaining alignment precision for unfolded sheets while simplifying the process for folded sheets, preventing both members from reciprocating simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If sheets are discharged at fixed position, then discharge process is simple, but sorting efficiency deteriorates when multiple copies are discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The shift unit alternates the discharge position between first and second positions for different copies of sheet bundles. This dynamic adjustment enables efficient sorting of multiple copies while maintaining relatively simple discharge mechanics, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and sorting efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment members reciprocate over full range, then alignment coverage is maximized, but risk of catching folded sheets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the reciprocation parameters of alignment members based on sheet folding state. When folded sheets are detected, the system adjusts which alignment members reciprocate and modifies their reciprocation ranges to avoid the bulge formation area. This selective parameter adjustment maintains adequate alignment coverage for unfolded sheets while preventing damage to folded sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sheet detection to control alignment member reciprocation. The controller monitors whether sheets are folded and adjusts the alignment process accordingly, reducing or eliminating reciprocation of certain alignment members when folded sheets are present. This feedback mechanism ensures alignment coverage when needed while preventing sheet damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing device includes a folding portion, a discharge portion, a stacking tray, a shift unit, a pair of alignment members, and a controller. The pair of alignment members include first and second alignment members at one and the other side of sheets stacked on the stacking tray. When a sheet bundle sorted and stacked on the stacking tray includes a folded sheet, executes a second alignment mode in which it performs, for sheets shifted to a first position at one side on the stacking tray, alignment with only the first alignment member and, for sheets shifted to a second position at the other side, alignment with only the second alignment member, or does not perform alignment process.