Sheet Post-Processing Alignment Member Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses face challenges in aligning transfer sheets on output trays due to the sheets sliding down by their weight, leading to misalignment and interference with already-stacked sheets, which disrupts the alignment process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an alignment member that can be selectively set at three positions: an alignment position, a withdrawn position, and a home position, allowing it to contact and align the rear end of the sheet with a wall, preventing interference and ensuring proper alignment of both individual sheets and sheet bundles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the output tray is inclined to allow sheets to slide down by weight for alignment, then the alignment process is simplified, but the sheets interfere with already-stacked sheets and misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
An alignment member is introduced as an intermediary component between the sheet and the output tray wall. This alignment member selectively contacts the sheet to push it against the wall, ensuring precise alignment without relying on the sheet's weight sliding down the inclined tray, thereby eliminating interference with stacked sheets while maintaining alignment functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If the alignment member is always in contact with the sheet for alignment, then alignment is maintained, but the alignment member interferes with sheet ejection and stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member is designed to be movable between different positions (extended and retracted) rather than being fixed. It dynamically adjusts its position based on the operational phase: extended during alignment operations to ensure precise sheet positioning, and retracted during ejection and stacking phases to avoid interfering with sheet movement and bundle formation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment member operates in periodic cycles, alternating between alignment operations and idle/retracted states. During alignment operations, it extends to contact the sheet; during ejection and stacking operations, it retracts to avoid interference. This periodic action ensures alignment is maintained when needed while productivity is not compromised during other operational phases
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 configuration effectively prevents defective sheet conveyance and maintains alignment of sheets and sheet bundles on the output tray, enhancing the alignment process and reducing the risk of interference with already-stacked sheets.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment member contacts the transfer sheet on the output tray and moves the transfer sheet in the direction opposite the ejection direction so that an end of the transfer sheet contacts a wall member, thereby aligning the transfer sheet
Implementation Method 2
Due to an inclination of the output tray, the transfer sheet ejected on the output tray by the sheet ejection roller slides down by the weight thereof in the direction opposite the ejection direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes an output tray on which a sheet ejected from a sheet outlet is stacked; a wall disposed downstream from the output tray in a sheet ejection direction; and an alignment member configured to contact and move the sheet on the output tray, to bring a rear end of the sheet in the sheet ejection direction into contact with the wall for alignment. The alignment member is selectively set at three positions of: an alignment position protruding beyond the wall toward the output tray to contact the sheet on the output tray; a withdrawn position inward of the wall; and a home position between the alignment position and the withdrawn position.