Sheet Alignment Paddle Phase Shift to Prevent Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses face challenges in smoothly executing binding and shifted discharge processes due to misalignment of sheets, leading to potential interference with the alignment paddle, which affects processing efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus equipped with a rotating alignment member featuring paddles that protrude radially, a home-position detection unit, and a control system that adjusts the rotation speed of the alignment member to prevent interference by calculating and shifting the phase of the alignment paddle, ensuring proper sheet alignment and preventing contact with the trailing end of sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the alignment paddle rotates at a reference speed to align sheets, then sheet alignment is achieved, but interference occurs between the alignment paddle and the trailing end of sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member's rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on detected sheet positions. When interference is detected between the alignment paddle and sheet trailing ends, the rotation speed is temporarily changed from a reference speed to a adjusted speed, allowing the alignment paddle to shift phase and avoid interference while maintaining alignment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A home-position detection unit detects the alignment paddle's position, and this feedback is used by the control portion to calculate interference timing. The control portion then adjusts the alignment member's rotation speed based on this feedback to prevent interference with sheets while maintaining proper alignment
2Ease of operation
If the alignment member rotates to move sheets in the alignment direction, then sheet alignment is assisted, but the trailing end of sheets may contact the alignment paddle causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion calculates the contact assumed interval in advance, determining when the trailing end of sheets may contact the alignment paddle based on sheet output information. This preliminary calculation allows the system to preemptively adjust the alignment member's rotation speed to prevent interference before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation speed of the alignment member is changed as a control parameter to prevent interference. When interference timing falls within the contact assumed interval, the control portion temporarily changes the rotation speed from a reference speed to an adjusted speed, shifting the phase of the alignment paddle to eliminate contact with sheet trailing ends
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a first conveying member, a processing tray, a first processing unit, a reference plate, an alignment member, a home-position detection unit, a drive unit, and a control portion. The alignment member has a shaft joined to a drive unit to rotate, and one or more alignment paddles protruding in a radial direction of the shaft. The control portion calculates a contact assumed interval in which the trailing end of the sheets may make contact with the alignment paddle and an interference timing at which the alignment paddle interferes with a carry-in path of the sheets. If the interference timing falls within the contact assumed interval, the control portion temporarily changes the rotation speed of the alignment member from a reference speed to shift the phase of the alignment paddle so that the interfere timing falls outside the contact assumed interval.