Sheet Post-Processing Alignment Mechanism for Skew Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses face issues with skewed sheets being transported from the discharge outlet, leading to misalignment and potential jams due to the lack of effective alignment correction mechanisms between the processing tray and the stack tray, especially when sheets are deviated in the transport direction.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus equipped with a first and second alignment device on the processing tray and stack tray, respectively, which perform preliminary and alignment operations in cooperation with a controller to correct sheet skewness, utilizing shift motors and height-direction shift devices to align sheets orthogonally and adjust height positions for accurate alignment and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single alignment device is provided on the processing tray, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of sheet alignment deteriorates when sheets are transported in a skewed state
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into two separate alignment devices: a first alignment device on the processing tray and a second alignment device on the stack tray. This segmentation allows each device to perform specific alignment tasks at different stages, effectively correcting sheet skewness that cannot be handled by a single alignment device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second alignment device on the stack tray performs preliminary alignment of sheets before they are fully transported to the processing tray. This preliminary alignment action corrects skewness in advance, preventing the sheet corner from contacting the first alignment device and causing buckles or jams.
2Stability of the object's composition
If alignment members are positioned close to the sheet discharge outlet to correct skewness early, then the sheet transport stability improves, but the alignment device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The second alignment device on the stack tray acts as an intermediary that corrects sheet skewness before the sheet reaches the first alignment device. This intermediary alignment prevents the need for complex positioning mechanisms at the discharge outlet, as the sheet is already aligned when it arrives at the processing tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system uses the sheet's own transport path and existing structural elements (processing tray and stack tray) to perform alignment functions. The alignment devices are integrated into the existing tray structures, avoiding additional complex positioning mechanisms separate from the transport path.
3Device complexity
If the alignment device operates alone without coordination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated alignment operations and potential jams
Solution Approach 1:
The controller coordinates the operation of the first and second alignment devices based on feedback about sheet position and skewness. This coordinated control ensures that both alignment devices work together efficiently, preventing repeated alignment operations and potential jams that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions of both alignment devices are merged into a single coordinated control system. This unified control approach synchronizes the operation of the first and second alignment devices, ensuring smooth sheet flow through the system and maximizing processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
To effectively correct a sheet that is transported while being skewed, a post-processing apparatus B provided with a processing tray 25 that temporarily stores a sheet to perform post-processing and a stack tray 30 that loads sheets subjected to the post-processing performs preliminary alignment with one of an alignment mechanism 35 on the processing tray 25 side and an alignment mechanism 38 on the stack tray 30 side corresponding to size information of a sheet in transporting the sheet from the stack tray 30 side toward the processing tray 25 for post-processing in a post-processing device 31, and takes in the sheet toward a regulation stopper 29 with a take-in roller 33. Then, after aligning the sheet with the alignment mechanism 35, the apparatus performs the post-processing on the sheet with the sheet post-processing device 31 to transport to the stack tray 30.