Sheet Post-Processing Alignment Roller for Variable Sheet Counts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing devices face challenges in efficiently aligning and processing multiple sheets due to variations in sheet thickness and number, leading to misalignment and processing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing device equipped with a conveying member, processing tray, reference plate, and alignment member, where the alignment member includes a swingable alignment roller and guide member that adjusts its angle based on the number of sheets on the tray to maintain a consistent distance for precise alignment, ensuring accurate processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed alignment member is used to align sheets on the processing tray, then alignment is achieved for a specific number of sheets, but misalignment occurs when the number of sheets varies
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member is designed to swing between a first position (when fewer sheets are present) and a second position (when more sheets are present), allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the number of sheets on the processing tray. This swinging mechanism enables the alignment member to maintain proper alignment across varying sheet quantities without requiring multiple fixed alignment positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the alignment member is positioned close to the processing tray for precise alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but the member may interfere with sheet conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member swings between a first position extending over the processing tray (for precise alignment when sheet count is low) and a second position retracted from the tray (to prevent interference with sheet conveyance when sheet count is high). This dynamic positioning eliminates the need to choose between alignment accuracy and conveyance smoothness, as the member automatically assumes the appropriate position based on sheet quantity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed alignment positions are provided for different sheet numbers, then adaptability to varying sheet numbers improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed alignment positions requiring complex switching mechanisms, the invention uses a single alignment member that can swing between positions. This dynamic approach achieves adaptability to varying sheet numbers while maintaining simple structure, avoiding the complexity of multiple fixed positions and their associated switching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing device includes a conveying member, a processing tray, a processing section, a reference plate, an alignment member, and a frame. The processing tray stacks sheets carried in by the conveying member. The alignment member moves the sheet carried in onto the processing tray in an alignment direction so as to aid alignment of the sheets. The alignment member includes a roller holder, an alignment roller, and a guide member. The guide member has a sheet guide part protruding from a swinging end of the roller holder to the downstream side in the alignment direction than the alignment roller. When the number of the sheets placed on the processing tray varies, an angle of the guide member with respect to the roller holder varies so that a distance between a top sheet placed on the processing tray and the sheet guide part becomes substantially constant.