Sheet Conveying Apparatus Static Adhesion Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet conveying apparatuses face issues with static electricity causing post-processed sheets to adhere to succeeding sheets, leading to improper separation and reduced productivity during the conveying process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying apparatus with a support portion and a restriction unit that positions the second sheet downstream of the first sheet, allowing the first sheet to be placed on a placement portion while restricting the downward movement of the second sheet, thereby facilitating its separation and preventing adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If post-processed sheets are allowed to fall on the stacking tray under their own weight, then the conveying process is simple and fast, but static electricity causes the sheets to adhere to succeeding sheets, leading to improper separation
Solution Approach 1:
A support portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the post-processed sheet and the stacking tray. This support portion temporarily holds the post-processed sheet, preventing it from adhering to the succeeding sheet due to static electricity, while still allowing gravity to assist in the separation process. The support portion acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between fast conveying and reliable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the succeeding sheet by using a restriction unit to prevent it from moving downstream too early. This parameter change (controlling the downstream position of the succeeding sheet) ensures that the succeeding sheet does not come into contact with the post-processed sheet on the stacking tray, thereby preventing static adhesion while maintaining conveying efficiency.
2Reliability
If a buffering function is used to temporarily retain succeeding sheets, then sheet separation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sheet handling function into two independent components: a support portion that handles the post-processed sheet and a restriction unit that handles the succeeding sheet. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex buffering mechanism while still achieving reliable sheet separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of sheet separation from the complex buffering system. By removing the succeeding sheet from the downstream area using a simple restriction unit and providing support only where needed, the invention achieves separation without the complexity of a full buffering apparatus.
3Reliability
If the succeeding sheet is positioned upstream to prevent adhesion, then static electricity problems are reduced, but the conveying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction unit performs a preliminary action by preventing the succeeding sheet from moving downstream before the post-processed sheet is placed on the stacking tray. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the post-processed sheet is released, the succeeding sheet is already in the correct position, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming adjustments and maintaining conveying efficiency.
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
Ensures effective separation of sheets, reducing static adhesion and enhancing productivity by allowing the first sheet to be placed on the stacking tray without adhering to the second sheet, thus improving the overall conveying efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a leading edge of the first sheet falls onto a stacking tray
Implementation Method 2
when the post-processed sheet and its succeeding sheet (or bundle of sheets) to be overlaid thereon are attracted to each other by static electricity, the post-processed sheet may adhere to the succeeding sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying apparatus, including: a support portion configured to support a second sheet different from a first sheet among a plurality of sheets when the first sheet located undermost among the plurality of sheets conveyed by a conveyance portion is placeable on a placement portion; and a restriction unit configured to bring the second sheet into a first state in order to restrict downward movement of the second sheet at a restriction position located downstream of a support position at which the support portion supports the second sheet when the first sheet is placeable on the placement portion, and to bring the second sheet into a second state in order to remove or reduce a restriction force for restricting the downward movement of the second sheet to less than a restriction force in the first state after bringing the second sheet into the first state at the restriction position.