Sheet Discharge Pressing Member for Leaning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet discharge apparatuses face issues with trailing-end leaning, which can obstruct the discharge of subsequent sheets and disorder stacked sheets due to the curvature of sheets caused by the weight of detection flags, leading to inefficient discharge operations.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharge apparatus featuring a discharge unit, a sheet support unit, a rotation member with a first abutting portion, a detection unit, and a pressing member with a second abutting portion that presses the sheet downstream from the discharge unit, independent of the rotation member, to effectively reduce trailing-end leaning by ensuring proper sheet alignment and posture during discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a detection flag is used to detect sheet discharge status, then detection function is improved, but trailing-end leaning occurs due to the flag pressing the sheet at a distant position
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented from the pressing function. The detection flag is separated from the sheet pressing action by positioning it upstream, while a dedicated pressing member is placed downstream to press the sheet without causing trailing-end leaning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering negatively with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge roller and the detection flag. This pressing member specifically targets the trailing end of the sheet to prevent leaning, while the detection flag remains positioned upstream to avoid direct contact with the trailing end. The intermediary pressing member mediates the interaction between the detection system and the sheet discharge process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the detection flag presses the sheet downstream, then trailing-end leaning is reduced, but the sheet may be pressed too early affecting discharge efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing action is localized to a specific position downstream where the trailing end of the sheet passes. The pressing member is positioned at the optimal location where it can effectively prevent trailing-end leaning without interfering with the main discharge process. This localized pressing ensures that only the necessary area of the sheet is affected, maintaining discharge efficiency while preventing leaning.
3Device complexity
If the pressing member is integrated with the rotation member, then device complexity is reduced, but independent pressing control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The detection flag and pressing member are merged into a single integrated assembly that rotates together with the rotation member. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the mechanical structure. The integrated assembly allows both detection and pressing functions to be performed by a single rotating mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharge apparatus includes a discharge and sheet support unit, a detection unit, a rotation member having a first abutting portion positioned above the sheet support unit, and a pressing member provided rotatably independent of the rotation member. The discharge unit nips and discharges a sheet in a sheet discharge direction. The sheet support unit supports the discharged sheet. The rotation member rotates when the first abutting portion is pressed by the sheet. The detection unit detects a position of the rotation member. A second abutting portion of the pressing member abuts against the sheet at a position downstream from a position at which the discharge unit nips the sheet and upstream from the first abutting portion in the sheet discharge direction. The pressing member presses the sheet discharged from the discharge unit downward using the second abutting portion, regardless of a position of the rotation member.