Sheet Post-Processing Apparatus Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet post-processing apparatuses become complex and inefficient due to the need for frequent adjustments in sheet position during the stapling and folding process, leading to potential sheet jams and out-of-order pages, especially when dealing with sheets of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus with a pivotable, elastically deformable guide member at the sheet carry-in port that allows for seamless integration of sheets without requiring forward or backward movement on the collecting guide, coupled with a sheet leading end regulating mechanism to ensure accurate positioning and a folding roll mechanism for precise sheet folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flapper member and sheet position regulating mechanism are arranged at the sheet carry-in port to maintain correct sheet order, then sheet collating accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flapper member and sheet position regulating mechanism from the sheet carry-in port area, extracting these components entirely from the system. Instead, it uses a sheet gathering mechanism that collects sheets at a gathering position downstream, eliminating the need for complex guidance mechanisms at the entry point while maintaining collating accuracy through the gathering process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Conventional approaches regulate sheet position at the carry-in port (upstream), but this patent inverts the approach by gathering sheets at a downstream position after they have entered the apparatus. This reversal allows sheets to be collected into a bunch naturally without requiring complex upstream regulation mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If sheets are collected into a bunch at an upstream position and then conveyed to the staple or fold position, then correct sheet order is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sheet gathering function with the positioning function by locating the sheet gathering mechanism at the staple position. This merging allows sheets to be collected into a bunch and positioned for stapling in a single integrated operation, eliminating the need for separate conveyance steps and reducing overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet gathering mechanism acts as an intermediary that naturally collects sheets into a bunch as they are fed into the apparatus. This intermediary gathering process occurs continuously without requiring additional conveyance operations, thereby maintaining sheet order accuracy while minimizing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If the leading end position of collected sheets is regulated to place sheets at a predetermined fold or staple position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet gathering mechanism utilizes the natural feeding sequence of sheets to self-organize them into a bunch with correct positioning. The mechanism does not require active regulation of leading end positions through complex actuators or sensors, as the gathering process itself naturally achieves the required positioning accuracy through the physical accumulation of sheets in a controlled manner.
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
The solution simplifies the sheet post-processing operation, reduces the likelihood of sheet jams and out-of-order pages, and enables efficient stapling and folding of sheets without the need for complex mechanisms, ensuring accurate alignment and smooth operation across varying sheet sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-like guide member having a base end supported via a shaft so as to be pivotable above the collecting guide means
Implementation Method 2
The plate-like guide member includes an elastically deformable flexible member or a plate-like member having the base end deformably coupled to a shaft
Implementation Method 3
folding roll means for folding the sheet bunch collected on the collecting guide means at a sheet fold position
Implementation Method 4
saddle stitching staple means for executing a stapling process on the sheet bunch collected on the collecting guide means
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes a sheet carry-in path along which sheets from a carry-in port are fed through a sheet discharging port to a downstream post-processing position, and a collecting guide, for setting and collecting the sheets into a bunch. The collecting guide is located downstream of the sheet discharging port with a difference in level between the sheet discharging port and the collecting guide, is provided. A post-processing apparatus is provided for executing a stapling process and/or a folding process on the sheet bunch collected on the collecting guide. A sheet leading end regulating device is provided for regulating a position of leading ends of the sheets collected on the collecting guide device. The sheet leading end regulating device is movable according to a sheet size so that trailing ends of the sheet ends are placed at a predetermined position below the sheet discharging port.