Sheet Post-Processing Device Shifting Unit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sheet post-processing devices experience waiting times and reduced productivity due to inefficiencies in shifting operations, particularly when dealing with stacks of sheets that are not multiples of the unit size, leading to extra sheets being held or not ejected promptly.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a temporary holding unit and shifting unit that allows for the immediate supply of extra sheets to the shifting unit without holding them, ensuring that shifting operations are performed only after the previous sheet has been processed, thereby minimizing waiting times and enhancing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sheets are held in the temporary holding unit during shifting operations, then the shifting process can be completed neatly, but waiting time occurs at the image forming apparatus side and productivity declines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the temporary holding unit, which can switch between holding and non-holding states based on real-time conditions. When the stack height indicates remaining sheets are not a multiple of the unit size, the holding unit operates; otherwise, it remains inactive, allowing continuous processing and improving productivity while maintaining precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the temporary holding unit from a fixed holding mode to a variable mode based on stack height parameters. By monitoring the number of sheets in the stack and determining whether remaining sheets form a complete unit, the system dynamically adjusts whether to hold or release sheets, optimizing both precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shifting process is performed for each sheet bundle, then neat stacking is achieved, but the process must be repeated for all sheets in the stack causing time loss
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing shifting operations on every sheet bundle, the patent applies partial action by only executing the shifting process when necessary - specifically when the remaining sheets in the stack do not form a complete unit. This selective application of the shifting operation reduces redundant processing time while maintaining stacking quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the shifting operation from being a mandatory process for all sheet bundles and applies it only to the specific case where remaining sheets need special handling. By separating the shifting operation from the universal processing flow and applying it conditionally, the system eliminates unnecessary time loss while preserving stacking neatness.
3Reliability
If extra sheets are held in the temporary holding unit, then they can be processed, but they occupy space and delay ejection of subsequent sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary holding unit operates dynamically, switching between holding and releasing extra sheets based on whether the stack height indicates remaining sheets. When remaining sheets are detected, the holding unit activates to process extra sheets reliably; otherwise, it remains inactive, allowing rapid ejection and maintaining high productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the sheet post-processing device waits for complete units, then shifting can be performed neatly, but waiting time increases when sheet number is not a multiple of unit size
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational state of the temporary holding unit based on the parameter of stack height modulo unit size. When this parameter indicates incomplete units, the holding unit activates to maintain quality; otherwise, it remains inactive to eliminate waiting time, thus balancing precision and efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet post-processing device (1) includes: a temporary holding unit (B) temporarily holding a sheet supplied by an image forming apparatus; and a shifting unit (D) performing a shifting operation on a sheet bundle, the sheet bundle including two or more sheet, wherein an extra sheet not included in the sheet bundle is supplied to the shifting unit without temporarily holding the extra sheet in the temporary holding unit or by shortening a holding duration time in the temporary holding unit; and when the shifting operation is not completed on a sheet in queue immediately before the extra sheet when the extra sheet is received, the shifting unit is set to a waiting condition until the extra sheet is supplied to the shifting unit.