Print Sheet Postprocessing with Delayed Guide Drive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing postprocessing apparatuses require multiple driving devices for the registration and guide mechanisms, leading to increased cost and complexity due to the need for individual operation of these mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A postprocessing apparatus with a transmission mechanism that delays the driving force from the registration mechanism to the guide mechanism, using a single motor to operate both mechanisms, and a detachable reduction roller for easy adjustment of action delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the registration mechanism and guide mechanism are operated individually by separate driving devices, then each mechanism can be precisely controlled, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving functions of the registration mechanism and guide mechanism into a single driving device. The transmission mechanism transmits driving force from one driving device to both mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational reliability through mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single driving device and the two mechanisms. It receives driving force from the driving device and distributes it to both the registration mechanism and guide mechanism, enabling coordinated operation without requiring independent control systems for each mechanism.
2Productivity
If the guide mechanism operates simultaneously with the registration mechanism, then sheet alignment is faster, but the sheets cannot make smooth contact with the stopper guide
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is designed to transmit driving force to the guide mechanism after the registration mechanism has completed its primary function. This sequential timing ensures that sheets are first properly positioned by the registration mechanism, then guided to contact the stopper guide smoothly, preventing operational conflicts while maintaining efficient alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving devices are used for registration and guide mechanisms, then each mechanism can be independently controlled, but the postprocessing apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single driving device is designed with multi-functionality to control both the registration mechanism and guide mechanism through the transmission mechanism. This universal driving system performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to control both mechanisms independently through the mechanical transmission path.
Data Source
AI summary
A postprocessing apparatus includes a processing tray on which a print sheet as a target of a postprocess is put, a stopper guide with which the print sheet on the processing tray makes contact, an intermediate roller, a registration mechanism, a guide mechanism, a driving device of the registration mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The intermediate roller is configured to transport the print sheet. The registration mechanism is configured to move the incoming print sheet transported by the intermediate roller onto the processing tray and align print sheets on the processing tray. The guide mechanism is configured to guide the print sheet moved by the registration mechanism toward the stopper guide. The transmission mechanism is configured to transmit driving force of the driving device to the guide mechanism with a delay.