Sheet Post-Processing Pressing Mechanism for Folded Stack Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing devices face challenges in stacking folded sheets efficiently due to the thickness of folded parts, making it difficult to organize a large number of sheets neatly on discharge trays.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a discharge port with a pair of discharge rollers, a discharge tray, and a pair of swingable sheet pressing members, along with a holding member that can position the pressing members to either press or retreat based on the type of sheet, ensuring orderly stacking regardless of sheet stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sheets are discharged and stacked on the discharge tray, then the sheets are collected for post-processing, but the folded parts make the stack partly thick and prevent orderly stacking of large numbers of sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet pressing member is configured to be movable between a pressing position (where it contacts and presses the stacked sheets) and a retreat position (where it is retracted from the discharge route). This dynamic positioning allows the pressing member to adapt to different sheet quantities and folded configurations, maintaining stack uniformity whether pressing or retracted
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet pressing member is divided into a pressing portion that contacts the sheets and a link portion that connects to the holding member. This segmentation allows the pressing portion to independently apply pressure to the stacked sheets while the link portion provides mechanical connection and movement capability
2Device complexity
If a fixed sheet pressing member is used, then sheet stacking is simplified, but the pressing member may obstruct the discharge route when sheets are not being pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet pressing member is made movable between pressing and retreat positions through a link mechanism connected to the holding member. This allows the pressing member to be retracted when not in use, clearing the discharge route for sheet passage, while remaining simple enough to maintain operational ease
3Shape
If the sheet pressing member is positioned to press folded sheets, then stacking neatness is improved, but the pressing member may interfere with unfolded sheet discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet pressing member dynamically positions itself based on sheet type: it extends to the pressing position to press folded sheets for neat stacking, and retracts to the retreat position to clear the discharge route for unfolded sheets, ensuring both stacking quality and discharge efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is positioned and configured in advance to support the sheet pressing member at the appropriate position (pressing or retreat) before sheets are discharged, allowing immediate action without interference
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing device includes a discharge port, a discharge tray, a first sheet pressing member, a second sheet pressing member, and a holding member. The holding member has a first holding portion that holds the first sheet pressing member, and a second holding portion that holds the second sheet pressing member. The first holding portion selectively holds the first sheet pressing member at a first pressing position for pressing a sheet and a first retreat position retreated to above a discharge route. The second holding portion selectively holds the second sheet pressing member at a second pressing position for pressing the sheet and a second retreat position retreated to above the discharge route.