Sheet Processing Pressure Member Dynamics for Transport Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face issues with high power consumption, noise generation, durability impairment, and reduced productivity due to the need for large motors and unnecessary operation of trailing end thrust members, especially when handling large numbers of sheets or sheets with low friction coefficients.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a sheet process tray, a sheet transport rotary member, and a pressure member that moves in the sheet transport direction to cooperate with the rotary member for sheet transport, controlled by a CPU to selectively operate the pressure member based on the number of sheets and binding mode, allowing for efficient transport without relying on the trailing end thrust member when possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sheet bundle discharge rollers alone are used to transport sheet bundles, then space is saved and half-size sheets can be transported, but sheets with low friction coefficients slip and proper transport cannot be effected
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing end thrust member is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to advance only when needed (when sheets slip) and retract when not needed. This dynamic operation enables reliable transport of sheets with low friction coefficients while maintaining the space-saving design, as the member is retracted during normal operation and only advances when sheet sliding detection requires additional thrust.
2Reliability
If the trailing end thrust member is always operated to ensure reliable sheet transport, then transport reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing end thrust member operates periodically rather than continuously. It advances only when sheet sliding is detected during transport, then retracts. This periodic operation ensures reliable transport when needed while minimizing power consumption and noise during normal operation, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
A sliding detection mechanism provides feedback about sheet conditions to the control system. When sheets with low friction coefficients are detected, the system activates the trailing end thrust member. This feedback-based control ensures reliable transport only when necessary, reducing unnecessary power consumption and noise.
3Productivity
If a large motor is used to drive the trailing end thrust member for handling large numbers of sheets, then transport capability is improved, but impact on sheets increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing end thrust member is designed to advance slowly and retract quickly, creating a dynamic operation that minimizes impact on sheets. The slow advance allows gradual engagement with the sheet bundle, while the quick retraction prevents prolonged contact that could cause damage. This dynamic operation enables handling of large sheet bundles without the harmful impacts associated with large motors operating continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a small motor with the trailing end thrust member, applying only the necessary force needed for transport. This partial action approach, combined with the dynamic operation (advancing only when needed), achieves sufficient transport capability for large sheet bundles without the excessive force and impact that would result from using a large motor continuously.
4Reliability
If the process tray length is increased to accommodate large size sheets entirely on the tray, then sheet exposure to exterior is prevented, but space efficiency is reduced and half-size sheet transport becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet transport function is segmented into two parts: the process tray for initial sheet placement and alignment, and the trailing end thrust member for additional transport assistance. This segmentation allows the process tray to remain compact (maintaining space efficiency) while the thrust member provides the necessary transport capability for both half-size and large size sheets without increasing tray length.
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
This solution reduces power consumption, prevents noise generation, improves durability, and enhances productivity by optimizing the use of the trailing end thrust member based on sheet load and friction conditions, while maintaining space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure member which is provided on an upstream side of the sheet transport means with respect to a sheet transport direction and which moves in the sheet transport direction while pressing the processed sheets, for transporting the processed sheets in cooperation with the sheet transport means
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sheet processing apparatus for processing sheets, including: a sheet process tray on which sheets to be processed are stacked; a sheet transport means for transporting processed sheets on the sheet process tray; a pressure member which is provided on an upstream side of the sheet transport means with respect to a sheet transport direction and which moves in the sheet transport direction while pressing the processed sheets, for transporting the processed sheets in cooperation with the sheet transport unit; and a controller for selectively operating the pressure member.