Sheet Processing Apparatus Alignment via Pressing Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate alignment of sheets in both the sheet conveying direction and the direction orthogonal to it, especially when sheets exhibit curling or bulging due to paper curl and other factors, leading to reduced alignment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus comprising a stacking unit, first and second alignment units, a pressing unit, and a control unit that coordinates alignment operations during the pressing process to ensure accurate alignment in both directions, even when sheets are curled or bulged, by using a pressing mechanism to regulate the sheet bundle's thickness and align it concurrently with the alignment operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressing member is positioned away from the stapler to avoid interference, then the stapler can operate freely, but the sheet bundle bends during stapling and alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is merged with the stapler assembly, positioned at the same location as the stapler. This allows the pressing member to be close to the sheet bundle end during stapling without interfering with the stapler's binding operation, as both functions are integrated at the same position. The pressing member presses the sheet bundle end while the stapler performs binding, and both operations are coordinated through the integrated assembly.
2Device complexity
If sheets are stacked without pressing, then the stacking process is simple, but curls and bulges occur on the sheet bundle end, reducing alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member performs preliminary pressing action on the sheet bundle end before the alignment process. By pressing the sheet bundle end in advance to straighten curls and bulges, the subsequent alignment operation can achieve higher accuracy. The pressing action prepares the sheet bundle by eliminating deformations that would otherwise interfere with precise alignment.
3Ease of operation
If the pressing member presses the sheet bundle at a position away from the end, then it can avoid interfering with alignment operations, but curls and bulges on the sheet bundle end cannot be effectively straightened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to be movable, capable of moving between a pressing position (close to the sheet bundle end) and a retracted position (away from the sheet bundle end). During the pressing operation, it moves to the pressing position to straighten curls and bulges. During alignment and stapling operations, it moves to the retracted position to avoid interference. This dynamic positioning allows both pressing and alignment operations to perform optimally.
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 enables reliable alignment of sheets in both the conveying direction and the orthogonal direction, ensuring excellent alignment accuracy by pressing the sheet bundle to straighten curls and bulges, thereby facilitating precise stacking and binding.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing unit that presses a sheet or a bundle of sheets
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, there is provided a sheet processing apparatus includes a stacking unit that stacks a sheet conveyed thereto; a first alignment unit that aligns the sheet or a bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a sheet conveying direction; a second alignment unit that aligns the sheet or the bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction; a pressing unit that presses the bundle of sheets at an end portion thereof on a predetermined one side; and a control unit that causes at least one of the first and second alignment units to execute an alignment operation during a press operation of the sheet or the bundle of sheets performed by the pressing unit.