Sheet Processing Apparatus Belt Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face alignment issues due to variations in tensile force of knurled belts caused by changes in atmospheric temperature or time degradation, leading to deviations in conveying force, which can result in either misalignment or bending of sheets during the processing of multiple sheets.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a knurled belt system that includes a supporting portion with a rotatable shaft, allowing the belt to be raised and lowered based on the number of stacked sheets, maintaining constant tensile force and preventing deformation, thereby ensuring proper alignment and conveying force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the knurled belt is deformed to apply constant pressure to sheet bundles, then the conveying pressure is improved, but the tensile force increases causing sheet bending and alignment impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The belt application is segmented into two independent functional zones: a first knurled belt for conveying individual sheets with controlled tensile force, and a second knurled belt for pressing sheet bundles with constant pressure. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its parameters independently, preventing sheet bending during conveyance while maintaining proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the belt system are given different properties: the first knurled belt has properties optimized for conveyance (appropriate tensile force and flexibility), while the second knurled belt has properties optimized for pressing (constant pressure application). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying the right quality to the right location.
2Reliability
If the amount of moving roller movement is controlled to compensate for tensile force changes, then the conveying force can be maintained, but deviation occurs when belt hardness changes due to temperature or degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the belt function into two independent belts: the first knurled belt dedicated to conveyance with stable tensile force, and the second knurled belt dedicated to pressing with constant pressure. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex control mechanisms to compensate for environmental changes, as each belt performs its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to control and compensate for belt hardness changes through moving roller adjustment, the system uses a second knurled belt as a copy or replacement function - the second belt applies constant pressure through a different mechanism (roller pressure) that is not affected by the first belt's tensile force variations due to temperature or degradation.
3Device complexity
If a single knurled belt is used for both conveyance and pressing, then the device structure is simplified, but the conveying force varies with sheet quantity causing alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The single belt system is segmented into two independent knurled belts: the first belt handles conveyance of individual sheets, and the second belt handles pressing of sheet bundles. This segmentation allows each belt to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining alignment precision while managing device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
While using two belts increases structural elements, each belt is designed with multi-functionality considerations - both belts can potentially perform conveyance and pressing functions depending on operational mode, though they are specialized for specific primary functions. This universal design approach balances complexity with performance.
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
The solution ensures consistent alignment and conveying force across varying sheet quantities, preventing misalignment and bending, even with changes in belt hardness due to temperature or degradation, thus maintaining efficient sheet processing.
Implementation Method 1
an endless belt configured to convey the sheet by coming in contact with an upper surface of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion
Implementation Method 2
a supporting portion configured to be swingable about the shaft, rotatably supporting the drive rotating member, and supporting the endless belt through the drive rotating member, and a lifting portion configured to raise and lower the endless belt by swinging the supporting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes an endless belt configured to convey the sheet by coming in contact with an upper surface of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion, a shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, and a supporting portion rotatably supporting the drive rotating member and supporting the endless belt through the drive rotating member. The supporting portion is configured to be swingable about the shaft and the endless belt is raised and lowered by the supporting portion being swung by a lifting portion.