Sheet Processing Apparatus Conveyance Path Member Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet processing apparatuses face issues with preventing cut roll sheets from falling over and being cut twice due to their own weight, leading to inefficiencies and potential jams during the discharge process.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing apparatus with a conveyance path member and a supporting member that guide the cut roll sheet, ensuring it passes between specific edge portions to prevent falling and re-cutting, utilizing a conveyance path member with first and second top edge portions and a supporting member with a bottom edge portion to stabilize the sheet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cut roll sheet is discharged without additional support structures, then the discharge process is simple, but the sheet may fall over due to its own weight and be cut twice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of sheet falling and re-cuttingVSAvoidstructure of discharging mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A conveyance path member is introduced as an intermediary structure between the cutting device and the discharge destination. This member includes a conveyance path that guides the sheet and a supporting surface that prevents the sheet from falling over due to gravity, thereby avoiding double cutting without requiring complex additional support structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance path member extends in the sheet conveyance direction (longitudinal dimension) and provides support at multiple positions along this dimension. By distributing support along the conveyance path rather than at a single point, the structure prevents sheet collapse while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the conveyance path member supports the sheet at multiple positions, then the sheet stability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet stability during conveyanceVSAvoidconveyance path member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into multiple support positions (first support position and second support position) along the conveyance path. Each position provides localized support to prevent sheet collapse, while the segmentation allows the conveyance path member to maintain a simple overall structure rather than requiring a complex continuous support system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance path member performs multiple functions: it guides the sheet through the discharge process, provides support at multiple positions to prevent collapse, and maintains structural simplicity. This multi-functionality achieves high sheet stability without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2025523B1Sheet processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2025523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2025523B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2025523B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a sheet processing apparatus 1 capable of preventing the roll sheet 3A cut by the cutter unit 8 from falling over to the sheet processing apparatus 1 and improving the conveyance capability of the roll sheet 3A when the long size roll sheet 3A is made. Long size roll sheet 3A is fixed at three spots, wherein the three spots are the top edge portion 64A of the roll sheet receiving portion 64, the top edge portion 62D on the downstream side of the regulatory member 62, and the bottom edge portion 61A of the projecting portion 61. The bottom edge portion 61A of the projecting portion 61 is constructed to be always located inside a circular arc which starts from a center O with a maximum radius R of the roll sheet 3A, wherein the circular arc passes the top edge portion 64A of the roll sheet receiving portion 64 and the top edge portion 62D on the downstream side of the regulatory member 62.