Sheet Processing Apparatus Discharge Position Shift for Bundle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in distinguishing between fully and partially post-processed sheet bundles due to limited visibility and interference with peripheral devices, especially when the number of sheets exceeds the processing limit, leading to incomplete post-processing and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a bundle shift unit that directs sheet bundles to different discharge positions based on post-processing completion, ensuring that fully post-processed bundles are discharged to a first position and exceptional bundles exceeding the limit are shifted to a second, more visible position, improving visibility and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a stack tray with shift operation is employed to discharge exceptional bundles to a different position, then the visibility and distinction between normal and exceptional bundles is improved, but the device complexity increases and interference with peripheral devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge area is segmented into multiple discrete positions (first discharge position for normal bundles, second discharge position for exceptional bundles). The stack tray is divided into multiple discharge areas, allowing different types of bundles to be discharged to different locations based on their processing status.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex shift operation mechanism, the patent uses a simpler approach by utilizing different spatial positions (dimensions) on the stack tray for different bundle types. The bundle shift unit shifts bundles in a direction different from the conveyance direction to position them at different discharge areas.
2Productivity
If the exceptional bundle is discharged to a depth position on the discharge tray to maintain productivity, then the time required to change positions is reduced, but the visibility of the sheet bundle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different discharge positions on the stack tray have different local characteristics. The second discharge position for exceptional bundles is specifically designed to be more accessible and visible to users, while maintaining proximity to the processing area to minimize position change time.
3Reliability
If post-processing is performed on sheet bundles with excessive number of sheets, then the binding section opening height limit is exceeded, but the operation is interrupted and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary counting of sheets in the bundle before post-processing. When the sheet count exceeds the allowable number, the system proactively determines not to perform post-processing and directs the bundle to the second discharge position, preventing operation interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the number of sheets in the bundle and provides feedback to the bundle shift unit and sheet processing unit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the discharge position and processing actions to maintain continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a sheet processing apparatus with improved visibility of a sheet bundle discharged without post-processing thereto. The CPU circuit receives the conveyed sheet, drives and controls the sheet-returning paddle, the rack part, the rear end regulation part, the alignment plate and the like and forms sheet bundle comprising of a plural number of sheets as received. Further, the CPU circuit drives and controls the alignment plate when discharging the sheet bundle S from the processing tray, the sheet bundle S exceeding the number of sheets which can be post-processed by the stapler. Therefore, the sheet bundle S which includes sheets equal to the allowable number of sheets for post-processing of the sheet processing unit is discharged to the second discharge position which is different from the first discharge position.