Sheet Processing Apparatus Positioning for Folding Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high folding accuracy and productivity due to shifting sheets during conveyance, leading to poor stacking and decreased efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a conveying portion, stacking portion, first and second processing units, and a controlling portion that positions sheets accurately at specific process positions, ensuring precise alignment and processing without shifting, even during non-binding folding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sheets are conveyed to the folding position after being aligned at the binding position, then the sheet bundle can be processed for folding, but folding accuracy is declined by shifting of the sheets during conveyance and productivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning sheets at the folding position before conveyance begins. The positioning member holds sheets at the folding position in advance, and the conveying member conveys them to the binding position only when ready, preventing shifting during conveyance and maintaining folding accuracy while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through detection members that detect the position of sheets and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the operation of positioning and conveying members based on this feedback, ensuring precise positioning at the folding position before conveyance, thereby maintaining folding accuracy while optimizing conveyance timing for productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If sheets are conveyed sequentially to the binding position for alignment, then binding can be performed accurately, but the sheet bundle conveyance takes time and productivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment at the binding position only when sheets are conveyed in groups rather than sequentially. The positioning member prepares sheets at the folding position in advance, and the conveying member transports multiple sheets together to the binding position, reducing total conveyance time while maintaining alignment accuracy through the positioning member's preliminary preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling simultaneous conveyance of multiple sheets from the folding position to the binding position. Instead of sequential processing, multiple sheets are conveyed together in a continuous operation, eliminating idle time between sheet transmissions and maintaining alignment accuracy through the positioning member's group preparation capability
3Productivity
If sheets are stacked on the stacking portion, then sheet bundling can be performed, but shifting of sheets during conveyance causes poor conveyance stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning multiple sheets at the folding position before conveyance to the binding position. The positioning member prepares sheets in a stable stacked arrangement in advance, and the conveying member transports this pre-arranged stack together, preventing shifting during conveyance and maintaining stacking quality while enabling efficient sheet bundling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through detection members that monitor sheet positions during stacking and conveyance. The control unit receives feedback about sheet arrangement and adjusts the positioning and conveying members to maintain proper stacking quality, preventing poor conveyance stacking while preserving sheet bundling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus including: a conveying portion which conveys a sheet; a stacking portion which stacks the sheet conveyed by the conveying portion; a first processing unit which performs a process to the sheet at a first process position on the stacking portion; a second processing unit which performs a process to the sheet at a second process position on the stacking portion, the second process position being at the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first process position; and a controlling portion which performs positioning of the sheet at the first process position when the first processing unit performs the process to the sheet and positioning of the sheet at the second process position when the second processing unit performs the process to the sheet which is passed through the first process position without being positioned.