Sheet Processing Apparatus Shift Conveying Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in achieving high productivity due to time-consuming sheet alignment operations, particularly when lateral register displacement occurs, which can lead to system downtime if the alignment unit malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a shift conveying unit and aligning members that adjust their positions to align sheets efficiently, reducing alignment time by shifting sheets in the width direction and using a pair of movable aligning members to press sheets on the processing tray, thereby minimizing the distance between aligning members when shifting occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sheets are conveyed from the entrance to the stapling part, then lateral register displacement occurs in the width direction, but sheet alignment operation on the process tray is still required which increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The shift conveying unit performs preliminary lateral register correction by detecting the side edge of the sheet and shifting it in the width direction before the sheet reaches the process tray. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for subsequent alignment operations on the process tray, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining alignment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is extracted from the process tray area and relocated to the shift conveying unit. By separating the lateral register correction function from the stacking function, the system enables alignment to occur during conveyance rather than requiring additional time at the process tray
2Adaptability or versatility
If sheets are loaded at offset positions on the process tray for sorting, then sheet stacks are sorted efficiently, but the distance between aligning members must be larger which increases alignment time
Solution Approach 1:
The shift conveying unit performs preliminary lateral register correction and offset positioning during the conveyance phase. By establishing the correct lateral position and offset distance before sheets reach the process tray, the aligning members only need to perform minor adjustments rather than covering the full offset distance, thereby reducing alignment time while maintaining sorting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment process is segmented into two phases: lateral register correction by the shift conveying unit during conveyance, and final positioning by the aligning members at the process tray. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function over a shorter distance, reducing overall alignment time while maintaining sorting versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aligning member moves over a longer distance to accommodate offset loading positions, then sheets can be sorted by offset distance, but productivity decreases due to increased alignment time
Solution Approach 1:
The shift conveying unit performs preliminary lateral register correction and offset positioning during conveyance based on detected sheet characteristics. This preliminary action establishes the correct lateral position and offset distance before sheets reach the process tray, enabling the aligning members to perform only minor final adjustments rather than moving over long distances, thereby maintaining productivity while preserving offset sorting capability
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes an aligning member and a shift conveying unit. The aligning member is movable in a width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction and presses a sheet stack loaded on a sheet processing tray so as to align the sheet stack in the width direction. The unit is provided on the upstream side of the tray and conveys a sheet, shifting the sheet in the width direction. Being shifted by the unit, sheets are loaded at first and second loading positions on the tray. When sheets are loaded at the first loading position, the aligning member is moved to a first standby position corresponding to the first loading position in advance. When sheets are loaded at the second loading position, the aligning member is moved in advance to a second standby position corresponding to the second loading position.