Sheet Processing Apparatus Continuous Square Back Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet processing apparatuses face productivity issues due to the need to stop sheet bundle conveyance during the square back process, leading to accumulation and subsequent processing delays.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a configuration with a conveyance unit that allows for continuous conveyance of sheets from a succeeding sheet bundle to an accumulation portion while the square back process is performed on a preceding sheet bundle, ensuring uninterrupted processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveyance of sheet bundle is stopped during the square back process, then the square back process can be performed properly, but the productivity of the apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet processing system is divided into multiple independent processing zones: a first processing unit for saddle binding and half-folding, and a second processing unit for square back process. The conveyance path is segmented into separate routes allowing sheet bundles to be processed in different sequences. This segmentation enables the succeeding sheet bundle to be conveyed to the accumulation portion while the preceding sheet bundle undergoes the square back process, eliminating the need to stop conveyance and maintaining continuous productivity.
2Productivity
If the conveyance path length from folding roller pair to clamp portions is increased, then sheets can be conveyed during square back process, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance path is configured to extend in the width direction of the sheet rather than only in the conveyance direction. By utilizing the width dimension, the patent creates a longer effective conveyance path without proportionally increasing the overall apparatus footprint. The conveyance path from the folding roller pair to the clamp portions is routed through the width direction, allowing sufficient time for the square back process while maintaining a compact apparatus layout.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance unit conveys the sheet to an accumulation portion. A half-folding processing unit includes a folding roller pair and performs a half-folding process on the sheet bundle. A conveyance roller pair conveys the sheet bundle. A square back processing unit performs a square back process on the sheet bundle and includes a pair of clamp portions. A length of a conveyance path from the folding roller pair to the pair of clamp portions is larger than a half of a length of a long side of a sheet of a maximum size. In a state in which conveyance by the conveyance roller pair of a first sheet bundle to be subjected to the square back process is stopped, the conveyance unit conveys at least one sheet included in a second sheet bundle subsequent to the first sheet bundle toward the accumulation portion.