Sheet Post-Processing Restricting Member to Prevent Punch Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing post-processing apparatuses in image forming devices face issues with sheet jamming due to the abutment member being positioned above the conveyance path, causing the sheet to be pressed downward and potentially caught by the die during punching.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus with a movable restricting member that can change its posture between closing and clearing the conveyance path, using a holding surface to position sheets accurately and prevent jamming by moving toward an opposing portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the abutment member is arranged above the conveyance path to position the sheet, then the sheet positioning is improved, but the sheet may be pressed downward and caught by the die causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the abutment member below the conveyance path instead of above it. This inversion allows the abutment member to support the sheet from underneath, preventing downward pressure that would cause jamming while still achieving accurate sheet positioning for the punching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the abutment member's position from the vertical dimension (above the conveyance path) to the horizontal dimension (below the conveyance path). This dimensional change allows the abutment member to fulfill its positioning function without interfering with the sheet's conveyance path and preventing die engagement issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If the abutment member is positioned to close the conveyance path for accurate sheet positioning, then sheet positioning accuracy is improved, but the conveyance path is blocked causing sheet jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the abutment member's position to below the conveyance path, allowing it to close off the conveyance path for positioning purposes without blocking the sheet's passage. The sheet can be positioned accurately against the abutment member and then smoothly conveyed forward without jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the abutment member's function into two distinct phases: positioning phase where the abutment member closes the conveyance path for accurate sheet positioning, and conveyance phase where the sheet moves smoothly past the positioned point. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between positioning accuracy and conveyance smoothness.
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes a movable portion and an opposing portion that are arranged to be opposite to each other with a conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed interposed between the movable portion and the opposing portion, and a restricting member that has a holding surface including an abutment surface against which a sheet abuts, is capable of changing a posture between a first posture in which the holding surface closes the conveyance path and a second posture in which a clearance is formed in at least part of the conveyance path and is attached to a side where the opposing portion is located with respect to the conveyance path, wherein the movable portion processes a sheet positioned at the abutment surface by the restricting member having the first posture by moving toward the opposing portion.