Sheet Returning Unit Synchronized Lifting Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in aligning sheets properly, particularly in the sheet conveying direction, due to improper return mechanisms and lack of efficient guiding structures, leading to misalignment and inefficiencies in stapling and folding processes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus is designed with a staple tray, discharging unit, rear end reference fence, sheet returning unit, and a guiding unit that includes a lifting mechanism and a rear end holding claw to align sheets in the sheet conveying direction, ensuring accurate alignment and efficient stapling by abutting the sheet's rear end against a reference fence and guiding it synchronously with the lifting unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional sheet returning mechanism is used without synchronized guiding, then the structure is simpler, but sheet alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding unit is merged with the lifting unit, sharing the same driving mechanism and structural support. The guiding unit is supported by the lifting unit's arm and moves synchronously with it, combining two functions (lifting and guiding) into a single integrated mechanism, thereby achieving precise alignment without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A rear end holding claw is introduced as an intermediary component between the sheet and the guiding unit. The claw engages with the rear end of the sheet and transfers the guiding action to the sheet, enabling precise alignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Manufacturing precision
If additional driving sources are added for the guiding unit, then guiding precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding unit utilizes the existing driving mechanism of the lifting unit to achieve its own movement. The same motor and transmission system that drive the lifting unit also drive the guiding unit through mechanical coupling, allowing the guiding unit to serve itself without requiring a separate driving source
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanisms of the lifting unit and guiding unit are merged into a single system. The guiding unit is mechanically coupled to the lifting unit's arm, so that one driving action simultaneously accomplishes both lifting and guiding functions, reducing the total number of driving sources required
3Productivity
If the guiding unit is not synchronized with the lifting unit, then the structure is simpler, but sheet alignment and stapling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding unit and lifting unit are merged into a single mechanically coupled system. The guiding unit is supported by the lifting unit's arm and moves synchronously with it, combining two functions (lifting and guiding) into one integrated operation that naturally achieves synchronization without additional complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The rear end holding claw engages with the sheet's rear end in advance during the lifting motion, preliminarily positioning the sheet for accurate alignment. This preliminary engagement ensures that when the guiding unit moves synchronously with the lifting unit, the sheet is already properly positioned for efficient stapling
4Object-affected harmful factors
If rolling contact is not used in the guiding unit, then the structure is simpler, but sheet damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear end holding claw features a curved or rounded contact surface that works with the sheet's rear end. This curved geometry enables rolling contact between the claw and the sheet, reducing friction and preventing damage while maintaining a relatively simple structural form
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances sheet alignment and stapling efficiency, reduces machine height and cost, and allows for space-saving designs by eliminating the need for additional driving sources for the guiding unit, while minimizing sheet jamming and damage through rolling contact.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting unit configured to lift and lower the sheet returning unit with respect to the sheet
Implementation Method 2
minimizing sheet jamming and damage through rolling contact
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a staple tray on which sheets are stacked temporarily and stapled after being aligned together and from which the stapled sheets are discharged to a discharge tray; a discharger to discharge the sheets to the staple tray; a rear end reference against which rear ends of the sheets are abutted to be aligned together; a returner to return the sheets discharged by the discharger and to align the sheets together in a conveying direction based on the rear end reference fence; a lifter to lift and lower the returner with respect to a sheet; and a guide configured to guide the sheets toward the rear end reference fence when the sheets are returned and to be lifted and lowered in synchronization with the lifting and lowering by the lifter.