Sheet Stacking Alignment via Dynamic Vertical Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet stacking apparatuses face challenges in aligning curled sheets effectively without increasing costs, as they require complex detection mechanisms to prevent alignment member missed swings.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacking apparatus with a discharging unit, stacking tray, alignment unit, detection unit, and control unit that adjusts the alignment member's position to prevent missed swings in curled sheets without a dedicated detection mechanism, maintaining a predetermined distance between the sheet surface and discharge port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated detection mechanism is arranged at the position where the alignment member comes into contact with sheets to detect sheet surface position, then alignment accuracy for curled sheets is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet surface detection sensor 732 originally positioned for discharge tray height control is made to serve dual purposes: maintaining discharge tray height and detecting sheet surface position for alignment control. By reusing this existing sensor for alignment purposes, the patent avoids adding dedicated detection mechanisms while achieving accurate detection of sheet surface positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit 723 acts as an intermediary that processes detection signals from the existing sheet surface detection sensor 732 and generates appropriate alignment control signals. It mediates between the detection data and the alignment member control, enabling the system to use existing sensors effectively for alignment purposes without requiring additional dedicated detection hardware
2Reliability
If the discharge tray is lowered to maintain distance from curled sheets, then sheet discharge reliability is improved, but alignment member contact with sheets deteriorates causing missed swings
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member 730 is designed with vertical movement capability through the alignment member vertical moving unit 726, allowing its position to be dynamically adjusted based on detected sheet surface positions. This dynamic adjustment ensures the alignment member maintains proper contact with sheets regardless of tray height variations caused by curling, resolving the contradiction between discharge reliability and alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the sheet surface detection sensor 732 continuously detects sheet surface positions, and the control unit 723 uses this information to adjust the alignment member position via the alignment member vertical moving unit 726. This closed-loop feedback ensures the alignment member adapts to varying sheet positions, preventing missed swings while maintaining discharge reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking apparatus includes an alignment member to align a sheet stacked on a stacking tray in a width direction perpendicular to a direction in which the sheet is discharged. When stacking a plurality of sheets on the stacking tray, the sheet stacking apparatus lowers the stacking tray, so that a predetermined distance is maintained between the top surface sheet and a sheet discharge port. If the stacking tray is lowered to a predetermined position while the alignment unit is executing an alignment operation at a first position, the sheet stacking apparatus lowers the alignment member to a second position lower than the first position and causes the alignment member to execute the alignment operation at the second position.