Sheet Stacking Belt Positioning for Alignment Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet stacking apparatuses, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-168218, face issues with sheet alignment due to sheet movement in the sheet width direction after the leading edge is abutted against a stopper, leading to deterioration in alignment precision.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacking apparatus with a conveyance member, an abutment portion, an elastic belt member, and a lifting/lowering unit, where the belt member is controlled to contact the sheet before the leading edge abuts against the stopper and retracts after alignment, minimizing sheet movement in the sheet width direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a knurled belt is used to abut the leading edge of the sheet against a stopper for alignment, then the sheet can be aligned in the conveyance direction, but the sheet moves in the sheet width direction after alignment causing deterioration in alignment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic belt member is positioned and activated before the sheet reaches the stopper to gently guide the sheet into alignment, preventing lateral movement rather than correcting it after the fact. This preliminary guidance action maintains sheet stability throughout the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic belt member changes its physical state from a retracted position to an extended position that contacts the sheet, providing a dynamic, adaptable alignment mechanism. The elasticity allows the belt to apply varying forces based on sheet position, maintaining precision without causing lateral movement.
2Speed
If the belt member continuously contacts the sheet during conveyance, then the sheet can be moved smoothly, but the sheet may move in the sheet width direction after alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic belt member operates periodically - extending to contact and guide the sheet during conveyance, then retracting to avoid interfering with the aligned sheet. This periodic contact maintains conveyance smoothness while preventing post-alignment movement that would deteriorate precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt member transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where it can extend and retract based on operational needs. This dynamic behavior allows the belt to provide guidance during conveyance while eliminating the source of lateral movement after alignment is achieved.
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
This configuration improves sheet alignment by controlling the belt's position and speed to prevent wobbling and ensure precise alignment of sheets during stacking, enhancing the overall stacking process.
Implementation Method 1
a belt member (16) having elasticity and configured to move the sheet conveyed to the stacking portion (6), toward the abutment portion (14), in the sheet conveyance direction (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking apparatus includes a stacking portion, a conveyance member, an abutment portion, a belt member, a nipping portion configured to nip the belt member, a lifting/lowering unit configured to lift and lower the nipping portion, and a controller configured to control the lifting/lowering unit such that, in a case where the belt member moves a current sheet and then moves a next sheet, (i) the nipping portion is positioned at the first position after the belt member contacts the current sheet and before the leading edge of the current sheet abuts against the abutment portion, and (ii) the nipping portion is positioned at the second position after the leading edge of the current sheet abuts against the abutment portion and before the belt member contacts the next sheet.