Sheet Stacking Device with Movable Alignment for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses with sheet stacking devices face challenges in efficiently removing stacked paper sheets due to mechanical obstructions, such as jogger fences and leading end stoppers, which hinder easy removal of paper bundles from the output tray.
Innovation Solution
The sheet stacking device incorporates a pair of first sheet stackers and sheet alignment members that align and stack paper sheets orthogonally, a second sheet stacker for dropping sheets, and control circuitry to move these components away from the removal path after sheet alignment, allowing for easy removal of paper bundles by creating a clear space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sheet alignment members and stackers are positioned to align and stack sheets effectively, then sheet alignment precision is improved, but sheet removal ease deteriorates due to mechanical obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet alignment members and stackers are designed to be movable rather than fixed. The control circuitry automatically retracts these components after sheet stacking is complete, transforming them from static obstructions to dynamic elements that clear the removal path, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and removal ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary stacking and alignment actions using the alignment members and stackers, then automatically retracts them before sheet removal is needed. This preliminary positioning followed by retraction ensures both precise stacking and unobstructed removal without requiring manual intervention
2Productivity
If sheet stacking components are positioned to efficiently stack and align sheets, then stacking productivity is improved, but subsequent sheet acceptance deteriorates due to occupied space
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet stacking components are designed with automatic retraction capability controlled by control circuitry. After completing the stacking operation, the components retract to create space for subsequent sheet bundles, enabling the system to alternate between stacking and acceptance modes without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between stacking productivity and subsequent sheet acceptance
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment members contact both ends of sheets to ensure proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet alignment members serve multiple functions: they align sheets during stacking, act as temporary support structures, and then retract to clear the removal path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking device includes a pair of first sheet stackers, a pair of sheet alignment members, a second sheet stacker, a sheet removal portion, and control circuitry. The first sheet stackers stack both end portions of a sheet in a direction orthogonal to a sheet ejecting direction. The sheet alignment members contact both ends of the sheet in the orthogonal direction to align the sheet on the first sheet stackers. The second sheet stacker is disposed lower than the first sheet stackers and stacks the sheet dropped from between the first sheet stackers. The sheet removal portion is disposed on one side in the orthogonal direction. The control circuitry causes one of the first sheet stackers and one of the sheet alignment members to move toward an opposite side of the sheet removal portion in the orthogonal direction after the sheet is dropped from between the first sheet stackers.