Sheet Stacking Apparatus with Movable Support Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses with aligning members make it difficult for users to access sheets on the loading tray due to the presence of these members.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacking apparatus with a conveying unit, first and second support members that can move between positions to either support or allow sheets to drop onto a stacking unit, where the first support member is shorter than the second in the conveying direction, and a pair of aligning members in an image forming apparatus that align sheets by having one member shorter than the other in the conveying direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aligning members are present to align sheets, then sheet alignment is achieved, but user accessibility to sheets on the loading tray is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning members are designed to be movable rather than fixed. They can move between a first position where they support sheets for alignment and a second position where they do not support sheets, allowing user access. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by making the alignment function available only when needed while providing clear access during user operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are divided into multiple segments (first support member and second support member) with different lengths in the sheet conveying direction. This segmentation allows the shorter first support member to clear the user access path while the longer second support member maintains sheet support functionality, thereby achieving both alignment and accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support members are made longer to support sheets, then sheet support stability is improved, but user access to the loading tray is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be movable between different positions. When not in use, they can be retracted to a second position that does not obstruct user access to the loading tray, while during operation they move to a first position where they provide stable sheet support. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between stability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second support members have asymmetric lengths in the sheet conveying direction, with the first support member being shorter. This asymmetric design allows the shorter member to be positioned such that it does not extend into the user access path, while the longer second support member provides adequate support stability for sheet handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveying unit, a first support member configured to support a sheet, the first support member including a first supporting surface contacting an underside of a first end portion of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction, a second support member configured to support the sheet, the second support member including a second supporting surface contacting an underside of a second end portion of the sheet, and a stacking unit. At least one of the first support member and the second support member is capable of moving between a first position that supports the sheet and a second position that does not support the sheet, and a length of the first support member is shorter than a length of the second support member in the sheet conveying direction.