Sheet Transport Alignment Using a Retractable Pushing Roller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet transport apparatuses face issues with the shifting of sheet bundle positions due to rebound when the front end is abutted against a stopper, which prevents proper alignment of edges, and the arrangement of alignment mechanisms is hindered by the presence of restriction parts.
Innovation Solution
A sheet transport apparatus and method that includes a transport unit, a stopper, a restriction part, a pushing part, and motion mechanisms to manage the position of the sheet bundle, restricting deformation and applying pushing force to align the front end before abutment, and retracting the pushing part after alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the restriction part is arranged parallel to the transport face apart from the transport face, then deformation of the media is restricted, but it becomes difficult to arrange the paddles at the suitable position for alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction part is arranged in the width direction (laterally) rather than parallel to the transport face, utilizing the width dimension space to restrict deformation while preserving paddle arrangement space in the transport direction
2Manufacturing precision
If a mechanism to restrict media movement in the width direction is provided instead of the restriction part, then alignment is improved, but there is no room to arrange such a mechanism between the restriction part and the transport face
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction function is achieved by arranging the restriction part in the width direction, which opens up the transport direction space for accommodating additional mechanisms like paddles without compromising the deformation restriction function
3Stability of the object's composition
If the restriction part is arranged close to the stopper, then deformation is restricted effectively, but the front end of the sheet bundle cannot be pushed against the transport face before abutment
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction function is segmented from the stopper by arranging the restriction part in the width direction at a different location, allowing the pushing part to be positioned upstream to apply pushing force before the sheet bundle reaches the stopper
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sheet folding apparatus including: a transport unit configured to transport a sheet bundle in a transport direction; a stopper arranged at a stop position, the front end of the sheet bundle being abutted against the stopper; a restriction part configured to restrict deformation in a height direction of the sheet bundle abutted against the stopper; a pushing roller configured to generate pushing force for pushing the front end of the sheet bundle against a transport face; and a roller motion mechanism configured to move the pushing roller between a protruding position upstream of the stop position and a retracted position spaced apart from the protruding position, and the roller motion mechanism moves the pushing roller from the protruding position to the retracted position after the front end of the sheet bundle transported by the transport unit reaches the pushing roller.