Sheet Tray Alignment Structure for Precise Lateral Sheet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses suffer from deteriorated processing quality due to incomplete lateral alignment of sheets, which affects the efficiency and quality of post-processing operations such as stapling and folding.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a supporting member that extends from the inner to the outer sides of the sheet's end portions in the Y direction, along with alignment members that contact the sheet's end portions further in the upward direction than its center of gravity, ensuring precise lateral alignment of sheets before processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If alignment members are extended to contact the lower end portion of the sheet, then lateral alignment is improved, but the apparatus complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional lateral alignment (horizontal only) to three-dimensional alignment by adding vertical dimension. The alignment members are positioned at different heights (first alignment member at upper end, second alignment member at lower end) to contact different portions of the sheet, achieving comprehensive alignment without requiring excessive horizontal extension of single alignment members.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is segmented into multiple alignment members positioned at different locations. Instead of using one long alignment member, the patent divides the alignment function into at least two separate alignment members (first and second alignment members) positioned at different vertical levels, each handling a specific portion of the sheet alignment task.
2Productivity
If sheets are processed without complete lateral alignment, then processing speed is maintained, but processing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment members perform preliminary alignment action on the sheets before they enter the main processing unit. By pre-aligning the sheets in the feeding direction using the first and second alignment members, the system ensures that sheets are properly positioned before processing, thereby maintaining both high processing speed and high processing quality without requiring post-processing adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus in an embodiment includes a processing unit, a tray, alignment members, and a supporting member. The processing unit processes regular size sheets. The regular size sheets can be placed on a first surface of the tray. The alignment members are capable of coming into contact with end portions in a first direction, in which a line of intersection of the first surface and a horizontal plane extends, further in an upward direction than a center of gravity of a largest regular size sheet present in an initial position where the regular size sheet entering the tray is placed first. The supporting member supports a lower end portion of the largest regular size sheet and extends from inner sides to outer sides of end portions of the largest regular size sheet in the first direction.