Pivoting Side End Cursors for Sheet Curl Correction and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses face challenges in aligning and correcting curl or deflection of sheets on a tray, particularly during ejection, which can lead to misalignment and potential jams.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus equipped with a pair of side end cursors that are pivotable and movable in the sheet width direction, controlled by a drive device system, to correct sheet curl or deflection and align sheets by pivoting and sliding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pair of alignment members are used to restrict sheet position and correct deflection, then sheet alignment and curl correction are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex and the risk of sheet jams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member is divided into two independent components: a first alignment member (jogger fence) that moves horizontally to align sheets in the width direction, and a second alignment member (uplift restricting member) that moves vertically to restrict sheet uplift and correct deflection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving sheet alignment precision while keeping the overall device structure manageable through modular design.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment members are positioned to abut against sheet edges for alignment, then sheet positioning is improved, but the risk of sheet jams and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment members are designed to be movable rather than fixed. The first alignment member can move horizontally along the tray to position itself for alignment, and the second alignment member can move vertically to engage and disengage from the sheet. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve precise sheet positioning while minimizing the risk of jams and damage by controlling when and how the members contact the sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device coordinates the movement of both alignment members based on the sheet ejection process. The first alignment member moves to the alignment position, the sheet is ejected and aligned, then the second alignment member moves to restrict uplift if needed. This sequenced feedback control ensures that alignment members only contact sheets when necessary, improving reliability while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing apparatus successively performs: a control in a first mode to move a pair of side end cursors to respective first positions where edges of the side end cursors facing a tray come into contact with an ejected sheet above and away from the tray and move the side end cursors to respective holding positions located inwardly of the sheet in a width direction; and a control in a second mode to move the side end cursors to respective lateral positions located outwardly of the sheet in the width direction, move the side end cursors to respective second positions where the edges of the side end cursors facing the tray come close to or into contact with the tray, and move the side end cursors from the lateral positions to respective abutment positions where the side end cursors abut against ends of the sheet in the width direction.