Trailing-End Fence Positioning for Stapler Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in aligning and stapling sheets of varying sizes and orientations due to the reference fence interfering with the stapler, leading to improper alignment, reduced productivity, and potential downtime.
Innovation Solution
The sheet processing apparatus incorporates a mechanism to calculate and adjust the position of the trailing-end fence based on sheet size and stapling positions, allowing it to move before stapling, ensuring proper alignment and spacing without interfering with the stapler, thus preventing alignment degradation and improving productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reference fence is moved after sheet alignment to avoid interfering with the stapler, then the stapler can access the intended position, but the sheet alignment is disturbed and productivity is reduced due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The reference fence is moved to a predetermined position before sheet alignment occurs, rather than after alignment. This preliminary positioning allows the stapler to access its intended position without being blocked, while the reference fence subsequently supports the aligned sheets without causing misalignment or requiring downtime for repositioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the stapler is designed to be set at given positions for stapling, then the interval between stapled positions can be adjusted, but the reference fence may block the stapler from reaching the intended position
Solution Approach 1:
The reference fence is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to a predetermined location that does not interfere with the stapler's movement to various stapling positions. This dynamic adjustment enables both precise stapled position intervals and unrestricted stapler accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the reference fence is moved to a position not to interfere with the stapler, then the stapler can staple at intended positions, but the sheets may become unbalanced and alignment is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The reference fence is positioned at a predetermined location before sheets are processed, where this position is calculated to both avoid blocking the stapler and provide proper support for sheet balance. By establishing this optimal position in advance, both stapler accessibility and sheet stability are maintained simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus (PD) includes a pair of first aligning members (51) movable in a sheet conveyance direction and a sheet width direction, a pair of second aligning members (53) to align lateral sides of a bundle of sheets, a stapler (S1) movable in the sheet width direction to staple a trailing end portion of the bundle, a driving unit (50,55) to move the first aligning members (51), and a controller (111). The first aligning members (51) include a stack portion (51a1; 51b1)to contact and support a trailing edge of the bundle. When the stapler (S1) staples the bundle at two positions symmetrically relative to a center position in the sheet width direction, the controller (111) selects either first positions (P1) inside the two stapled positions or second positions (P2) outside the two stapled positions in accordance with multiple stapling-related variables, and the first aligning members (51) are set at the selected positions to align the trailing edge of the bundle.