U.S. patent application number 16/927999 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-27 for recording-material processing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Naoto HAMABATA, Shiro OHASHI, Taiki WATANABE, Takeshi YONEYAMA.
Application Number | 20210155440 16/927999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005015036 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210155440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YONEYAMA; Takeshi ; et
al. |
May 27, 2021 |
RECORDING-MATERIAL PROCESSING APPARATUS
Abstract
A recording-material processing apparatus includes a supporter,
an advancing unit, and a contact member. The supporter supports at
least one recording material from below. The advancing unit
advances toward the recording material from a lateral side of the
recording material supported by the supporter. The contact member
is attached to the advancing unit and comes into contact with an
edge of the recording material as the advancing unit advances
toward the recording material. The contact member is movable in a
direction opposite to an advancing direction of the advancing
unit.
Inventors: |
YONEYAMA; Takeshi;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; OHASHI; Shiro; (Kanagawa, JP)
; HAMABATA; Naoto; (Kanagawa, JP) ; WATANABE;
Taiki; (Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005015036 |
Appl. No.: |
16/927999 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 31/14 20130101;
B65H 2801/27 20130101; B65H 31/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 31/36 20060101
B65H031/36; B65H 31/14 20060101 B65H031/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2019 |
JP |
2019-210646 |
Mar 27, 2020 |
JP |
2020-057592 |
Claims
1. A recording-material processing apparatus comprising: a
supporter that supports at least one recording material from below;
an advancing unit that advances toward the recording material from
a lateral side of the recording material supported by the
supporter; and a contact member that is attached to the advancing
unit and that comes into contact with an edge of the recording
material as the advancing unit advances toward the recording
material, the contact member being movable in a direction opposite
to an advancing direction of the advancing unit.
2. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the contact member is provided at a recording material
side of the advancing unit in a horizontal direction relative to a
vertical direction of the recording material supported by the
supporter, and wherein at least one elastic member is provided
between the contact member and the advancing unit.
3. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
2, wherein the at least one elastic member includes a plurality of
elastic members, and wherein the plurality of elastic members are
disposed at different positions in an extending direction of the
edge of the recording material supported by the supporter.
4. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
2, wherein the at least one elastic member is a coil spring, and
wherein a section of the contact member located lower than a
central axis of the coil spring comes into contact with the
recording material.
5. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the advancing unit is provided with at least two holes
to which protrusions provided in the contact member are fitted,
wherein when the advancing unit advances toward the recording
material, a predetermined contact section of the contact member
comes into contact with the recording material, and wherein, of the
two holes, the hole located closer to the contact section has a
cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of
the hole located farther from the contact section.
6. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
5, wherein the hole located closer to the contact section is a long
hole, and the hole located farther from the contact section is a
circular hole.
7. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the contact member is provided at a recording material
side of the advancing unit, wherein a plurality of coil springs are
provided between the contact member and the advancing unit, wherein
the plurality of coil springs are disposed at different positions
in an extending direction of the edge of the recording material
supported by the supporter, wherein the recording-material
processing apparatus further comprises: a receiver that receives
the recording material moving as the advancing unit advances toward
the recording material; and a plurality of coil springs that
support the receiver and that are disposed at different positions
in the extending direction of the edge, and wherein a line
connecting central axes of the plurality of coil springs provided
at the advancing unit and the edge form an angle that is larger
than an angle formed by a line connecting central axes of the
plurality of coil springs provided at the receiver and the
edge.
8. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, further comprising: a receiver that has a contact member coming
into contact with the recording material as the advancing unit
advances toward the recording material and that receives the
recording material, wherein the at least one recording material
includes an already-loaded recording material already loaded on the
supporter and a new recording material to be loaded onto the
already-loaded recording material, wherein when the new recording
material is to be loaded onto the already-loaded recording material
in a state where the new recording material is positionally
misaligned with the already-loaded recording material, the contact
member provided in the receiver is disposed in contact with the
already-loaded recording material, and the advancing unit advances
toward the new recording material from an opposite side of the
receiver with the new recording material interposed
therebetween.
9. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the advancing unit is movable in an up-down
direction.
10. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein a lower edge of the contact member is located lower than
a lower edge of the advancing unit.
11. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, further comprising: an accumulating unit that accumulates a
plurality of other recording materials moving toward the supporter
during a period from when the advancing unit starts to advance
toward the recording material supported by the supporter to when
the advancing unit returns to an original position.
12. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein when a thickness, in the advancing direction, of a
section of the advancing unit that faces the contact member and a
thickness of the contact member in the advancing direction are
compared, the thickness of the contact member is smaller than the
thickness of the advancing unit.
13. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, further comprising: a processor configured to change a position
of at least a part of the contact member in an up-down direction
based on information about the recording material supported by the
supporter or information about a position of the supporter in the
up-down direction.
14. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the contact member is rotatable about a rotation axis
extending in the advancing direction.
15. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
14, further comprising: a processor configured to set a rotational
angle of the contact member about the rotation axis based on
information about the recording material supported by the supporter
or information about a position of the supporter in an up-down
direction.
16. A recording-material processing apparatus comprising: a
supporter that supports a recording material from below; a moving
unit that moves the recording material supported by the supporter
in a direction intersecting a vertical direction; a disposed member
disposed downstream, in a recording-material moving direction, of
the recording material moved by the moving unit; and a contact
member that is disposed between the recording material moved by the
moving unit and the disposed member and that is attached to the
disposed member in a movable manner toward the disposed member, the
contact member coming into contact with an edge of the recording
material moved by the moving unit.
17. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
16, wherein at least one elastic member is provided between the
disposed member and the contact member.
18. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
17, wherein the at least one elastic member includes a plurality of
elastic members, and wherein the plurality of elastic members are
disposed at different positions in an extending direction of the
edge into which the contact member comes into contact.
19. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
16, wherein the recording material includes an already-loaded
recording material already loaded on the supporter, and wherein
when the contact member is placed on the already-loaded recording
material, the contact member is disposed in contact with the
already-loaded recording material, and the disposed member is
disposed out of contact with the already-loaded recording
material.
20. The recording-material processing apparatus according to claim
16, wherein the recording material includes an already-loaded
recording material already loaded on the supporter, and wherein
when the contact member is placed on the already-loaded recording
material, a lower edge of the contact member is in contact with the
already-loaded recording material, and wherein the lower edge of
the contact member has a thickness smaller than a thickness of an
upper edge of the contact member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-210646 filed Nov.
21, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-057592 filed Mar.
27, 2020.
BACKGROUND
(i) Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to recording-material
processing apparatuses.
(ii) Related Art
[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2001-240295 discloses a process involving completely loading a
sheet-like medium discharged from a discharging unit onto a tray
and subsequently moving an aligning member into and out of contact
with an end surface of the sheet-like medium extending parallel to
the discharging direction of the sheet-like medium, so as to
positionally align the end surface.
SUMMARY
[0004] A recording-material aligning process involves, for example,
pressing against an edge of a recording material from a lateral
side of the recording material to move the recording material to a
predetermined position.
[0005] During this recording-material aligning process, a load is
applied to the recording material. If this load is large, there is
a possibility that the recording material may cockle or may flap
upward and be misaligned when the load is released. Moreover, if
the load applied to the recording material is large, the edges of
the recording material may possibly crease.
[0006] Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to reducing a load applied to a recording
material during a recording-material aligning process, as compared
with a case where a contact member that comes into contact with the
recording material during the recording-material aligning process
does not move relative to a member having a function for supporting
the contact member.
[0007] Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present
disclosure address the above advantages and/or other advantages not
described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments
are not required to address the advantages described above, and
aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure
may not address advantages described above.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a recording-material processing apparatus including a
supporter, an advancing unit, and a contact member. The supporter
supports at least one recording material from below. The advancing
unit advances toward the recording material from a lateral side of
the recording material supported by the supporter. The contact
member is attached to the advancing unit and comes into contact
with an edge of the recording material as the advancing unit
advances toward the recording material. The contact member is
movable in a direction opposite to an advancing direction of the
advancing unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be
described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates the overall configuration of an image
forming system;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the configuration of a first
post-processing device;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a first load section, as viewed from a
direction indicated by an arrow III in FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a first advancing member and so on, as
viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow IV in FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the first advancing member and a
corresponding one of contact members, as viewed from a direction
indicated by an arrow V in FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a supporter, the first advancing member,
and the contact member, as viewed from a direction indicated by an
arrow VI in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates another arrangement example of the
supporter, at least one sheet, the first advancing member, and the
contact member;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates the supporter, the sheet, the first
advancing member, a second advancing member, and the contact
members, as viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow VIII in
FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a processing example when sheets are
loaded in an alternating fashion;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates the supporter, the sheets, the second
advancing member, and the corresponding contact member, as viewed
from a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 9;
[0020] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a moving mechanism;
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration
of a controller;
[0022] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another configuration example
of each contact member and so on;
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates the configuration of the contact member
and so on;
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates the state of the supporter; and
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates another positional relationship between
the sheet and each contact member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be
described in detail below with reference to the appended
drawings.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates the overall configuration of an image
forming system 1.
[0028] The image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image
forming apparatus 2 that forms an image onto a sheet P as an
example of a recording material, and also includes a sheet
processing apparatus 3 that performs a predetermined process on the
sheet P having the image formed thereon by the image forming
apparatus 2.
[0029] The image forming apparatus 2 forms the image onto the sheet
P by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.
[0030] The sheet processing apparatus 3 as an example of a
recording-material processing apparatus is provided with a
transport device 10 that transports the sheet P output from the
image forming apparatus 2 downstream, and is also provided with a
slip-sheet feeding device 20 that feeds a slip sheet, such as a
cardboard or window sheet P, to the sheet P transported by the
transport device 10.
[0031] The sheet processing apparatus 3 is also provided with a
folding device 30 that performs a folding process, such as a
C-folding process or a Z-folding process, on the sheet P
transported from the transport device 10.
[0032] Moreover, the sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with
a first post-processing device 40 that is provided downstream of
the folding device 30 and that performs, for example, a hole
punching process, an edge binding process, and/or a saddle
stitching process on the sheet P.
[0033] More specifically, the first post-processing device 40
provided downstream of the folding device 30 performs a process on
a sheet bundle (an example of a recording-material bundle)
constituted of multiple sheets P having images formed thereon by
the image forming apparatus 2, as well as a process on a sheet P by
sheet P basis.
[0034] The sheet processing apparatus 3 is also provided with a
second post-processing device 500 that is provided downstream of
the first post-processing device 40 and that further performs a
process on a middle-folded or saddle-stitched sheet bundle.
[0035] Moreover, the sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with
a controller 100 that controls each functional unit of the sheet
processing apparatus 3.
[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration
of the controller 100.
[0037] The controller 100 has a central processing unit (CPU) 111
as an example of a processor, a read only memory (ROM) 112 having
basic software and a basic input output system (BIOS) stored
therein, and a random access memory (RAM) 113 used as a work area.
The controller 100 is a so-called computer.
[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 111 executes a program
stored in, for example, the ROM 112, so as to execute various types
of predetermined processes.
[0039] The program executed by the CPU 111 may be provided to the
sheet processing apparatus 3 in a state where the program is stored
in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic storage
medium (such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical
storage medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto-optical storage
medium, or a semiconductor memory.
[0040] Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU 111 may be
provided to the sheet processing apparatus 3 by using a
communication unit, such as the Internet.
[0041] In this exemplary embodiment, the term "processor" refers to
hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include
general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and
dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC:
Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable
Gate Array, and programmable logic device).
[0042] Furthermore, the term "processor" is broad enough to
encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which
are located physically apart from each other but may work
cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not
limited to one described in this exemplary embodiment, and may be
changed.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the first post-processing device 40 is
provided with a hole punching unit 41 that performs a hole punching
process on a sheet P, and is also provided with an edge-binding
stapler unit 42 that performs an edge binding process on a sheet
bundle.
[0044] The first post-processing device 40 is also provided with a
first load section 43 onto which a sheet P from the edge-binding
stapler unit 42 is loaded, and is also provided with a second load
section 45 onto which a sheet P that has not undergone a process in
the first post-processing device 40 or a sheet P that has undergone
only a hole punching process is loaded. The first load section 43
and the second load section 45 are exposed outside the device so
that a sheet P loaded on the first load section 43 or the second
load section 45 is removable manually by an operator.
[0045] Moreover, the first post-processing device 40 is provided
with a saddle stitching unit 44 that creates a double-page booklet
by middle-folding and/or saddle-stitching a sheet bundle.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates the configuration of the first
post-processing device 40.
[0047] The first post-processing device 40 is provided with an
inlet 49 that receives a sheet P transported from the folding
device 30.
[0048] The hole punching unit 41 is provided immediately behind the
inlet 49. The hole punching unit 41 performs, for example, a
two-hole or four-hole punching process on the sheet P transported
to the first post-processing device 40.
[0049] A first sheet transport path R1 extends from the inlet 49 to
the edge-binding stapler unit 42 and is used for transporting the
sheet P received by the inlet 49 to the edge-binding stapler unit
42.
[0050] Furthermore, a second sheet transport path R2 branches off
from the first sheet transport path R1 at a first branch point B1
and is used for transporting the sheet P toward the second load
section 45.
[0051] Moreover, a third sheet transport path R3 branches off from
the first sheet transport path R1 at a second branch point B2 and
is used for transporting the sheet P toward the saddle stitching
unit 44.
[0052] A switch gate 70 is provided for switching (setting) the
transport destination for the sheet P to any one of the first sheet
transport path R1 to the third sheet transport path R3.
[0053] The edge-binding stapler unit 42 is provided with a sheet
accumulating section 60 that creates a sheet bundle by accumulating
a required number of sheets P.
[0054] The sheet accumulating section 60 is provided with a support
plate 67 that is tilted relative to the horizontal direction and
that supports one or more transported sheets P from below. In this
exemplary embodiment, a sheet bundle is created on this support
plate 67.
[0055] Furthermore, the edge-binding stapler unit 42 is provided
with a binding device 50 that performs a binding process (i.e., an
edge binding process) on an edge of the sheet bundle created at the
sheet accumulating section 60.
[0056] Moreover, the edge-binding stapler unit 42 is provided with
a discharge roller 61 that is rotationally driven so as to
discharge the sheet bundle created at the sheet accumulating
section 60 onto the first load section 43 provided outside the
device.
[0057] Furthermore, a movable roller 62 is provided in a movable
manner between a position where the movable roller 62 is retracted
from the discharge roller 61 and a position where the movable
roller 62 is in pressure contact with the discharge roller 61.
[0058] When a process is to be performed by the edge-binding
stapler unit 42, the inlet 49 first receives a transported sheet
P.
[0059] Then, the sheet P is transported along the first sheet
transport path R1 and reaches the edge-binding stapler unit 42.
[0060] After being transported onto the support plate 67, the sheet
P falls onto the support plate 67. This sheet P is supported by the
support plate 67 from below and is slid on the support plate 67 by
a tilting-and-rotating member 63 attached to the support plate
67.
[0061] Subsequently, the sheet P abuts on an end guide 64 attached
to an end of the support plate 67. More specifically, in this
exemplary embodiment, the end guide 64 extends upward in FIG. 2
relative to the end of the support plate 67. The sheet P moving on
the support plate 67 abuts on this end guide 64.
[0062] Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the sheet P stops
moving. Subsequently, this operation is performed every time a
sheet P is transported from upstream, whereby a sheet bundle with
aligned sheets P is created on the support plate 67.
[0063] In this exemplary embodiment, a sheet-width-position
aligning member 65 for positionally aligning the sheet bundle in
the width direction thereof is further provided.
[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, every time a sheet P is fed
onto the support plate 67, the widthwise edges of the sheet P are
pressed by the sheet-width-position aligning member 65, thereby
positionally aligning sheets P (i.e., sheet bundle) in the width
direction thereof.
[0065] When a predetermined number of sheets P are loaded on the
support plate 67, the binding device 50 performs a binding process
on an edge of the sheet bundle.
[0066] Subsequently, in this exemplary embodiment, the movable
roller 62 advances toward the discharge roller 61, so that the
sheet bundle is nipped by the movable roller 62 and the discharge
roller 61. Then, the discharge roller 61 is rotationally driven, so
that the sheet bundle is transported to the first load section
43.
[0067] The binding device 50 is movable away from and toward the
viewer viewing FIG. 2 and is capable of performing the binding
process on the sheets P at multiple locations in this exemplary
embodiment.
[0068] The binding process by the binding device 50 is sometimes
not performed. In this case, the sheets P not having undergone the
binding process are transported from the sheet accumulating section
60 to the first load section 43.
[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates the first load section 43, as viewed from
a direction indicated by an arrow III in FIG. 2.
[0070] The first load section 43 is provided with a supporter 300
that supports at least one sheet P from below. The supporter 300 is
tilted relative to the horizontal direction. The sheet P does not
necessarily have to be supported by the supporter 300 alone.
Alternatively, for example, when the supporter 300 is tilted by a
large angle relative to the horizontal direction, the supporter 300
may support the sheet P together with another part having an angle
relative to the supporter 300, such as a side surface of a housing
of the first post-processing device 40 in FIG. 2.
[0071] Furthermore, the first load section 43 is provided with
advancing members 600 that advance toward the sheet P from the
lateral sides of the sheet P supported by the supporter 300. The
advancing members 600 correspond to an advancing unit according to
this exemplary embodiment.
[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the advancing members 600
include a first advancing member 610 and a second advancing member
620.
[0073] The first advancing member 610 advances toward the sheet P
from one lateral side of the sheet P, and the second advancing
member 620 advances toward the sheet P from the other lateral side
of the sheet P.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, the first advancing member 610 includes
a rotation shaft 612, an arm section 613 that rotates about the
rotation shaft 612, and an advancing section 614 that advances
toward the sheet P from a lateral side of the sheet P when the arm
section 613 rotates to a lower position. Furthermore, in this
exemplary embodiment, the side of the advancing section 614 closer
toward the rotation shaft 612 is defined as a rotation-shaft-610A
side, whereas the distal-end side of the advancing section 614 is
defined as a distal-end-610B side.
[0075] More specifically, the first advancing member 610 and the
second advancing member 620 move in a direction orthogonal to the
transport direction of the sheet P (i.e., the width direction of
the sheet P) so as to advance toward the sheet P from the lateral
sides of the sheet P.
[0076] When the sheet P is to be loaded onto the first load section
43, the sheet P is transported in a direction indicated by an arrow
3A in FIG. 3.
[0077] In this exemplary embodiment, the first advancing member 610
and the second advancing member 620 move in the direction
orthogonal to the transport direction.
[0078] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the first
advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 move in a
direction intersecting the vertical direction so as to advance
toward the sheet P from the lateral sides of the sheet P.
[0079] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a contact member
700 that comes into contact with the sheet P is attached to each of
the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member
620.
[0080] The rotation shaft 612 shown in FIG. 5 is disposed to extend
in the advancing direction of each of the first advancing member
610 and the second advancing member 620.
[0081] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, each of the first
advancing member 610, the second advancing member 620, and the
contact members 700 is provided in a rotatable manner about the
corresponding rotation shaft 612 extending in the advancing
direction.
[0082] In more detail, the first advancing member 610, the second
advancing member 620, and the contact members 700 are provided in a
rotatable manner about the corresponding rotation shafts 612 in a
direction indicated by arrows 4A in FIG. 4.
[0083] The contact members 700 (see FIG. 3) are attached to an area
located at the sheet P side of the first advancing member 610 and
to an area located at the sheet P side of the second advancing
member 620, and come into contact with edges PB of the sheet P as
the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620
advance toward the sheet P.
[0084] More specifically, the contact members 700 are provided
closer toward the sheet P than the advancing members 600, and come
into contact with the edges PB of the sheet P as the first
advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 advance
toward the sheet P.
[0085] As will be described later, in this exemplary embodiment,
the contact members 700 are movable in a direction opposite to the
advancing direction of the first advancing member 610 and the
second advancing member 620. Furthermore, in this exemplary
embodiment, the contact members 700 advance toward the sheet P in a
direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and come into
contact with the sheet P. Then, the contact members 700 move toward
the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620
disposed at the lateral sides of the sheet P. The surfaces of the
first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620
located at identical positions in the direction orthogonal to the
vertical direction of the sheet P receive the impact of the contact
members 700 via coil springs KB (see FIG. 5).
[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates the first advancing member 610 and so on,
as viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow IV in FIG. 3. In
FIG. 4, the supporter 300 is not shown.
[0087] The first advancing member 610 and the second advancing
member 620 protrude from a device body 40A of the first
post-processing device 40.
[0088] In this exemplary embodiment, a moving mechanism 730 that
moves the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing
member 620 is provided.
[0089] In this exemplary embodiment, the moving mechanism 730 is
capable of rotating the first advancing member 610 and the second
advancing member 620 in the direction indicated by the arrows 4A in
FIG. 4 about a rotation axis indicated by reference sign 3X in FIG.
3. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the moving
mechanism 730 is capable of rotating each of the first advancing
member 610 and the second advancing member 620 about the rotation
shaft 612 shown in FIG. 5.
[0090] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the first
advancing member 610 (see FIG. 4) and the second advancing member
620 are movable in the up-down direction.
[0091] The first load section 43 is exposed to the outside. When
the operator is to remove a sheet P loaded on the supporter 300,
the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620
are located at an upper position and are retracted from the sheet P
to be removed.
[0092] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the moving
mechanism 730 is capable of moving the first advancing member 610
and the second advancing member 620 in a direction indicated by an
arrow 4X in FIG. 4.
[0093] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the first
advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 are
movable relative to the edges PB of the sheet P (not shown in FIG.
4).
[0094] Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, the contact members
700 are positioned closer toward the sheet P (not shown in FIG. 4)
than the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member
620.
[0095] FIG. 5 illustrates the first advancing member 610 and the
corresponding one of the contact members 700, as viewed from a
direction indicated by an arrow V in FIG. 4. In this exemplary
embodiment, the second advancing member 620 has a configuration
identical to that of the first advancing member 610.
[0096] The contact member 700 is provided with two protrusions 740
protruding toward the first advancing member 610. In this exemplary
embodiment, the contact member 700 tilts about locations where the
protrusions 740 are provided (which will be described later).
[0097] In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the two
protrusions 740 function as shafts. In this exemplary embodiment,
the contact member 700 tilts about each of these shafts.
[0098] In this exemplary embodiment, the protrusions 740 include a
distal-end-side protrusion 741 located at the distal-end-610B side
of the first advancing member 610 and a base-side protrusion 742
located at the base-610A side (i.e., the rotation-shaft-610A side)
of the first advancing member 610.
[0099] The two protrusions 740 are disposed at different positions
in the longitudinal direction of the contact member 700.
[0100] The first advancing member 610 is provided with two holes
750 to which the protrusions 740 provided on the contact member 700
are fitted.
[0101] Furthermore, the contact member 700 according to this
exemplary embodiment has a base-side end 700A located at the
base-610A side of the first advancing member 610 and an
opposite-side end 700B located at the opposite side from the
base-side end 700A (i.e., at the distal-end-610B side of the first
advancing member 610).
[0102] In this exemplary embodiment, a distance L1 between the
base-side protrusion 742 serving as one of the protrusions 740 and
the base-side end 700A is smaller than a distance L2 between the
distal-end-side protrusion 741 serving as the other protrusion 740
and the opposite-side end 700B.
[0103] In this exemplary embodiment, a distal-end-side hole 751
serving as the hole 750 located at the distal-end-610B side of the
first advancing member 610 is a long hole. This long hole is
disposed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the contact
member 700.
[0104] On the other hand, a base-side hole 752 serving as the hole
750 located at the base-610A side of the first advancing member 610
is a circular hole.
[0105] In this exemplary embodiment, the distal-end-side hole 751
serving as one of the two holes 750 has a cross-sectional area
(i.e., a cross-sectional area taken along a plane orthogonal to the
axial direction of the hole 750) is larger than the cross-sectional
area of the base-side hole 752 serving as the other one of the
holes 750.
[0106] In this exemplary embodiment, when the first advancing
member 610 advances toward the sheet P, a predetermined contact
section (to be described later) of the contact member 700 comes
into contact with the sheet P.
[0107] In this exemplary embodiment, the distal-end-side hole 751
located closer toward this contact section and serving as one of
the two holes 750 has a cross-sectional area larger than the
cross-sectional area of the base-side hole 752.
[0108] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the coil springs
KB as an example of elastic members are provided between the
contact member 700 and the first advancing member 610.
[0109] Although the coil springs KB are described as an example in
this description, other examples of the elastic members include
plate springs and rubber members, as alternatives to the coil
springs KB.
[0110] In this exemplary embodiment, the coil springs KB provided
are multiple coil springs.
[0111] In detail, in this exemplary embodiment, two coil springs KB
are provided, namely, a distal-end-side coil spring KB1 provided at
the distal-end-610B side of the first advancing member 610 and a
base-side coil spring KB2 provided at the base-610A side of the
first advancing member 610.
[0112] In this exemplary embodiment, the distal-end-side coil
spring KB1 is provided around the distal-end-side protrusion 741,
and the base-side coil spring KB2 is provided around the base-side
protrusion 742.
[0113] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, regulation screws
220 for regulating the movement of the contact member 700 in a
direction extending away from the first advancing member 610 are
provided.
[0114] More specifically, the regulation screws 220 regulate the
movement of the contact member 700 in the direction extending away
from the first advancing member 610 so as to prevent the contact
member 700 from becoming detached.
[0115] The regulation screws 220 are attached to the distal end of
the distal-end-side protrusion 741 and to the distal end of the
base-side protrusion 742.
[0116] When the contact member 700 is to move away from the first
advancing member 610, a head 221 of each regulation screw 220 abuts
on the first advancing member 610. Consequently, the contact member
700 is prevented from becoming detached from the first advancing
member 610.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 5, in this exemplary embodiment, in a case
where thicknesses in the advancing direction when the contact
member 700 advances toward the sheet P (see FIG. 3) are compared, a
thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is smaller than a thickness
W6 of the advancing section 614.
[0118] In other words, when the thickness W6 in the advancing
direction of a part of the first advancing member 610 that faces
the contact member 700 is compared with the thickness W5 of the
contact member 700 in the advancing direction, the thickness W5 of
the contact member 700 is smaller than the thickness W6 of the
first advancing member 610.
[0119] In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, when
thicknesses in a direction intersecting the extending direction of
the edges PB (see FIG. 3) of the sheet P are compared, the
thickness W5 of the contact member 700 and the thickness W6 of the
advancing section 614 are different from each other. In this
exemplary embodiment, the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is
smaller than the thickness W6 of the advancing section 614.
[0120] The contact member 700 and the advancing section 614 are
disposed in the extending direction of the edges PB (see FIG. 3) of
the sheet P loaded on the supporter 300. When the thicknesses in
the direction intersecting this extending direction are compared,
the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is smaller than the
thickness W6 of the advancing section 614.
[0121] In this case, the term "thickness" refers to the thickness
of the plate-like section, but does not refer to the thickness of a
section that is partially thick due to a protrusion or the
thickness of a section that is partially thin due to a recess.
[0122] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in this exemplary
embodiment, the advancing section 614 is provided with protrusions
614A, but the thickness W6 of the advancing section 614 refers to
the thickness of a section excluding these protrusions 614A.
[0123] Likewise, the contact member 700 is also provided with the
protrusions 740, but the thickness W5 of the contact member 700
refers to the thickness of a section excluding these protrusions
740.
[0124] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another configuration example
of the contact member 700 and so on. As shown in FIG. 13A, the
advancing section 614 is provided with a protrusion 614B in this
configuration example. The thickness W6 of the advancing section
614 refers to the thickness of a section excluding this protrusion
614B.
[0125] In this configuration example, the protrusions 614A shown in
FIG. 5 are not provided, such that the heads 221 of the regulation
screws 220 abut on a side surface 614X of the advancing section 614
having a tabular shape.
[0126] Furthermore, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 13A,
the contact member 700 is provided with a protrusion 789 not shown
in FIG. 5. The thickness W5 of the contact member 700 refers to the
thickness of a section excluding this protrusion 789.
[0127] FIG. 13B illustrates the advancing section 614, as viewed
from a direction indicated by an arrow XIIIB in FIG. 13A. In this
advancing section 614, multiple recesses 700Y are provided in a
surface facing the contact member 700 (see FIG. 13A).
[0128] The thickness W6 of the advancing section 614 refers to the
thickness of a section where these recesses 700Y are not provided.
In other words, the thickness W6 of the advancing section 614
refers to the thickness of the advancing section 614 assuming that
these recesses 700Y are not provided.
[0129] FIG. 6 illustrates the supporter 300, the first advancing
member 610, and the contact member 700, as viewed from a direction
indicated by an arrow VI in FIG. 3.
[0130] In this exemplary embodiment, every time a sheet P is
transported to the supporter 300, the first advancing member 610
advances toward this sheet P so that the contact member 700 is
pressed against the corresponding edge PB of the sheet P.
[0131] In this case, the second advancing member 620 (not shown in
FIG. 6) also advances toward the sheet P so that the contact member
700 provided at the second advancing member 620 is pressed against
the corresponding edge PB of the sheet P.
[0132] When each contact member 700 is pressed against the
corresponding edge PB of the sheet P, a predetermined contact
section 780 of the contact member 700 comes into contact with the
sheet P in this exemplary embodiment.
[0133] In this exemplary embodiment, the distal-end-side hole 751
(see FIG. 5) is located close to this contact section 780. In this
exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the
distal-end-side hole 751 is larger than the cross-sectional area of
the base-side hole 752.
[0134] Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the contact
section 780 (see FIG. 6) of the contact member 700 is more easily
movable than in a case where the cross-sectional area of the
distal-end-side hole 751 is smaller than the cross-sectional area
of the base-side hole 752.
[0135] More specifically, the side of the contact member 700 where
the contact section 780 is located is easily retractable toward the
first advancing member 610. As an alternative to this exemplary
embodiment in which a region of the contact section 780 serves as a
part of the contact member, a larger region of the contact member
may come into contact with the sheet P. In that case, the contact
section 780 becomes wider than in FIG. 6. If the contact section
780 extends over both holes, as viewed from the direction in FIG.
6, the hole located closer toward the center of the contact section
is closer to the contact section.
[0136] FIG. 6 illustrates the first advancing member 610 and the
contact member 700, as viewed from upstream in the advancing
direction of the first advancing member 610.
[0137] Accordingly, when the first advancing member 610 and the
contact member 700 are viewed from upstream in the advancing
direction of the first advancing member 610, the contact member 700
is larger than the first advancing member 610 in this exemplary
embodiment.
[0138] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, an end 701 of
the contact member 700 in the protruding direction of the first
advancing member 610 is located further downstream in the
protruding direction of the first advancing member 610 than an end
611 of the first advancing member 610.
[0139] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the width of the
contact member 700 is also larger than the width of the first
advancing member 610.
[0140] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, when widths in
a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the first
advancing member 610 are compared, a width W2 of the contact member
700 is larger than a width W1 of the first advancing member
610.
[0141] Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, a lower edge 709 of
the contact member 700 is located lower than a lower edge 610E of
the first advancing member 610.
[0142] In this exemplary embodiment, when the first advancing
member 610 advances toward the sheet P, the multiple coil springs
KB are disposed at different positions in the extending direction
of the edges PB, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0143] In more detail, in this case, the base-side coil spring KB2
is located upstream in the transport direction of the sheet P, and
the distal-end-side coil spring KB1 is located downstream in the
transport direction of the sheet P.
[0144] In this exemplary embodiment, an upper surface 300A of the
supporter 300 is provided with a recess 300B for avoiding
interference among the first advancing member 610, the contact
member 700, and the supporter 300.
[0145] Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, the sheet P is
positionally displaceable relative to the first advancing member
610. In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, the sheet P is
movable relative to the first advancing member 610 in the up-down
direction.
[0146] The sheet P is movable relative to the first advancing
member 610 by, for example, moving the supporter 300 in the up-down
direction.
[0147] In more detail, for example, with regard to the movement of
the sheet P relative to the first advancing member 610, the sheet P
is moved in the up-down direction by moving the supporter 300 in
the up-down direction to shift the load position of the sheet P
upward or downward.
[0148] In this exemplary embodiment, the elastic members are
provided between the contact member 700 and the first advancing
member 610. In addition to the elastic members provided between the
contact member 700 and the first advancing member 610, a spring may
further be disposed at the rotation shaft 612 (see FIG. 5) so that
an impact may be absorbed in a dual fashion.
[0149] As a comparative example, a spring may be provided at the
rotation shaft 612 alone such that an integral contact movable unit
(not shown) having a combination of the contact member 700 and the
first advancing member 610 is formed. In this case, the contact
section is advanceable toward the sheet P, but the integral contact
movable unit requires sufficient rigidity since an impact received
at the lateral sides of the sheet is absorbed not by the lateral
sides of the sheet but by the rotation shaft 612 serving as a
rotation fulcrum. This is not desirable since the load on the
rotation shaft 612 increases.
[0150] The supporter 300, the first advancing member 610, and the
contact member 700 will be further described with reference to FIG.
14 (illustrating the configuration of the contact member 700 and so
on). The state shown in FIG. 14 is identical to the state shown in
FIG. 6.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 14, the advancing section 614 provided in
the first advancing member 610 has an end 614E extending in one
direction and located at the downstream side in the one direction.
In more detail, the advancing section 614 has the end 614E
extending downstream in the transport direction of the sheet P and
located at the downstream side in the transport direction.
[0152] In more detail, a section of the first advancing member 610
that faces the contact member 700 has the end 614E extending in the
one direction and located at the downstream side in the transport
direction.
[0153] The contact member 700 also extends downstream in the one
direction. Moreover, the contact member 700 extends further
downstream in the one direction than the end 614E of the first
advancing member 610.
[0154] The contact member 700 has a downstream section 785 located
further downstream in the one direction than the end 614E of the
first advancing member 610 and an upstream section 786 located
further upstream than the end 614E.
[0155] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the downstream
section 785 is provided with a wide portion 785A.
[0156] The wide portion 785A has a width H1 in the vertical
direction that is larger than a width H2 of the upstream section
786 in the vertical direction.
[0157] In this exemplary embodiment, when a sheet P is to be
removed from the first load section 43, the sheet P may possibly
come into contact with the distal end of the contact member 700. In
other words, the sheet P may sometimes come into contact with the
downstream section 785 of the contact member 700.
[0158] In more detail, for example, when the sheet P is to be
removed, the sheet P may sometimes be removed in a direction
indicated by an arrow 4B in FIG. 4. In this case, the sheet P may
sometimes come into contact with the downstream section 785 of the
contact member 700.
[0159] In this case, with the contact member 700 being provided
with the wide portion 785A, as in this exemplary embodiment, the
contact member 700 is less likely to break, as compared with a case
where the wide portion 785A is not provided.
[0160] In more detail, with the contact member 700 being provided
with the wide portion 785A, the contact member 700 receives stress
over a wider range, so that the contact member 700 is less likely
to break.
[0161] In FIG. 14, the configuration of the first advancing member
610 located at one lateral side of the sheet P is illustrated. As
mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the first advancing
member 610 and the second advancing member 620 have identical
configurations. This implies that the second advancing member 620
is also provided with a wide portion 785A.
[0162] In a case where an excessive force is applied, for example,
the contact member 700 may possibly move obliquely at an extreme
angle such that the downstream section 785 alone moves toward the
advancing section 614 of the first advancing member 610. Even if
the contact member 700 moves obliquely at an extreme angle, since
the downstream section 785 extends further downstream than the
first advancing member 610, the end of the contact member 700 does
not abut on the first advancing member 610. The contact member 700
may become difficult to move if it abuts on the first advancing
member 610, or the contact member 700 may possibly break if the
contact member 700 has lower rigidity than the first advancing
member 610. In this exemplary embodiment, the two protrusions 740
are provided for preventing the contact member 700 from moving
obliquely at an extreme angle relative to the advancing section 614
of the first advancing member 610, and the shape of the spring is
set to the shape of the coil spring KB1, so that the contact member
700 is less likely to move obliquely during normal use.
[0163] FIG. 7 illustrates another arrangement example of the
supporter 300, the sheet P, the first advancing member 610, and the
contact member 700.
[0164] In this arrangement example, the supporter 300 has descended
to a position lower than that in the state shown in FIG. 6, so that
a section of the contact member 700 close to the lower edge 709 is
in contact with the sheet P.
[0165] In more detail, in this arrangement example, a section of
the contact member 700 located lower than the distal-end-side coil
spring KB1 is in contact with the sheet P.
[0166] More specifically, in this arrangement example, a section of
the contact member 700 located lower than a central axis C of the
distal-end-side coil spring KB1 is in contact with the sheet P.
[0167] FIG. 8 illustrates the supporter 300, the sheet P, the first
advancing member 610, the second advancing member 620, and the
contact members 700, as viewed from a direction indicated by an
arrow VIII in FIG. 7.
[0168] In the arrangement example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a section
of each contact member 700 located lower than the distal-end-side
coil spring KB1 is contact with the sheet P.
[0169] In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the contact members 700
are tilted such that the contact members 700 overhang the edges PB
of the sheet P.
[0170] When the section of each contact member 700 located lower
than the distal-end-side coil spring KB1 comes into contact with
the sheet P, the surface of the contact member 700 that presses
against the sheet P faces downward at an angle. In this case, the
contact members 700 overhang the edges PB of the sheet P.
[0171] In this case, a load is applied to the sheet P from above
the edges PB. More specifically, in this case, the load is applied
not only from above the sheet P but also from the lateral sides of
the sheet P, so that a pressing load is applied onto the sheet P
from above the sheet P.
[0172] Next, a processing example when sheets P are loaded in an
alternating fashion will be described. In other words, the
following processing example corresponds to when sheets P are
loaded in an offset fashion.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 9 (illustrating the processing example when
sheets P are loaded in an alternating fashion), in this exemplary
embodiment, every time a predetermined number of sheets P are
loaded, the sheets P are loaded in a state where the loading
positions of the sheets P in the width direction are offset, so
that the sheets P are loadable in an alternating fashion.
[0174] In more detail, a sheet P to be loaded at a first position
and a sheet P to be loaded at a second position different from the
first position in the width direction of the sheets P are loadable
in an alternating fashion.
[0175] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, a new sheet
P is loadable onto an already-loaded sheet PX as a sheet P already
loaded on the supporter 300. Moreover, the new sheet P is loadable
in a state where the position thereof is offset from the
already-loaded sheet PX.
[0176] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, when sheets P are to be
loaded in an alternating fashion, for example, the first advancing
member 610 advances toward the sheets P, whereas the second
advancing member 620 serving as the other advancing member receives
a sheet P moved thereto by being pressed by the first advancing
member 610.
[0177] At the first advancing member 610 that presses against the
sheet P, the contact member 700 thereof presses against the
corresponding edge PB of the sheet P.
[0178] At the second advancing member 620 that receives the sheet
P, the position of the second advancing member 620 is fixed. Thus,
the sheet P moves toward the positionally-fixed second advancing
member 620, and the second advancing member 620 stops the sheet P
from moving.
[0179] At the second advancing member 620, the contact member 700
provided at the second advancing member 620 side is disposed in
contact with the upper surface of the already-loaded sheet PX.
[0180] In this exemplary embodiment, the second advancing member
620 functions as a receiver. In this exemplary embodiment, the
second advancing member 620 receives the sheet P that moves as the
first advancing member 610 advances thereto.
[0181] In more detail, the contact member 700 attached to the
second advancing member 620 receives this sheet P.
[0182] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, the
corresponding edge PB of the moving sheet P comes into contact with
this contact member 700 so that the movement of the sheet P is
regulated, whereby the sheet P stops at a predetermined
position.
[0183] In this case, in this exemplary embodiment, this contact
member 700 is supported by the distal-end-side coil spring KB1 and
the base-side coil spring KB2 disposed between this contact member
700 and the second advancing member 620.
[0184] In FIG. 9, the first advancing member 610 advances toward
the sheet P and the second advancing member 620 receives the sheet
P. Alternatively, if the sheet P is to be loaded in a state where
the loading position of the sheet P has been changed to the other
loading position, the second advancing member 620 advances toward
the sheet P and the first advancing member 610 receives the sheet
P.
[0185] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the loading
position of the sheet P is changed by moving the supporter 300 in
the width direction of the sheet P.
[0186] Alternatively, the loading position of the sheet P may be
changed by using another method, such as moving an outlet, through
which sheets P are discharged toward the first load section 43, in
the width direction of the sheet P.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 9, in this exemplary embodiment, the first
advancing member 610 that presses against the sheet P is disposed
lower than the second advancing member 620 that receives the sheet
P.
[0188] Furthermore, the first advancing member 610 that presses
against the sheet P is disposed in the state shown in FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0189] In this case, as mentioned above, at the first advancing
member 610, the contact section 780 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the
contact member 700 is in contact with the sheet P.
[0190] On the other hand, at the second advancing member 620 that
receives the sheet P, the contact member 700 is disposed above the
already-loaded sheet PX, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0191] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, the contact
member 700 provided at the second advancing member 620 side is
placed on the already-loaded sheet PX. More specifically, the
contact member 700 provided at the second advancing member 620 side
is disposed in contact with the already-loaded sheet PX.
[0192] On the other hand, in this exemplary embodiment, the second
advancing member 620 is disposed above the already-loaded sheet PX
in a state where the second advancing member 620 is not in contact
with the already-loaded sheet PX.
[0193] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, when the new
sheet P is loaded on the already-loaded sheet PX, the first
advancing member 610 advances toward this new sheet P from the
opposite side of the second advancing member 620 with the new sheet
P interposed therebetween, as indicated by an arrow 9A.
[0194] Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, when the contact
member 700 provided at the second advancing member 620 side comes
into contact with the already-loaded sheet PX, the lower edge 709
of the contact member 700 comes into contact with the
already-loaded sheet PX.
[0195] Although not described above, the lower edge 709 of the
contact member 700 has a thickness D1 smaller than a thickness D2
of an upper edge 710 of the contact member 700 in this exemplary
embodiment.
[0196] In more detail, each contact member 700 according to this
exemplary embodiment is tabular and is disposed to extend in the
transport direction of the sheet P. In the tabular contact member
700, the thickness D1 of the lower edge 709 is smaller than the
thickness D2 of the upper edge 710.
[0197] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when
thicknesses in the moving direction of the first advancing member
610 and the second advancing member 620 are compared, the thickness
of the lower edge 709 is smaller than the thickness of the upper
edge 710.
[0198] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, in this exemplary
embodiment, a lower section 700F located at the lower side of the
contact member 700 decreases in thickness toward the lower edge
709.
[0199] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the surface
of the contact member 700 facing the second advancing member 620 is
tapered such that the lower section 700F of the contact member 700
gradually decreases in thickness toward the lower edge 709 of the
contact member 700.
[0200] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, in the surface
of the contact member 700 facing the second advancing member 620,
the section located at the lower side of the contact member 700 is
gradually inclined away from the second advancing member 620 as the
section extends downward. Accordingly, in the lower section 700F
described above, the thickness of the contact member 700 decreases
toward the lower edge 709.
[0201] In more detail, in the surface of the contact member 700
facing the second advancing member 620, the section located at the
lower side of the contact member 700 is provided with a tapered
surface TM such that, in the lower section 700F, the thickness of
the contact member 700 decreases toward the lower edge 709.
[0202] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the tapered
surface TM is provided in a section of the contact member 700 that
does not come into contact with the base-side coil spring KB2 and
the distal-end-side coil spring KB1.
[0203] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when the
tapered surface TM, the base-side coil spring KB2, and the
distal-end-side coil spring KB1 are projected in a direction
indicated by an arrow 9X in FIG. 9, there is no overlap between the
tapered surface TM and the base-side coil spring KB2 or between the
tapered surface TM and the distal-end-side coil spring KB1.
[0204] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when the
tapered surface TM, the base-side coil spring KB2, and the
distal-end-side coil spring KB1 are projected in the thickness
direction of the contact member 700 as well as toward a plane 9Z
parallel to the contact member 700, there is no overlap between the
tapered surface TM and the base-side coil spring KB2 or between the
tapered surface TM and the distal-end-side coil spring KB1.
[0205] Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, deformation of
the contact member 700 may be suppressed, while a tapered shape is
given to the contact member 700.
[0206] If the aforementioned tapered surface TM is provided in a
section of the contact member 700 that comes into the base-side
coil spring KB2 and the distal-end-side coil spring KB1, the
contact member 700 tends to deform easily due to the contact member
700 having a small thickness in the section having the tapered
surface TM.
[0207] In contrast, as described above, the section of the contact
member 700 that does not come into contact with the base-side coil
spring KB2 and the distal-end-side coil spring KB1 is provided with
the aforementioned tapered surface TM, so that deformation of the
contact member 700 may be suppressed.
[0208] FIG. 10 illustrates the supporter 300, the sheets P, the
second advancing member 620, and the contact member 700, as viewed
from a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 9.
[0209] In this exemplary embodiment, the second advancing member
620 that receives a sheet P is disposed above the already-loaded
sheet PX, as mentioned above.
[0210] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this exemplary
embodiment, the contact member 700 is placed on the already-loaded
sheet PX, and the lower edge 709 of the contact member 700 is in
contact with the already-loaded sheet PX.
[0211] In this exemplary embodiment, the lower edge 709 is disposed
along the surface of the already-loaded sheet PX, and the lower
edge 709 and the already-loaded sheet PX are in line contact with
each other.
[0212] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, when the lower
edge 709 is in contact with the already-loaded sheet PX, the
parallelism between the lower edge 709 and the already-loaded sheet
PX is higher than the parallelism between the lower edge 610E of
the second advancing member 620 and the already-loaded sheet
PX.
[0213] In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the first
advancing member 610 that presses against a sheet P is disposed in
the state shown in FIG. 6.
[0214] The second advancing member 620 that receives the sheet P is
disposed in the state shown in FIG. 10. The second advancing member
620 is disposed to extend parallel to the already-loaded sheet PX
more than the first advancing member 610.
[0215] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, a line L11
connecting central axes C2 of the distal-end-side coil spring KB1
and the base-side coil spring KB2 provided at the first advancing
member 610 side and the corresponding edge PB of the sheets P form
an angle .alpha., as shown in FIG. 6.
[0216] In contrast, a line L21 connecting central axes C21 of the
distal-end-side coil spring KB1 and the base-side coil spring KB2
provided at the second advancing member 620 side and the
corresponding edge PB of the sheet P form an angle .beta., as shown
in FIG. 10.
[0217] In this exemplary embodiment, the first advancing member 610
and the second advancing member 620 are disposed such that the
angle .alpha. is larger than the angle .beta..
[0218] In this exemplary embodiment, at the second advancing member
620 side (see FIG. 10), a load applied toward the second advancing
member 620 from a newly-fed sheet P (not shown in FIG. 10) is
received by the coil springs KB. In this case, in this exemplary
embodiment, the two coil springs KB, namely, the distal-end-side
coil spring KB1 and the base-side coil spring KB2, receive this
load.
[0219] In contrast, at the first advancing member 610 side (see
FIG. 6), a load occurring as a result of a reaction from the sheet
P is received by the coil springs KB, but this load is mostly
received by the distal-end-side coil spring KB1 in this exemplary
embodiment.
[0220] At the second advancing member 620 side (see FIG. 10)
serving as the receiving side, the load is received by the two coil
springs KB, as mentioned above, so that the load applied to each
coil spring KB is reduced. In this case, the contact member 700
provided at the second advancing member 620 side is less likely to
move, so that the sheet P may be positioned more stably by this
contact member 700.
[0221] With this configuration where the contact member 700 is less
likely to move, the already-loaded sheet PX located below the
contact member 700 and in contact with the contact member 700 is
less likely to move.
[0222] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, when a sheet P is
pressed against this contact member 700 functioning as a receiver
that receives the sheet P, the contact member 700 may rotate easily
in a direction indicated by an arrow 9F about the lower edge 709
(see FIG. 9).
[0223] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the lower
edge 709 of the contact member 700 comes into contact with the
already-loaded sheet PX and receives a drag from the sheet P, so
that the lower edge 709 is less likely to move. On the other hand,
a section of the contact member 700 located above the lower edge
709 is pressed by the new sheet P and may tilt easily in the
direction indicated by the arrow 9F.
[0224] In this case, the already-loaded sheet PX located below the
contact member 700 is less likely to move. In this case, the
already-loaded sheet PX is less likely to be positionally displaced
as a result of movement of the lower edge 709 of the contact member
700.
[0225] In this exemplary embodiment, each contact member 700 is
provided with the tapered surface TM, as mentioned above, so that
the contact member 700 is tiltable more easily.
[0226] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the surface
of the contact member 700 located at the tilting side of the
contact member 700 is provided with the tapered surface TM, so that
the contact member 700 is tiltable more easily.
[0227] On the other hand, at the first advancing member 610 side
(see FIG. 6), a load occurring as a result of a reaction from the
sheet P is mostly received by the distal-end-side coil spring
KB1.
[0228] In this case, the amount of contraction of the
distal-end-side coil spring KB1 is large, causing the contact
member 700 to move by a large amount. In this case, the load
applied to the sheet P from the first advancing member 610 is
reduced.
[0229] If the load applied to the sheet P is large, the sheet P may
cockle or may flap upward and be misaligned when the load applied
to the sheet P is released. Moreover, if the load applied to the
sheet P is large, the edges PB of the sheet P may possibly
crease.
[0230] In contrast, in this exemplary embodiment, the load applied
to the sheet P is reduced, so that problems occurring when a large
load is applied to the sheet P may be reduced.
[0231] The sheets P used may often vary in size, and may include
sheets P larger than preset values.
[0232] In this case, a sheet P larger than a preset value is
excessively pressed by the first advancing member 610 or the second
advancing member 620, possibly resulting in deformation of the
sheet P or distortion of the sheet P.
[0233] In contrast, in this exemplary embodiment, the contact
members 700 are retracted from the sheet P if the sheet P is larger
than a preset value.
[0234] More specifically, if there is a sheet P larger than a
preset value, the contact members 700 move in directions opposite
to the advancing direction of the first advancing member 610 and
the second advancing member 620.
[0235] Accordingly, a situation where an excessive load is applied
to the sheet P is suppressed, thereby suppressing deformation of
the sheet P as well as distortion of the sheet P.
[0236] In this exemplary embodiment, the amount of movement (i.e.,
the amount of retraction from the sheet P) of the contact member
700 provided at the advancing side is larger than the amount of
movement of the contact member 700 provided at the receiving
side.
[0237] In this case, the sheet P may be positioned more accurately
at the receiving side, and the load applied to the sheet P may be
released at the advancing side.
[0238] As shown in FIG. 8, in this exemplary embodiment, if both
the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620
are to advance toward the sheet P, the amount of movement (i.e.,
the amount of retraction from the sheet P) of the contact members
700 similarly increases, so that the load applied to the sheet P
may be reduced.
[0239] If both the first advancing member 610 and the second
advancing member 620 are to advance toward the sheet P, the
distal-end-side coil springs KB1 mostly receive the load occurring
as a result of a reaction from the sheet P.
[0240] In this case, the contact members 700 move by a large
amount, so that the load applied to the sheet P from the first
advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 may be
reduced.
[0241] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, an accumulating
unit is provided for accumulating sheets P transported from
upstream while a process for aligning sheets P is being performed
by using the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing
member 620.
[0242] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, during a
period from when at least one of the advancing members 600, which
may be one of or both of the first advancing member 610 and the
second advancing member 620, starts to advance toward the sheets P
to when the advancing member 600 returns to its original position,
a new sheet P may sometimes be transported toward the supporter 300
from upstream. In this case, the new sheet P is temporarily
accumulated in the accumulating unit in this exemplary
embodiment.
[0243] In detail, in this exemplary embodiment, the sheet
accumulating section 60 (see FIG. 2) functions as the accumulating
unit, such that multiple new sheets P are accumulated in the sheet
accumulating section 60 during the period from when at least one of
the advancing members 600 starts to advance toward the sheets P to
when the advancing member 600 returns to its original position.
[0244] More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the
multiple new sheets P that have reached the sheet accumulating
section 60 are accumulated in this sheet accumulating section 60
during the period from when at least one of the advancing members
600 starts to advance toward the sheets P to when the advancing
member 600 returns to its original position.
[0245] Then, in this exemplary embodiment, when the advancing
member 600 returns to its original position, the multiple sheets P
accumulated in the sheet accumulating section 60 are transported
toward the first load section 43.
[0246] For example, in a configuration where multiple sheets P are
not accumulated in the sheet accumulating section 60, for example,
it may be necessary to temporarily stop an image forming process in
the image forming apparatus 2 (see FIG. 1).
[0247] In more detail, during the process for aligning sheets P in
the first load section 43, the transporting of sheets P toward the
first load section 43 is stopped. This affects the image forming
apparatus 2 and makes it necessary to temporarily stop the image
forming process.
[0248] In contrast, in this exemplary embodiment, multiple sheets P
are accumulated in the sheet accumulating section 60 so that the
effect on the image forming apparatus 2 may be reduced, as compared
with the case where multiple sheets P are not accumulated in the
sheet accumulating section 60, thereby enhancing the overall
processing efficiency of the image forming system 1.
[0249] In the above description, the first advancing member 610 and
the second advancing member 620 are both given a function for
pressing against a sheet P and a function for receiving the sheet
P. Alternatively, one of the advancing members 600 may be given
only the function for pressing against a sheet P, whereas the other
advancing member 600 may be given only the function for receiving
the sheet P.
[0250] More specifically, in the above description, the first
advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 are both
given the function for advancing toward and retracting from a sheet
P. Alternatively, only one of the advancing members 600, that is,
the first advancing member 610 or the second advancing member 620,
may be given the function for advancing toward and retracting from
a sheet P, whereas the other advancing member 600 may be not given
the function for advancing toward and retracting from the sheet P.
In this case, the other advancing member 600 may be provided in a
fixed state.
[0251] In this case, since the advancing member 600 provided in the
fixed state does not have the advancing function, the advancing
member 600 may be regarded not as an advancing member but as a
disposed member disposed downstream of a sheet P moving in the
width direction.
[0252] More specifically, the advancing member 600 provided in the
fixed state may be regarded as a disposed member disposed
downstream, in a sheet moving direction, of a sheet P moved by
being pressed by the other advancing member 600.
[0253] More specifically, in this case, the advancing member 600
that presses against the sheet P may be regarded as a moving unit
that moves the sheet P supported by the supporter 300 in the width
direction of the sheet P.
[0254] The advancing member 600 provided in the fixed state may be
regarded as a disposed member disposed downstream, in the sheet
moving direction, of the sheet P moved by the moving unit.
[0255] Furthermore, in this case, at the disposed member side, the
contact member 700 provided at the disposed member side is used to
receive the sheet P moved by the moving unit.
[0256] In this case, this contact member 700 is disposed between
the sheet P moved by the moving unit and the disposed member.
[0257] At the sheet receiving side, a wall extending in the
vertical direction may be provided in place of a member, such as
the contact member 700, and the sheet P may be caused to abut on
this wall.
[0258] The process for loading sheets P will be further described
below.
[0259] In this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 111 (see FIG. 12) as
an example of a processor changes the position of at least a part
of each contact member 700 in the up-down direction based on
information about at least one sheet P supported by the supporter
300.
[0260] In other words, the CPU 111 sets the rotational angle of the
contact member 700 about the rotation shaft 612 (see FIG. 5) based
on the information about the sheet P loaded on the supporter 300.
Then, the CPU 111 causes the contact member 700 to rotate so that
the contact member 700 is disposed at the set rotational angle.
[0261] The information about the sheet P loaded on the supporter
300 is input by a user via, for example, an operation panel (not
shown). The CPU 111 obtains this information input by the user, so
as to acquire the information about the sheet P.
[0262] In this exemplary embodiment, if the sheet P loaded on the
supporter 300 is a specific sheet P, such as thin paper, the CPU
111 causes the supporter 300 to descend, as indicated by reference
sign 15A in FIG. 15 (illustrating the state of the supporter 300),
unlike a case where the sheet P is not a specific sheet P.
[0263] In other words, if the sheet P loaded on the supporter 300
is a specific sheet P, such as thin paper, the CPU 111 increases
the descending amount of the supporter 300, as compared with a case
where the sheet P is not a specific sheet P.
[0264] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, when a sensor
S shown in FIG. 15 detects an uppermost sheet of sheets P loaded on
the supporter 300, the CPU 111 causes the supporter 300 to
descend.
[0265] In this exemplary embodiment, if the sheets P loaded on the
supporter 300 are specific sheets P, the descending amount of the
supporter 300 is increased.
[0266] Although not described above, in this exemplary embodiment,
the sensor S for detecting the uppermost sheet P of the sheets P
loaded on the supporter 300 is provided, as shown in FIG. 15.
[0267] As sheets P are sequentially loaded onto the supporter 300
in this exemplary embodiment, the uppermost sheet P of the sheets P
reaches a detection position of the sensor S. Accordingly, the
uppermost sheet P of the sheets P loaded on the supporter 300 is
detected by the sensor S.
[0268] Then, in this exemplary embodiment, when the sensor S
detects this uppermost sheet P, the supporter 300 descends, as
described above. In this exemplary embodiment, if the sheets P
loaded on the supporter 300 are specific sheets P, the descending
amount of the supporter 300 is increased.
[0269] In other words, if the sheets P loaded on the supporter 300
are specific sheets P, the CPU 111 increases the descending amount
of the supporter 300 per descent.
[0270] In this case, a decrease in the number of sheets P
processable per unit time may be suppressed.
[0271] In this exemplary embodiment, if the sheets P loaded on the
supporter 300 are specific sheets P, such as thin paper, the
frequency at which the supporter 300 descends increases, possibly
causing the number of sheets P processable per unit time to
decrease.
[0272] In more detail, if the sheets P loaded on the supporter 300
are specific sheets P, such as thin paper, the sheets P tend to
curl easily. In this case, the loading height of the sheets P tends
to increase in the supporter 300, as compared with sheets P that
are less likely to curl.
[0273] In other words, in a case where the same number of sheets P
are loaded on the supporter 300, the loading height of specific
sheets P, such as thin paper, tends to increase, as compared with a
case where sheets P other than the specific sheets P are
loaded.
[0274] In this case, the detection of the sheets P is performed
frequently by the sensor S, resulting in an increase in the
frequency at which the supporter 300 descends.
[0275] The descending process of the supporter 300 takes time.
Furthermore, while the supporter 300 is descending, a process in
the image forming apparatus 2 and a process in the sheet processing
apparatus 3 have to be temporarily stopped.
[0276] In this case, the number of sheets P processable per unit
time decreases, resulting in lower processing efficiency.
[0277] In contrast, in this exemplary embodiment, the descending
amount of the supporter 300 per descent is increased, so that the
frequency at which the supporter 300 descends may be reduced,
thereby suppressing a decrease in the processing efficiency caused
as a result of the descending process of the supporter 300.
[0278] On the other hand, when the descending amount of the
supporter 300 increases, the position of the sheets P loaded on the
supporter 300 is lowered, so that each contact member 700 is less
likely to come into contact with the sheets P, or the contact
member 700 does not come into contact with the sheets P.
[0279] In more detail, when the descending amount of the supporter
300 increases, the contact member 700 and the sheets P are disposed
such that, for example, the positional relationship therebetween is
as shown in FIG. 15. In this case, the contact member 700 is less
likely to come into contact with the sheets P, or the contact
member 700 does not come into contact with the sheets P.
[0280] In contrast, as mentioned above, when the position of at
least a part of the contact member 700 in the up-down direction is
changed based on the information about the sheets P, the contact
member 700 and the sheets P are disposed such that the positional
relationship therebetween is as shown in FIG. 16 (illustrating
another positional relationship between the sheets P and the
contact member 700).
[0281] In other words, as mentioned above, when the rotational
angle of the contact member 700 is set based on the information
about the sheets P, the contact member 700 and the sheets P are
disposed in the state shown in FIG. 16.
[0282] More specifically, when the rotational angle of the contact
member 700 from a predetermined reference angle (not shown) is set
based on the information about the sheets P, for example, the
contact member 700 and the sheets P are disposed in the state shown
in FIG. 16.
[0283] In more detail, in this exemplary embodiment, if the
information about the sheets P supported by the supporter 300
indicates that the sheets P are specific sheets P, the rotational
angle of the contact member 700 is set such that a distal end 700X
of the contact member 700 is disposed at a lower position.
[0284] In this case, the contact member 700 is disposed in the
state shown in FIG. 16. In more detail, the contact member 700 is
disposed beside the specific sheets P.
[0285] In this case, the contact between the contact member 700 and
the specific sheets P is ensured.
[0286] As described above, in this exemplary embodiment, the
position of each contact member 700 in the up-down direction is
changed based on the information about the sheets P. In other
words, the rotational angle of the contact member 700 is set based
on the information about the sheets P.
[0287] Alternatively, the position of the contact member 700 in the
up-down direction may be changed based on information about the
position of the supporter 300 in the up-down direction. In other
words, the rotational angle of the contact member 700 may be set
based on the information about the position of the supporter 300 in
the up-down direction.
[0288] In this case, if the CPU 111 acquires information indicating
that the supporter 300 is located lower than a normal position
(i.e., a predetermined position), the CPU 111 changes the position
of the contact member 700 in the up-down direction and sets the
contact member 700 such that the distal end 700X of the contact
member 700 is disposed at a lower position.
[0289] In other words, if the CPU 111 acquires the information
indicating that the supporter 300 is located lower than the normal
position, the CPU 111 sets the rotational angle of the contact
member 700 to a new rotational angle and sets the distal end 700X
of the contact member 700 to a lower position.
[0290] The example shown in FIG. 16 illustrates a state where the
sheets P are pressed from opposite sides by using the two contact
members 700. In other words, as described above with reference to
FIG. 8, the sheets P are pressed from opposite sides by using the
two contact members 700.
[0291] Alternatively, in the offset loading mode shown in FIG. 9,
the position of each contact member 700 in the up-down direction
may be set similarly based on the information about the sheets P or
the information about the position of the supporter 300.
[0292] In other words, in the offset loading mode shown in FIG. 9,
the rotational angle of each contact member 700 may be set based on
the information about the sheets P or the information about the
position of the supporter 300.
[0293] According to the above description, when the descending
amount of the supporter 300 increases, the position of the sheets P
loaded on the supporter 300 is lowered, so that the contact member
700 is less likely to come into contact with the sheets P or the
contact member 700 does not come into contact with the sheets P.
This is suppressed by setting the rotational angle of the contact
member 700. Alternatively, the amount of contact may be compensated
for by increasing the width, as in the wide portion 785A, and
increasing the descending amount, or the increase in the descending
amount may be suppressed so that it is sufficiently within the
width of the wide portion 785A.
[0294] Furthermore, with regard to a sheet type that requires a
large force for aligning sheets by using contact members, the
descending amount of the supporter 300 may be controlled such that
the area to constantly come into contact with each contact member
is large or that the sheets constantly come into contact with a
section of the contact member located near a section supported by
the coil springs. Specific examples of the sheet type that requires
a large force for aligning sheets by using contact members include
cardboard and high-density paper.
[0295] With regard to a sheet type A that requires a relatively
small force for aligning sheets, control may be performed by
reducing the number of times a tray is moved by setting the
rotational angle in addition to moving the tray. With regard to a
sheet type B that requires a relatively smaller force for aligning
sheets than the sheet type A, control may be performed by simply
moving the tray.
[0296] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the moving mechanism 730 (see
FIG. 4).
[0297] FIG. 11A is a top view of the moving mechanism 730, and FIG.
11B illustrates a part of the moving mechanism 730, as viewed from
a direction indicated by an arrow XIB in FIG. 11A.
[0298] As mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment, the moving
mechanism 730 is provided for moving the first advancing member 610
and the second advancing member 620.
[0299] As shown in FIG. 11A, the moving mechanism 730 is provided
with a guide member 910 that extends in the advancing-retracting
direction of the first advancing member 610 and the second
advancing member 620 and that guides the first advancing member 610
and the second advancing member 620.
[0300] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a first moving
mechanism 921 for moving the first advancing member 610 is
provided. Moreover, a second moving mechanism 922 for moving the
second advancing member 620 is provided.
[0301] The first moving mechanism 921 is provided with an annular
belt member 921A having a section extending in the
advancing-retracting direction of the first advancing member 610.
Moreover, a first driving motor M101 for moving the belt member
921A is also provided.
[0302] In this exemplary embodiment, the first advancing member 610
is fixed relative to the belt member 921A. In this exemplary
embodiment, the first advancing member 610 advances and retracts in
the width direction of the sheet P when the first driving motor
M101 is driven.
[0303] Likewise, the second moving mechanism 922 is also provided
with an annular belt member 922A having a section extending in the
advancing-retracting direction of the second advancing member 620
and a second driving motor M102 for driving the belt member 922A.
The second advancing member 620 advances and retracts in the width
direction of the sheet P when the second driving motor M102 is
driven.
[0304] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a rotating
mechanism 950 is provided, as shown in FIG. 11A.
[0305] The rotating mechanism 950 rotates the first advancing
member 610 about the base 610A of the first advancing member 610,
and rotates the second advancing member 620 about a base 620A of
the second advancing member 620.
[0306] The rotating mechanism 950 is provided with a support member
951 that extends in the advancing-retracting direction of the first
advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 and that
supports the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing
member 620 from below.
[0307] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism 950 is provided with a
vertically moving mechanism 952 that vertically moves the support
member 951.
[0308] The vertically moving mechanism 952 is provided with a third
driving motor M103. The vertically moving mechanism 952 is provided
with a rotating member 954 that is rotated by the third driving
motor M103 and whose first end 954A moves vertically. In this
exemplary embodiment, the support member 951 is attached to the
first end 954A of the rotating member 954.
[0309] In this exemplary embodiment, when the third driving motor
M103 is driven to rotate the rotating member 954, as shown in FIG.
11B, the support member 951 moves vertically, thereby causing the
first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620 to
move vertically.
[0310] As shown in FIG. 8, in this exemplary embodiment, when the
sheet P is to be pressed from the opposite sides of the sheet P by
using the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing
member 620, the third driving motor M103 is driven so that the
first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member 620
descend to the lateral sides of the sheet P supported by the
supporter 300.
[0311] Subsequently, in this exemplary embodiment, the first
driving motor M101 and the second driving motor M102 are driven, so
that the first advancing member 610 and the second advancing member
620 are moved toward the sheet P.
[0312] In order to set the first advancing member 610 and the
second advancing member 620 as shown in FIG. 9, the third driving
motor M103 is similarly driven. Accordingly, the first advancing
member 610 descends to a lateral side of the sheet P supported by
the supporter 300.
[0313] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, while the first
advancing member 610 is descending, the movement of the second
advancing member 620 is regulated by the already-loaded sheet PX,
and the second advancing member 620 is positioned above the
already-loaded sheet PX.
[0314] Then, the first driving motor M101 is driven so that the
first advancing member 610 advances toward the sheet P.
[0315] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.
Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to
practitioners skilled in the art. The exemplary embodiment was
chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the
disclosure and its practical applications, thereby enabling others
skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various
embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
disclosure be defined by the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *