Systems and methods for implementing a unique planar stacking surface for set compiling in image forming devices

摘要

A system and method are provided improving stack integrity for a set of image receiving media substrates at an output of a compiler in an image forming device by supplementing a compiler shelf with a pair of augers having a unique planar lead-in for a top surface of the augers. The vertical compiler components reduce a “stepped” configuration of conventional compiler systems to keep a bottom sheet substantially “flat” thereby reducing a tendency for the bottom sheet to disadvantageously shift during in-set alignment processing. The large flat surface at the top of the augers effectively extends the plane of the lead edge shelf. A larger contact area with the sheets/sets of image receiving media substrates, along with the flatter shape of the sets, results in a more stable stack with a lesser tendency of individual sheets to migrate away from a registration edge.

主权项

1. A method for handling image receiving media substrates in an image forming system, comprising:
providing a compiler tray at an output of an image receiving media substrate processing device as a first portion of a transport mechanism for collecting a set of processed image receiving media substrates exiting the output of the image receiving media substrate processing device; providing a vertical compiler unit downstream of the compiler tray in a process direction as a second portion of the transport mechanism for moving collected sets of processed image receiving media substrates from the compiler tray, the vertical compiler unit comprising:
a pair of auger components as transport mechanisms in the vertical compiler unit, each of the pair of auger components having a planar top surface that is substantially parallel to, and positioned substantially co-planar with, the a substrate collection surface of the compiler tray, andat least one auger motor for driving the pair of auger components in a coordinated manner about respective vertical auger component shafts for the pair of auger components; providing an image receiving media substrate transport controller that controls movement of the transport of the image receiving media substrates exiting the output of the image receiving media substrate processing device including controlling operation of the at least one auger motor; and collecting the set of processed image receiving media substrates in a first position in which the set of processed image receiving media substrates are supported partially by the compiler tray and partially on the planar top surfaces of the pair of auger components.