Stapleless Binding Apparatus Rotational Separation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stapleless binding apparatuses face challenges in easily separating a sheet bundle from the clamping teeth after binding, leading to adherence issues.

Innovation Solution

A binding apparatus with a separating member that applies a rotational force to the bound sheets, allowing them to be separated from the binding member and alignment unit, which are constructed as distinct components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If stapleless binding is performed using clamping teeth with corrugated shape, then sheets can be bound without metal staples, but the sheet bundle adheres to the clamping teeth when they are separated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding methodVSAvoidsheet bundle removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A separating member is introduced as an intermediary component between the clamping teeth and the sheet bundle. This separating member applies a separating force to the sheet bundle when the clamping teeth are separated, preventing the sheet bundle from adhering to the clamping teeth while maintaining the stapleless binding function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If side alignment members are used to kick out the sheet bundle, then the sheet bundle can be separated from the pressing surface, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet bundle separationVSAvoidalignment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating member is designed to perform multiple functions: it separates the sheet bundle from the clamping teeth, and can also function as an alignment member to position the sheet bundle correctly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy and efficient removal of the sheet bundle from the clamping teeth, preventing adherence and simplifying the post-binding process.

Implementation Method 1

a separating member configured to apply a rotational force to the sheets which are bound by the binding member to separate the sheets and the binding member from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational force: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS10654305B2Sheet bundle binding apparatus and image forming system including sheet bundle binding apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 CANON FINETECH NISCA INC

AI summary

Provided is a binding apparatus enabling easy removal of a sheet bundle, which has been subjected to binding, from clamping teeth. The binding apparatus includes: a sheet placement portion on which sheets are placed; an alignment unit configured to align the sheets placed on the sheet placement portion; a binding member configured to bind the sheets placed on the sheet placement portion by deforming the sheets without using a staple; and a separating member configured to apply a rotational force to the sheets which are bound by the binding member to separate the sheets and the binding member from each other, the alignment unit and the separating member being constructed by different members.