Fixed Stapler Multi-Position Binding via Sheet Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet post-processing devices require a moving mechanism and additional space for staplers to perform binding processes at multiple positions along a sheet bundle's side end edge, leading to increased device size.

Innovation Solution

A sheet post-processing device that uses a conveyance unit, such as a second discharge roller pair, to move a sheet bundle in the conveyance direction, allowing a fixed side end edge binding stapler to perform binding processes at multiple positions without the need for a moving stapler mechanism or additional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a stapler is made movable to perform binding processes at multiple positions along a sheet bundle's side end edge, then binding versatility is improved, but device size increases due to the moving mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding process positionsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the stapler movable to achieve multiple binding positions, the invention inverts the approach by making the sheet bundle movable while keeping the stapler fixed. The conveyance unit moves the sheet bundle in the conveyance direction to present different portions to the fixed stapler, thereby achieving multiple binding positions without requiring a moving stapler mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance unit acts as an intermediary between the fixed stapler and the sheet bundle. It enables the sheet bundle to be positioned at multiple locations relative to the stapler by moving the sheet bundle in the conveyance direction, thus allowing the fixed stapler to perform binding processes at multiple positions along the side end edge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a moving stapler mechanism is added to achieve multi-position binding, then binding flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding position adjustmentVSAvoidmoving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention avoids adding a moving mechanism to the stapler by inverting the approach: the stapler remains fixed while the sheet bundle is moved by the conveyance unit. This eliminates the complexity of a moving stapler mechanism while still achieving multi-position binding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance unit, which already exists in the image forming apparatus for its primary function of transporting sheets, is made multi-functional by also using it to position the sheet bundle for binding processes. This eliminates the need for a dedicated moving mechanism for the stapler, reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11274011B2Sheet post-processing device and image forming system provided therewith

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sheet post processing device includes a loading tray on which a sheet conveyed thereto is loaded, a side end edge binding stapler fixed at a position opposed to a side end edge, along a conveyance direction, of a sheet bundle of a plurality of sheets loaded on the loading tray, the side end edge binding stapler performing a first binding process on the side end edge, a conveyance unit that moves the sheet bundle on the loading tray in the conveyance direction, and a controller that controls the conveyance unit. The controller can cause the conveyance unit to move the sheet bundle in the conveyance direction so as to perform the first binding process on the sheet bundle with the side end edge binding stapler at a plurality of positions along the side end edge.