Link Mechanism for Sheet Binding Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet binding devices face complexity in control mechanisms due to varying sheet bundle thickness, requiring precise rotation adjustments to maintain proper binding, which complicates the binding process.

Innovation Solution

A crimp-binding device with a movable-crimping-member moving unit, including a link mechanism and a connecting-member moving unit, allows for flexible positioning and pressure application regardless of sheet bundle thickness, simplifying the control process by enabling the connecting member to move between extended and retracted positions through a rotary member on a displaceable shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the crank mechanism is rotated reversely by a rotation amount based on sheet bundle thickness to move the lower crimping tooth away from the upper crimping tooth, then the sheet bundle can be taken out after binding, but the control process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of taking out sheet bundleVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link mechanism automatically performs the reverse rotation to return the lower crimping tooth to its initial position after binding. The mechanism uses the stored elastic energy in the bent link to self-return without requiring complex control systems or manual intervention, thus simplifying the control process while ensuring the sheet bundle can be easily removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of actively rotating the crank mechanism reversely to move the crimping teeth apart, the invention allows the link mechanism to passively return to its initial state by reversing the bending direction. This inversion of the active/passive roles simplifies the control system while achieving the same functional result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If the link mechanism is locked at the binding position, then the binding force is maintained, but the crank mechanism cannot be rotated in the same direction anymore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding forceVSAvoidrotation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The link mechanism transitions from a flexible state during approach to a locked rigid state during binding, and then returns to flexible state for removal. This dynamic change in structural properties allows the mechanism to maintain binding force while enabling the necessary rotational movements through the reverse rotation of the crank mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution simplifies the binding control process by allowing the device to adapt to varying sheet bundle thicknesses without the need for complex rotation adjustments, ensuring consistent binding performance.

Implementation Method 1

a link mechanism that includes a first link member having one end rotatably connected to the movable crimping member, a second link member having one end rotatably connected to a fixed member fixed to a device body, and a connecting part that rotatably connects the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 2

a connecting-member moving unit that includes a rotary member capable of rotating on a displaceable rotating shaft, and reciprocates the connecting member between the first position and the second position by rotation of the rotary member in one direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrank mechanism: Crankshaft

Implementation Method 3

a rotary member capable of rotating on a displaceable rotating shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS9090051B2Sheet binding device, sheet processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image forming system, and sheet binding method

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A sheet binding device binds a sheet bundle by causing a movable-crimping-member moving unit to move a movable crimping member thereby holding a sheet bundle between crimping members. The movable-crimping-member moving unit includes: a link mechanism that includes a first link member rotatably connected to the movable crimping member, a second link member rotatably connected to a fixed member fixed to a device body and connected to the first link member through a connecting part; a connecting member rotatably connected to the connecting part, and capable of moving between a first position causing the link mechanism to be extended and a second position causing the link mechanism to be more flexed than in the first position; and a connecting-member moving unit that includes a rotary member capable of rotating on a displaceable rotating shaft, and reciprocates the connecting member by rotation of the rotary member in one direction.