Movable Punching Unit Overlaps Sheet Setting Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses are oversized due to the need for manual setting portions and space requirements for processes like punching and sheet sorting, which complicates the design and increases the overall size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a conveying path, a setting portion for manual sheet bundling, a binding unit for collating and stacking sheets, and a punching unit that is movable in the sheet width direction, allowing for efficient binding and punching operations while minimizing the apparatus's footprint by overlapping the punching unit's movement area with the sheet setting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual setting portion and dedicated punching/sorting mechanisms are arranged outside the apparatus, then the sheet processing functions are complete, but the apparatus size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sheet processing functions (manual setting, punching, sorting) into a single integrated apparatus. The manual setting portion is integrated with the punching unit and sorting mechanism within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate external devices and reducing overall apparatus footprint while maintaining complete sheet processing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: manual sheet bundle setting, punching operations, and sheet sorting. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, thereby reducing the total space required while providing comprehensive sheet processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If space is allocated for punching and sorting processes within the apparatus main body, then all functions are integrated, but the apparatus becomes oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement within the apparatus housing to accommodate multiple functions. The manual setting portion, punching unit, and sorting mechanism are arranged in different spatial zones and at different heights, efficiently utilizing the available volume without requiring excessive horizontal expansion, thus integrating all functions while controlling overall apparatus size.
3Extent of automation
If a drive connection mechanism for lifting-lowering a tray is arranged within the apparatus, then automated sheet handling is achieved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic lifting-lowering mechanism for the tray that can move vertically within the apparatus housing. This dynamic component enables automated sheet handling by allowing the tray to be positioned at different heights for loading and discharging sheets, providing automation functionality while containing the mechanism within the existing apparatus footprint without requiring additional horizontal space.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet includes a conveying path in which a sheet is conveyed; a setting portion including an opening formed in a cover, a setting face supporting a lower face of a sheet bundle inserted through the opening from an outside of the sheet processing apparatus, and a regulating face which regulates a position of the sheet bundle; a stack portion on which sheets are stacked; a binding unit which is configured to bind a sheet bundle set on a sheet setting area; and a punching unit being configured to be movable in the sheet width direction, the punching unit including a punching portion which forms a punch hole. In the sheet width direction, the sheet setting area is arranged as being overlapped with a moving area of an end of the one side of the punching unit in the sheet width direction.