Movable Stapling Unit for Dual-Position Sheet Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet binding processing apparatuses require multiple binding units and increased costs due to the need for separate stapling devices at the processing tray and manual tray, leading to inefficiencies and increased space usage.
Innovation Solution
A sheet binding processing apparatus with a processing tray, a manual tray, a movable stapling unit, and a controller that allows the stapling unit to wait outside the sheet introducing area when not in use, enabling prompt binding of sheet bundles set at the manual tray without the need for multiple binding units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate stapling devices are arranged at both the processing tray and manual tray, then binding functionality is provided for both trays, but apparatus cost increases and mounting space is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate stapling devices into a single movable stapling unit that can serve both the processing tray and manual tray. The stapling unit is mounted on a moving portion that enables it to relocate between different binding positions, allowing one device to perform the function of what would traditionally require two separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The stapling unit is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the moving portion, which allows it to change its location from a first binding position to a second binding position. This dynamic relocation enables a single stapling device to adaptively serve multiple trays, reducing the need for multiple fixed stapling devices.
2Productivity
If the stapling unit is positioned at the first binding position for processing tray binding, then automatic binding is enabled, but response time for manual tray binding is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines in advance whether binding is required for the manual tray before the stapling unit completes its binding operation on the processing tray. If manual tray binding is needed, the controller prepares to relocate the stapling unit, minimizing idle time and ensuring rapid response when manual binding is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors binding requirements for both trays and adjusts the stapling unit's position based on real-time feedback. When binding is detected on the manual tray, the controller triggers the moving portion to relocate the stapling unit, ensuring the device responds dynamically to actual binding needs rather than operating on a fixed schedule.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet binding processing apparatus includes a binding device which performs a binding process on a sheet bundle stacked on a stacking unit and a sheet bundle set at a manual setting portion, the stacking unit stacking introduced sheets, a sheet bundle being set to the manual setting portion from an outside; a moving portion which moves the binding device to a first binding position for performing the binding process on a sheet bundle stacked on the stacking unit and a second binding position for performing the binding process on a sheet bundle set at the manual setting portion; and a controller which causes the binding device, in a case that the binding process is not performed on a sheet bundle stacked on the stacking unit, to wait due to the moving portion at a position different from the first binding position.