Movable Stapling Unit for Sheet Bundle Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet bundle binding processing apparatuses lack a unified mechanism for binding sheets both on a processing tray and those manually set from the outside, as well as efficient staple replenishment methods.
Innovation Solution
A sheet bundle binding processing apparatus with a movable binding device that can switch between binding sheets on a processing tray, manually set sheets, and replenishing staples, featuring a processing tray with a stapling unit, a manual setting portion, and a mechanism for easy staple replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate binding mechanism is provided for manual setting portion, then binding function for manually set sheets is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stapling unit is designed to perform multiple functions: binding sheets fed from the image forming apparatus via the processing tray, and binding manually set sheets from the manual setting portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate binding mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while avoiding increased device complexity
2Quantity of substance
If staple replenishment is performed at the inside of external casing, then staple supply is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The staple cartridge is extracted as a separate, removable component from the stapling unit. This allows the staple cartridge to be easily removed and replaced by maintenance personnel without disassembling the entire stapling unit, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining reliable staple supply
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus capable of performing a binding process on a sheet bundle inserted to a manual setting portion of an apparatus housing and a binding process on a sheet bundle introduced to a processing tray with a common stapling unit having a simple unit moving mechanism therefor as well as facilitating staple replenishment. The present invention comprises a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus including a processing tray on which sheets are stacked, a binding device which staple-binds a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray, and a manual setting portion to which a sheet bundle is set from the outside of the apparatus, the binding device being arranged to be movable among a first position where a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray is to be bound, a second position where a sheet bundle set at the manual setting portion is to be bound, and a third position where staples are replenished to the binding device.