Movable Trailing End Fence for Adjustable Sheet Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses cannot adjust the binding position in the sheet conveying direction to a user-intended setting, as the trailing end fence and reference fence positions are fixed, limiting user flexibility and efficiency in edge binding processing.
Innovation Solution
The trailing end reference fence is made movable in the sheet conveying direction, allowing for arbitrary adjustment of the binding position, and the edge-binding stapler is configured to move in the sheet width direction, enabling precise control over the binding depth and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the trailing end reference fence is made movable in the sheet conveying direction to allow arbitrary adjustment of the binding position, then the adaptability and user flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing end reference fence is designed to be movable in the sheet conveying direction, transforming from a static component to a dynamic one. This allows the binding position to be adjusted according to user requirements while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through guided linear movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable trailing end reference fence serves multiple functions: it defines the sheet position, enables binding position adjustment, and works cooperatively with the movable stapler. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the edge-binding stapler is configured to move in the sheet width direction to enable precise control over the binding position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge-binding stapler is designed with movement capability in the sheet width direction, allowing precise positioning at different binding locations. The dynamic positioning system enables accurate binding while using a relatively simple rail-guided movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The stapler mechanism is segmented into movable and stationary parts, with the stapler unit able to move independently along the sheet width direction. This segmentation allows precise positioning without requiring the entire binding mechanism to be complex.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional mechanisms are added to enable adjustable binding position, then the adaptability is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment functionality into the existing reference fence and stapler mechanisms rather than adding separate adjustment systems. The movable reference fence and movable stapler work together within the existing apparatus footprint, minimizing size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
By making existing components movable rather than adding new static components, the patent achieves adjustment capability while utilizing the existing apparatus space efficiently, thereby limiting the increase in overall apparatus size.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus (PD) includes: a sheet stacking unit (F) on which sheets are accommodated and stacked as a sheet bundle (SB); an aligning member (51a,51b) that is movable along a trailing end, in a conveying direction, of the sheet bundle (SB) stacked on the sheet stacking unit (F) and that aligns the trailing end of the sheet bundle (SB) in the sheet conveying direction by abutting thereon; a binding unit (S1) that moves along the trailing end of the sheet bundle (SB) in the sheet conveying direction and binds the aligned sheet bundle (SB); and a moving unit (55) that moves the aligning member (51a) in the sheet conveying direction. A distance from the trailing end of the sheet bundle (SB) in the sheet conveying direction to a binding position is adjusted by moving the aligning member (51a) in the sheet conveying direction.