Rotatable Stapler for Multipoint Sheet Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses for small-sized image forming devices that transfer sheets only in a longitudinal direction are limited to one-point stapling at the leading or trailing end, unable to bind sheets like a book.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus with a rotatable stapler unit that performs multipoint binding or one-point binding at an arbitrary angle, combined with a sheet stack transfer unit that intermittently moves the sheet stack along the transfer path, allowing for stable and accurate stapling of sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sheet post-processing apparatus is designed for longitudinal sheet transfer only, then the device structure is simple and installation space is minimized, but the stapling function is limited to one-point binding at leading or trailing end
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler unit is made rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically change its orientation angle. This enables the stapler to perform binding at different positions (leading end, trailing end, or side edges) and at various angles, transforming a static single-function device into a dynamic multi-functional device that can adapt to different binding requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable stapler unit provides universal binding capability by performing one-point binding at leading/trailing ends and multipoint binding at side edges. A single apparatus structure achieves multiple stapling functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated devices, making the system universally applicable to various binding needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable stapler unit is added to enable multipoint binding, then binding versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable stapler unit combines multiple binding functions (one-point binding at leading end, one-point binding at trailing end, and multipoint binding at side edges) into a single integrated apparatus. By merging these functions into one rotatable unit, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated stapling devices for each binding type, achieving functional consolidation that improves versatility while controlling overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler performs multipoint binding at side edges, then book-like binding is achieved, but the alignment precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet stack transfer unit performs preliminary actions by accurately positioning and stopping the sheet stack at predetermined locations before the stapler executes the binding operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the stapler always engages with the sheet stack at the correct location, maintaining high alignment precision regardless of whether one-point or multipoint binding is performed
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet stack transfer unit acts as an intermediary between the longitudinal sheet transfer mechanism and the rotatable stapler unit. It provides a controlled interface that accurately positions the sheet stack and coordinates the timing of transfer and stapling operations, ensuring precise alignment for multipoint binding while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple moving components
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for post-processing sheets which is installed at a discharge end of a longitudinal discharge type image forming apparatus includes a tamper which arranges opposite ends of one side of a longitudinal direction of a sheet stack discharged from the discharge end in a first direction and stacked as many as a preset number of sheets, and transfers the arranged sheet stack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a sheet post-processing unit which performs post-processing in parallel with a longitudinal end of the sheet stack transferred in the second direction by the tamper or performs post-processing while being rotated by an arbitrary angle with respect to a corner end portion of the sheet stack.