Sheet Binding Mechanism Using Controlled Pressing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in consistently applying a sufficient pressing force for binding sheet bundles of varying thicknesses without the need for high-cost elastic members, which can be strained when dealing with intermediate thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a binding unit featuring a convex and concave portion that sandwiches sheets, a moving unit to adjust the position, and a control unit to maintain a predetermined pressing force for a set time before releasing, ensuring secure binding without the need for elastic members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a high spring constant elastic member is used to withstand large pressing force, then the pressing force is sufficient for binding, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of a standard elastic member by controlling the duration and sequence of pressing actions. The cam mechanism maintains pressing force for a specific time period (first time period) and then releases (second time period), allowing a lower spring constant member to achieve sufficient binding效果 without requiring a high-cost high spring constant elastic member
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic pressing action through the cam mechanism, where the elastic member is pressed against the sheet bundle for a predetermined first time period and then released for a second time period. This periodic action allows the elastic member to repeatedly apply sufficient pressing force over time, achieving effective binding without requiring the member to continuously withstand maximum force, thus reducing the required spring constant and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic member deformation is used to handle intermediate thickness sheet bundles, then adaptability is improved, but the elastic member requires high spring constant increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pressing system dynamic through the cam mechanism, which automatically adjusts the pressing duration and timing based on the sheet bundle characteristics. The cam rotates to press the elastic member against the sheet bundle for a predetermined first time period, then releases for a second time period. This dynamic control provides adaptability to different sheet thicknesses while using a cost-effective elastic member with lower spring constant
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a binding unit that sandwiches and binds a plurality of sheets by using a convex portion and a concave portion; a moving unit that moves at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion; a drive unit that drives the moving unit; and a control unit that controls the drive unit so that a state in which the binding unit sandwiches the plurality of sheets at a predetermined pressing force by using a driving force from the drive unit is retained for a predetermined time period, and so that the one of the convex portion and the concave portion is moved in a direction away from the another of the convex portion and the concave portion after the predetermined time period has elapsed.