Staple-less Binding Unit with Self-Cleaning Die Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face issues with staple removal during shredding and recycling, and the non-staple binding method using die members with concave and convex teeth is prone to jamming and paper powder accumulation, affecting binding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a binding portion featuring first and second die portions with concave and convex teeth that engage to bind sheets without staples, and a control system for a cleaning process to remove paper dust from the teeth during non-binding operations, ensuring consistent binding performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sheet bundle is forcibly pulled and taken out during the binding process, then the binding process can be completed, but the sheet is torn and paper powder attaches on the teeth of the die members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a cleaning process before the binding process. The control portion causes the binding portion to execute a cleaning process in which the first and second die portions are engaged with each other without a sheet bundle to be bound, thereby removing paper powder from the teeth of the die members before actual binding operations commence. This preliminary cleaning prevents paper powder accumulation that would otherwise occur during forced sheet removal.
2Productivity
If a number of times of the binding process increases, then more sheets can be bound, but paper powder generated during a fastening process accumulates between the teeth of the pair of die members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by repeatedly engaging and disengaging the first and second die portions during non-binding processes. The control portion is configured to cause the binding portion to carry out a cleaning process of engaging the first and second die portions in a non-binding process, which periodically removes accumulated paper powder from between the teeth. This periodic cleaning action maintains consistent fastening power even after multiple binding operations.
3Productivity
If paper powder attaches on the teeth or accumulates between the teeth, then the binding process can continue, but the paper powder affects the engagement of the upper and lower dies and drops a fastening power of the sheet bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the die portions clean themselves through mutual engagement. The cleaning process involves engaging the first and second die portions with each other, where the teeth of one die portion scrape against the teeth of the other die portion, automatically removing paper powder without requiring external cleaning mechanisms. This self-cleaning action maintains binding precision while preserving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A staple-less binding unit is provided with upper and lower die portions having pluralities of concave and convex teeth engaging with each other. A control portion causes the staple-less binding unit to carry out a binding process of binding a sheet bundle by biting the sheet bundle by the upper and lower die portions and to carry out a cleaning process of engaging the upper and lower die portions in a non-binding process in which no binding process is carried out.