Stapler Access Positioning for Jam Clearance in Sheet Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet post-processing apparatuses with staplers require a large workspace to clear staple jams, leading to increased apparatus size and cost, as the stapler unit needs to be pulled out significantly to access and clear jams, occupying substantial space and complicating the system's structure.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus with a stapler moving section that moves the stapler to an access position near the open-close door only when a staple jam is detected and no sheets are on the stacker, allowing for efficient jam clearance without expanding the apparatus's footprint, utilizing sensors to control the stapler's movement and determine jam clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stapler unit is pulled out far from the apparatus main body to enable operator access for clearing staple jams, then the ease of operation for jam clearance is improved, but the apparatus occupies a larger workspace area and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler is designed to move dynamically between a home position (retracted) and an access position (extended) based on operational needs. The stapler moving section enables the stapler to be positioned at different locations, allowing it to be compact during normal operation and accessible when needed for jam clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the stapler horizontally outward from the apparatus, the invention positions the access point at the front end of the apparatus where the open-close door is located. This utilizes the front-rear dimension of the apparatus structure, allowing operator access from the front rather than requiring lateral workspace extension.
2Ease of operation
If the stapler unit is pulled out far from the apparatus main body to enable operator access for clearing staple jams, then the ease of operation for jam clearance is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler moving section provides controlled movement between fixed positions (home and access positions) rather than continuous adjustment. This limited-range movement simplifies the mechanism compared to systems requiring full manual extraction, reducing structural complexity while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects staple jams and controls the stapler movement to the access position when needed. The controller integrates the detection of jam conditions and the actuation of the moving section, reducing the need for complex manual intervention mechanisms and simplifying the overall control structure.
3Area of stationary object
If the stapler moves to the access position near the open-close door when a staple jam is detected, then the operational space is reduced and apparatus compactness is maintained, but operator accessibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The access position is specifically located at the front end of the apparatus where the open-close door is positioned. This allows operators to access the stapler from the front of the apparatus, utilizing the front-rear dimension for access rather than requiring lateral workspace. The door opening provides direct access to the stapler at this position.
Solution Approach 2:
The open-close door is specifically designed to provide localized access to the stapler at the front end position. When the door is opened, it creates a direct access pathway to the stapler, ensuring that operator accessibility is maintained at this specific location without requiring the entire apparatus to be larger.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the controller prevents the stapler from moving when sheets are detected on the stacker, then sheet damage is prevented, but the ability to clear staple jams is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet sensor provides continuous feedback about the presence of sheets on the stacker to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller makes intelligent decisions about stapler movement - allowing movement only when the stacker is empty, thus preventing sheet damage while maintaining jam clearance capability when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system checks the stacker status before allowing stapler movement to the access position. By preliminarily detecting whether sheets are present, the system prevents movement that would cause sheet damage, and only permits movement when the stacker is confirmed empty, ensuring safe operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing apparatus including: an open-close door; a stapler which executes a staple processing to a bundle of sheets; a staple jam detection section which detects a staple jam; a stapler moving section which moves the stapler to an access position disposed close to the open-close door; a stacker which holds the bundle of sheets to be stapled; a sheet sensor which detects whether a sheet exist on the stacker; and a controller which controls the stapler moving section, wherein when the staple jam detection section detects a staple jam, the controller controls to operate the stapler moving section to move the stapler from a home position to the access position, and wherein, when the sheet sensor detects the sheet on the stacker, the controller prohibits to move the stapler to the access position.