Stapler Mechanism for Center and Edge Stapling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses face limitations in stapling capacity and accuracy due to the spacing of clincher and driver mechanisms, which restrict the number of sheets that can be stapled without causing curling or buckling, especially when stapling along the center line of sheets.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a conveyance path and tray system with a stapler and folding member, where the stapler can staple sheets at either an edge or center position, and the folding member folds the sheets upstream relative to the stapler, allowing for increased stapling capacity and improved accuracy by optimizing the alignment and folding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the clincher and driver are spaced farther away from each other to increase the maximum number of sheets which can be stapled, then the stapling capacity is improved, but the sheets may be curled or buckled and the stapling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler is divided into two independent stapling units: a center stapler for stapling sheets at the center line position, and an edge stapler for stapling sheets at the edge position. Each stapler has its own clincher and driver mechanisms with optimized spacing suitable for its specific function, eliminating the conflict between accommodating thick sheets and maintaining stapling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different stapling locations (center vs. edge) are equipped with staplers having different structural characteristics. The center stapler has clincher and driver spaced at about 15 mm for accurate center stapling, while the edge stapler has larger spacing to accommodate up to 50 sheets. Each location's stapler is optimized for its specific stapling requirements rather than using a uniform design.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clincher and driver are spaced closer together to improve stapling accuracy, then the stapling precision is improved, but the maximum number of sheets which can be stapled is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stapling function is segmented into two independent systems: center stapling and edge stapling. The center stapler uses close spacing (15 mm) between clincher and driver for high-precision stapling of folded sheets, while the edge stapler uses wide spacing to handle larger volumes of up to 50 sheets. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific performance requirement without compromise.
3Device complexity
If a single stapler is used for both center and edge stapling positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different stapling requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet processing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by equipping both center and edge staplers within the same staple tray. This allows the apparatus to adapt to different stapling requirements (center stapling for folded magazines, edge stapling for bound documents) without requiring separate devices, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus may include a conveyance path and a tray. The conveyance path may convey sheets. The tray may receive the sheets conveyed from the conveyance path. The tray may include a stapler and a folding member. The stapler may staple the sheets. The folding member may fold the stapled sheets and may be provided upstream from the stapler relative to a sheet conveyance direction.