Stapler Apparatus with Branching Slot Guide Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stapler apparatuses for image forming devices can only obliquely staple the corner of a bundle of sheets, unable to perform flat-stapling in parallel with one side of the sheet.
Innovation Solution
A stapler apparatus with a guide plate featuring a slot structure and levers that change movement paths, allowing the stapler to switch between oblique and flat-stapling modes by altering the movement path of the levers, enabling both oblique and flat-stapling of sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler is designed to move only in a straight line or at a fixed angle, then the structure is simple, but the stapler can only perform oblique stapling and cannot perform flat-stapling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mechanism where the stapler can switch between different movement paths (straight line for flat-stapling and 45-degree angle for oblique stapling) based on operational requirements. The moving frame and rotation frame allow the stapler to change its trajectory dynamically, enabling both flat-stapling and oblique stapling modes within a single apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The stapler apparatus is designed to perform multiple stapling functions using a single device. By incorporating a guide plate with multiple slots and a path change member, the system enables the stapler to execute both flat-stapling (parallel to sheet edge) and oblique stapling (at 45-degree angle) operations, making the device universal for different stapling needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler moves along a single fixed path, then the mechanism is simple, but the stapler cannot switch between different stapling orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate is segmented into multiple slots (first slot for flat-stapling path, second slot for oblique stapling path) that branch from a common reference slot. This segmentation allows the moving lever to selectively enter different slots based on the desired stapling orientation, enabling path switching without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The path change member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the moving lever and the guide plate slots. It includes a cam that rotates to block or unblock access to different branch slots, thereby mediating the selection of movement paths. This intermediary mechanism enables orientation switching with relatively simple rotational motion rather than complex multi-component systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A stapler apparatus may be provided. More specifically, a stapler apparatus capable of automatically stapling a bundle of sheets output from an image forming apparatus such as a copy machine, a printer, a facsimile or the like may be provided. The stapler includes: a guide plate in which a slot having a branch structure has been formed; a moving frame which is reciprocatively movable on the guide plate; a rotation frame which is rotatable on the moving frame and includes a plurality of levers mounted thereon, the plurality of levers moving along the inside and outside of the slot or change paths; a path change member which changes a movement path of any one of the plurality of levers; and a stapler which is mounted on the rotation frame and is in conjunction with the rotation frame.