stapler

Abstract

A stapler is provided which can suppress the tip of a staple leg of a stapled paper from floating up from the paper. The stapler is such that, when the knock bend tool guide (32) is moved to the standby position and the position of the guide surface (31a) of the knock bend tool (31) relative to the clamping portion (32a) of the knock bend tool guide (32) in the standby position is at the lower end position farthest in the direction of the arrow (A1), the length (L10) between the guide surface (31a) of the knock bend tool (31) and the clamping portion (32a) of the knock bend tool guide (32) is 1.2 mm or more and 2.4 mm or less when the length (L1) of the staple leg (11) is 4.8 mm, and 1.6 mm or more and 3.7 mm or less when the length (L1) of the staple leg (11) is 6.0 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stapler for binding paper. Background Technology

[0002] In a stapler that binds paper by having the staple feet, which are shaped like the character "コ" (ko), pass through the paper and bend them on the back side, the stapler has a staple holder, a handle for a tool that pushes the staples stored in the staple holder toward the paper, and a bending tool for a tool that bends the staple feet that have been pushed out of the staple holder and passed through the paper. The staple holder is configured to be supported at its rear end so that it can rotate freely.

[0003] Furthermore, a stapler is known to bind paper by bending the staple feet into a flat-button form, which is called a flat-button, after the staple feet have penetrated the paper. The stapler for binding paper in the flat-button form includes a bending tool guide that supports the paper relative to a bending tool in an upper position until the staple feet penetrate the paper, and a sliding member that switches the operation of the bending tool guide. By the relative movement of the bending tool guide and the bending tool, a force is applied to the pair of staple feet that have penetrated the paper, bending them inwards towards each other, thereby bending the staple feet from the root portion of the staple feet that have penetrated the paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this type of stapler, previously known as a flat-button stapler, a connecting rod or other transmission component extends from the handle to the bending tool, between the location of the bending tool and the rear end that connects the handle to the bending tool. Therefore, it is impossible to insert the paper backward beyond the connecting rod, making it unsuitable for use in staplers of the saddle stitch type.

[0005] In contrast, a stapler with an "L"-shaped main body that rotates around an axis and functions as a slider when pressed through paper has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Such a stapler can achieve flat stitching in a saddle stitching manner.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-230482

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5065411

[0010] As a form of binding paper with staples, the spectacle-shaped staple has a staple foot that bends from the root of the paper, with the front end curving towards the paper. When binding paper with a spectacle-shaped staple, the staple foot protruding from the paper increases in height, thus increasing the loading height when stacking stapled bundles of paper. Furthermore, this spectacle-shaped staple has been proposed for binding paper in staplers that have implemented saddle stitching. In saddle stitching, the folded areas are stapled; however, when binding the folded areas with a spectacle-shaped staple, the staple foot protruding from the paper increases in height, thus reducing the booklet's aesthetic appearance.

[0011] In contrast, when binding paper with a flat stitch, the protrusion of the staples through the paper is kept lower, thus preventing the stacking height from increasing even when the stapled bundles are overlapped. However, the tips of the staples tend to lift off the paper. Therefore, if the tips of the staples lift off the paper when binding folded sections with a flat stitch, the booklet's appearance is diminished. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made to solve this problem, and its purpose is to provide a stapler that can prevent the front end of the staple foot from lifting off the paper.

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a stapler comprising: a staple ejector for ejecting a staple having a pair of staple feet and a staple shoulder connecting the ends of the pair of staple feet to each other; a staple foot bending section for bending the staple feet ejected by the staple ejector; and a connecting section for connecting the staple ejector and the staple foot bending section to be movable in directions of relative approach and separation. The staple foot bending section comprises: a bending tool having a guide surface for bending the staple feet; and a bending tool guide configured to have a clamping section for holding paper between itself and the staple ejector and an opening for exposing the guide surface in the clamping section, and is supported to be movable in a first direction, wherein the distance between the guide surface and the clamping section is increased by moving in the first direction. The change occurs in the first direction, which is the direction in which the nail-out portion and the nail-leg bending portion approach each other. When the nail, which is driven out by the nail-out portion, penetrates the paper held by the clamping portion and the front end of the nail leg after penetration contacts the guide surface, the bending tool is located at the lower end position, which is the furthest from the guide surface relative to the clamping portion along the first direction. The lower end position is the position where the front end of the nail leg contacts the guide surface and a gap is formed between the upper surface of the paper held by the clamping portion and the nail shoulder. By further driving out the nail and bending the pair of nail legs inward, the nail shoulder abuts against the paper and the nail shoulder and the paper are pressed together along the first direction, thereby moving the bending tool guide along the clamping portion towards the guide surface.

[0014] In this invention, when the bending tool guide moves along a first direction, the nail feet of the nails that penetrate the paper are pressed against the guide surface of the bending tool, and a force is applied to bend the respective front ends of a pair of nail feet toward each other inward.

[0015] Before the staple shoulder contacts the upper surface of the paper, as the staple foot is inserted into the paper, a pre-bent section is exposed between the root portion of the staple foot protruding from the lower surface of the paper and its tip. Furthermore, the pair of staple feet, pressed against the guide surface of the bending tool, bend inwards towards each other using the root portion protruding from the lower surface of the paper as a fulcrum, compressing the curved portion of the staple foot. Thus, the staple foot penetrating the paper, from the root portion protruding from the lower surface of the paper to the bend, is positioned along the back of the paper and close to it, with the portion closer to the tip of the bend facing the lower surface of the paper to bind the paper.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, the portion of the staple foot that penetrates the paper, closer to the front end of the bend, is positioned facing the lower surface of the paper when the paper is fastened. Therefore, compared to a flat fastener, the front end of the staple foot can be prevented from lifting off the paper. Furthermore, the staple foot that penetrates the paper runs along the back of the paper and is close to the bend from its root portion protruding from the lower surface of the paper. Therefore, compared to an eyeglass buckle, the protrusion height of the staple foot that penetrates the paper from the paper can be kept lower. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1A This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of an example of the stapler of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 1B This is an overall side cross-sectional view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 1C This is an overall side view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1D This is an overall top view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 1E This is an overall bottom view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 1F This is an overall perspective view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the staples used in the stapler of this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3AThis is a partial side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3B This is a partial side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3C This is a partial side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4A This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4B This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4C This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4D This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4E This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5A This is a front view of the main part of a stapler, showing a variation of the bending tool.

[0034] Figure 5B This is a front view of the main part of a stapler, showing a variation of the bending tool. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the stapler of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] <Example of the structure of the stapler in this embodiment>

[0037] Figure 1A This is a side cross-sectional view of the main parts of an example of the stapler of this embodiment. Figure 1B This is an overall side cross-sectional view showing an example of the stapler according to this embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 1C This is an overall side view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment. Figure 1D This is an overall top view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment. Figure 1E This is an overall bottom view showing an example of the stapler of this embodiment. Figure 1F This is an overall perspective view showing an example of the stapler according to this embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the staples used in the stapler of this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 The staple 10 shown has a length L1 (outer dimension) of 4.8 mm for the staple leg 11, a length L2 (outer dimension) of 9.48 mm or less for the staple shoulder 12, and a thickness L3 of 0.30 mm or more for the staple leg 11 and staple shoulder 12. This size of staple 10 corresponds to a staple designated as No. 10 in JIS. Furthermore, staple 10 has a length L1 (outer dimension) of 6.0 mm for the staple leg 11, a length L2 (outer dimension) of 12.97 mm or less for the staple shoulder 12, and a thickness L3 of 0.45 mm or more for the staple leg 11 and staple shoulder 12. This size of staple 10 corresponds to a staple designated as No. 3 in JIS. Moreover, staple 10 has a length L1 (outer dimension) of 6.0 mm for the staple leg 11, a length L2 (outer dimension) of 11.49 mm or less for the staple shoulder 12, and a thickness L3 of 0.30 mm or more for the staple leg 11 and staple shoulder 12.

[0039] The stapler 1 has a staple ejection part 2 that ejects such staples 10, a staple foot bending part 3 that bends a pair of staple feet 11 of the staples 10 ejected by the staple ejection part 2, and a connecting part 4 that connects the staple ejection part 2 and the staple foot bending part 3 to be able to move in a direction of relative approach and direction of separation.

[0040] In stapler 1, the direction in which the staple ejection part 2 and the staple foot bending part 3 approach each other through relative movement is called the first direction, and the direction intersecting with the first direction is called the second direction.

[0041] The nail ejection unit 2 includes a material box 20 for storing nails 10, a driving tool 21 for ejecting the nails 10 stored in the material box 20, and a handle 22 for operating the driving tool 21. The nail ejection unit 2 connects the material box 20 and the handle 22 so that it can rotate about the axis 23 as a fulcrum.

[0042] The material box 20 is configured to hold a predetermined number of nails 10 connected together in a nail connector (not shown). At the front end opposite to the side where the shaft 23 is located, there is a nail ejection port 20a through which nails 10 separated from the nail connector pass. Furthermore, the material box 20 includes a spring 20c that presses the nail connector against the front wall 20b of the material box via a push rod 20d.

[0043] The driving tool 21 is installed on the handle 22. The handle 22 rotates around the shaft 23 and moves along the front wall 20b of the material box, causing a nail 10 to separate from the nail connector and drive the nail 10 out of the nail driving outlet 20a.

[0044] The nail foot bending section 3 includes a bending tool 31, which has a guide surface 31a for bending the nail foot 11. Furthermore, the nail foot bending section 3 includes a bending tool guide 32, which has a clamping portion 32a for holding paper between itself and the material box 20 of the nail ejection section 2, and an opening 32b for exposing the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 in the clamping portion 32a. The nail foot bending section 3 also includes a slider 33 movable between a first position and a second position, and a bending tool switch 34 for moving the slider 33 to the second position. The first position restricts the movement of the bending tool guide 32 in a first direction, and the second position releases the restriction on the movement of the bending tool guide in the first direction.

[0045] The bending tool 31 is mounted on the base 30 of the nail leg bending part 3 with a guide surface 31a having a groove that guides the pair of nail legs 11 of the nail 10 in the direction of bending inward, facing upward opposite to the nail ejection part 2.

[0046] The bending tool guide 32 is provided with a clamping part 32a opposite to the material box 20 of the nail outlet 2, and an opening part 32b is provided in the clamping part 32a opposite to the nail outlet 20a of the material box 20.

[0047] The bending tool guide 32 is supported on the base 30 of the nail foot bending part 3 in such a way that it can move by rotation or linear motion along the direction of arrow A1, which is the first direction, and along the direction of arrow A2, which is opposite to arrow A1. It is configured such that the distance between the clamping part 32a and the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 changes by moving along the first direction.

[0048] The slider 33 is an example of a working component of a bending tool guide, and is supported on the base 30 of the nail foot bending portion 3 in such a way that it can move in a straight line along the direction of arrow B1, which is a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the direction of arrow B2, which is opposite to arrow B1.

[0049] The bending tool switch 34 is located on the side opposite to the connecting part 4, separated from the bending tool 31, and is supported on the base 30 of the nail foot bending part 3 in such a way that it can move in a straight line along the direction of arrow A1 (first direction) and the direction of arrow A2.

[0050] The bending tool switch 34 includes a pressing part 34a and an actuating part 34b. The pressing part 34a protrudes from the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 toward the nail ejection part 2 and is pressed through the paper. The actuating part 34b presses the slider 33 toward the direction of arrow B1 (second direction) by the movement of the bending tool switch 34 in the direction of arrow A1. The actuating part 34b is configured as an inclined surface that approaches the slider 33 on the upper side indicated by arrow A2 and separates from the slider 33 on the lower side indicated by arrow A1, relative to the movement direction of the bending tool switch 34 indicated by arrows A1 and A2.

[0051] The slider 33 has an action part 33a that is pressed by the action part 34b of the bending tool switch 34, and a locking part 33b that moves along the direction of arrow B1 and arrow B2 by the action of the slider 33 moving along the direction of arrow B1 and arrow B2.

[0052] At one end of the slider 33, opposite the actuating part 34b of the bending tool switch 34, an actuated part 33a is provided. Furthermore, on the surface of the slider 33 opposite the bending tool guide 32, a locking part 33b in the shape of the bending tool protruding towards the guide 32 in the direction of arrow A2 is provided.

[0053] The bending tool guide 32 has a locked part 32c that locks with the locking part 33b of the slider 33 and a retraction part 32d that allows the locking part 33b of the slider 33 to enter.

[0054] The bending tool guide 32 has a locking portion 32c on its surface opposite to the slider 33, which protrudes toward the slider 33 in the direction of arrow A1. Furthermore, the bending tool guide 32 has a recessed retraction portion 32d on its surface opposite to the locking portion 32c, in the direction of arrow B1 and adjacent to the locking portion 32c, in the direction of arrow A2, opposite to the direction of arrow A1 protruding from the locking portion 32c.

[0055] The bending tool guide 32 is forced by spring 32e towards the clamping part 32a in the direction of arrow A2, approaching the nail ejection part 2. The slider 33 is forced by spring 33c towards the acting part 33a in the direction of arrow B2, approaching the acting part 34b of the bending tool switch 34. The bending tool switch 34 is forced by spring 34c towards the pressed part 34a in the direction of arrow A2, protruding from the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 along the direction of the nail ejection part 2.

[0056] The bending tool guide 32 is forced by the spring 32e towards the clamping part 32a in the direction of arrow A2, close to the nail-out part 2. The state in which the locking part 32c and the locking part 33b of the slider 33 are locked is called the standby position of the bending tool guide 32. In the case of a structure in which the bending tool 31 is fixed in a predetermined position, when the bending tool guide 32 is in the standby position, the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 is in a position that is retracted relative to the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 in the direction of arrow A1. The predetermined position in which the bending tool 31 is fixed is called the lower end position. Furthermore, in the case of a structure in which the bending tool 31 is moved, the bending tool 31 is forced by a spring (not shown) in the direction of arrow A2. When the bending tool guide 32 is in the standby position, the guide surface 31a is exposed on a surface that is approximately the same as the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32, which is configured to be pressed by the nail foot 11 of the nail 10 and can move in the direction of arrow A1. In the case of a structure that allows the bending tool 31 to move, the bending tool 31 is configured to be able to move to the lower position in the direction of arrow A1.

[0057] The slider 33 is forced by the spring 33c towards the direction of arrow B2 of the action part 34b of the bending tool switch 34, which is close to the action part 33a. The slider 33 moves towards the position opposite to the locking part 32c of the bending tool guide 32, and the locking part 33b and the locking part 32c are locked. The first position that restricts the movement of the bending tool guide 32 in the first direction is called the standby position of the slider 33.

[0058] The bending tool switch 34 is subjected to force by the spring 34c towards the pressed part 34a in the direction of arrow A2, which protrudes from the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 in the direction of the nail ejection part 2. The state in which the active part 34b does not press the slider 33 and the active part 33a is removed, in this example, is called the standby position of the bending tool switch 34.

[0059] The nail ejection part 2 has a pressing part 24 that operates the bending tool switch 34. The pressing part 24 is provided on the handle part 22 with a shape that protrudes in the direction of the nail foot bending part 3 and is opposite to the pressed part 34a of the bending tool switch 34.

[0060] The stapler 1 connects the staple ejector 2 to the connecting part 4 using a connecting member 25, and connects the staple leg bending part 3 to the connecting part 4 using a connecting member 35. In this example, the stapler 1 moves the staple ejector 2 and the staple leg bending part 3 in a direction of relative approach and separation by bending the connecting member 25. To bind paper in a so-called saddle stitch manner, the stapler 1 sets a distance L between the bending tool 31 and the connecting part 4 at the binding position of the paper, such that the bending tool 31 is positioned opposite the center of the paper from one end to the other end between the staple ejector 2 and the staple leg bending part 3. Furthermore, the stapler 1 does not have a component between the bending tool 31 and the connecting part 4 that transmits motion between the staple ejector 2 and the staple leg bending part 3.

[0061] The stapler 1 includes an insertion position limiting part 5 that restricts the insertion position of the paper. The insertion position limiting part 5 is supported so that it can move along the connecting member 35 towards the paper. Figure 1A , Figure 1B The bending tool 31 shown moves closer and further away from its position (binding position). By inserting the paper to the position where it collides with the insertion position limiting part 5, the distance from the end of the paper to the binding position can be limited.

[0062] The insertion position limiting part 5 includes a dial 50 that fixes its position relative to the connecting member 35. The dial 50 and a screw (not shown) are coaxially mounted, connecting the left and right sides of the insertion position limiting part 5 to the lower surface of the connecting member 35. Tightening the screw moves the actuating members 51 acting on one side and the other side of the connecting member 35, clamping the connecting member 35 from both sides of the insertion position limiting part 5. Thus, by operating the dial 50, the insertion position limiting part 5 is fixed to and released from the connecting member 35.

[0063] The stapler 1 has an alignment mark 6a on the staple ejection section 2 to indicate the target binding position, and an alignment mark 6b on the staple leg bending section 3. The alignment mark 6a is aligned with the upper surface of the handle section 22. Figure 1A , Figure 1B The bending tool 31 shown is constructed by aligning raised or recessed three-dimensional labels, printed flat labels, etc. Alignment marks 6b are located on the left and right sides of the bending tool guide 32, on the upper surface of the base 30, and... Figure 1A , Figure 1B The bending tool 31 shown is positioned to be used to create raised or recessed three-dimensional labels, printed flat labels, etc.

[0064] <Example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment>

[0065] Figures 3A-3C This is a partial side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the stapler according to this embodiment. Figures 4A-4E This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler in this embodiment.

[0066] When the stapler 1 places paper P in the clamping part 32a and presses the handle part 22 in the direction of arrow A1, the staple ejection part 2 moves in the direction approaching the staple foot bending part 3, and the feed box 20 contacts the paper P. When the handle part 22 is pressed further in the direction of arrow A1 while the feed box 20 is in contact with the paper P, the handle part 22 rotates relative to the feed box 20 about the axis 23 as a fulcrum, and the staples 10 stored in the feed box 20 are ejected from the staple ejection outlet 20a by the insertion tool 21. When the staple 10 is ejected from the staple ejection outlet 20a while the feed box 20 is in contact with the paper P, the staple foot 11 penetrates the paper P. Furthermore, the staple foot 11, having penetrated the paper P, enters the opening 32b of the bending tool guide 32.

[0067] When the nail 10, ejected by the nail ejection part 2, has its nail foot 11 penetrating the paper P held by the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32, and the tip of the nail foot 11 after penetration is in contact with the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31, the bending tool 31 is located at the lower end position, which is furthest from the clamping part 32a in the direction of arrow A1. This lower end position is where the tip of the nail foot 11 is in contact with the guide surface 31a, and a gap L12 is formed between the upper surface of the paper P held by the clamping part 32a and the nail shoulder 12 of the nail 10. By further ejecting the nail 10 and bending the pair of nail feet 11 of the nail 10 inward, the nail shoulder 12 abuts against the paper P, and the nail shoulder 12 and the paper P are pressed together in the direction of arrow A1, thereby moving the bending tool guide 32 in the direction of approaching the guide surface 31a along the clamping part 32a.

[0068] The following describes the details of the above actions. Relative to the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32, which is in a standby position and whose movement is restricted by the slider 33 due to being locked by the locking part 33b of the slider 33 and the locking part 32c of the bending tool guide 32, the position furthest from the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 along the direction of arrow A1 is referred to as the lower end position of the bending tool 31.

[0069] In the case where the bending tool 31 is fixed at the lower end, when the length between the driving tool 21 and the guide surface 31a is the same as the length L1 of the nail foot 11, such as Figure 4A As shown, the front end of the pin 11 contacts the guide surface 31a. The guide surface 31a has an inwardly inclined portion 31b at the part where the front end of the pin 11 contacts, which guides the front ends of the pair of pins 11 inwardly towards each other.

[0070] In the case where the bending tool 31 moves in the direction of arrow A1 as the nail foot 11 of the nail 10 is pressed down, and the front end of the nail foot 11 is in contact with the guide surface 31a, as follows: Figure 4A As shown, the bending tool 31 is moved to the lower position.

[0071] With the bending tool 31 in its lower position and the front end of the nail leg 11 in contact with the guide surface 31a, as the nail-driving part 2 moves further toward the nail leg bending part 3, the length between the driving tool 21 and the guide surface 31a becomes shorter than the length of the nail leg 11. When the length between the driving tool 21 and the guide surface 31a becomes shorter than the length of the nail leg 11, the front end of the nail leg 11 is pressed against the guide surface 31a, and a force is applied to bend the pair of nail legs 11 inward.

[0072] When the bending tool guide 32 is in the standby position and before it begins to move in the direction of arrow A1, at the moment when the force applied to bend the front end of the pin 11 inward is applied, the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is less than the length of the pin 11.

[0073] The length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the aforementioned timed bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 29% or more and 62% or less relative to the length L1 of the nail foot 11.

[0074] Specifically, when the length of the nail foot 11 is 4.8 mm, the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 1.2 mm or more and 2.4 mm or less, and more preferably 1.4 mm or more and 2.4 mm or less. Furthermore, when the length of the nail foot 11 is 6.0 mm, the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 1.6 mm or more and 3.7 mm or less, and more preferably 1.8 mm or more and 3.7 mm or less.

[0075] It should be noted that in the structure where the bending tool 31 is fixed at the lower end, when the bending tool guide 32 and the slider 33 are in the standby position and the locking part 33b of the slider 33 is locked to the locking part 32c of the bending tool guide 32, the position of the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 is at the farthest position along the direction of arrow A1 relative to the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32, and the length L10 between the inclined part 31b of the crushing nail of the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 and the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 satisfies the above value.

[0076] Furthermore, in the structure where the bending tool 31 is fixed at the lower end, when the front end of the nail foot 11 that penetrates the paper P reaches the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31, a gap L12 is formed between the upper surface of the paper P held by the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 and the nail shoulder 12 of the nail 10, even when the maximum number of sheets of paper P allowed for binding is being made.

[0077] Furthermore, in the case where the bending tool 31 moves in the direction of arrow A1 by pressing the nail foot 11 of the nail 10, with the bending tool guide 32 and slider 33 in the standby position and the locking part 33b of slider 33 locked to the locking part 32c of bending tool guide 32, when the nail foot 11 of the bending tool 31 moves to the lower position by pressing in the direction of arrow A1, the position of the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 is at the position furthest from the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32, relative to the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32. The length L10 between the inclined part 31b of the crushing nail of the guide surface 31a of the bending tool 31 and the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 satisfies the above value. Furthermore, the mechanism is configured such that even when the maximum number of sheets of paper P allowed for binding is moved between the upper surface of the paper P held by the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 and the nail shoulder 12 of the nail 10 at the aforementioned timing, a gap L12 is formed.

[0078] When the handle 22 is pressed further in the direction of arrow A1 and the nail-out portion 2 moves toward the nail foot bending portion 3, the nail foot 11 is pressed against the guide surface 31a, as... Figures 4B-4C As shown, the pair of nail feet 11 are bent inward. During the front bending process of bending the nail feet 11, the bending tool guide 32 is restricted from moving by the slider 33 and is in a standby position, so the gap L12 formed between the upper surface of the paper P held by the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 and the nail shoulder 12 of the nail 10 is reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, when the stapler 1 presses the handle 22 further in the direction of arrow A1 while the material box 20 is in contact with the paper P, the pressing part 24 contacts the paper P, and the pressed part 34a of the bending tool switch 34 is pressed in the direction of arrow A1 via the paper P.

[0080] The bending tool switch 34 moves in the direction of arrow A1 as it is pressed by the pressing part 24 via the paper P, compressing the spring 34c. When the bending tool switch 34 moves in the direction of arrow A1, the actuating part 34b contacts the actuated part 33a of the slider 33. Since the actuating part 34b is composed of an inclined surface tilted in a predetermined direction, when the actuating part 34b is in contact with the actuated part 33a of the slider 33, a force is generated pressing the actuated part 33a in the direction of arrow B1 when the bending tool switch 34 moves in the direction of arrow A1. Figure 3A As shown, slider 33 moves in the direction of arrow B1 while compressing spring 33c.

[0081] When slider 33 moves in the direction of arrow B1, locking part 33b moves from a position opposite to locking part 32c of bending tool guide 32 to a position opposite to retraction part 32d. When locking part 33b of slider 33 moves to a position opposite to retraction part 32d of bending tool guide 32, bending tool guide 32 can move in the direction of arrow A1. The movement of slider 33 is linked to the movement of nail ejection part 2 toward nail foot bending part 3. The period until the nail shoulder 12 of nail 11 contacts the upper surface of paper P held by clamping part 32a after the nail ejection part 2 moves toward nail foot bending part 3 is as follows in this example: Figure 4D As shown, when the shoulder 12 of the nail 11 contacts the upper surface of the paper P held by the clamping part 32a, the locking part 33b of the slider 33 moves to a position opposite to the retraction part 32d of the bending tool guide 32.

[0082] Therefore, when the stapler 1 presses the handle 22 further in the direction of arrow A1 while the feed cassette 20 is in contact with the paper P, as... Figure 3C As shown, the bending tool guide 32 moves in the direction of arrow A1 while compressing the spring 32e via the paper P pressing clamp 32a.

[0083] As the bending tool guide 32 moves in the direction of arrow A1, the paper P and the nail 10 penetrating the paper P move together with the bending tool guide 32 in the direction of arrow A1. As a result, the nail 11 penetrating the paper P and bending inwards at their front ends as described above are pressed against the guide surface 32a of the bending tool guide 32 and bent inwards at their root portions protruding from the lower surface of the paper P.

[0084] Therefore, as Figure 4E As shown, the staple 11 that runs through the paper P extends from the root portion protruding from the lower surface of the paper P to the bend 11a in the form of running along the back of the paper P, and the portion of the bend 11a closer to the front end faces the lower surface of the paper P to bind the paper P.

[0085] Tables 1 and 2 below show the relationship between the length of the nail feet and the binding method.

[0086] Table 1

[0087]

[0088] Table 2

[0089]

[0090] When the length of the nail foot 11 is 4.8 mm, as shown in Table 1, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is 1.4 mm, the number of bound sheets ranges from 2 to 22 sheets, bound in a form called a front-end bend. Furthermore, when the length L10 is 2.2 mm, the number of bound sheets ranges from 2 to 14 sheets, bound in a form called a front-end bend. It should be noted that the paper P is PPC paper 64 g / m². 2 (55kg).

[0091] The front bend is formed by bending the nail 11 from the root portion that penetrates the paper P and having a generally straight section of the nail 11 along the paper P and a generally straight section of the nail 11 toward the paper P. Specifically, in the nail 11 that penetrates the paper P, a bend 11a is formed from the root portion protruding from the lower surface of the paper P to the front end. The nail 11 that penetrates the paper P from the root portion protruding from the lower surface of the paper P to the bend 11a is in a form that runs along the back of the paper P and is close to it. The portion of the nail 11 closer to the front end than the bend 11a is in a form that faces the lower surface of the paper P to bind the paper P.

[0092] Therefore, when the length of the nail foot 11 is 4.8mm, if the maximum number of sheets of paper P that can be bound is set to about 14 sheets, then when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is more than 1.4mm and less than 2.2mm, the paper P is bound in the form of a front end bend.

[0093] In contrast, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is 1.2 mm, if the number of sheets of paper P to be bound is relatively large within the allowable maximum number of sheets, then paper P is bound in the form of the aforementioned front-end bend. Conversely, when the number of sheets to be bound is small, it is preferable to bind paper P in a form called a "spectacles buckle." In this example, when the number of sheets of paper P to be bound is 4 or less, paper P is bound in the form of a spectacle buckle. A spectacle buckle is a form in which the staple foot 11 is bent from the root portion through paper P and the front end curves towards paper P.

[0094] Furthermore, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the aforementioned timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is less than 1.2 mm, even if the number of bound sheets of paper P is relatively large within the allowable maximum number of sheets, paper P is bound in the form of an eyeglass clip. Moreover, when the number of bound sheets of paper P is 4 sheets or less, an undesirable situation occurs where the front end of the nail foot 11 bent on the lower surface side of paper P penetrates to the upper surface side of paper P.

[0095] Based on the above, it is understood that when the length of the nail foot 11 is 4.8mm, in order to bind the paper P with the front end bent buckle starting from the minimum number of bound sheets (2 sheets), the lower limit of the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 1.2mm, and the lower limit of the length L10 is more preferably 1.4mm.

[0096] On the other hand, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the aforementioned timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 exceeds 2.2 mm, the number of sheets of paper P bound in the form of a front-end bend tends to decrease. When the aforementioned length L10 is 2.4 mm, the number of sheets bound is from 2 to 12 in the form of a front-end bend. When the number of sheets bound exceeds 12, the paper P is bound in a form called a flat bend. A flat bend is a form in which the staple foot 11 bends from the root portion of the paper P and is in a straight line along the front end of the paper P. It should be noted that when the aforementioned length L10 is 3.4 mm, if the number of sheets bound is 2, the paper P is bound in the form of a front-end bend; however, when the number of sheets bound exceeds 2, the paper P is bound in a form called a flat bend.

[0097] Based on the above, it is understood that when the length of the nail foot 11 is 4.8 mm, in order to bind the paper P in the form of a front-end bend, if the maximum allowed number of sheets to be bound is 12, then the upper limit of the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 2.4 mm. Furthermore, it is understood that if the maximum allowed number of sheets to be bound is 14, then the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is 2.2 mm. Considering increasing the maximum allowed number of sheets to be bound, the upper limit of the length L10 is more preferably 2.2 mm.

[0098] When the length of the nail foot 11 is 6.0 mm, as shown in Table 2, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is 1.8 mm, the number of bound sheets ranges from 2 to 29 sheets, bound with a front-end bend. Furthermore, when the length L10 is 2.7 mm, the number of bound sheets ranges from 2 to 20 sheets, bound with a front-end bend.

[0099] Therefore, when the length of the nail foot 11 is 6.0 mm, if the maximum number of sheets of paper P that can be bound is set to about 20 sheets, then when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is more than 1.8 mm and less than 2.7 mm, the paper P is bound in the form of a front end bend.

[0100] In contrast, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is 1.6 mm, if the number of sheets of paper P to be bound is relatively large within the allowable maximum number of sheets, then paper P is bound in the form of the aforementioned front-end bending buckle. In contrast, when the number of sheets to be bound is small, it is preferable to bind paper P in the form of an eyeglass buckle. In this example, when the number of sheets of paper P to be bound is 4 or less, paper P is bound in the form of an eyeglass buckle.

[0101] Furthermore, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the aforementioned timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is less than 1.6 mm, even if the number of bound sheets of paper P is relatively large within the allowable maximum number of sheets, paper P is bound in the form of an eyeglass buckle. Moreover, when the number of bound sheets of paper P is 4 sheets or less, an undesirable situation occurs where the front end of the nail foot 11 bent on the lower surface side of paper P penetrates to the upper surface side of paper P.

[0102] Based on the above, it is understood that when the length of the nail foot 11 is 6.0 mm, in order to bind the paper P with the front end bent buckle starting from the minimum number of bound sheets (2 sheets), the lower limit of the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping part 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 1.6 mm, and the lower limit of the length L10 is more preferably 1.8 mm.

[0103] On the other hand, when the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the aforementioned timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 exceeds 2.7 mm, the number of sheets of paper P bound in the form of a front-end bend tends to decrease. When the aforementioned length L10 is 3.0 mm, the number of sheets of paper P bound from 2 to 17 is bound in the form of a front-end bend; when the number of sheets bound exceeds 17, the paper P is bound in a form called a flat bend. Furthermore, when the aforementioned length L10 is 3.7 mm, the number of sheets of paper P bound from 2 to 9 is bound in the form of a front-end bend; when the number of sheets bound exceeds 9, the paper P is bound in a form called a flat bend. It should be noted that when the aforementioned length L10 is 4.4 mm, if the number of sheets bound is 2, the paper P is bound in the form of a front-end bend; however, if the number of sheets bound exceeds 2, the paper P is bound in a form called a flat bend.

[0104] Based on the above, it is understood that when the length of the nail foot 11 is 6.0 mm, in order to bind the paper P in the form of a front-end bend, if the maximum allowable number of sheets to be bound is 9, then the upper limit of the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is preferably 3.7 mm. Furthermore, it is understood that if the maximum allowable number of sheets to be bound is 17, then the length L10 between the guide surface 31a of the timing bending tool 31 and the clamping portion 32a of the bending tool guide 32 is 3.0 mm; if the maximum allowable number of sheets to be bound is 20, then the length L10 is 2.7 mm. Considering increasing the maximum allowable number of sheets to be bound, the upper limit of the length L10 is more preferably 2.7 mm.

[0105] It should be noted that there is no component between the bending tool 31 and the connecting part 4 that transmits the action between the staple ejector 2 and the staple foot bending part 3. Therefore, the distance L between the bending tool 31 and the connecting part 4 at the binding position of the paper can be set such that the bending tool 31 is positioned opposite the center of the paper from one end to the other end, where it enters between the staple ejector 2 and the staple foot bending part 3. Thus, the paper P can be bound using a so-called saddle stitch with a front-end bending buckle.

[0106] Figure 5A , Figure 5B This is a front view of the main part of a stapler, showing a variation of the bending tool. The bending tool 31 can be used as follows: Figure 5A As shown, the guide surface 31a has a center near the direction of the guide pin 11a, which is oriented towards the guide pin. Figure 1A The recessed portion 31c shown in the figure, which is recessed in the direction away from the nail-out portion 2, may also have a protruding portion 31d that protrudes in the direction of the nail-out portion 2.

[0107] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0108] 1…stapler, 2…staple ejector, 20…material box, 20a…staple ejector, 20b…material box front wall, 20c…spring, 21…insertion tool, 22…handle, 23…shaft, 24…pressing part, 3…staple foot bending part, 30…base, 31…bending tool, 31a…guide surface, 32…bending tool guide, 32a…clamping part, 32b…opening part, 32c…locking part, 32d…retracting part, 32… e… Spring, 33… Slider (working part of the bending tool guide), 33a… Actuated part, 33b… Locking part, 33c… Spring, 34… Bending tool switch, 34a… Pressed part, 34b… Actuating part, 34c… Spring, 4… Connecting part, 10… Nail, 11… Nail foot, 11a… Bending part, 12… Nail shoulder, 31b… Inclined part, L1… Nail foot length, L12… Gap, A1, A2… First direction.

Claims

1. A stapler, comprising: The nail-driving section drives out a nail having a pair of nail legs and a nail shoulder that connects the ends of the pair of nail legs to each other; The nail foot bending section bends the nail foot of the nail that is driven out by the nail driving section; and The connecting part connects the nail-out part and the nail-leg bending part so that they can move in directions of relative approach and separation. The bent portion of the nail foot has: A bending tool with a guide surface for bending nail feet; A bending tool guide is configured to have a clamping portion that holds paper between the stapling portion and the stapling portion and an opening that exposes the guide surface to the clamping portion. It is supported so that it can move in a first direction, and the distance between the guide surface and the clamping portion changes by moving in the first direction. The first direction is along the direction in which the stapling portion and the stapling foot bending portion move apart and approach each other. and The slider is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position restricts the movement of the bending tool guide in a first direction, and the second position releases the restriction on the movement of the bending tool guide in the first direction. When the slider is in the first position, the bending tool is located at the lower end of the guide surface, which is furthest from the clamping part along the first direction, with the nail driven out by the nail-driving part penetrating the paper held by the clamping part and the front end of the nail foot contacting the guide surface. The lower end position is the position where the front end of the nail foot contacts the guide surface and a gap is formed between the upper surface of the paper held by the clamping part and the shoulder of the nail. By further driving the nail out and bending its pair of prongs inward, the nail shoulder abuts against the paper, and the nail shoulder and paper are pressed together along the first direction, thereby moving the bending tool guide along the clamping portion toward the guide surface. When the guide surface is at its lower end relative to the clamping portion and the length of the pin is 4.8 mm, the distance between the guide surface and the clamping portion is 1.2 mm to 2.4 mm. Alternatively, when the guide surface is at the lower end position relative to the clamping part and the length of the pin is 6.0 mm, the distance between the guide surface and the clamping part is 1.6 mm or more and 3.7 mm or less.

2. The stapler according to claim 1, wherein, When the guide surface is at the lower end relative to the clamping part and the length of the pin is 4.8 mm, the distance between the guide surface and the clamping part is more than 1.4 mm and less than 2.4 mm.

3. The stapler according to claim 1, wherein, When the guide surface is at the lower end relative to the clamping part and the length of the pin is 6.0 mm, the distance between the guide surface and the clamping part is 1.8 mm or more and 3.7 mm or less.

4. The stapler according to claim 1, wherein, The guide surface has an inwardly inclined portion at the contact point of the front end of the nail foot.

5. The stapler according to claim 1, wherein, The bending tool is fixed to the nail foot bending part at the lower end position.

6. The stapler according to claim 1, wherein, The bending tool is supported on the nail foot bend in such a way that it can move along the first direction to the lower end position.

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