Paper stapling apparatus, stapler, control device for stapler, and control method

Abstract

The present invention aims at reducing waste of resources and achieving cost reduction and productivity improvement. A stapler has a reciprocating stapling head and a wire feeding section that feeds a wire to the stapling head, and in each cycle of the reciprocating movement of the stapling head, wire stapling of a paper stack disposed at a wire stapling position is performed. The stapler control device (50) has a determination section (62) that determines whether or not thickness information of a paper stack on which wire stapling is to be performed in the next cycle is obtained in each cycle of the stapling head, and a wire feeding control section (63) that, in a case where it is determined that the thickness information of the paper stack on which wire stapling is to be performed in the next cycle is not obtained, controls the wire feeding section not to supply the wire in the present cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a paper binding apparatus, a stapler, a control device for the stapler, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, staplers were known to use metal wire to bind stacks of transported paper. Patent Document 1 discloses a stapler comprising: a stapler head that reciprocates; a drive mechanism that drives the stapler head; a conveying roller that conveys metal wire in conjunction with the stapler head; and a cutting tool that cuts the metal wire in conjunction with the stapler head.

[0003] The stapler disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs, in parallel, actions during one cycle of the up-and-down movement of the stapler head: inserting the wire prepared in the previous cycle into the stack of paper (hereinafter referred to as "first stack of paper") and preparing the wire to be inserted into the stack of paper to be stapled in the next cycle (hereinafter referred to as "second stack of paper"). The wire preparation action mainly includes wire feeding, cutting, and setting.

[0004] The vertical travel position of the stapler head is determined by the thickness of the first stack of paper into which the wire is inserted in one cycle. However, since the vertical travel of the stapler head is linked to the wire feeding, the length of the wire prepared in this cycle (i.e., the wire to be inserted into the second stack of paper in the next cycle) is also set to correspond to the thickness of the first stack. Therefore, if the thicknesses of the first and second stacks of paper are different, a wire of a length corresponding to the thickness of the first stack might be inserted into the second stack, potentially resulting in a defective booklet. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, it is automatically determined whether a stack of paper bound with wire is a qualified product, and the stack of paper determined to be unqualified is detached.

[0005] In recent years, staplers have been proposed that can supply wires of arbitrary length without being linked to the up-and-down stroke of the stapler head (for example, see Patent Document 2). According to the stapler described in Patent Document 2, since it can prepare wires of length corresponding to the thickness of the stack of papers to be stapled, it is possible to suppress the generation of defective products. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-193089 Patent Document 2: German Patent Application Publication No. 102017202571

[0007] In the saddle stitching machine disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 2, when the operation is continuous, it is always possible to prepare wires that match the length of the paper stack to be wire-stitched in the next cycle. However, if no information about the next job is received at the end of a task, the thickness of the stack of paper to be wire-bound is unknown. Therefore, conventionally, the stapler was stopped after preparing wire corresponding to the length of the final stack of paper from the previous task. Consequently, conventionally, a trial print was required at the start of a new job; that is, using a trial print stack, wire of an inappropriate length prepared in the previous job was inserted, and wire of an appropriate length corresponding to the thickness of the stack of paper for the new job was prepared. However, this trial run resulted in a waste of resources due to the waste of paper stacks and metal wire, making it less than ideal in terms of both environmental and cost considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the following circumstances, and its object is to provide a paper binding apparatus, a stapler, a control device for the stapler, and a control method that can reduce resource waste and achieve cost reduction and productivity improvement.

[0009] The first aspect of the present invention is a control method for a stapler, the stapler comprising a reciprocating stapler head and a wire feeding unit for feeding wire to the stapler head. In each cycle of the reciprocating motion of the stapler head, wire binding of a stack of paper positioned at the wire binding position is performed. In each cycle of the stapler head, a computer determines whether thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire bound in the next cycle has been obtained. If the computer determines that the thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire bound in the next cycle has not been obtained, the computer controls the wire feeding unit to not supply wire in the current cycle.

[0010] The second aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described control method.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a control device for a stapler, the stapler comprising a reciprocating stapler head and a wire feeding unit for feeding wire to the stapler head, wherein wire feeding of a stack of paper positioned at a wire feeding position is performed in each cycle of the reciprocating motion of the stapler head, comprising: a determination unit that determines, in each cycle of the stapler head, whether thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire fed in the next cycle has been obtained; and a wire feeding control unit that, if it is determined that thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire fed in the next cycle has not been obtained, controls the wire feeding unit to not supply wire in the current cycle.

[0012] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a stapler equipped with the above-described control device.

[0013] The fifth aspect of the present invention is a paper binding device incorporating the above-described stapler.

[0014] According to the present invention, it can reduce resource waste and achieve cost reduction and productivity improvement. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a paper binding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a stapler according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example configuration of a head drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of a stapler configuration example as viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 4 The diagram shown is of a stapler head. Figure 6 This is a schematic side view of a stapler configuration example as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 7 It is an enlarged representation Figure 6 The diagram shown is of a stapler head. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the stapler head of one embodiment of the present invention in its initial position, viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 9 Viewed from the Y-axis direction Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the stapler head shown. Figure 10 It means Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insert section in the stapler head. Figure 11 It means Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insert section in the stapler head. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention as the stapler head descends, viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 13 Viewed from the Y-axis direction Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the stapler head shown. Figure 14 It means Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insert section in the stapler head. Figure 15 It means Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insert section in the stapler head. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the stapler head of one embodiment of the present invention in the state of being at the bottom dead center, viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 17 Viewed from the Y-axis direction Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the stapler head shown. Figure 18 It means Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insert section in the stapler head. Figure 19 It means Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insert section in the stapler head. Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a stapler control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a stapler control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of a control method for a stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of a control method for a stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the paper binding apparatus, stapler, control device for the stapler, and control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an example of a paper binding apparatus, a saddle stitching machine used in binding can be cited.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example configuration of a paper binding apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the paper binding device 1 includes, for example, a transport unit 2, a stopper (not shown), and a stapler 10. The conveying unit 2 conveys a stack of paper P in one direction along the conveying path F. A stop positions the stack of paper P at a predetermined binding position S on the conveying path F. The stapler 10 performs wire binding on the stack of paper P positioned at the predetermined binding position S. Specifically, in each cycle of the reciprocating motion of the stapler head 15, the stapler 10 performs wire binding on a predetermined portion of the stack of paper P supplied to the predetermined binding position S.

[0018] In this embodiment, an example is shown where the transport unit 2 transports a folded stack of paper P in a straddled state, and the stapler 10 performs wire binding at a predetermined position along the fold line of the folded stack of paper P. However, this example is not limited to this one. That is, the stack of paper P can also be transported in a horizontal position, and the wire binding can be performed at the end of the paper or other parts.

[0019] The conveying unit 2 is spaced apart along the conveying direction (Y-axis direction) of the conveying path F, and includes a first pulley pair 3 and a second pulley pair 4, respectively supported so as to rotate about a horizontal axis (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the conveying direction. The first pulley pair 3 includes, for example, an upper pulley 3a and a lower pulley 3b spaced apart in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second pulley pair 4 includes, for example, an upper pulley 4a and a lower pulley 4b spaced apart in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). An annular belt 5 is strung between these first pulley pairs 3 and second pulley pairs 4. Conveying claws 6 are provided at intervals on the annular belt 5.

[0020] Power is transmitted from a power source such as a motor to any pulley (e.g., pulley 4b) constituting the first pulley pair 3 and the second pulley pair 4, causing it to rotate. This causes the annular belt 5 to move, and the stacks of paper, spaced apart on the annular belt 5, move along the transport direction. Specifically, whenever a stack of paper P is supplied from a processing device (e.g., a folding machine) preceding the paper binding device 1 onto the transport path F, the transport claw 6 abuts against the rear end of the stack of paper P each time. Furthermore, the stack of paper P is configured to be transported along the transport path F in a straddling state towards the binding position S, where it is positioned and stopped by a stopper (not shown). The structure of transport unit 2 is not limited to the above examples, and various known structures can be adopted.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of the stapler 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the stapler 10 includes a stapler head 15, a head drive unit 20, a wire conveying unit 12, and a stapler control device 50.

[0022] The stapler head 15 reciprocates, for example, in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and in each cycle of the reciprocating motion, it performs wire binding on the stack of paper positioned at the binding position S. The head drive unit 20 is a drive unit that causes the stapler head 15 to reciprocate. The wire conveying unit 12 supplies wire to the stapler head 15. The wire conveying unit 12 includes, for example, a conveying roller 12a and a roller drive unit 12b. The stapler control device 50 controls the stapler head 15 and the wire feed unit 12. The stapler control device 50 controls the reciprocating operation of the stapler head 15, for example, through the control head drive unit 20. The stapler control device 50 controls the length of the wire supplied from the feed roller 12a to the stapler head 15 through the control roller drive unit 12b.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the head drive unit 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 The X-axis and Z-axis shown correspond to respectively Figure 1 The X, Y, and Z axes are shown. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the axis parallel to the transport direction of the paper stack P is defined as the Y-axis, the axis parallel to the Y-axis on the horizontal plane is defined as the X-axis, and the axis orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis is defined as the Z-axis.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the head drive unit 20 includes: a first swing shaft 21, one end (right end in the same figure) of which is rotatably connected to the stapler head 15; a first connecting shaft 23, which is rotatably connected to the other end (left end) of the first swing shaft 21; a swing plate 25, which is rotatably connected to the lower end of the first connecting shaft 23; and a rotating plate 27, which is disposed below the swing plate 25.

[0025] The rotating plate 27 is rotated in one direction by a power shaft 29 powered by a motor (not shown). A cam groove 27a is provided on the rotating plate 27. A cam roller 25a, traveling within this cam groove 27a, is mounted on the swing plate 25. According to the movement of the cam roller 25a, the swing plate 25 swings about a fulcrum 25b. By swinging about this fulcrum 25b, the first connecting shaft 23 reciprocates in a generally vertical direction. By the reciprocating movement of the first connecting shaft 23, the first swing shaft 21 swings about a fulcrum 21a. By the swinging of the first swing shaft 21, the stapler head 15, connected to one end (the right end) of the first swing shaft 21, reciprocates in a vertical direction.

[0026] One end of the second swing shaft 31 (left end in the figure) is rotatably connected to the rotating plate 27. As the rotating plate 27 rotates, the second swing shaft 31 swings around a fulcrum 31a, driving the bender 33, which is rotatably connected to the other end (right end) of the second swing shaft 31, in the vertical direction. The bender 33 is positioned below the stapler head 15, across the stack of paper P. The bender 33 has a claw 35 at its upper end. The claw 35 bends the protruding portion of the wire W inserted into the stack of paper P.

[0027] The structure of the head drive unit 20 described above is an example, and a known structure of a head drive unit can be used appropriately. The above structure illustrates the case where the head drive unit 20 drives the bending machine 33, but it is not limited to this example. For example, a drive unit for driving the bending machine 33 may be provided separately from the head drive unit 20.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of a configuration example of the stapler 10 as viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 4 An enlarged view of the stapler head 15 shown. Figure 6 This is a schematic side view of a configuration example of the stapler 10 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 7 It is an enlarged representation Figure 6 An enlarged view of the stapler head 15 shown.

[0029] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the stapler 10 includes a wire spool 11, a wire conveying unit 12, a cutter 14, a wire holder 15a, and a stapler head 15. The wire conveying unit 12 supplies wire W from the wire spool 11 to the stapler head 15, specifically to the wire holder 15a. The wire conveying unit 12 includes, for example, a conveying roller 12a and a roller drive unit 12b. The conveying roller 12a includes, for example, a pair of rollers arranged to hold the wire W. A motor 13 of the roller drive unit 12b is connected, for example, directly to or via a power transmission mechanism to the rotation shaft of either roller in the pair of rollers. The conveying roller 12a is rotated by the power of the motor 13, thereby supplying the wire W to the wire holder 15a. As an example of the motor 13, a stepper motor can be used. In this way, the wire conveying unit 12 can become a self-propelled structure that can deliver wire W of any length regardless of the stroke length of the reciprocating motion of the stapler head 15. The structure of the wire conveying unit 12 is not limited to this example. The wire conveying unit 12 can be a self-propelled structure capable of conveying wire of a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle, and a known wire conveying mechanism can be used.

[0030] The wire holder 15a holds the wires W and W1 fed from the wire conveyor 12. Wire W1 is the wire driven into the paper stack in this cycle; it refers to a wire cut to a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack. For clarity, it is distinguished from the wire W supplied from the wire conveyor 12. The wire holder 15a is designed to swing around a pivot point 16. For example, the wire holder 15a is powered by a motor (not shown) and swings around the pivot point 16. The swinging of the wire holder 15a is controlled, for example, by the stapler control device 50. A groove for the metal wire W to pass through is formed in the wire holder 15a, and in front of the groove, in other words, on the stapler head 15 side, a holding part 15f for holding the metal wire W (W1) is provided.

[0031] The cutter 14 is configured to slide in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to cut the wire W held by the wire holder 15a. The sliding movement of the cutter 14 is controlled, for example, by the stapler control device 50. The stapler head 15 is, for example, shaped like an inverted U, and as described later, includes a bending portion 15c for bending the wire W1 held by the wire holder 15a into a U-shape, a groove 15e for holding the wire W1 after it has been bent into a U-shape, and a feeding portion 15b for feeding the wire W1 into the stack of papers (see reference). Figure 10 )wait.

[0032] During the reciprocating motion of the stapler head 15, in this embodiment, during one cycle of up-and-down motion, the stapler 10 performs the action of driving the wire W1 prepared in the previous cycle into the stack of paper (hereinafter referred to as "stack of paper P1"), and the action of preparing the wire to be driven into the stack of paper (hereinafter referred to as "stack of paper P2") for wire binding in the next cycle.

[0033] Next, a series of actions in a basic cycle (one reciprocation) of the stapler 10 will be described. Each time the stapler head 15 reciprocates, it performs the following actions. In this embodiment, one reciprocation of the stapler head 15 from the starting position to the starting position is defined as one cycle. The following actions of the stapler are achieved by the stapler control device 50 driving the control head drive unit 20, the roller drive unit 12b, the wire holder 15a, and the cutter 14.

[0034] (Starting position) In this embodiment, the starting position is set at the top stop of the stapler head 15. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the stapler head 15 in its initial position as viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the stapler head 15 in its starting position when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 10 It means Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insertion section 15b in the stapler head 15. Figure 11 It means Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insertion section 15b in the stapler head 15.

[0035] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, in the initial position, the holding portion 15f of the wire retainer 15a is configured to overlap with the slot 15e of the stapler head 15. In this initial position, the holding portion 15f of the wire retainer 15a holds a wire W1 cut to a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack P1 being wire-stitched in this cycle. In the following description, paper stack P1 refers to the paper stack being wire-stitched in this cycle, and paper stack P2 refers to the paper stack being wire-stitched in the next cycle.

[0036] Furthermore, at the initial position, the wire W is supplied to the wire holder 15a by driving the wire conveying unit 12. At this time, the wire conveying unit 12 is controlled by the stapler control device 50 according to the thickness information of the paper stack P2. Thus, a wire W of a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack P2 is conveyed. like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the insertion part 15b provided on the stapler head 15 is positioned at a predetermined position (reference position) in the stapler head 15.

[0037] (Descending state) Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing one way of viewing the stapler head 15 descending from the X-axis direction. Figure 13 Viewed from the Y-axis direction Figure 12 The diagram shown is a schematic of the stapler head at position 15. Figure 14 It means Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insertion section 15b in the stapler head 15. Figure 15 It means Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insertion section 15b in the stapler head 15.

[0038] If the stapler head 15 begins to descend from the top dead center, the wire W1 held by the wire holder 15a is bent into a U-shape by the curved portion 15c, which forms the bottom surface of the stapler head 15. Then, as the stapler head 15 descends further, the U-shaped wire W1 held by the holding portion 15f of the wire holder 15a is transferred to the wire holding portion (not shown) provided on the stapler head 15. The stapler head 15 continues to descend to the bottom dead center while holding the wire W1. At this time, the insertion portion 15b also continues to descend along with the stapler head 15 (see reference). Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 ).

[0039] On the other hand, after the wire retainer 15a is connected to the wire W1, it swings from its initial position around the fulcrum 16, thereby retracting a predetermined amount in the direction away from the stapler head 15, becoming... Figure 13The state shown. If the wire W from the wire feed section 12 is held by the holding section 15f of the wire holder 15a, the wire W is cut off by sliding downwards through the cutter 14. Thus, the wire W1 is prepared to be fed into the paper stack in the next cycle.

[0040] Here, there is no particular limitation on the start and end timing of the feeding of the metal wire W by the wire conveying unit 12. For example, the stapler head 15 may begin to descend after the feeding of the metal wire W by the wire conveying unit 12 has ended. Alternatively, the feeding of the metal wire W by the wire conveying unit 12 may begin after the stapler head 15 has begun to descend.

[0041] (Lower endpoint) Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the stapler head 15 at its bottom dead center when viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 17 Viewed from the Y-axis direction Figure 16 The diagram shown is a schematic of the stapler head at position 15. Figure 18 It means Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insertion section 15b in the stapler head 15. Figure 19 It means Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the state of the insertion section 15b in the stapler head 15.

[0042] If the stapler head 15 reaches the lower stop point, the lower end (bending part 15c) of the stapler head 15 presses against the upper surface of the paper stack P1, and the insertion part 15b descends further, completely inserting the wire W1 into the paper stack P1. At this time, the claw part 35 of the bender 33 bends the foot of the wire W protruding from the paper stack P1, thereby completing the wire binding.

[0043] If the wire binding is complete, the stapler head 15 rises to the starting position, and as it rises, the wire holder 15a swings around the fulcrum 16 to the starting position. Furthermore, by repeatedly performing the above cycle, wire binding can be performed continuously.

[0044] The movement of the wire holder 15a and one cycle of the stapler head described above is an example, but not a limitation. For example, the starting position of the stapler head 15 is not limited to the top dead center. For example, the starting position can be set at the midpoint between the top dead center and the bottom dead center. Since it is only necessary to prepare the wire for the stack of paper to be wire-bound in the next cycle during one cycle of the stapler head 15, the timing of the start and end of the wire feeding and the timing of the wire cutting can be appropriately designed. The timing of the transfer of the wire W1 to the stapler head 15 from the wire holder 15a in this cycle is also an example; the transfer from the wire holder 15a to the stapler head 15 can be completed at any time before the wire is inserted. The structure of the stapler head and the composition and structure of the wire retainer 15a are examples, but are not limited to this example; existing structures may be appropriately adopted.

[0045] Next, the stapler control device 50 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 20 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the stapler control device 50 according to this embodiment. The stapler control device (Controller) 50 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a main memory 52, and a secondary storage 53. The stapler control device 50 may also include a communication interface 54, an external interface 55, an input device 56, and an output device 57, etc.

[0046] CPU 51 controls stapler 10, for example, through OS (Operating System) stored in auxiliary storage device 53 connected via a bus, and performs various processes by executing various programs stored in auxiliary storage device 53. One or more CPUs 51 may also be configured to cooperate with each other to achieve processing.

[0047] The main storage device 52 is composed of a writable memory such as a cache memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), and is used as a working area for reading the execution program of the CPU 51 and writing data based on the execution program.

[0048] Auxiliary storage device 53 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Examples of auxiliary storage devices 53 include disks, optical discs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories. Examples of auxiliary storage devices 53 include ROM (Read Only Memory), HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and SSDs (Solid State Drives) flash memory. Auxiliary storage device 53 may store, for example, operating systems such as Windows, iOS, and Android used to control the stapler 10, BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), various device drivers used for hardware operations on peripheral devices, various application software, and various data and files. Programs for implementing various processes and various data required for implementing various processes are stored in auxiliary storage device 53. Multiple auxiliary storage devices 53 can be provided, or the programs and data described above can be stored separately in each auxiliary storage device 53.

[0049] Communication interface 54 connects to a network and communicates with other devices, functioning as an interface for sending and receiving information. For example, communication interface 54 communicates with other devices via wired or wireless means. Examples of wireless communication include communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, mobile communication systems (3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, LTE, etc.), and wireless LAN. Examples of wired communication include communication via a wired LAN (Local Area Network).

[0050] External interface 55 is an interface for connecting to external devices. Examples of external devices include external monitors, USB storage devices, external HDDs, and external cameras. Figure 16 The example shown illustrates only one external interface, but multiple external interfaces are also possible.

[0051] Examples of input devices 56 include touch panels and keyboards. By operating the input device 56, an operator can input instructions and values ​​for performing prescribed actions into the paper binding device 1 and the stapler 10. Examples of output devices 57 include monitors and printers. The touch panel has the functions of both input device 56 and output device 57.

[0052] Here, the stapler control device 50 sends and receives information with the transport control device of the transport unit 2 to realize the wire binding of the paper stack P. The stapler control device 50 also has the function of controlling the transport control device of the transport unit 2, and can also be used as a control device to control the paper binding device 1 as a whole.

[0053] Figure 21 This is a functional block diagram illustrating one example of the functions of the stapler control device 50 according to this embodiment.

[0054] As an example, a series of processes for implementing the various functions of the stapler control device 50 are stored in the form of a program in an auxiliary storage device 53, etc. The CPU (processor) 51 reads the program into the main storage device 52 and performs information processing / computation, thereby realizing various functions. The program can also be provided in a way that is pre-installed in the auxiliary storage device 53, in a state stored in other non-transitory computer-readable storage media, or distributed via wired or wireless communication units. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memories, etc.

[0055] like Figure 21 As shown, the stapler control device 50 includes, for example, a head control unit 61, a determination unit 62, and a wire conveying control unit 63. The head control unit 61 controls the stapler head 15. Specifically, the head control unit 61 controls the up and down movement of the stapler head 15 by controlling the head drive unit 20. The head control unit 61 can also change the position of the lower stop point of the stapler head 15 based on the thickness information of the stack of paper being wire-stitched in the current cycle.

[0056] In each cycle of the stapler head 15, the determination unit 62 determines whether it has obtained the thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire-stitched in the next cycle. The wire feeding control unit 63 controls the rotation amount of the feeding roller 12a by controlling the roller drive unit 12b, for example, and controls the supply of the wire W to the stapler head 15.

[0057] For example, if the determination unit 62 determines that the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle has been obtained, the wire conveying control unit 63 controls the roller drive unit 12b based on the thickness information of the paper stack, thereby controlling the rotation amount of the conveying roller 12a, and supplying a wire W of a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack P to the stapler head 15. For example, if the determination unit 62 determines that the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle has not been obtained, the wire transport control unit 63 controls the wire transport unit 12 to stop supplying wire in this cycle. Specifically, the wire transport control unit 63 stops the drive of the roller drive unit 12b in this cycle.

[0058] Next, refer to Figures 22-23 This describes the stapler control method executed by the stapler control device 50 according to this embodiment. Figure 22 as well as Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of the control method for the stapler 10 according to this embodiment. The stapler control method according to this embodiment is characterized by wire feeding during startup and shutdown. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, an example will be given of obtaining the thickness information of the paper stack by obtaining job information. In the following example, the entire paper stack specified by one job information has the same thickness.

[0059] First, when the paper binding device 1 stops operating, the stapler head 15 is positioned in the aforementioned starting position.

[0060] If the paper binding device 1 starts operating, the stapler control device 50 determines whether it has obtained the operation information, in other words, whether it has obtained the thickness information (SA1) of the paper stack to be wire-bound subsequently. The operation information may include, for example, the number of sheets in the paper stack and the thickness information of the paper stack. The operation information can be received from a preprocessor via a communication line, or input by the operator via input device 56. Examples of preprocessors include collators and paper collection and stacking machines. If the operation information includes the number of sheets in the paper stack and identification information for each sheet, the thickness of the paper stack can be calculated based on the number of sheets and the thickness data of each sheet. If the operation information includes the thickness data of each sheet, the number of sheets in the paper stack can be counted using sensors, and the thickness of the paper stack can be calculated based on the count value and the thickness data of each sheet.

[0061] If no job information is obtained (SA1: No), the stapler control device 50 remains in standby mode until it is obtained. On the other hand, if job information is obtained (SA1: Yes), the stapler control device 50 obtains the thickness information of the paper stack contained in the obtained job information (SA2), and then the drive head drive unit 20 causes the stapler head 15 to reciprocate once (one cycle), thereby performing dry stamping and preparing the wire for the next paper stack (SA3).

[0062] Specifically, the stapler control device 50 lowers the stapler head 15 from the starting position. During the period from the starting position to the bottom stop, the stapler control device 50 controls the wire conveying unit 12 based on the thickness of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle, i.e., the thickness information of the paper stack obtained in step SA2. Thus, as described above, a wire W of length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack P (i.e., the first paper stack of this operation) to be wire-bound in the next cycle is conveyed to the wire holder 15a. Then, while held by the holding part 15f of the wire holder 15a, it is cut by the cutter 14, thereby preparing the wire W1 for the next cycle. On the other hand, if the stapler head 15 reaches the lower stop point, the insertion action performed by the insertion section 15b is completed. However, at this moment, the stapler head 15 is in a state where it is not holding the wire. Therefore, the insertion section 15b performs a dry pass. After the dry pass, the stapler head 15 moves to the starting position.

[0063] Thus, if dry printing is performed, the transport unit 2 begins transport, and the initial stack of paper P for wire binding is positioned at the binding position S.

[0064] Next, the stapler control device 50 determines whether a stack of paper P is positioned at the binding position S (SA4). If it determines that there is no stack of paper at the binding position S (SA4: No), it enters a standby state until a stack of paper is positioned at the binding position S. On the other hand, if it determines that a stack of paper is positioned at the binding position S (SA4: Yes), it then determines whether the stack of paper P being wire-stitched in this cycle is the last stack of paper in the currently executed operation (SA5). Whether it is the last stack of paper can be determined, for example, by counting the number of books in the stack of paper fed to the wire-stitching position S using a counter (not shown) connected to the stapler control device 50. It can also be determined by reading the code printed on the last stack of paper.

[0065] As a result, if it is determined that this is not the final stack of paper (SA5: No), the stapler control device 50 obtains the thickness of the next stack of paper P2 to be wire-stitched (SA6). This process can also be replaced, for example, by confirming the thickness information of the stack of paper P2 contained in the job information.

[0066] Next, the stapler control unit 50 drives the head drive unit 20, causing the stapler head 15 to reciprocate once (one cycle). This inserts wire into the stack of paper at the binding position S. The stapler control unit 50 controls the wire feed unit 12 to supply wire of a length corresponding to the thickness of the next stack of paper to the stapler head 15, causing the wire holder 15a to hold the wire of the next stack of paper (SA7). If the wire binding in this cycle is complete, the process returns to step SA4 for further processing.

[0067] Then, by repeatedly performing steps SA4 to SA7, wires are prepared to be driven into the paper stack in each cycle of the stapler head 15, and the length of wires corresponds to the thickness of the paper stack to be wire-stitched in the next cycle. Furthermore, in step SA5, if it is determined that the paper stack set at the binding position S is the last paper stack of the currently performed operation (SA5: Yes), it is determined whether the next operation information has been obtained (SA8).

[0068] As a result, upon obtaining the next job information (SA8: Yes), the process proceeds to step SA6, where the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-stitched next is obtained from the next job information (SA6). Then, the stapler control device 50 drives the head drive unit 20 to perform a cycle of driving the stapler head 15, thereby inserting the wire into the last paper stack of this job located at the binding position S, and preparing the wire W for the first paper stack of the next job (SA7), before returning to step SA4 for further processing. Thus, when the information for the next job is obtained at the end of one job, both jobs can be executed consecutively.

[0069] On the other hand, in step SA8, if no information for the next job is obtained (SA8: NO), the stapler control device 50 drives the head drive unit 20 to control the stapler head 15 to reciprocate once (one cycle), while simultaneously not driving the wire feed unit 12 and stopping the wire feed (SA9). Thus, wire is inserted into the stack of paper at the binding position S, but no wire is prepared for the next stack. That is, the wire holder 15a does not hold the wire, and the stapler head 15 returns to the starting position.

[0070] Next, the stapler control device 50 determines whether the operation has ended (SA10). That is, it determines whether an input indicating the end of operation has been received. As a result, if the operation has ended (SA10: Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, if the operation has not ended (SA10: No), it returns to step SA1 and enters a standby state until the next job information is obtained. During this period, if an operation stop command is received, the operation stops.

[0071] As explained above, according to the paper binding apparatus 1, stapler 10, stapler control device 50, and control method of this embodiment, in each cycle of the up-and-down movement of the stapler head 15, it is determined whether the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle has been obtained. If it is determined that the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle has not been obtained, the wire conveying unit 12 is controlled not to supply wire in this cycle. On the other hand, if it is determined that the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle has been obtained, the stapler control device 50 controls the wire conveying unit 12 to supply wire of a length based on the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle in this cycle.

[0072] Therefore, without obtaining the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle, the wire holder 15a does not hold the wire, and the stapler head 15 stops. Then, if the information for the next operation is obtained, and based on the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound next obtained from that operation information, the stapler head 15 performs a dry run, and during this dry run, a wire of a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack to be wire-bound next is prepared. Having obtained the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle, in this cycle, wire of a length based on the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle is supplied and prepared. Thus, in the next cycle, wire of a length corresponding to the thickness of the paper stack to be wire-bound in this cycle can also be driven into the paper stack.

[0073] In this way, during the cycle of stopping the stapler head 15, the wire feeding is stopped, and dry-mapping is performed when the stapler head 15 is started, thus reducing resource waste and achieving cost reduction and productivity improvement.

[0074] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modifications or improvements are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be appropriately combined. The flow of the stapler control method described in the above embodiments is also an example. Unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps can be added, or the processing order can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the case of obtaining the thickness information of the paper stack from the work information was described, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the thickness information of the paper stack can also be obtained by reading the barcode attached to each paper stack, and it can be determined whether the thickness information of the paper stack has been obtained in each up and down movement cycle of the stapler head 15. The thickness information of the paper stack can also be obtained through other known methods. For example, during the transport process of the paper stack P in transport unit 2, a thickness sensor can be installed upstream of the designated binding position S to obtain the thickness information of the paper stack. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0076] 1: Paper binding device 2: Delivery Unit 6: Conveyor claw 10: Stapler 11: Metal wire reel 12: Wire Conveying Section 12a: Conveyor roller 12b: Roller drive section 13: Electric motor 14: Knives 15: Stapler head 15a: Wire retainer 15b: Penetration Section 15c: Bend 15e: slot 15f: Controlling part 16: Pivot 20: Head drive unit 33: Bending machine 35: Claws 50: Stapler control device 51: CPU 52: Main storage device 53: Auxiliary storage device 54: Communication Interface 55: External Interface 56: Input devices 57: Output devices 61: Head Control Unit 62: Judgment Department 63: Wire Conveying Control Unit

Claims

1. A control method for a stapler, the stapler comprising a reciprocating stapler head and a wire feeding section for feeding wire to the stapler head, wherein in each cycle of the reciprocating motion of the stapler head, wire binding of a stack of papers positioned at a wire binding position is performed. In each cycle of the stapler head, the computer determines whether it has obtained the thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire-stitched in the next cycle. If the computer determines that it has not obtained the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle, it controls the wire conveying unit to not supply wire in the current cycle.

2. The control method for a stapler according to claim 1, wherein, If the computer does not obtain information about the next job before performing a cycle of wire binding on the last stack of paper in the current job, it determines that it has not obtained the thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire bound in the next cycle.

3. The control method for a stapler according to claim 1, wherein, When the stapler starts operating, the computer causes the stapler head to perform a dry print.

4. The control method for a stapler according to claim 3, wherein, Before the stapler head performs a dry print, the computer obtains the thickness information of the initial stack of paper being wire-stitched after the start of operation. During the dry printing cycle, the computer controls the wire feeding unit to supply wires of a length corresponding to the thickness of the obtained stack of paper.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for causing a computer to perform the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A control device for a stapler, the stapler comprising a reciprocating stapler head and a wire feeding section for feeding wire to the stapler head, wherein in each cycle of the reciprocating motion of the stapler head, wire binding of a stack of papers positioned at a wire binding position is performed, the control device for the stapler comprising: The determination unit, in each cycle of the stapler head, determines whether it has obtained thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire-stitched in the next cycle; and If the wire feeding control unit determines that it has not obtained the thickness information of the paper stack to be wire-bound in the next cycle, it controls the wire feeding unit to not supply wire in the current cycle.

7. The control device for the stapler according to claim 6, wherein, If the determination unit does not obtain the next operation information before performing the cycle of wire binding on the last stack of paper in the ongoing operation, it determines that it has not obtained the thickness information of the stack of paper to be wire bound in the next cycle.

8. The control device for the stapler according to claim 6, wherein, The control device of the stapler includes a head control unit that enables the stapler head to perform dry-stitching when the stapler starts operating.

9. The control device for the stapler according to claim 8, wherein, Before the stapler head performs a dry print, the determination unit determines whether it has obtained the thickness information of the initial stack of paper that was wire-stitched after the start of operation. If the thickness information of the paper stack is determined to be obtained, the head control unit performs the dry-printing. When the wire feeding control unit determines that the thickness information of the paper stack has been obtained, it controls the wire feeding unit to supply a wire of a length corresponding to the obtained thickness of the paper stack during the dry printing cycle.

10. A stapler comprising the control device according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. A paper binding apparatus comprising the stapler of claim 10.

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