Stapler

Abstract

To provide a stapler capable of driving a single drive unit to perform ejection of a needle and bending of needle feet, and binding a position to be a fold of a booklet with the needle.SOLUTION: A stapler 1A comprises: an ejecting part 2 for ejecting a needle; a bending part 3 which faces the ejecting part 2 interposing a paper region 10 therebetween to bend needle feet of the needle ejected by the ejecting part 2; and a drive unit 5 for driving the ejecting part 2 and the bending part 3. The drive unit 5 comprises: a motor 51 provided on the ejecting part 2; and a first link 54 for transmitting a drive force of the motor 51 between the ejecting part 2 and the bending part 3. The first link 54 is provided on one side in a direction orthogonal to a passing direction of a paper sheet P passing the paper region 10, and on the outer side of the paper region 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stapler that staples a stack of paper sheets. [Background technology]

[0002] In a clincher device of a typical stapler known in the art, a fixed clincher having a guide groove for guiding a pair of staple legs inward is positioned on the back side of the sheets of paper to be bound, and the staple legs that are driven out from the front side of the sheets of paper by a drive unit toward the sheets of paper and protrude toward the underside of the sheets of paper are engaged with this guide groove, thereby guiding the staple legs to bend inward.

[0003] In stapling using a fixed clincher as described above, the height dimension of the loop shape formed at the base of both legs of the staple is greater than the thickness of the sheets to be bound, resulting in a thick stapled portion.

[0004] Therefore, an electric stapler has been proposed that is equipped with a movable clincher that penetrates the paper to be bound and engages with the staple legs that protrude from the underside of the paper to be bound, thereby bending the staple legs from the base side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Also, as an electric stapler for saddle-stitching that staples the center of a stack of paper, an electric stapler has been proposed in which a driver unit with a driver that shoots out staples and a clincher unit with a clincher that bends the staples that have been shot out are provided separately above and below, and both the driver unit and the clincher unit are provided with a motor (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3526682 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5310381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a saddle stitch stapler used for bookbinding, it is desirable to perform a flat clinch so that the staple legs do not protrude from the folds of the booklet's open pages. In order to achieve a flat clinch, it is common to use a movable clincher to bend the staple legs from the base. However, a stapler that employs a movable clincher requires not only a motor to operate the driver, but also a motor to operate the movable clincher.

[0008] In a typical electric stapler for corner binding, not for saddle stitching, the paper passing area is small, so the clincher and the driver can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, a structure for driving the driver and the clincher with one motor can be realized relatively easily. In contrast, in a saddle stitching stapler, a large paper passing area must be secured, so the driver and the clincher must be arranged separately and spaced apart, and therefore it is structurally difficult to operate both the driver and the clincher with one motor. Therefore, in conventional saddle stitching staplers, a motor for the driver and a motor for the clincher are provided separately, as described in Patent Document 2.

[0009] However, providing a separate motor leads to an increase in the size of the device and the number of parts, which is also a factor in increasing costs.

[0010] Therefore, we provide a stapler that can operate both the driver and the clincher with one motor (i.e., can achieve flat clinching), even in the case of a saddle-stitch stapler, thereby making it possible to suppress the increase in size of the device, the increase in the number of parts, and the associated cost increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a stapler that performs a binding process to staple papers, the stapler comprising: a stamping section that is provided at a position perpendicular to the surface of the paper during the binding process and stamps the needle into the paper; a bending section that is provided at a position opposite the stamping section through the paper during the binding process and bends the foot of the needle that has been stamped out by the stamping section and penetrated the paper; a single motor that drives the stamping section and the bending section; a connecting section that connects the stamping section and the bending section at a position perpendicular to the paper passage direction of the paper passing between the stamping section and the bending section before and after the binding process and on one side in the direction along the paper surface; and a transmission section that transmits the driving force of the motor to the stamping section and / or the bending section via the connecting section.

[0012] In the present invention, between the embossing section and the bending section, the upstream side and the downstream side in the paper feed direction are open, allowing the paper to pass through. Effect of the Invention

[0013] In the present invention, a single motor can drive the stamping section and bending section of the stapler to staple the booklet at the fold positions, thereby reducing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an example of a stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1C] 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a main portion showing an example of a bending portion of a stapler according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a main portion showing an example of a bending portion of a stapler according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3A] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of a bending portion of a stapler according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3B] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of a bending portion of a stapler according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of an example of a drive unit of the stapler according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main portion showing a modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main portion showing a modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main portion showing another modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main portion showing another modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main portion showing another modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main portion showing another modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the stapler of the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the stapler of the embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the stapler of the embodiment. [Figure 8D] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the stapler of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a stapler according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <Example of the configuration of the stapler according to the present embodiment> Fig. 1A is a front view showing an example of a stapler of the present embodiment, Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the main part of the stapler of the present embodiment, and Fig. 1C is an external perspective view of the stapler of the present embodiment. Figs. 2A and 2B are front sectional views of the main part showing an example of a bending portion of the stapler of the present embodiment, and Figs. 3A and 3B are front sectional views of the main part showing an example of the bending portion of the stapler of the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the main part showing an example of a drive portion of the stapler of the present embodiment.

[0017] The stapler 1A includes a punching section 2, a bending section 3, a connecting section 100, transmission sections 101, 102, 103, and a driving section 5. The punching section 2 is provided at a position perpendicular to the paper surface of the paper P during the binding process in which the paper P is stapled with the staple 11, and punches out the staple 11 into the paper P. The bending section 3 is provided at a position facing the punching section 2 through the paper P during the above-mentioned binding process, and bends a pair of needle legs 11a, 11b of the staple 11 that is punched out by the punching section 2 and penetrates the paper P. The connecting section 100 connects the punching section 2 and the bending section 3 at a position perpendicular to the paper passing direction of the paper P passing between the punching section 2 and the bending section 3 before and after the above-mentioned binding process, and on one side of the direction along the paper surface of the paper P. The paper passing direction of the paper P is indicated by an arrow F. The direction along the paper surface of the paper P is indicated by an arrow C. The driving section 5 includes a single motor 51. A single motor 51 drives the stamping unit 2 and the bending unit 3. The transmission unit 101 transmits the driving force of the motor 51 to the stamping unit 2. The transmission unit 102 transmits the driving force of the motor 51 to the connecting unit 100. The transmission unit 103 transmits the driving force of the motor 51 to the bending unit 3 via the connecting unit 100. The details of the connecting unit 100 and the transmission units 101, 102, and 103 will be described later. The stamping unit 2 and the bending unit 3 face each other across the paper area 10. The stapler 1A includes a frame 10a, a frame 10b, and a pair of frames 10c and 10d that connect the frame 10a and the frame 10b. The paper area 10 is formed by the space between the stamping unit 2 and the bending unit 3. The space between the stamping unit 2 and the bending unit 3 is defined by the frame 10a, the frame 10b, and a pair of frames 10c and 10d that connect the frame 10a and the frame 10b.

[0018] The frame 10a has the punching unit 2 provided therein and constitutes the exterior of the punching unit 2. The frame 10a also has a motor 51 and transmission units 101 and 102 provided therein. The frame 10b has the bending unit 3 provided therein and constitutes the exterior of the bending unit 3. The frame 10b also has a transmission unit 103 provided therein. The frame 10c is perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P indicated by the arrow F and connects the frame 10a and the frame 10b on one side of the direction along the paper surface of the paper P. The frame 10c has a connecting unit 100 provided therein. The frame 10d is perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P and connects the frame 10a and the frame 10b on the other side of the direction along the paper surface of the paper P. The punching unit 2 does not protrude from the frame 10a to the inside of the paper area 10 except when the paper P is clamped between the punching unit 2 and the bending unit 3. Moreover, the motor 51 and the transmission units 101 and 102 do not protrude from the frame 10a to the inside of the paper area 10. Moreover, the bending unit 3 and the transmission unit 103 do not protrude from the frame 10b to the inside of the paper area 10. Moreover, the connecting unit 100 does not protrude from the frame 10c to the inside of the paper area 10.

[0019] As a result, the paper area 10 is open on the upstream side and downstream side with respect to the paper feed direction of the paper P, allowing the paper P to pass through. Furthermore, the paper area 10 is closed on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P and along the paper surface of the paper P by frames 10c and 10d. Frames 10c and 10d face each other at a distance wider than the maximum width of paper P that can be fed through. Furthermore, frames 10a and 10b face each other at a distance wider than the thickness of the maximum number of stacked sheets of paper P that can be bound. Furthermore, the punching section 2 and the bending section 3 are connected via frames 10c and 10d on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P and along the paper surface of the paper P.

[0020] The driving unit 2 includes a first driving unit 21, a second driving unit 22, and a power transmission unit 23. The first driving unit 21 is an example of a driving unit, and the second driving unit 22 is an example of a second driving unit. The needle 11 driven by the second driving unit 22 is an example of a second needle, and a pair of needle feet 11a, 11b of the needle 11 driven by the second driving unit 22 is an example of a needle foot of the second needle.

[0021] The first striking unit 21 includes a driver plate 21a and a power transmission unit 21b. The driver plate 21a is supported so as to be movable along the direction in which the pair of needle legs 11a, 11b of the needle 11 extend. The power transmission unit 21b includes a gear constituting a cam, a link displaced by the rotation of the gear, and the like, and transmits the movement of the driving unit 5 to the driver plate 21a. The driver plate 21a is driven by the driving unit 5 via the power transmission unit 21b to strike out the needle 11. The first striking unit 21 includes a forming plate that forms the needle 11. The first striking unit 21 also includes an attachment unit to which a cartridge containing the needle 11 before molding is detachably attached.

[0022] The second striking section 22 includes a driver plate 22a and a power transmission section 22b. The driver plate 22a is supported so as to be movable along the direction in which the pair of needle legs 11a, 11b of the needle 11 extend. The power transmission section 22b includes a gear constituting a cam, a link displaced by the rotation of the gear, and the like, and transmits the movement of the driving section 5 to the driver plate 22a. The driver plate 22a is driven by the driving section 5 via the power transmission section 22b to strike out the needle 11. The second striking section 22 includes a forming plate that forms the needle 11. The second striking section 22 also includes an attachment section to which a cartridge containing the needle 11 before molding is detachably attached.

[0023] The power transmission unit 23 is composed of an axis connecting the power transmission unit 21b of the first striking unit 21 and the power transmission unit 22b of the second striking unit 22. The power transmission unit 23 transmits the movement transmitted from the drive unit 5 to the power transmission unit 21b to the power transmission unit 22b. This causes the driver plate 21a and the driver plate 22a to move in conjunction with each other.

[0024] The first and second pushing units 21 and 22 are arranged parallel to the paper surface of the paper P and perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P. The needle crowns 11c of the needles 11 pushed out by the first and second pushing units 21 and 22 are arranged parallel to the paper surface of the paper P and perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P.

[0025] The bending unit 3 includes a first bending unit 31 and a second bending unit 32. The first bending unit 31 is an example of a bending unit, and the second bending unit 32 is an example of a second bending unit. The first bending unit 31 includes a first clincher 31a, a second clincher 31b, and a clamping unit 33a. The first bending unit 31 sandwiches the paper area 10 and faces the first embossing unit 21. The clamping unit 33a is a surface facing the first embossing unit 21, and is provided on a frame 34a of the first bending unit 31. The clamping unit 33a is provided with an opening 35a through which the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b are exposed.

[0026] The first clincher 31a includes a receiving portion 36a and an acted portion 37a. The first clincher 31a is supported by the frame 34a so as to be rotatable about the shaft 38a as a fulcrum. The first clincher 31a abuts against the staple foot 11a during the above-mentioned binding process and rotates in the bending direction of the staple foot 11a about the shaft 38a as a fulcrum. Rotation is also referred to as rotation. Rotation refers to rotation within a range of less than 360°. The first clincher 31a rotates about the shaft 38a as a fulcrum to move between a bending standby position shown in FIG. 2A and a bending position shown in FIG. 2B.

[0027] The receiving portion 36a is provided at a portion that moves toward and away from the clamping portion 33a as the first clincher 31a rotates about the shaft 38a as a fulcrum. The receiving portion 36a is exposed to the opening 35a of the clamping portion 33a.

[0028] In a state in which the first clincher 31a has moved to the bending standby position, the receiving portion 36a is inclined in a direction away from the clamping portion 33a as it moves from the shaft 38a toward the tip side facing the second clincher 31b.

[0029] The receiving portion 36a moves in a first direction indicated by an arrow A1, which is a direction approaching the clamping portion 33a from the bending standby position, by the rotation of the first clincher 31a about the shaft 38a as a fulcrum. The receiving portion 36a also moves in a second direction indicated by an arrow A2, which is opposite to the arrow A1, which is a direction away from the clamping portion 33a from the bending position.

[0030] The first clincher 31a includes a tip portion 300a. The acted portion 37a is provided on the opposite side of the receiving portion 36a between the tip portion 300a and the shaft 38a. The first clincher 31a moves from the bending standby position to the bending position by receiving a force pushing the acted portion 37a.

[0031] The second clincher 31b includes a receiving portion 36b and an acted portion 37b. The second clincher 31b is provided on the opposite side of the clamping portion 33a from the side facing the first driving portion 21. The second clincher 31b is supported by the frame 34a so as to be rotatable about a shaft 38b as a fulcrum.

[0032] The second clincher 31b comes into contact with the staple leg 11b during the above-mentioned binding process and rotates around the shaft 38b as a fulcrum in the bending direction of the staple leg 11v. The second clincher 31b rotates around the shaft 38b as a fulcrum and moves between the bending standby position shown in FIG. 2A and the bending position shown in FIG. 2B.

[0033] The receiving portion 36b is provided at a portion that moves toward and away from the clamping portion 33a as the second clincher 31b rotates about the shaft 38b as a fulcrum. The receiving portion 36b is exposed to the opening 35a of the clamping portion 33a.

[0034] In a state in which the second clincher 31b has moved to the bending standby position, the receiving portion 36b is inclined in a direction away from the clamping portion 33a as it moves from the shaft 38b toward the tip side facing the first clincher 31a.

[0035] The receiving portion 36b moves in a first direction indicated by an arrow A1, which is a direction approaching the clamping portion 33a from the bending standby position, by the rotation of the second clincher 31b about the shaft 38b as a fulcrum. The receiving portion 36b also moves in a second direction indicated by an arrow A2, which is a direction away from the clamping portion 33a from the bending position.

[0036] The second clincher 31b includes a tip portion 300b. The acted portion 37b is provided at a position opposite to the receiving portion 36b between the tip portion 300b and the shaft 38a. The second clincher 31b moves from the bending standby position to the bending position by receiving a force pushing the acted portion 37b. When the first clincher 31a moves to the bending standby position, the second clincher 31b moves to the bending standby position in conjunction with the first clincher 31a. Also, when the first clincher 31a moves to the bending position, the second clincher 31b moves to the bending position in conjunction with the first clincher 31a.

[0037] The second bending unit 32 includes a first clincher 32a, a second clincher 32b, and a clamping unit 33b. The first clincher 32a and the second clincher 32b of the second bending unit 32 are an example of a pair of second clinchers. The second bending unit 32 sandwiches the paper area 10 therebetween and faces the second embossing unit 22. The clamping unit 33b is a surface facing the second embossing unit 22 and is provided on a frame 34b of the second bending unit 32. The clamping unit 33b is provided with an opening 35b through which the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b are exposed.

[0038] The first clincher 32a and the second clincher 32b of the second bent portion 32 have the same configuration as the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b of the first bent portion 31.

[0039] The drive unit 5 includes the single motor 51 described above. The connection unit 100 includes a first link 54. The transmission unit 101 includes a gear group 51b that meshes with the gear 51a of the motor 51, and a shaft 51c that rotates together with the gear group 51b. The transmission unit 102 includes a gear 53 and a gear 52 that meshes with the gear 53. The gear 52 is attached to the shaft 51c. In this manner, the transmission unit 101 and the transmission unit 102 may share some of the gears and shafts. The transmission unit 103 includes a second link 55, a third link 55B, and a conversion unit 55C. The motor 51 is provided on the side of the first embossing unit 21 along a direction intersecting the surface of the paper P passing through the paper area 10, and inside the frame 10a on the opposite side to the side on which the second embossing unit 22 is provided. The transmission unit 101 transmits the rotation of the motor 51 to the power transmission unit 21b of the first driving unit 21 via the gear group 51b, the shaft 51c, etc. The transmission unit 102 transmits the rotation of the motor 51 to the first link 54 constituting the connecting unit 100 via the gear group 51b, the shaft 51c, the gear 52, and the gear 53.

[0040] The gear 53 is provided inside the frame 10a of the striking section 2. The gear 53 is provided outside the motor 51 with respect to the first striking section 21. In the present embodiment, the motor 51 has an output shaft that protrudes inward toward the first striking section 21, and the gear 51a is provided inside facing the first striking section 21. Therefore, the gear 53 rotates by the rotation of the motor 51 transmitted through a transmission section 102 having a shaft 51c that extends toward the outside of the motor 51 with respect to the first striking section 21. The gear 53 has a cam groove 53a that describes a trajectory in which the distance from the center of rotation changes. The cam groove 53a is an example of a cam and extends in the circumferential direction of the gear 53.

[0041] The first link 54 is an example of a link, a first link, and is provided inside the frame 10c, perpendicular to the paper passage direction of the paper P indicated by the arrow F, and on one side of the paper surface of the paper P, relative to the paper area 10. The first link 54 does not protrude into the paper area 10 and does not interfere with paper passage. The first link 54 extends along the direction in which the embossing section 2 and the bending section 3 face each other. The first link 54 is supported so as to be movable in a third direction indicated by the arrow B1 along the direction in which the embossing section 2 and the bending section 3 face each other, and in a fourth direction indicated by the arrow B2 in the opposite direction to the third direction. The third direction and the fourth direction are perpendicular to the paper surface of the paper P passing through the paper area 10, and in this example, are vertical directions.

[0042] The first link 54 includes a first cam follower 54a and a second cam follower 54b. The first cam follower 54a is provided on the side of the striking section 2 along the direction in which the first link 54 extends. When the gear 53 rotates, the first link 54 moves in the third and fourth directions as the first cam follower 54a follows the path of the cam groove 53a. The second cam follower 54b is an example of a conversion section 55C, and is provided on the side of the bending section 3 along the direction in which the first link 54 extends.

[0043] The second link 55 is an example of a link or a second link, and is provided inside the frame 10b of the bending unit 3. The third link 55B is an example of a second transmission unit, a link, or a third link, and is provided inside the frame 10b of the bending unit 3. The third link 55B is provided on an extension line of the second link 55. The second link 55 and the third link 55B extend along the direction in which the first bending unit 31 and the second bending unit 32 are parallel to each other. The second link 55 and the third link 55B are supported so as to be movable in a fifth direction indicated by an arrow C1 along the direction in which the first bending unit 31 and the second bending unit 32 are parallel to each other, and in a sixth direction indicated by an arrow C2 in the opposite direction to the fifth direction. The fifth direction and the sixth direction are directions along the surface of the paper P passing through the paper area 10, and are horizontal in this example.

[0044] The second link 55 includes a cam groove 55a and acting portions 56a and 56b, and the third link 55B includes acting portions 56c and 56d.

[0045] The cam groove 55a is an example of a conversion portion 55C, and extends obliquely with respect to the moving direction of the first link 54 and the moving directions of the second link 55 and the third link 55B. The second cam follower 54b of the first link 54 is inserted into the cam groove 55a.

[0046] The acting portion 56a is an example of a protrusion, and faces the acted portion 37a of the first clincher 31a of the first bent portion 31. The acting portion 56b is an example of a protrusion, and faces the acted portion 37b of the second clincher 31b of the first bent portion 31. The acting portion 56c is an example of a second protrusion, and faces the acted portion 37a of the first clincher 32a of the second bent portion 32. The acting portion 56d is an example of a second protrusion, and faces the acted portion 37b of the second clincher 32b of the second bent portion 32.

[0047] 3A shows a state in which the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b of the first bending portion 31 and the first clincher 32a and the second clincher 32b of the second bending portion 32 are in the bending standby position as shown in FIG. 2A. When the first link 54 moves from this state in the third direction indicated by the arrow B1, the second cam follower 54b of the first link 54 presses the lower surface of the inclined cam groove 55a of the second link 55. This causes the second link 55 to move in the fifth direction indicated by the arrow C1.

[0048] 3B shows a state in which the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b of the first bending portion 31 and the first clincher 32a and the second clincher 32b of the second bending portion 32 are in the bending position as shown in FIG. 2B. When the first link 54 moves from this state in the fourth direction indicated by the arrow B2, the second cam follower 54b of the first link 54 presses the upper surface of the inclined cam groove 55a of the second link 55. This causes the second link 55 to move in the sixth direction indicated by the arrow C2.

[0049] When the gear 53 rotates in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle, the first cam follower 54a follows the path of the cam groove 53a, and the first link 54 moves in the third or fourth direction. Due to the usage mode of the stapler 1A, the movement direction of the first link 54 is the vertical direction, and the movement direction of the second link 55 is the horizontal direction. As a result, the rotational motion of the gear 53 is converted into a vertical linear motion of the first link 54 perpendicular to the surface of the paper P passing through the paper area 10, and the vertical linear motion of the first link 54 is converted into a horizontal linear motion of the second link 55 along the surface of the paper P passing through the paper area 10.

[0050] As described above, the first link 54 is located on one side of the direction along the paper surface of the paper P, perpendicular to the paper passing direction of the paper P passing between the punching section 2 and the bending section 3 before and after the binding process described above, outside the paper area 10 in which the paper P is located during the binding process described above, and displaces in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the paper P by following the cam groove 53a of the gear 53, which is an example of a cam. The second link 55 is located below the paper area 10 and moves in a direction along the paper surface of the paper P to rotate the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b of the first bending section 31. The third link 55B is located below the paper area 10 and moves in a direction along the paper surface of the paper P to rotate the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b of the second bending section 32. The conversion unit 55C is located between the first link 54 and the second link 55, and converts the displacement of the first link 54 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper P into a displacement of the second link 55 in a direction along the surface of the paper P.

[0051] The bending portion 3 includes a support member 39. The support member 39 supports the second link 55 from below, and prevents the second link 55 from bending.

[0052] <Example of operation of the stapler according to the present embodiment> The stapler 1A stops transporting the paper P when the center of the paper P, which is perpendicular to the paper passage direction of the paper P passing through the paper area 10, is aligned with the ejection position of the staple 11 by the first ejection section 21 and the second ejection section 22.

[0053] When the motor 51 of the drive unit 5 rotates, the driver plate 21a of the first striking unit 21 moves in the first direction indicated by the arrow A1, which is the striking direction. In addition, the driver plate 22a of the second striking unit 22 moves in the striking direction in conjunction with the driver plate 21a.

[0054] The operation will be explained below using the first pushing portion 21 and the first bending portion 31 as examples. The driver plate 21a moves in the pushing direction to push the needle crown 11c of the needle 11, causing the needle feet 11a, 11b to penetrate the paper P.

[0055] The staple foot 11a that penetrates the paper P contacts the receiving portion 36a of the first clincher 31a of the first bending portion 31, and the staple foot 11b that penetrates the paper P contacts the receiving portion 36b of the second clincher 31b of the first bending portion 31.

[0056] The staple leg 11a that has penetrated the paper P is guided along the inclined receiving portion 36a by the first clincher 31a moving to the bending standby position as the driver plate 21a further presses the staple crown 11c of the staple 11, and is bent inward. The staple leg 11b that has penetrated the paper P is guided along the inclined receiving portion 36b by the second clincher 31b moving to the bending standby position, and is bent inward.

[0057] When the motor 51 of the drive unit 5 rotates, the gear 53 rotates. When the driver plate 21a moves in the ejection direction to a position where the needle crown 11c of the needle 11 contacts the surface of the paper P, the gear 53 moves the first link 54 in the third direction indicated by the arrow B1.

[0058] When the gear 53 rotates further, the first link 54 moves in the third direction, causing the second cam follower 54b of the first link 54 to press the inclined cam groove 55a of the second link 55. This causes the second link 55 to move in the fifth direction indicated by the arrow C1.

[0059] When the second link 55 moves in the fifth direction, the action part 56a presses the acted part 37a of the first clincher 31a of the first bending part 31. As a result, the first clincher 31a receives the force pushing the acted part 37a and moves from the bending standby position to the bending position. When the first clincher 31a moves to the bending position, the receiving part 36a presses the staple foot 11a toward the back surface of the paper P, bending the tip of the staple foot 11a toward the back surface of the paper P.

[0060] When the second link 55 moves in the fifth direction, the action part 56b presses the acted part 37b of the second clincher 31b of the first bending part 31. As a result, the second clincher 31b receives the force pushing the acted part 37b and moves from the bending standby position to the bending position. When the second clincher 31b moves to the bending position, the receiving part 36b presses the staple foot 11b toward the back surface of the paper P, bending the tip of the staple foot 11b toward the back surface of the paper P.

[0061] While the operation of the first embossing portion 21 and the first bending portion 31 has been described above as an example, the operation of the second embossing portion 22 and the second bending portion 32 is also the same.

[0062] <Examples of the Functions and Effects of the Stapler of the Present Embodiment> The connecting portion 100 is perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P indicated by the arrow F, and is on one side in the direction along the paper surface of the paper P, and the first link 54 is provided outside the paper area 10. As a result, the paper area 10 is open on the upstream side and downstream side with respect to the paper feed direction of the paper P, allowing the paper P to pass through.

[0063] Therefore, the stapler 1A can align the positions at which the staples 11 are driven by the first driving unit 21 and the second driving unit 22 with the center of the paper P perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the paper P. Therefore, the stapler 1A can staple the paper P in a form called saddle stitching.

[0064] In addition, the stapler 1A is equipped with a motor 51 in the driving section 2, which drives the first driving section 21 and the second driving section 22, and the driving force of the motor 51 can be transmitted to the bending section 3 via a first link 54 to operate each clincher.

[0065] This makes it possible to suppress the amount by which the bent staple leg protrudes from the back surface of the paper in the stapler 1A capable of stapling the paper P in a form called saddle stitching. Also, the tip of the staple leg can be directed toward the back surface of the paper. Furthermore, since the driving unit 2 and the bending unit 3 can be driven by a single motor 51, the cost can be reduced.

[0066] Moreover, the first link 54 moves (linearly) along the frame 10c. This prevents the space required for the movement of the first link 54 from expanding in the direction approaching or moving away from the paper area 10, thereby preventing the device from becoming larger. Furthermore, the gear 53 is provided in the punching section 2. This eliminates the need for a section for providing the gear 53 between the frame 10c and the paper area 10, thereby preventing the device from becoming larger. Furthermore, the second link 55 and the third link 55B move (linearly) along the frame 10b. This prevents the space required for the movement of the second link 55 and the third link 55B from expanding in the direction approaching or moving away from the paper area 10, thereby preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0067] When the number of sheets P to be stapled increases, the load applied when the staple feet 11a and 11b of the staple 11 penetrate the stack of sheets P becomes larger than when the number of sheets P is small. Therefore, when the number of sheets P to be stapled increases, the positions of the tips of the staple feet 11a and 11b of the staple 11 that penetrate the stack of sheets P may shift. If the tip of the staple foot 11a of the staple 11 that penetrates the stack of sheets P shifts to a position where it cannot contact the receiving portion 36a of the first clincher 31a, the staple foot 11a cannot be bent. Similarly, if the tip of the staple foot 11b of the staple 11 that penetrates the stack of sheets P shifts to a position where it cannot contact the receiving portion 36b of the second clincher 31b, the staple foot 11b cannot be bent.

[0068] In contrast, the receiving portion 36a moves toward and away from the clamping portion 33a by the rotation of the first clincher 31a about the shaft 38a. When the first clincher 31a moves to the bending standby position, the receiving portion 36a moves away from the clamping portion 33a. As a result, by lengthening the receiving portion 36a, the range in which the staple foot 11a can come into contact can be increased. On the other hand, when the first clincher 31a moves to the bending position, the receiving portion 36a moves toward the clamping portion 33a. As a result, even if the receiving portion 36a is lengthened, the staple foot 11a can be pressed against the back surface of the paper P. Similarly, the receiving portion 36b moves toward and away from the clamping portion 33b by the rotation of the second clincher 31b about the shaft 38b. When the second clincher 31b moves to the bending standby position, the receiving portion 36b moves away from the clamping portion 33b. As a result, by lengthening the receiving portion 36b, the area in which the staple foot 11b can come into contact can be increased. On the other hand, when the second clincher 31b is moved to the bending position, the receiving portion 36b approaches the clamping portion 33b. As a result, even if the receiving portion 36b is lengthened, the staple foot 11b can be pressed against the back surface of the paper P.

[0069] <Modifications of the Stapler of the Present Embodiment> 5A and 5B are perspective views of the essential parts of a modified stapler of the present embodiment. Stapler 1B includes a paper area (not shown), a driving unit, bending unit 3B, and drive unit 5B. Bending unit 3B includes first clincher 31a, second clincher 31b, and first acted upon unit 37c.

[0070] The first clincher 31a includes a receiving portion 36a and a second acted portion 37a. The first clincher 31a is supported rotatably around a shaft 38a. The first clincher 31a rotates around the shaft 38a and moves between a bending position shown in FIG. 5A and a bending standby position shown in FIG. 5B.

[0071] The second clincher 31b includes a receiving portion 36b and a second acted portion 37b. The second clincher 31b is supported rotatably around a shaft 38b. The second clincher 31b rotates around the shaft 38b to move between a bending position shown in FIG. 5A and a bending standby position shown in FIG. 5B.

[0072] The first acted part 37c rotates about the shaft 37d as a fulcrum and presses the second acted part 37a of the first clincher 31a and the second acted part 37b of the second clincher 31b. The first clincher 31a moves from the bending standby position to the bending position by receiving the force pushing the second acted part 37a. The second clincher 31b moves from the bending standby position to the bending position by receiving the force pushing the second acted part 37b.

[0073] The driving unit 5B includes a rotating body 53B, a first link 57, and a second link 58. Rotating body 53B is an example of a transmission part, and includes cam 53c that describes a locus whose distance from the center of rotation changes. Cam 53c extends in the circumferential direction of rotating body 53B.

[0074] The first link 57 is an example of a connecting portion or link, and includes a cam follower 57a and an engaged portion 57b. When the rotating body 53B rotates, the first link 57 rotates about a shaft (not shown) inserted into the support hole 57c as the cam follower 57a follows the path of the cam 53c.

[0075] The second link 58 is an example of a transmission part or link, and includes an engaging part 58a, a shaft 58b, and an acting part 58c. The engaging part 58a is inserted into the engaged part 57b of the first link 57. The acting part 58c faces the first acted part 37c, and when the second link 58 rotates, it rotates around the shaft 58b as a fulcrum.

[0076] As a result, when the rotor 53B rotates, the first link 57 is displaced (rotated) following the cam 53c. Also, following the displacement of the first link 57, the second link 58 is displaced (rotated).

[0077] When the second link 58 is displaced (rotated), the acting portion 58c rotates around the shaft 58b as a fulcrum. When the acting portion 58c rotates, the first acted portion 37c rotates around the shaft 37d as a fulcrum, thereby pressing the second acted portion 37a of the first clincher 31a and the second acted portion 37b of the second clincher 31b. The first clincher 31a receives a force pushing the second acted portion 37a, and moves from the bending standby position to the bending position. The second clincher 31b receives a force pushing the second acted portion 37b, and moves from the bending standby position to the bending position.

[0078] 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B are perspective views of the main part of another modified example of the stapler of the present embodiment, in which Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are perspective views of the main part of the stapler, in which the bending portion 3C is seen from the front side, and Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are perspective views of the main part of the stapler, in which the bending portion 3C is seen from the back side.

[0079] The bending portion 3C includes a first clincher 31a and a second clincher 31b. The first clincher 31a includes a receiving portion 36a and an acted upon portion 37e. The first clincher 31a is supported rotatably with an axis 38a as a fulcrum. The first clincher 31a rotates with the axis 38a as a fulcrum to move between a bending standby position shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7B and a bending position shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B. The acted upon portion 37e is formed of an axis protruding from the first clincher 31a.

[0080] The second clincher 31b includes a receiving portion 36b and an acted upon portion 37f. The second clincher 31b is supported rotatably with the shaft 38b as a fulcrum. The second clincher 31b rotates with the shaft 38b as a fulcrum to move between a bending standby position shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7B and a bending position shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B. The acted upon portion 37f is formed of a shaft protruding from the first clincher 31a.

[0081] The second link 59 is an example of a transmission portion or link, and is supported movably in a fifth direction indicated by an arrow C1 and a sixth direction indicated by an arrow C2 that is the opposite direction to the fifth direction. The second link 59 includes action portions 59a and 59b.

[0082] The acting portion 59a is configured as a cam groove that extends along the fifth direction and the sixth direction and has a slope along the direction in which the first clincher 31a rotates. The acted portion 37e of the first clincher 31a fits into the acting portion 59a. The acting portion 59b is configured as a cam groove that extends along the fifth direction and the sixth direction and has a slope along the direction in which the second clincher 31b rotates. The acted portion 37f of the second clincher 31b fits into the acting portion 59b.

[0083] When the second link 59 moves in the fifth direction, the acting part 59a presses the acted part 37e of the first clincher 31a with the inclined surface. As a result, the first clincher 31a moves from the bending standby position to the bending position by receiving the force pushing the acted part 37e. Also, when the second link 59 moves in the fifth direction, the acting part 59b presses the acted part 37f of the second clincher 31b with the inclined surface. As a result, the second clincher 31b moves from the bending standby position to the bending position by receiving the force pushing the acted part 37f.

[0084] In the bent portion 3C, the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b can be arranged to overlap the second link 59 along the axial direction of the respective shafts 38a, 38b. This makes it possible to reduce the height of the bent portion 3C along the direction in which the first clincher 31a and the second clincher 31b rotate.

[0085] 8A to 8D are front views showing modified examples of the stapler of the present embodiment. In the above-mentioned FIG. 1A and the like, the single motor 51 is configured to be provided between the driving section 2 and the connecting section 100, specifically, between the driving section 2 and the first link 54 constituting the connecting section 100 and the gear 53 constituting the transmission section 102. In contrast, in the stapler 1C shown in FIG. 8A, the single motor 51 is provided in the middle of the connecting section 100 and configured to drive the driving section 2 and the bending section 3. In this case, the output shaft of the motor 51 may be oriented so as to protrude outward, and the gear of the motor 51 may be configured to mesh with the gear 53 directly or via another gear. In addition, in the stapler 1D shown in FIG. 8B, the single motor 51 is provided between the connecting section 100 and the bending section 3 and configured to drive the driving section 2 and the bending section 3. In a configuration in which the motor 51 is provided between the connecting portion 100 and the bending portion 3, the transmission portion 101 may be configured to transmit the driving force of the motor 51 to the striking portion 2 via the connecting portion 100. The connecting portion 100 is not limited to a link, and may be a group of gears that connects the striking portion 2 and the bending portion 3 to enable the transmission of driving force.

[0086] Furthermore, in the stapler 1E shown in FIG. 8C, when the side where the connecting portion 100 (first link 54) is provided is one side in the direction along the surface of the paper P, the single motor 51 is provided on the other side in the direction along the surface of the paper P, sandwiching the punching portion 2, and is configured to drive the punching portion 2 and the bending portion 3. In this case, in a configuration in which the punching portion 2 includes the first punching portion 21 and the second punching portion 22, it is preferable to have the connecting portion 100 on one side in the direction along the surface of the paper P, sandwiching the first punching portion 21 and the second punching portion 22, and the single motor 51 on the other side. Also, in the stapler 1F in which the punching portion 2 includes the first punching portion 21 and the second punching portion 22, as shown in FIG. 8D, a single motor 51 may be configured to be provided between the first punching portion 21 and the second punching portion 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F... stapler, 10... paper area, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d... frame, 100... connection portion, 101, 102, 103... transmission portion, 2... embossing portion, 21... first embossing portion, 21a... driver plate, 21b... power transmission portion, 22... second embossing portion, 22a... driver plate, 22b... power transmission portion, 23 power transmission portion, 3 bending portion, 31 first bending portion, 32 second bending portion, 31a, 32a first clincher, 31b, 32b second clincher, 33a, 33b clamping portion, 34a, 34b frame, 35a, 35b opening, 36a, 36b receiving portion, 37a, 37b acted upon portion, 37c first acted upon portion, 38a shaft, 39 Support member, 5 Drive unit, 51 Motor, 52 Gear, 53 Gear, 53a Cam groove (cam), 54 First link (link, first link), 54a First cam follower, 54b Second cam follower (conversion unit 55C), 55 Second link (link, second link), 55a Cam groove (conversion unit 55C), 55B Third link (second transmission unit, link, third link), 56a, 56b... acting portion (projection), 56c, 56d... acting portion (second projection), 57... first link (connecting portion, link), 57a... cam follower, 57b... engaged portion, 58... second link (transmission portion, link), 58a... engaging portion, 58b... shaft, 58c... acting portion, 59... second link (transmission portion, link), 59a, 59b... acting portion

Claims

1. A stapler that performs a binding process to staple papers together, a stapler that is provided at a position perpendicular to the paper surface during the binding process and that staples the paper; a bending section that is provided at a position facing the striking section across the paper during the binding process and that bends the foot of the staple that has been struck by the striking section and penetrates the paper; A single motor that drives the stamping section and the bending section; a connecting portion that connects the embossing portion and the bending portion on one side of a direction along the paper surface and perpendicular to a paper passing direction of the paper passing between the embossing portion and the bending portion before and after the binding process; a transmission section that transmits the driving force of the motor to the pushing section and / or the bending section via the connecting section; A stapler comprising:

2. The transmission portion transmits the driving force of the motor to the bent portion via the connecting portion.

2. The stapler of claim 1.

3. The motor is provided at a position between the protruding portion and the connecting portion, in the middle of the connecting portion, between the connecting portion and the bent portion, or on the other side of the protruding portion in the direction along the paper surface.

2. The stapler of claim 1.

4. The motor is provided between the projection portion and the connection portion.

2. The stapler of claim 1.

5. The bending portion has a pair of clinchers including a tip portion that contacts the staple foot during the binding process and rotates in a bending direction of the staple foot around an axis as a fulcrum, The transmission portion rotates the clincher.

2. The stapler of claim 1.

6. the connecting portion has a first link located on the one side outside a paper area in which the paper is located during the binding process and displaced in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, The transmission unit includes a cam that rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor and displaces the first link in the direction, a second link that is located below the paper area and moves in a direction along the paper surface to rotate the clincher, and a conversion unit that is located between the first link and the second link and converts the displacement of the first link in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface into the displacement of the second link in a direction along the paper surface.

6. The stapler of claim 5.

7. the second link has a protrusion that protrudes in the bending direction and abuts between the shaft and the tip end of the clincher, The protrusion rotates the clincher in the bending direction while contacting the clincher by the second link being displaced in a direction along the paper surface.

7. The stapler of claim 6.

8. a second driving section that is adjacent to the driving section on the other side of the paper in the direction perpendicular to the paper passing direction and along the paper surface, and that drives a second staple into the paper; a second bending section that is provided at a position facing the second striking section across the paper during the binding process and bends the foot of the second staple that has been struck by the second striking section and penetrated through the paper; The motor drives the second driving unit, The transmission portion includes a second transmission portion that transmits the driving force of the motor to the second bending portion.

8. The stapler of claim 7.

9. The second transmission portion includes a third link that is continuous with the second link and displaces in a direction along the paper surface in conjunction with the second link to operate the second bending portion.

9. The stapler of claim 8.

10. The second bending portion has a pair of second clinchers whose second tip portions rotate in a bending direction of the needle foot of the second needle about a second axis, The third link has a second protrusion that protrudes in a bending direction of the needle foot of the second needle and abuts between the second shaft and the second tip of the second clincher, The second protrusion rotates the second clincher in a bending direction of the needle foot of the second needle while contacting the second clincher by the displacement of the third link.

10. The stapler of claim 9.

11. The motor is provided at a position between the embossing portion and the second embossing portion.

9. The stapler of claim 8.

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