Image forming system, post-processing device, and binding device

Abstract

To provide a binding device which leaves no idle striking mark on a sheet even when a staple initial setting is performed in a state where the sheet is set.SOLUTION: A binding device includes: a forming plate 20 configured to form one of separably connected linear staples 10 into a form that allows the staple to be struck out; a driver plate 21 configured to strike out the staple 10 formed by the forming plate 20; and a cam 22 configured to actuate the forming plate 20 and the drive plate 21. The binding device executes: a striking-out mode in which the driver plate 21 is moved with a rotation direction and a rotation angle of the cam 22 being switched, so as to strike out one to be struck out of the staples 10, while the forming plate 20 is moved to form one to be formed of the staples 10; and an initial setting mode in which the forming plate 20 is moved so as to form the one to be formed of the staples 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and a post-processing apparatus having a binding apparatus that binds the sheet output from the image forming apparatus, the post-processing apparatus, and the binding apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An electric stapler attached to an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, or the like includes a forming plate that forms a straight staple pin into a U-shape, a driver plate that punches the U-shaped staple pin into a sheet, and a feeding unit that feeds the staple pin toward a lower position of the forming plate and the driver plate. The staple pins are connected in a sheet shape and stored in the electric stapler as sheet staples.

[0003] The forming plate is located upstream of the driver plate in the feeding direction of the sheet staple, and the forming plate and the driver plate are configured to operate in conjunction with each other. Therefore, when the forming plate and the driver plate are operated with the staple pins located at the lower positions of the forming plate and the driver plate, respectively, the staple pin at the lower position of the forming plate is formed into a U-shape, and the staple pin at the lower position of the driver plate is punched out.

[0004] By the way, when the electric stapler is activated, the leading pin of the sheet staple may not be located below the forming plate or the driver plate. For this reason, it is necessary to perform a needle leading-out operation of repeatedly moving (feeding) the leading pin to a lower position of the driver plate until the leading pin is located below the driver plate, that is, until it is in a state where actual punching is possible.

[0005] However, during the needle tip elevation process, that is, until the needle is positioned below the driver plate, the driver plate performs what is known as "dry firing," resulting in the problem of leaving dry firing marks on the paper.

[0006] For example, an automatic stapling preparation mechanism for an electric stapler is disclosed (Patent Document 1) which uses a detection means to detect whether the leading staple is positioned below the driver plate, and waits without setting the paper to be stapled until the leading staple is positioned below the driver plate, i.e., until actual stapling is possible. With this mechanism, since the paper to be stapled is not set until the staple head is fully extended, no stapling marks are left on the paper to be stapled. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2932438 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the machine must wait without setting the paper until it is ready to actually print, and if the needle head is raised with the paper set, a mark of the blank print will be left on the paper.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming system and post-processing device, as well as a binding device, equipped with a binding device that prevents puncture marks from being left on the paper even when the needle heads are extended while the paper is set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The image forming system according to this disclosure comprises an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper, a post-processing device having a binding device for binding the paper output from the image forming apparatus, and a control unit for controlling the binding device. The binding device is capable of performing a binding process through a needle forming step of forming needles and moving them toward the ejection position, and a needle ejection step of ejecting needles from the ejection position. The control unit controls the binding device to repeat the needle forming step multiple times without going through the needle ejection step.

[0011] The binding device is controlled by the control unit to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without going through the staple ejection process. During this time, the staples move (are fed) toward the ejection position, but the staple ejection operation is not performed. Therefore, even if the staple heads are ejected with the paper already set in the device, no dummy ejection marks will be left on the paper due to the ejection operation.

[0012] Furthermore, the post-processing device according to this disclosure includes a binding device for binding paper output from an image forming device that forms an image on paper, and a control unit for controlling the binding device. The binding device is capable of performing binding through a needle forming step of forming needles and moving them toward the ejection position, and a needle ejection step of ejecting needles from the ejection position. The control unit controls the binding device so as to repeat the needle forming step multiple times without going through the needle ejection step.

[0013] The binding device attached to the image forming system or post-processing device described above is controlled by the control unit to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without going through the staple ejection process. During this time, the staple moves (feeds) toward the ejection position, but the staple ejection operation is not performed. Therefore, even if paper is already set, no dummy marks from the ejection operation are left on the paper.

[0014] The binding device according to this disclosure comprises a staple forming unit that forms staples and moves them toward a punching position, a staple punching unit that punches out staples at the punching position, and a cam that operates the staple forming unit and the staple punching unit. The cam has a first cam surface that operates the staple forming unit and the staple punching unit, and a second cam surface that operates the staple forming unit by bypassing all or part of the operation of the staple punching unit by the first cam surface.

[0015] When the staple forming and staple ejection sections are operated by a cam, the staple operation can be performed by forming and ejecting staples using the first cam surface, while the staple lead-out operation can be performed by operating the staple forming section by using the second cam surface, bypassing all or part of the staple ejection operation. When the staple lead-out operation is performed using the second cam surface, the staple forming section is operated by bypassing all or part of the staple ejection operation, so the staples can be fed without leaving any dummy marks on the paper caused by the ejection operation.

[0016] The binding device according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of staple forming units that form staples and move them toward an ejection position, a plurality of staple ejection units that eject staples at the ejection position, a plurality of cams that operate the staple forming units and staple ejection units, and a single motor that drives the cams, wherein the cams have a first cam surface that operates the staple forming units and staple ejection units, and a second cam surface that operates the staple forming units by bypassing all or part of the operation of the staple ejection units by the first cam surface.

[0017] To bind multiple sections of paper at once, some binding devices use a single motor to operate multiple staple forming and staple ejection units. In such binding devices, the positions of the staples in multiple staple forming units may not align after staple replacement, for example. For instance, the staples in one staple forming unit may be positioned at the forming or ejection location, while those in another staple forming unit may not. In such cases, this binding device repeats the staple feeding process multiple times (for example, two to three times) after the staple forming operation without ejecting the staples, thereby aligning the positions of the staples in multiple staple forming units (completing the staple head ejection process) without leaving any dummy marks on the paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] Even if paper is already loaded into the binding device, the staples can be extended without leaving any marks on the paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a needle. [Figure 4A] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 4B] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 4C] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 4D] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 4E] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 4F] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 4G] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 5A] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 5B] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 5C] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a control unit. [Figure 7A] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus provided with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 7B] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus provided with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 7C] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus provided with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 7D] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 7E] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 7F] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a binding device. [Figure 9A] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the molded and stamped portion and the bent portion. [Figure 9B] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the molded and stamped portion and the bent portion. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing an example of an embodiment of the molded and stamped section and the bent section. [Figure 11A] This is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the molded and stamped portion and the bent portion. [Figure 11B] This is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the molded and stamped portion and the bent portion. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing an example of an embodiment of the molded and stamped section and the bent section. [Figure 13A] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function that can be assigned to the driver cam in launch mode. [Figure 13B] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function that can be assigned to the forming cam in launch mode. [Figure 13C] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function that can be assigned to the driver cam in cue-out mode. [Figure 13D] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function that can be assigned to the forming cam in cue-out mode. [Figure 14A] This is an operation diagram illustrating an example of the launch mode flow. [Figure 14B] This is an operation diagram illustrating an example of the flow in cue-search mode. [Figure 15A] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver cam in launch mode. [Figure 15B] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming cam in the launching mode. [Figure 16A] This is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver plate in launch mode. [Figure 16B] This is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming plate in the ejection mode. [Figure 17A] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver cam in cue-out mode. [Figure 17B] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming cam in head-out mode. [Figure 18A] This is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver plate in cue-out mode. [Figure 18B] This is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming plate in head-out mode. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing an example of another embodiment of the binding device. [Figure 20A] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the lead-out operation in a binding device equipped with two molding and printing units. [Figure 20B] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the lead-out operation in a binding device equipped with two molding and printing units. [Figure 21A] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an embodiment of the operating part. [Figure 21B] This is an operation diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the launch mode and head-out mode. [Figure 22A] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an embodiment of the operating part. [Figure 22B] This is an operation diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the launch mode and head-out mode. [Figure 23] This is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 24A] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 24B] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 24C] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 24D] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 24E] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. [Figure 25] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming system, post-processing device, and binding device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] <An example of an embodiment of an image forming system and post-processing device> Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the image forming system and post-processing device, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the image forming system and post-processing device, and Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a needle.

[0022] Furthermore, Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the operation of the image forming system and post-processing device, and show a second mode (needle emergence mode) in which a needle emergence process is performed by repeating the needle forming process multiple times without going through the needle ejection process. In addition, Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the operation of the image forming system and post-processing device, and show a first mode (ejection mode) in which a binding process is performed after the needle forming process and the needle ejection process.

[0023] The image forming system 200A includes an image forming apparatus 201A that forms an image on paper, a post-processing device 202A that has a binding device 100A that binds the paper output from the image forming apparatus 201A with staples 10, and an operation unit 203A that receives human input. The image forming system 200A also includes a control unit 210 that controls the binding device 100A. The control unit 210 may be installed in the image forming apparatus 201A, the post-processing device 202A, or the binding device 100A, but in this example, an example in which it is installed in the post-processing device 202A will be described.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the staple 10 is straight before molding. Multiple staples 10 are arranged in a row along the shorter direction and connected by adhesive or other means to form a sheet (the multiple staples 10 formed into a sheet are hereinafter referred to as "sheet staples 11"), and the sheet staples 11 are stacked and housed in the stapling device 100A. The bottom sheet staple 11 of the stacked sheet staples 11 is fed in the direction of arrow E1, which is the direction in which the staples 10 are connected, and is molded into a U-shape.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4A-4F, the stapling device 100A can perform stapling through a staple forming process in which staples 10 are formed and moved toward the ejection position P2, and a staple ejection process in which staples 10 are ejected from the ejection position P2. The device comprises a staple forming unit 2A that forms staples 10 in the staple forming process and moves toward the ejection position P2, and a staple ejection unit 2B that ejects staples 10 from the ejection position P2 in the staple ejection process. The staple forming unit 2A comprises a forming plate 20 that forms staples 10 at the forming position P1, and a staple feeding unit 50 that moves the formed staples 10 toward the ejection position P2 and moves the next unformed staples 10 (sheet staples 11) toward the forming position P1. The staple ejection unit 2B comprises a driver plate 21 that ejects staples 10 at the ejection position P2.

[0026] The needle feed unit 50 includes a claw portion 51 that engages with the needle 10 and a link portion 52 that is pushed by the forming plate 20 when the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10, and is biased by a spring 53 in the direction of arrow E1, which is the feed direction of the needle 10.

[0027] In the needle feed unit 50, when the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10 to form the needle 10, the link portion 52 is pressed against the forming plate 20, compressing the spring 53 and moving in the direction of arrow E2. In the needle feed unit 50, when the forming plate 20 moves away from the needle 10 in the direction of arrow F20, the pressure on the link portion 52 against the forming plate 20 is released, and the force of the spring 53 causes it to move in the direction of arrow E1.

[0028] As a result, when the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrows F10 and F20, the needle feed unit 50 moves back and forth in the direction of arrows E1 and E2, and the needle 10, which is engaged with the claw unit 51, is fed in the direction of arrow E1.

[0029] Furthermore, the needle feed unit 50 is not limited to operating in conjunction with the forming plate 20; it may also be configured to operate in conjunction with the driver plate 21, or it may have a drive source independent of the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21.

[0030] Before the needle head-extending process is completed, the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are in standby positions (Figure 4A). When the forming plate 20 is moved in the direction of arrow F10 from this state, the needle 10 at the forming position P1 is formed, and the link portion 52 is pushed by the forming plate 20, compressing the spring 53 and moving the needle feed portion 50 in the direction of arrow E2 (Figure 4B).

[0031] After the forming plate 20 is moved in the direction of arrow F10, when the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F20, the needle feed unit 50 is released from being pressed by the forming plate 20 by the link unit 52 and moves in the direction of arrow E1 by the force of the spring 53. As a result, the needle 10 is fed toward the launch position P2 in the direction of arrow E1 (Figure 4C).

[0032] The following describes a control method that repeats the needle forming process multiple times without going through the needle punching process.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit 210. In a standby state (Figure 4A) where the needle head-out process is not yet complete and the forming plate 20 and driver plate 21 have moved to their respective standby positions, the control unit 210 causes the stapling device 100A to execute the needle forming process in step SA10 of Figure 6 (Figure 4B). At this time, the operation of the driver plate 21 is restricted or the amount of movement is restricted so that the needle ejection process is not performed. As shown in Figure 4B, the driver plate 21 does not operate and only the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10. This forms the needle 10 at the forming position P1. If the amount of movement of the driver plate 21 is restricted, the driver plate 21 moves in the direction of arrow F10 within a range that does not come into contact with the needle 10.

[0034] Furthermore, in the needle feeding section 50, as the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10 to form the needle 10, the link section 52 is pushed by the forming plate 20, compressing the spring 53 and moving in the direction of arrow E2.

[0035] The control unit 210 moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, and then moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 4C. As the forming plate 20 moves away from the formed needle 10 in the direction of arrow F20, the link portion 52 is released from being pressed by the forming plate 20 and moves in the direction of arrow E1 by the force of the spring 53. As a result, the needle 10 is sent toward the ejection position P2 in the direction of arrow E1. The first needle forming process is executed by the operations shown in Figures 4B and 4C.

[0036] In step SA20 of Figure 6, the control unit 210 determines whether the staple head retrieval process is complete. If it determines that the staple head retrieval process is not complete, it returns to step SA10 and causes the stapling device 100A to execute the staple forming process again without going through the staple punching process. That is, the control unit 210 restricts the operation of the driver plate 21 or restricts the amount of operation, and moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 4D. As a result, the next staple 10 that moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed.

[0037] The control unit 210 moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, and then moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 4E. This sends the needle 10 toward the ejection position P2 in the direction of arrow E1. The second needle forming process is executed by the operations shown in Figures 4D and 4E.

[0038] In this example, the second needle molding process moves the molded needle 10 to the ejection position P2. Therefore, by performing two or more needle molding processes, the needles 10 molded in the needle molding process are reliably moved to the ejection position P2.

[0039] After the second needle forming process is executed, the control unit 210 proceeds to step SA20, but determines that the needle head exposure process is not yet complete, and executes the needle forming process again in step SA10. In order to execute the third and subsequent needle forming processes without going through the needle exit process, the control unit 210 moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 4F. As a result, the next needle 10 that moved to the needle forming position P1 in the previous needle forming process is formed.

[0040] The control unit 210 moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, and then moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 4G. In the third and subsequent staple forming processes, the staples 10 formed in the staple forming process have already moved to the ejection position P2. In this example, a staple stopper (not shown) that limits the feeding of the staples 10 is provided beyond the ejection position P2, so even if the staple feeding unit 50 moves in the direction of arrow E1, the staples 10 are not fed, resulting in what is called a "dry feed." The second and subsequent staple forming processes are executed by the operations shown in Figures 4F and 4G. The stapling device 100A does not have a means for detecting the staples at the ejection position P2.

[0041] In this example, after three staple forming processes are executed, the control unit 210 determines in step SA20 of Figure 6 that the staple head retrieval process is complete and terminates the process. As described above, the control unit 210 controls the staple forming process to repeat multiple times without going through the staple ejection process. In the staple forming process performed without going through the staple ejection process, the driver plate 21 may move within a range that does not come into contact with the staple 10. With such an image forming system 200A, the staple forming process can be repeated multiple times without performing so-called "dry punching" that does not involve ejecting the staple 10. Furthermore, even after the leading staple 10 has moved to the ejection position P2, the staple forming process can be executed without ejecting the leading staple 10. Therefore, there is no need to set paper to prevent the leading staple 10 from being ejected without paper, and the staple forming process can be executed without paper set, and the staple head retrieval process can be performed. Also, even when paper is set, no dry punching marks are left on the paper due to dry punching. Therefore, the staple forming process can be executed and the staple head protrusion process can be performed regardless of the presence or absence of paper. Furthermore, the stapler 100A does not need to have a means to detect the presence of the staple 10 at the ejection position P2, and the staple heads of the staple 10 can be protruded. In addition, the operating time required for staple head protrusion can be shortened compared to when a dry run is performed (when the driver plate 21 moves to the ejection completion position).

[0042] The control unit 210 controls the stapling device 100A so that it can switch between a first mode (extraction mode) in which the stapling process is performed after a staple forming process and a staple punching process, and a second mode (needle punching mode) in which the staple forming process is repeated multiple times without going through the staple punching process to perform the staple head-pushing process.

[0043] First, let me explain the first mode.

[0044] Figure 5A shows the standby state in which the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are each in their standby positions. In the first mode of control, which executes the binding process via the staple forming process and the staple punching process, the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are linked. Therefore, part or all of the staple punching process and the staple forming process are executed in overlapping order.

[0045] In the first mode, as shown in Figure 5B, the control unit 210 moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10 and the driver plate 21 in the direction of arrow F1. As a result, the needle 10 at the forming position P1 is formed by the forming plate 20, and the needle 10 at the ejection position P2 is ejected by the driver plate 21.

[0046] After moving the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10 and the driver plate 21 in the direction of arrow F1, as shown in Figure 5C, when the forming plate 20 is moved in the direction of arrow F20 and the driver plate 21 is moved in the direction of arrow F2, the link portion 52 is released from being pressed by the forming plate 20 and moves in the direction of arrow E1 by the force of the spring 53. As a result, the needle 10 is moved in the direction of arrow E1.

[0047] Next, the second mode will be described. In the second mode, the operations shown in Figures 4A-4G and Figure 6 are performed, and the control unit 210 controls the stapling device 100A to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without going through the staple punching process.

[0048] Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, and 7F are explanatory diagrams showing a binding device 100A2 according to another embodiment in the second mode.

[0049] The binding device 100A2 differs from the binding device 100A in that the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are integrated into a single unit. The binding device 100A2 includes a driver forming plate 20B in which the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are integrated into a single unit, and the amount of operation of the driver forming plate 20B is switched between the first mode and the second mode.

[0050] Figure 7A shows the standby state where the needle head-exposing process is not yet complete and the forming plate 20 and driver plate 21 have moved to their respective standby positions. The control unit 210 moves the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 7B, to a predetermined state that restricts the amount of movement of the driver forming plate 20B in order to execute the needle forming process without going through the needle punching process. As a result, the needle 10 at the forming position P1 is formed by the forming plate 20. In the needle forming process, the driver forming plate 20B moves within a range in which the driver plate 21 does not come into contact with the needle 10 when the needle 10 is at the punching position P2. Therefore, the needle forming process is executed without going through the needle punching process.

[0051] Furthermore, in the needle feeding section 50, as the driver forming plate 20B moves in the direction of arrow F10 to form the needle 10, the link section 52 is pushed by the forming plate 20, compressing the spring 53 and moving in the direction of arrow E2.

[0052] After moving the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of arrow F10, the driver forming plate 20B is moved in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 7C. As the forming plate 20 moves away from the formed needle 10 in the direction of arrow F20, the link portion 52 is released from being pressed by the forming plate 20 and moves in the direction of arrow E1 by the force of the spring 53. As a result, the needle 10 is fed toward the ejection position P2 in the direction of arrow E1. The first needle forming process is performed by the operations shown in Figures 7B and 7C described above.

[0053] If the control unit 210 determines, based on the number of times the needle forming process has been executed, that the needle head exposure process is not yet complete, it will repeat the needle forming process without going through the needle ejection process. To this end, it moves the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 7D, to a predetermined state that restricts the amount of movement of the driver forming plate 20B. As a result, the next needle 10 that moved to the needle forming position P1 in the previous needle forming process is formed.

[0054] After moving the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of arrow F10, the driver forming plate 20B is moved in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 7E. This sends the needle 10 toward the ejection position P2 in the direction of arrow E1. The second needle forming process is performed by the operations shown in Figures 7D and 7E.

[0055] In this example, during the second needle molding process, the needle 10 formed in the needle molding process moves to the ejection position P2. Therefore, by performing the needle molding process two or more times, it is ensured that the needle 10 formed in the needle molding process moves to the ejection position P2.

[0056] The needle 10 moves to the ejection position P2 through two needle forming processes, but the third and subsequent needle forming processes may be executed without going through the needle ejection process. When the control unit 210 determines that a predetermined number of n or more needle forming processes have been executed, it determines that the needle head ejection process is complete and terminates the process.

[0057] In the binding device 100A2, when executing the first mode, which performs the binding process via a staple forming process and a staple ejection process, the driver forming plate 20B is moved in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 7F, in a predetermined state where the amount of movement of the driver forming plate 20B is not restricted. As a result, the next staple 10 that moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed. Also, since there is a staple 10 at the ejection position P2, the formed staple 10 is ejected by the driver plate 21. The control unit 210 is configured to allow switching between the first mode and the second mode, that is, to allow selective execution. This makes it possible to use the lead-out and ejection of the staple 10 separately, so that each mode can be executed according to the state of the binding device 100A2 (100A).

[0058] <An example of a binding device embodiment> Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a binding device, Figures 9A and 9B are side cross-sectional views showing an example of an embodiment of the molding and bending section that constitutes the binding device, and Figure 10 is a side view showing an example of an embodiment of the molding and bending section. Furthermore, Figures 11A and 11B are front cross-sectional views showing an example of an embodiment of the molding and bending section, and Figure 12 is a front view showing an example of an embodiment of the molding and bending section. Figure 9A shows the driver cam in the cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 12. Figure 9B shows the forming cam in the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 12. Figure 11A shows the driver plate in the cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 10. Figure 11B shows the forming plate in the cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 10.

[0059] Next, we will describe an example of a binding device that enables the needle forming process to be performed without going through the needle punching process.

[0060] The stapling device 100A includes a forming and ejecting unit 2 that forms the staples 10 and ejects the formed staples 10, a bending unit 3 that bends the legs of the staples 10 ejected by the forming and ejecting unit 2, and a motor 101 that drives both or one of the forming and ejecting unit 2 and the bending unit 3. The motor 101 is controlled by a control unit 210.

[0061] The molding and punching unit 2 includes a needle molding unit 2A that forms the needle 10 in the needle molding process and feeds (moves) the molded needle 10 toward the punching position, a needle punching unit 2B that punches out the needle 10 at the punching position in the needle punching process, and a cam (operating unit) 22 that operates the needle molding unit 2A and the needle punching unit 2B. In this example, the cam 22 is a rotatable flat cam.

[0062] The needle forming section 2A includes a forming plate 20 for forming the needle 10 and a needle feeding section 50 for feeding (moving) the needle 10 toward the ejection position (see Figure 4A, etc.). The needle ejection section 2B includes a driver plate 21 for ejecting the needle 10 formed on the forming plate 20. The cam 22 is configured to be displaceable (rotatable in this example), and the needle forming section 2A and the needle ejection section 2B can be operated by displacing (rotating) the cam 22.

[0063] The forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are arranged along the feeding (movement) direction of the needle 10, with the forming plate 20 located upstream of the driver plate 21 in the feeding direction of the needle 10. Therefore, the needle 10 formed by the forming plate 20 is moved to the ejection position by the needle feeding unit 50 and ejected by the driver plate 21.

[0064] The forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 are configured to work in conjunction. In this example, as soon as the first needle 10 is launched by the driver plate 21, or at almost the same time, the next needle 10 (the needles to be launched afterward) is formed by the forming plate 20.

[0065] The forming and ejecting unit 2 is configured such that the driver plate 21 operates to eject the needle 10 to be ejected, and the forming plate 20 operates to form the needle 10 to be molded. The needle 10 that has been molded first by the forming plate 20 is moved to the ejection position by the driver plate 21, and then ejected by the driver plate 21. At this time, since the forming plate 20 operates in conjunction with the driver plate 21, the next needle 10 (the needles to be ejected after this one) is molded by the forming plate 20 at the same time or almost simultaneously with the ejection of the previous needle by the driver plate 21.

[0066] Furthermore, the molding and ejection unit 2 is configured to not eject the needle 10 by regulating the operation or amount of operation of the driver plate 21, the forming plate 20 operates to mold the needle 10 to be molded, and the molded needle 10 moves to the ejection position by the driver plate 21.

[0067] The following describes the drive mechanism of the driver plate 21 and forming plate 20 that enables switching between the first mode and the second mode.

[0068] The driver plate 21 is provided on one end of the molding and extrusion section 2 along the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11 indicated by arrow E1. The driver plate 21 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of arrow F1, which is substantially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11 indicated by arrow E1, and in the direction of arrow F2, which is opposite to the direction of arrow F1. The driver plate 21 extrudes the needle 10 at the tip end in the direction of movement indicated by arrow F1.

[0069] The forming plate 20 is provided upstream of the driver plate 21 in the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11 indicated by arrow E1. In this example, the forming plate 20 is provided with a gap of one width equal to the short side of the needle 10 relative to the driver plate 21. The forming plate 20 is supported so as to be movable independently of the driver plate 21 in the direction of arrow F10, which is approximately perpendicular to the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11 indicated by arrow E1, and in the direction of arrow F20, which is opposite to the direction of arrow F10. The forming plate 20 forms the needle 10 at its tip in the direction of movement indicated by arrow F10.

[0070] As described above, the forming plate 20 is positioned upstream of the driver plate 21 in the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11, and forms subsequent needles 10 that are fired out by the driver plate 21.

[0071] The cam 22 is provided on the gear 22g. The gear 22g is a spur gear that rotates with the shaft 22a as the pivot point, with one surface along the axial direction becoming the forming cam surface 22b and the other surface becoming the driver cam surface 22c.

[0072] A forming cam 23 is formed on the forming cam surface 22b to actuate the forming plate 20. The forming cam 23 is composed of a cam whose distance from the shaft 22a changes, and includes a groove of a predetermined shape that extends along the rotational direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point.

[0073] Furthermore, a driver cam 24 is formed on the driver cam surface 22c to actuate the driver plate 21. The driver cam 24 is composed of a cam whose distance from the shaft 22a changes, and includes a groove of a predetermined shape that extends along the rotational direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point.

[0074] The molding and stamping section 2 includes a forming link 25 that operates the forming plate 20 in accordance with the shape of the forming cam 23. The forming link 25 is shaped to extend along the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11 indicated by arrow E1, with one end connected to the forming plate 20 by a connecting portion 25a, and the other end rotatably supported by the molding and stamping section 2 with an axis 25b as a pivot point, and is provided facing the forming cam surface 22b of the cam 22.

[0075] The connecting portion 25a is, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical shaft, and rotatably connects the forming plate 20 and the forming link 25. Furthermore, the axial direction of rotation between the forming plate 20 and the forming link 25 at the connecting portion 25a is parallel to the axial direction of rotation of the forming link 25 at the shaft 25b. As a result, the forming plate 20 can move in the directions of arrows F10 and F20 by the rotational movement of the forming link 25 with the shaft 25b as the pivot point.

[0076] The forming link 25 is equipped with a forming follower 25c that operates the forming link 25 by mimicking the shape of the forming cam 23.

[0077] The forming follower 25c is a cylindrical or cylindrical member with a diameter that fits into the groove of the forming cam 23 and is movable in accordance with the forming cam 23, and is attached to the forming link 25 facing the forming cam surface 22b. The forming follower 25c is located between the connecting portion 25a and the shaft 25b, protrudes in the direction of the forming cam 23, and enters the forming cam 23.

[0078] The forming cam 23's distance from the axis 22a of the cam 22 (gear 22g) changes in a predetermined pattern along the rotational direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the axis 22a as the pivot point. As a result, when the cam 22 rotates, the forming link 25 rotates with the axis 25b as the pivot point, as the forming follower 25c follows the forming cam 23.

[0079] The forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10, which forms the needle 10, and in the direction of arrow F20, which moves away from the formed needle 10, according to the rotational movement of the forming link 25 with the shaft 25b as the pivot point, in accordance with the rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0080] The molding and stamping section 2 includes a driver link 26 that operates the driver plate 21 in accordance with the shape of the driver cam 24. The driver link 26 is shaped to extend along the feeding direction of the sheet needle 11 indicated by arrow E1, with one end connected to the driver plate 21 by a connecting portion 26a, and the other end rotatably supported by the molding and stamping section 2 with an axis 26b as a pivot point, and is provided facing the driver cam surface 22c of the cam 22.

[0081] The connecting portion 26a is, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical shaft, and the driver plate 21 and the driver link 26 are rotatably connected at the connecting portion 26a. Furthermore, the axial direction of rotation of the driver plate 21 and the driver link 26 at the connecting portion 26a is parallel to the axial direction of rotation of the driver link 26 at the shaft 26b. As a result, the driver plate 21 can move in the direction of arrows F1 and F2 by the rotational movement of the driver link 26 with the shaft 26b as the pivot point.

[0082] The driver link 26 includes a driver follower 26c that operates the driver link 26 by following the shape of the driver cam 24.

[0083] The driver follower 26c is a cylindrical or cylindrical member with a diameter that fits into the groove of the driver cam 24 and is movable in accordance with the driver cam 24. This member is provided on the surface of the driver link 26 that faces the driver cam surface 22c of the cam 22 (gear 22g). The driver follower 26c is located between the connecting portion 26a and the shaft 26b, protruding in the direction of the driver cam 24 and entering the driver cam 24.

[0084] The driver cam 24's distance from the shaft 22a of the cam 22 (gear 22g) changes in a predetermined pattern along the rotational direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point. As a result, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates, the driver link 26 rotates with the shaft 26b as the pivot point, as the driver follower 26c follows the driver cam 24.

[0085] The driver plate 21 moves in the direction of arrow F1, which launches the needle 10, and in the direction of arrow F2, which moves away from the launched needle 10, according to the rotational movement of the driver link 26 with the shaft 26b as the pivot point, in accordance with the rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0086] The molding and printing section 2 prints out the needle 10, and a clamp section 27 for holding a stack of paper is formed in the part facing the bending section 3. The bending section 3 includes a clincher (not shown) for bending the needle 10, and a clamp section 30 for the stack of paper is formed in the part facing the molding and printing section 2.

[0087] Furthermore, the molding and punching section 2 and the bending section 3 move in the direction of arrow G1, where they move relatively closer together, and in the direction of arrow G2, where they move relatively far apart, as the rotational movement of the cam 22 (gear 22g) is transmitted to a mechanism (not shown).

[0088] As a result, the rotation of the cam 22 (gear 22g) causes the reciprocating movement of the forming and printing unit 2 to clamp and release the paper (bundle), the reciprocating movement of the forming plate 20 to form the staples 10, and the reciprocating movement of the driver plate 21 to print the staples 10. By switching the rotation direction and rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g), the first mode and the second mode, namely the printing mode and the lead-out mode, can be switched. In other words, the number of times the staple forming operation (process) without staple printing operation (process) is performed, and whether or not the printing mode is performed, can be selectively executed, such as performing the lead-out mode and then the printing mode. With such a binding device 100A, no dummy printing marks are left on the paper due to dummy printing. In addition, there is no need for a means to detect the presence of a staple at the printing position P2, and the lead-out of the staple becomes possible.

[0089] Figure 13A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function assigned to the driver cam in launch mode, and Figure 13B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function assigned to the forming cam in launch mode. Furthermore, Figure 13C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function assigned to the driver cam in head-out mode, and Figure 13D is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function assigned to the forming cam in head-out mode.

[0090] In the ejection mode, rotating the cam 22 (gear 22g) one full turn in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1 causes the reciprocating movement of the molding ejection unit 2 to clamp and release the paper (bundle), the reciprocating movement of the forming plate 20 to form the needle 10, and the reciprocating movement of the driver plate 21 to eject the needle 10 in conjunction. Although one full rotation of the cam 22 (gear 22g) is assigned to the ejection mode, the gear's rotation range may be less than one full rotation.

[0091] In the needle-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) is rotated at a predetermined rotation angle in the reverse direction indicated by arrow H2 and the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, thereby preventing the needle 10 from being ejected. Instead, the clamping and releasing operations of the molding ejection unit 2 due to its reciprocating movement and the molding operation of the needle 10 due to the reciprocating movement of the forming plate 20 are performed in conjunction.

[0092] In the launching mode, the contact surface (grooved surface) of the driver cam 24 with the driver follower 26c functions as a home area 24A, a clamping area 24B, a launching area 24C, and a return area 24D along the rotational direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the axis 22a as the pivot point, as shown in Figure 13A, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1.

[0093] In the launching mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, the driver follower 26c passes through the home region 24A, the clamping region 24B, and the launching region 24C while in contact with the inner surface of the groove of the driver cam 24, i.e., the radially inner surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g). Subsequently, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, the driver follower 26c passes through the return region 24D while in contact with the outer surface of the groove of the driver cam 24, i.e., the radially outer surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0094] In the launching mode, the contact surface (groove surface) of the forming cam 23 with the forming follower 25c functions as a home region 23A, a clamp region 23B, a free-running region 23C, a forming region 23D, and a return region 23E along the rotational direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the axis 22a as the pivot point, as shown in Figure 13B, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1. In the launching mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, the forming follower 25c passes through the home region 23A, a clamp region 23B, a free-running region 23C, and a forming region 23D, in contact with the inner surface of the groove of the forming cam 23, that is, the radially inner surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g). Subsequently, as the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, the forming follower 25c passes through the return region 23E while in contact with the outside of the groove of the forming cam 23, that is, the radially outer surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0095] The cam 22 has a forming cam 23 and a driver cam 24, and has a first cam surface 22H that includes a forming region 23D for operating the needle forming section 2A and an ejection region 24C for operating the needle ejection section 2B. The first cam surface 22H is at least the groove surface (contact surface with the forming follower 25c) of the forming cam 23 that corresponds to the forming region 23D and the groove surface (contact surface with the driver follower 26c) of the driver cam 24 that corresponds to the ejection region 24C. Therefore, when the ejection mode is executed, if the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, and the driver follower 26c passes through the ejection region 24C, the driver plate 21 is operated via the driver link 26, and when the forming follower 25c passes through the forming region 23D, the forming plate 20 is operated via the forming link 25.

[0096] In the head-out mode, the contact surface (grooved surface) of the driver cam 24 with the driver follower 26c functions as a home area 24E and a clamp area 24F along the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point, as shown in Figure 13C, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. Furthermore, in this example, a launch restriction area 24G is provided beyond the clamp area 24F. In addition, in the head-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the contact surface (grooved surface) of the driver cam 24 with the driver follower 26c functions as a return area 24H along the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point, as shown in Figure 13C.

[0097] In the head-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2, the driver follower 26c passes through the home area 24E, the clamp area 24F, and the launch restriction area 24G while in contact with the inner surface of the groove of the driver cam 24, i.e., the radially inner surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g). Conversely, in the head-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the driver follower 26c passes through the return area 24H while in contact with the outer surface of the groove of the driver cam 24, i.e., the radially outer surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0098] In the head-out mode, the contact surface (grooved surface) of the forming cam 23 with the forming follower 25c functions as a home area 23F, a clamping area 23G, and a forming area 23H along the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point, as shown in Figure 13D, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. In addition, in the head-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the contact surface (grooved surface) of the forming cam 23 with the forming follower 25c functions as a return area 23J along the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g) with the shaft 22a as the pivot point, as shown in Figure 13D.

[0099] In the initial-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2, the forming follower 25c passes through the home region 23F, the clamp region 23G, and the forming region 23H while in contact with the inner surface of the groove of the forming cam 23, i.e., the radially inner surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g). Conversely, in the initial-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the forming follower 25c passes through the return region 23J while in contact with the outer surface of the groove of the forming cam 23, i.e., the radially outer surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0100] The cam 22 has a second cam surface 22J that acts on the needle forming section 2A by bypassing all or part of the operation of the needle ejection section 2B by the first cam surface 22H that acts on the needle forming section 2A and the needle ejection section 2B. The second cam surface 22J includes a forming region 23H and an ejection restricting region 24G. The ejection restricting region 24G functions to bypass all or part of the operation of the driver plate 21 of the needle ejection section 2B by the ejection region 24C, which is part of the first cam surface 22H. Therefore, when the needle ejection mode is executed, rotating the cam 22 (gear 22g) in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2 causes the driver follower 26c to pass through the ejection restricting region 24G of the driver cam 24 and the forming follower 25c to pass through the forming region 23H of the forming cam 23. As a result, the binding device 100A operates in such a way that it bypasses all or part of the operation of the staple ejection section 2B by the first cam surface 22H and operates the staple forming section 2A.

[0101] As described above, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the driver follower 26c contacts the ejection region 24C, and the ejection region 24C of the first cam surface 22H acts on the driver plate 21 of the needle ejection section 2B. Conversely, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the reverse direction indicated by arrow H2, the driver follower 26c contacts the ejection restricting region 24G instead of the ejection region 24C, and the ejection restricting region 24G of the second cam surface 22J bypasses part or all of the operation of the driver plate 21 of the needle ejection section 2B by the ejection region 24C of the first cam surface 22H.

[0102] The first cam surface 22H and the second cam surface 22J can also be described as follows: The first cam surface 22H has a needle forming cam surface 22H1 that operates the needle forming section 2A and a needle ejection cam surface 22H2 that operates the needle ejection section 2B.

[0103] The needle forming cam surface 22H1 is the forming region 23D to which the forming follower 25c makes contact when the cam 22 rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1 during the execution of the ejection mode. The needle ejection cam surface 22H2 is the ejection region 24C to which the driver follower 26c makes contact when the cam 22 rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1 during the execution of the ejection mode.

[0104] The second cam surface 22J has a needle forming cam surface 22J1 that operates the needle forming section 2A, and a needle ejection restricting cam surface 22J2 that bypasses part or all of the needle ejection cam surface 22H2 described above.

[0105] The needle forming cam surface 22J1 is the forming region 23H to which the forming follower 25c makes contact when the cam 22 rotates in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2 during the needle emergence mode. The needle ejection restricting cam surface 22J2 is the ejection restricting region 24G to which the driver follower 26c makes contact when the cam 22 rotates in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2 during the needle emergence mode.

[0106] The needle-forming cam surface 22H1, which is the forming region 23D, and the needle-forming cam surface 22J1, which is the forming region 23H, are formed on one surface of the cam 22 in the axial direction. The needle-extrusion cam surface 22H2, which is the extrusion region 24C, and the needle-extrusion restricting cam surface 22J2, which is the extrusion restricting region 24G, are formed on the other surface of the cam 22 in the axial direction.

[0107] Furthermore, the needle-forming cam surface 22J1, which is the forming region 23H, is formed in a region that partially or completely overlaps with the needle-extrusion cam surface 22H2, which is the extrusion region 24C, and the needle-extrusion restricting cam surface 22J2, which is the extrusion restricting region 24G, along the rotational direction of the cam 22.

[0108] In the needle forming section 2A, the forming plate 20 operates as the forming follower 25c conforms to the shape of the forming area 23D (needle forming cam surface 22H1). Specifically, the forming link 25 rotates as the cam 22 rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, causing the forming follower 25c to conform to the shape of the forming area 23D. As a result, the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10, which forms the needle 10, and in the direction of arrow F20, which moves away from the formed needle 10, as shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5B, 5C, etc.

[0109] In the needle ejection section 2B, the driver plate 21 operates when the driver follower 26c conforms to the shape of the ejection area 24C (needle ejection cam surface 22H2). That is, the driver link 26 rotates as the cam 22 rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, causing the driver follower 26c to conform to the shape of the ejection area 24C. As a result, the driver plate 21 moves in the direction of arrow F1, which ejects the needle 10, and in the direction of arrow F2, which moves away from the ejected needle 10, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0110] In the needle forming section 2A, the forming plate 20 operates when the forming follower 25c conforms to the shape of the forming area 23H (needle forming cam surface 22J1). Specifically, the forming link 25 rotates as the cam 22 rotates in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2, causing the forming follower 25c to conform to the shape of the forming area 23H. As a result, the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10, which forms the needle 10, and in the direction of arrow F20, which moves away from the formed needle 10, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C.

[0111] In the needle ejection section 2B, the operation of the driver plate 21 is restricted when the driver follower 26c conforms to the shape of the ejection restriction area 24G (needle ejection restriction cam surface 22J2). Specifically, the rotation of the driver link 26 is restricted when the driver follower 26c conforms to the shape of the ejection restriction area 24G due to the rotation of the cam 22 in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. As a result, the driver plate 21 is restricted from moving in the direction of arrow F1, which ejects the needle 10, and in the direction of arrow F2, which moves away from the ejected needle 10, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C.

[0112] Figure 14A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the flow in the ejection mode, and Figure 14B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the flow in the head-out mode. Furthermore, Figure 15A is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver cam in the ejection mode, and Figure 15B is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming cam in the ejection mode. In addition, Figure 16A is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver plate in the ejection mode, and Figure 16B is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming plate in the ejection mode. Furthermore, Figure 17A is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver cam in the head-out mode, and Figure 17B is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming cam in the head-out mode. Furthermore, Figure 18A is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the driver plate in the head-out mode, and Figure 18B is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the forming plate in the head-out mode.

[0113] In the ejection mode, the binding device 100A rotates the cam 22 (gear 22g) in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, and as shown in Figure 14A, the following operations are performed in sequence: standby operation in the home position (SA1), clamping operation (SA2), ejection operation (SA3), idle operation (SA4a), molding operation (SA4b), and return operation (SA5).

[0114] On the other hand, in the lead-out mode, the binding device 100A rotates the cam 22 (gear 22g) to a reverse stop position P10 where it rotates at a predetermined angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2, and as shown in Figure 14B, the standby operation at the home position (SB1), clamping operation (SB2), print-out restriction operation (SB3), and forming operation (SB4) are performed in sequence. Furthermore, in the lead-out mode, the binding device 100A rotates the cam 22 (gear 22g) from the reverse stop position P10 to a predetermined angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, and as shown in Figure 14B, the return operation (SB5) is performed.

[0115] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. In the standby operation at the home position (SA1), the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the home area 24A. While the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the home area 24A, the molding ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 stop in standby positions that are relatively far apart. The driver plate 21 also stops in a standby position that is far away from the molded needle 10.

[0116] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. During the clamping operation (SA2), the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is positioned in the clamping area 24B. While the driver follower 26c is in the clamping area 24B, the molding ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 move in the direction of arrow G1, which brings them relatively closer together, to clamp the paper (bundle). The driver plate 21 also stops in a standby position away from the molded needle 10.

[0117] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. During the ejection operation (SA3), as shown in Figure 15A, the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is positioned in the ejection area 24C. While the driver follower 26c is positioned in the ejection area 24C, the molded ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 maintain their positions while clamping the paper (bundle). The driver plate 21 also moves from the standby position to the ejection completion position in the direction of arrow F1, as shown in Figure 16A, and contacts the molded needle 10 to eject it.

[0118] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. In the return operation (SA5), the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the return area 24D. While the driver follower 26c is in the return area 24D, the molding ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 move in the direction of arrow G2, separating them relatively, and release the clamp on the paper (bundle). Also, the driver plate 21 moves from the ejection end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F2, moving away from the ejected needle 10.

[0119] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. In the standby operation at the home position (SA1), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is located in the home region 23A. While the forming follower 25c is located in the home region 23A, the molding ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 stop in standby positions that are relatively far apart. The forming plate 20 also stops in a standby position that is far away from the sheet needle 11 before molding.

[0120] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. During the clamping operation (SA2), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is positioned in the clamping area 23B. While the forming follower 25c is in the clamping area 23B, the forming ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 move in the direction of arrow G1, which brings them relatively closer together, to clamp the paper (bundle). The forming plate 20 also stops in a standby position away from the sheet needle 11 before forming.

[0121] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. During the idle operation (SA4a), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is located in the idle region 23C. While the forming follower 25c is in the idle region 23C, the forming ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 maintain their positions while clamping the paper (bundle). The forming plate 20 also stops in a standby position away from the sheet needle 11 before forming.

[0122] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. In the forming operation (SA4b), as shown in Figure 15B, the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is positioned in the forming area 23D. While the forming follower 25c is positioned in the forming area 23D, the forming ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 maintain their positions while clamping the paper (bundle). The forming plate 20 also moves from the standby position to the forming completion position in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 16B, and contacts the sheet staple 11 to form the staple 10.

[0123] In the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. In the return operation (SA5), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is located in the return area 23E. While the forming follower 25c is in the return area 23E, the forming ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 move in the direction of arrow G2, separating them relatively, and release the clamp on the paper (bundle). The forming plate 20 also moves from the forming completion position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20, separating from the formed needle 10.

[0124] On the forming cam surface 22b and driver cam surface 22c of cam 22, in the launching mode when cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, the home region 23A of the forming cam 23 and the home region 24A of the driver cam 24 overlap, and the clamping region 23B and clamping region 24B overlap along the rotation direction of cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0125] Furthermore, in the launching mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the free-running region 23C and forming region 23D of the forming cam 23 and the launching region 24C of the driver cam 24 overlap along the direction of rotation of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0126] Furthermore, in the launch mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, the return region 23E of the forming cam 23 and the return region 24D of the driver cam 24 overlap along the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0127] As a result, in the ejection mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates 1 full turn in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, causing the forming ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 to move relatively closer together in the direction of arrow G1, and a clamping operation is performed to clamp the paper (bundle). In addition, the driver plate 21 moves from the standby position to the ejection end position in the direction of arrow F1 to eject the needle 10, and the forming plate 20 moves from the standby position to the forming end position in the direction of arrow F10 to form the needle 10. Furthermore, the forming ejection unit 2 and the bending unit 3 move relatively further apart in the direction of arrow G2, releasing the clamp on the paper (bundle), and the driver plate 21 moves from the ejection end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F2, and the forming plate 20 moves from the forming end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20, performing a return operation. When the forming plate 20 moves from the molding completion position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20 during the return operation, the needle 10 is moved in the direction of arrow E1 by the operation of the needle feeding unit 50 described above.

[0128] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. In the standby operation at the home position (SB1), the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the home area 24E. While the driver follower 26c is located in the home area 24E, the molding and ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 stop in standby positions that are relatively far apart. The driver plate 21 also stops in a standby position that is far away from the molded needle 10.

[0129] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. During the clamping operation (SB2), the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is positioned in the clamping area 24F. While the driver follower 26c is in the clamping area 24F, the molding and ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 move in the direction of arrow G1, relatively approaching each other. The driver plate 21 also stops in a standby position away from the molded needle 10.

[0130] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. In the ejection restriction operation (SB3), as shown in Figure 17A, the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is positioned in the ejection restriction area 24G. While the driver follower 26c is positioned in the ejection restriction area 24G, the molded ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 are held in a clamped position. The driver plate 21 also stops in a standby position away from the molded needle 10, as shown in Figure 18A.

[0131] In addition, in the launch restriction area 24G, the shape of the driver cam 24 may be set so that the driver plate 21 stops in the standby position, or the shape of the driver cam 24 may be set so that the driver plate 21 moves from the standby position in the direction of arrow F1 within the range in which the needle 10 is not launched.

[0132] Furthermore, the driver cam 24 has a rotation restricting portion 24J formed at the rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g) that restricts the movement of the driver plate 21 to shoot out the needle 10, when the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the shooting restriction region 24G. The rotation restricting portion 24J is formed by providing a surface at the end of the shooting restriction region 24G that extends along the radial direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g). When the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2, and the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the shooting restriction region 24G and in contact with the rotation restricting portion 24J, the driver follower 26c cannot overcome the rotation restricting portion 24J, and the rotation of the cam 22 (gear 22g) is restricted.

[0133] In this example, a rotation restricting section 24J is provided at the end of the print-out restricting area 24G to prevent the driver follower 26c from entering the print-out area 24c while the cam 22 (gear 22g) is rotating in the direction of arrow H2. Specifically, the rotation restricting section 24J has a shape that changes abruptly in a direction that causes the driver follower 26c to move away from the shaft 22a when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the direction of arrow H2. For the driver follower 26c to follow the abrupt shape change of the rotation restricting section 24J, a high driving force from the motor 101, which is the driving source, is instantaneously required. The motor 101 that drives the binding device 100A usually does not have enough driving force to follow the abrupt shape change of the cam 22, so the driver follower 26c cannot overcome the print-out rotation restricting section 24J and stops. Thus, the rotation restricting section 24J, which is a sudden change in shape provided at the end of the ejection restricting region 24G, effectively restricts the movement of the driver plate 21.

[0134] Alternatively, the rotation of the cam 22 (gear 22g) may be controlled and stopped before the driver follower 26c contacts the rotation restricting unit 24J. Specifically, rotational position control may be performed using an encoder or a stepping motor, and the stopping position may be set to be within the ejection restricting area 24G. Alternatively, the stopping position may be controlled using the drive time of the motor 101. Alternatively, a detection unit may be provided in the stopping area of ​​the cam 22 (gear 22g), and a detection means for detecting the stopping area may be provided in the molding ejection unit 2 for control.

[0135] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1. In the return operation (SB5), the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 is located in the return region 24H. While the driver follower 26c is located in the return region 24H, the molding and ejection section 2 and the bending section 3 move in the direction of arrow G2, moving away from each other. The driver plate 21 also moves away from the molded needle 10.

[0136] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. In the standby operation at the home position (SB1), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is located in the home area 23F. While the forming follower 25c is located in the home area 23F, the forming and ejecting section 2 and the bending section 3 are stopped in standby positions that are relatively far apart. The forming plate 20 is also stopped in a standby position that is far away from the sheet needle 11 before forming.

[0137] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2. During the clamping operation (SB2), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is positioned in the clamping region 23G. While the forming follower 25c is in the clamping region 23G, the forming extrusion section 2 and the bending section 3 move in the direction of arrow G1, relatively approaching each other. The forming plate 20 also moves in a direction toward the sheet needle 11 before forming.

[0138] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction to that indicated by arrow H2. During the forming operation (SB4), as shown in Figure 17B, the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is positioned in the forming region 23H. While the forming follower 25c is positioned in the forming region 23H, the forming extrusion section 2 and the bending section 3 are held in a clamped position. The forming plate 20 also moves from the standby position to the forming completion position in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 18B, and comes into contact with the sheet needle 11 to form the needle 10.

[0139] In the head-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the reverse direction indicated by arrow H2, the forming region 23H overlaps with a portion of the forming region 23D in the ejection mode when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1. In the ejection mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, in the forming region 23D, in the downstream region along the direction of rotation, the forming plate 20 moves from the molding completion position toward the standby position in the direction of arrow F20. As a result, in the head-out mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the reverse direction indicated by arrow H2, in the forming region 23H, the forming plate 20 moves from the standby position toward the molding completion position in the direction of arrow F10.

[0140] In the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1. In the return operation (SB5), the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 is located in the return region 24H. While the forming follower 25c is located in the return region 24H, the forming and ejecting section 2 and the bending section 3 move in the direction of arrow G2, separating them relatively. The forming plate 20 also moves from the forming end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20, separating from the formed needle 10. When the forming plate 20 moves from the forming end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20, the needle 10 is fed in the direction of arrow E1 by the operation of the needle feeding section 50 described above.

[0141] On the forming cam surface 22b and driver cam surface 22c of cam 22, in the head-out mode when cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2, the home region 23F of the forming cam 23 and the home region 24E of the driver cam 24 overlap, the clamp region 23G and the clamp region 24F overlap, and the forming region 23H and the launch regulating region 24G overlap along the rotation direction of cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0142] Furthermore, in the opening mode, when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, the return region 23J of the forming cam 23 and the return region 24H of the driver cam 24 overlap along the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0143] As a result, in the lead-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction to that indicated by arrow H2, performing a clamping operation that moves the molding and printing section 2 and the bending section 3 closer together in the direction of arrow G1. Note that in lead-out mode, it is not necessary to clamp the paper (bundle).

[0144] Furthermore, the forming follower 25c of the forming link 25 moves in accordance with the shape of the forming area 23H of the forming cam 23, causing the forming link 25 to rotate. This moves the forming plate 20 from the standby position to the molding completion position in the direction of arrow F10, performing a forming operation to form the needle 10.

[0145] In response, the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 moves in accordance with the shape of the ejection restricting region 24G of the driver cam 24, thereby restricting the ejection movement of the needle 10 of the driver plate 21.

[0146] In a configuration where the driver cam 24 is not provided with a firing restriction area 24G, the driver plate 21 moves from the standby position to the firing end position when the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the reverse direction, and the needle 10 is fired. Therefore, by providing a firing restriction area 24G on the driver cam 24, the movement of the driver plate 21 to fire the needle 10 is restricted while the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates in the reverse direction at a predetermined rotation angle. Furthermore, by providing a rotation restriction part 24J at the end of the restriction area 24G, even if the cam 22 (gear 22g) does not stop while the driver follower 26c is within the restriction area 24G, the driver follower 26c cannot overcome the rotation restriction part 24J, thus reliably preventing unintended firing of the needle 10.

[0147] Furthermore, in the head-out mode, the cam 22 (gear 22g) rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, causing the molding and stamping section 2 and the bending section 3 to move relative to each other in the direction of arrow G2, releasing the clamp. Simultaneously, a return operation is performed in which the forming plate 20 moves from the molding end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20. When the forming plate 20 moves from the molding end position to the standby position in the direction of arrow F20 during the return operation, the needle 10 is fed in the direction of arrow E1 by the operation of the needle feeding section 50 described above.

[0148] The stapling device 100A has a cam 22 as an example of an operating part that contacts the forming plate 20 of the staple forming section 2A via a forming link 25, and also contacts the driver plate 21 of the staple ejection section 2B via a driver link 26, etc. The forming plate 20 or the driver plate 21 is configured to operate according to the rotation direction and rotation angle (displacement amount) of the cam 22 (gear 22g). The control unit 210 shown in Figure 1 controls the rotation direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g), which is the displacement direction of the operating part, and the rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g), which is the displacement amount of the operating part, to switch the number of times the forming plate 20 of the staple forming section 2A operates and the presence or absence of the driver plate 21 of the staple ejection section 2B.

[0149] In this way, the launch mode and head-out mode can be switched by controlling the rotation direction and rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0150] The amount of movement of the forming plate 20 is determined by the length of the cam 22 (gear 22g) along the circumferential direction in the forming regions 23D and 23H of the forming cam 23, and the change in the distance of the cam 22 (gear 22g) from the center. Similarly, the amount of movement of the driver plate 21 is determined by the length of the cam 22 (gear 22g) along the circumferential direction in the ejection region 24C of the driver cam 24, and the change in the distance of the cam 22 (gear 22g) from the center. By increasing the length of the cam 22 (gear 22g) along the circumferential direction in the forming regions 23D and 23H, the required amount of movement of the forming plate 20 can be secured even if the rate of change in the distance of the cam 22 (gear 22g) from the center is reduced. However, in this case, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the cam 22 (gear 22g), and the same applies to the driver plate 21. In contrast, by forming a forming cam 23 on one surface of the cam 22 (gear 22g) and a driver cam 24 on the other surface, it is possible to create a region where the forming region 23D, forming region 23H, and the ejection region 24C overlap along the circumferential direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g). This allows for securing the required amount of movement for the forming plate 20 and the driver plate 21 while suppressing an increase in the diameter of the cam 22 (gear 22g). On the other hand, if the forming region 23H and the ejection region 24C overlap along the circumferential direction of the cam 22 (gear 22g), it is not possible to move only the forming plate 20 by the amount of movement required for forming the needle 10. Therefore, by forming an ejection restricting region 24G on the driver cam 24, the operation of the driver plate 21 can be restricted, and the forming plate 20 can be operated.

[0151] <An example of another embodiment of the binding device> Figure 19 is a perspective view showing an example of another embodiment of the binding device.

[0152] The binding device 100B includes multiple molding and punching units 2 and bending units 3, two of each in this example. The binding device 100B is configured, for example, to bind the folds of a booklet of paper, with the binding positions of each molding and punching unit 2 and bending unit 3 aligned in a single line, and two molding and punching units 2 and bending units 3 arranged at a predetermined distance apart.

[0153] The molding and punching unit 2 includes a needle molding unit 2A that forms the needle 10 in the needle molding process and feeds (moves) the molded needle 10 toward the punching position, a needle punching unit 2B that punches out the needle 10 at the punching position in the needle punching process, and a cam 22 (actuator) that operates the needle molding unit 2A and the needle punching unit 2B. In this example, the cam 22 is a rotatable flat cam.

[0154] The needle forming section 2A includes a forming plate 20 for forming the needle 10 and a needle feeding section 50 for feeding (moving) the needle 10 toward the ejection position. The needle ejection section 2B includes a driver plate 21 for ejecting the needle 10 formed on the forming plate 20. The cam 22 has a gear 22g. The cam 22 (gear 22g) is configured to be displaceable (rotatable in this example), and the needle forming section 2A and the needle ejection section 2B can be operated by displacing (rotating) the cam 22 (gear 22g).

[0155] The stapling device 100B includes a plurality of staple forming units 2A (forming plate 20, staple feeding unit 50) that form staples and move them toward the ejection position, a plurality of staple ejection units 2B (driver plate 21) that eject staples 10 at the ejection position, and a plurality of cams 22 (gears 22g) that operate the staple forming units 2A and the staple ejection units 2B. The cams 22 (gears 22g) of each forming and ejection unit 2 are connected by a connecting unit 25a or the like so that the forming cam 23 and the driver cam 24 are in the same phase.

[0156] The binding device 100B is equipped with a motor 101 that drives the cams 22 (gears 22g) of each molding and stamping unit 2. The two molding and stamping units 2 are configured such that the driving force of a single motor 101 is transmitted to each cam 22 (gears 22g) via shafts, gears, etc., and each cam 22 (gears 22g) rotates synchronously when driven by the motor 101.

[0157] In the binding device 100B, the motor 101 is controlled by the control unit 210 shown in Figure 2 above.

[0158] The binding device 100B executes a first mode (printing mode) and a second mode (head-out mode) based on the operation of the operating unit 203A. In the printing mode, the control unit 210 controls the motor 101 to rotate the cam 22 (gear 22g) of each molding printing unit 2 by one rotation in the forward direction. In this example, the cam 22 (gear 22g) is rotated by one rotation in the forward direction, but the binding device may also be equipped with gears configured to allow one cycle to be considered the printing mode, where the gear rotates forward partway with a rotation angle of less than one rotation, then reverses and returns. In the head-out mode, the control unit 210 controls the motor 101 to rotate the cam 22 (gear 22g) of each molding printing unit 2 in the reverse and forward directions at predetermined rotation angles.

[0159] Figures 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the needle ejection operation in a binding device equipped with two molding and ejection units 2. Consider a scenario in the binding device 100B where a problem occurs, such as a jam in one of the molding and ejection units 2(1), and the faulty needle 10 is removed from the molding and ejection unit 2(1). In this case, as shown in Figure 20A, in the molding and ejection unit 2(1) from which the faulty needle 10 was removed, the needle 10 is no longer in the ejection position by the driver plate 21. In contrast, in the other molding and ejection unit 2(2) where no problem occurred, the molded needle 10 is in the ejection position by the driver plate 21.

[0160] Therefore, the aforementioned head-out mode is executed when recovering from such a malfunction. When the head-out mode is executed in the binding device 100B, as shown in Figure 20B, the forming plate 20 moves from the standby position to the forming completion position in the direction of arrow F10 and a forming operation is performed to form the staples 10.

[0161] In response, the driver plate 21 restricts the movement of the needle 10 by having the driver follower 26c of the driver link 26 move in accordance with the shape of the ejection restricting region 24G of the driver cam 24.

[0162] In the other molding and ejection section 2(2), the molded needle 10 is already located at the ejection position of the driver plate 21. However, since the driver plate 21 does not come into contact with the needle 10, the needle 10 is not ejected.

[0163] In other words, when two synchronized cams 22 (gears 22g) are driven by a single motor 101, the needle 10 can be formed simultaneously by the two forming plates 20 without the two driver plates 21 contacting the needle 10. When this operation is repeated, the needle 10 is not ejected by the driver plates 21 in any of the multiple forming and ejecting units 2, and the forming of the needle 10 by the forming plates 20 is repeated. As a result, in the multiple forming and ejecting units 2, the formed needle 10, which has been formed without needle ejection, can be moved to a position where it can be ejected by the driver plates 21 and its head can be exposed.

[0164] In this example, the forming plate 20 is provided with a gap of one length equal to the width of the needle 10 in the short direction relative to the driver plate 21. Therefore, in the needle-out mode, the control unit 210 rotates the cam 22 (gear 22g) at a predetermined rotation angle two or more times in the reverse direction indicated by arrow H2 and the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, thereby moving the formed needle 10 to the position where it is ejected by the driver plate 21.

[0165] The forming and stamping unit 2 mounted in the binding device 100A and binding device 100B is configured such that the shape of the driver cam 24 and forming cam 23 provided on the cam 22 (gear 22g), as well as the rotation direction and rotation angle of the cam 22 (gear 22g), restricts the movement of the driver plate 21 while moving the forming plate, thereby enabling the needle-out mode to be executed. As a result, no marks are left on the paper due to dry stamping. Furthermore, the needle-out mode for the staples 10 can be executed without providing a sensor to detect the leading staple of the sheet staples.

[0166] Furthermore, when the binding device 100A and binding device 100B execute the cueing mode, the staples 10 are not ejected. Therefore, when executing the cueing mode, there is no need for paper that will be used to eject the staples 10. For this reason, when the binding device 100A and binding device 100B are applied to the post-processing device 202A of the image forming apparatus 201A, the cueing mode can be executed without receiving paper from the image forming apparatus 201A. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 201A may not output paper and may instead output a signal to the binding device 100A and 100B (post-processing device 202A) instructing them to execute the cueing mode. Furthermore, the cueing mode may be executed by operating the binding devices 100A and 100B (post-processing device 202A) individually. When executing the cueing mode by operating the binding devices 100A and 100B (post-processing device 202A) individually, the system may determine whether or not to execute the cueing mode according to the status of the image forming apparatus 201A, and execute the cueing mode according to the instruction that it is possible to execute.

[0167] Furthermore, in the image forming system 200A, the above-described cueing mode may be executed after the recovery operation of the post-processing device 202A begins, such as when the power is turned on, when power is restored after a power outage, or when recovering from power-saving mode. Alternatively, after the recovery operation of the post-processing device 202A begins, the above-described cueing mode may be executed after the cam 22 (gear 22g) is rotated in a predetermined direction and by a predetermined amount to position it in the home position. In addition, after a maintenance door (not shown) provided on the post-processing device 202A is opened, the above-described cueing mode may be executed when it is detected that the door has closed. Also, if a state change (signal change) related to the binding device, such as a change in the presence or absence of staples 10, is detected between the time the door of the post-processing device 202A is opened and the time it is closed, the above-described cueing mode may be executed, and if it is not necessary to cue the staples 10, such as in the case of a paper jam, the above-described cueing mode may not be executed. On the other hand, even if the image forming system 200A stops due to a factor other than a state change caused by the binding device 100A, the above-described cueing mode may be executed upon recovery. Furthermore, after the needle 10 is replaced when the remaining needles 10 are depleted, the above-described cueing mode may not be executed. In addition, the above-described cueing mode may be executed at any time, regardless of whether the image forming system 200A is stopped or in operation. Furthermore, the scanning and copying functions of the image forming system 200A may be executed while the above-described cueing mode is being executed. On the other hand, if paper is stuck in the image forming apparatus 201A or the post-processing device 202A due to a paper jam or the like, the above-described cueing mode may not be executed. In configurations in which multiple molding and printing units 2 are driven by independent motors, or configurations equipped with multiple binding devices 100A, the above-described cueing mode may be executed simultaneously between devices with different drive sources, or the cueing mode may be executed at different timings. When multiple binding devices execute the above-described cueing mode simultaneously, the time required for cueing can be shortened compared to when the cueing mode is executed at different timings. When multiple binding devices execute the above-described cueing mode at different timings, the instantaneous current peak required can be suppressed compared to when the cueing mode is executed simultaneously.

[0168] <Other examples of the operating mechanism> Figure 21A is a schematic diagram showing another example of an embodiment of the operating part, and Figure 21B is an operation diagram showing an example of the flow in the launching mode and the head-out mode.

[0169] In the operating section of another embodiment, the cam 28 provided on the gear 22g functions as a home area 28A, a clamping area 28B, a forming area 28C, a launching area 28D, and a return area 28E along the rotational direction of the gear 22g with the shaft 22a as the pivot point.

[0170] In launch mode, the cam 28 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, performing the following operations in sequence: standby operation in the home position corresponding to the home area 28A (SC1), clamping operation corresponding to the clamping area 28B (SC2), forming operation corresponding to the forming area 28C (SC3), launching operation corresponding to the launching area 28D (SC4), and return operation corresponding to the return area 28E (SC5).

[0171] In addition, in the head-out mode, the cam 28 (gear 22g) rotates to a forward rotation stop position P11 where it is at a predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, and the standby operation in the home position (SC1), clamping operation (SC2), and forming operation (SC3) are performed in order. Furthermore, if it is necessary to perform the forming operation (SC3) multiple times, the cam 28 (gear 22g) is rotated at a predetermined rotation angle in the reverse direction indicated by arrow H2 to return to the home area 28A or clamping area 28B, and the forming operation (SC3) is performed.

[0172] In the forming region 28C, the cam 28 rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, activating the needle forming section 2A as shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5B, and 5C. In the ejection region 28D, the cam 28 rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, activating the needle ejection section 2B as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0173] The cam 28 has a first cam surface 28H that operates the needle forming section 2A and the needle ejection section 2B shown in Figures 4A-4G and 5A-5C, and a second cam surface 28J that operates the needle forming section 2A by bypassing all or part of the operation of the needle ejection section 2B by the first cam surface 28H.

[0174] The first cam surface 28H has a needle forming cam surface 28H1 that operates the needle forming section 2A and a needle ejection cam surface 28H2 that operates the needle ejection section 2B. The second cam surface 28J has a needle forming cam surface 28J1 that operates the needle forming section 2A and a needle ejection restricting cam surface 28J2 that bypasses part or all of the aforementioned needle ejection cam surface 28H2.

[0175] The needle forming cam surface 28H1 is a forming region 28C that operates the needle forming unit 2A to perform a forming operation when the cam 28 rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1 during the execution of the ejection mode, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C. The needle ejection cam surface 28H2 is a ejection region 28D that operates the needle ejection unit 2B to perform an ejection operation when the cam 28 rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1 during the execution of the ejection mode, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0176] The needle forming cam surface 28J1 is a forming region 28C that operates the needle forming section 2A to perform forming when the cam 28 rotates to a forward rotation stop position P11 where it is at a predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C. The needle ejection restricting cam surface 28J2 is a forming region 28C when the cam 28 rotates at a predetermined rotation angle in the opposite direction indicated by arrow H2 during the ejection operation, bypassing the ejection region 28D and returning to the home region 28A or clamp region 28B.

[0177] Furthermore, when stopping the rotation of the motor that drives the cam 28 (gear 22g) in the head-out mode, the ejection operation starts if the stopping position passes the forward rotation stop position P11. Therefore, a stopping area may be provided between the forming area 28C and the ejection area 28D, so that the rotation of the motor stops within the stopping area. In such a configuration, the needle ejection regulating cam surface 28J2 is the stopping area.

[0178] Figure 22A is a schematic diagram showing another example of an embodiment of the operating part, and Figure 22B is an operation diagram showing an example of the flow in the launching mode and the head-out mode.

[0179] Furthermore, in the operating section of another embodiment, the cam 29 provided on the gear 22g functions as a home area 29A, a clamping area 29B, multiple forming areas 29C(1)-29C(n), a launching area 29D, and a return area 29E along the rotational direction of the gear 22g with the shaft 22a as the pivot point.

[0180] In launch mode, the cam 29 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, performing the following operations in sequence: standby operation in the home position corresponding to home area 29A (SD1), clamping operation corresponding to clamp area 29B (SD2), forming operation corresponding to multiple forming areas 29C(1)-29C(n) (SD3), launching operation corresponding to launch area 29D (SD4), and return operation corresponding to return area 29E (SD5).

[0181] In addition, in the cueing mode, the cam 29 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, sequentially performing a standby operation in the home position corresponding to the home area 29A (SD1), a clamping operation corresponding to the clamping area 29B (SD2), and a forming operation corresponding to multiple forming areas 29C(1)-29C(n) (SD3). Furthermore, when performing the launching mode after the cueing mode, the cam 29 (gear 22g) rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, sequentially performing a launching operation corresponding to the launching area 29D (SD4) and a return operation corresponding to the return area 29E (SD5).

[0182] In the forming regions 29C(1)-29C(n), the cam 29 rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, activating the needle forming section 2A as shown in Figures 4B, 4C, 5B, and 5C. In the ejection region 29D, the cam 29 rotates in the forward direction indicated by arrow H1, activating the needle ejection section 2B as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0183] The cam 29 has a first cam surface 29H that operates the needle forming section 2A and the needle ejection section 2B shown in Figures 4A-4G and 5A-5C, and a second cam surface 29J that operates the needle forming section 2A by bypassing all or part of the operation of the needle ejection section 2B by the first cam surface 29H.

[0184] The first cam surface 29H has a needle forming cam surface 29H1 that operates the needle forming section 2A and a needle ejection cam surface 29H2 that operates the needle ejection section 2B. The second cam surface 29J has a needle forming cam surface 29J1 that operates the needle forming section 2A and a needle ejection restricting cam surface 29J2 that bypasses part or all of the aforementioned needle ejection cam surface 29H2.

[0185] The needle forming cam surface 29H1 is a forming region 29C(1)-29C(n) that operates the needle forming unit 2A to perform a forming operation when the cam 29 rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1 during the execution mode. As shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the needle forming unit 2A is activated to perform a forming operation. The needle ejection cam surface 29H2 is a ejection region 29D that operates the needle ejection unit 2B to perform an ejection operation when the cam 29 rotates in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1 during the execution mode. As shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the needle ejection unit 2B is activated to perform an ejection operation.

[0186] The needle forming cam surface 29J1 is a forming region 29C(1)-29C(n) that operates the needle forming unit 2A to perform forming operations when the head-out mode is executed, in which the cam 29 rotates to a forward rotation stop position P11 where it has a predetermined rotation angle in the positive direction indicated by arrow H1, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C. The needle ejection restricting cam surface 29J2 is a forming region 29C(1)-29C(n) that operates the needle forming unit 2A to perform forming operations when the head-out mode is executed, in which the operation of the needle ejection unit 2B by the ejection region 29D is not started, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C, i.e., the ejection region 29D is bypassed by not using the ejection region 29D, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C.

[0187] <Other examples of binding devices> Figure 23 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment. Figures 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E are explanatory diagrams showing a second mode in the binding device 100C of another embodiment, in which a needle head-out process is performed by repeating the needle forming process multiple times without going through the needle punching process. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an image forming system and post-processing device equipped with a binding device of another embodiment.

[0188] The stapling device 100C is equipped with a staple detection unit 211 that detects whether or not a staple 10 is present at the ejection position P2. The staple detection unit 211 is composed of non-contact sensors such as optical sensors, contact sensors, etc. The control unit 210 performs a staple head-out process that repeats the staple forming process multiple times without going through the ejection process until the staple detection unit 211 detects that a staple 10 is present at the ejection position P2.

[0189] Figure 24A shows the standby state where the needle head-exposing process is not yet complete and the forming plate 20 and driver plate 21 have moved to their respective standby positions. The control unit 210 executes the needle forming process in step SB10 of Figure 25 without going through the needle extrusion process. To achieve this, it moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 24B, to a predetermined state that restricts the operation or amount of operation of the driver plate 21. As a result, the needle 10 at the forming position P1 is formed.

[0190] Furthermore, in the needle feeding section 50, as the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F10 to form the needle 10, the link section 52 is pushed by the forming plate 20, compressing the spring 53 and moving in the direction of arrow E2.

[0191] After moving the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, the forming plate 20 is moved in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 24C. As the forming plate 20 moves in the direction of arrow F20, away from the formed needle 10, the link portion 52 is released from being pressed by the forming plate 20 and moves in the direction of arrow E1 by the force of the spring 53. As a result, the needle 10 is fed toward the ejection position P2 in the direction of arrow E1. The first needle forming process is performed by the operations shown in Figures 24B and 24C described above.

[0192] In step SB20 of Figure 25, the control unit 210 determines whether or not to terminate the needle molding process when the needle detection unit 211 detects that the needle 10 is at the ejection position P2.

[0193] If the control unit 210 determines that there is no needle 10 at the ejection position P2 and the needle forming process should not be completed, it will execute the needle forming process in step SB10 of Figure 25 without going through the needle ejection process. To this end, it moves the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, as shown in Figure 24D, to a predetermined state that restricts the operation or amount of operation of the driver plate 21. As a result, the next needle 10 that moved to the needle forming position P1 in the previous needle forming process is formed.

[0194] After moving the forming plate 20 in the direction of arrow F10, the forming plate 20 is moved in the direction of arrow F20, as shown in Figure 24E. This sends the needle 10 toward the ejection position P2 in the direction of arrow E1. The second needle forming process is performed by the operations shown in Figures 24D and 24E.

[0195] In this example, during the second staple forming process, the staples 10 formed in the staple forming process move to the output position P2. Therefore, in step SB20 of Figure 25, the control unit 210 detects that the staples 10 are at the output position P2 using the staple detection unit 211, and terminates the staple forming process. In the binding device 100C, if the staples 10 formed in the second staple forming process move to the output position P2, the staple forming process can be terminated without performing a third or subsequent staple forming process, minimizing the number of reciprocating movements of the forming plate 20 during the staple forming process. Furthermore, no marks from dry stamping are left on the paper. In a binding device 100B equipped with two molding and printing units 2, each molding and printing unit 2 is configured to include a staple detection unit 211. By driving each molding and printing unit 2 with a single motor 201 until each staple detection unit 211 of both molding and printing units 2 detects a staple 10, the staple 10 can be ejected in the minimum number of times by both molding and printing units 2. Furthermore, no marks are left on the paper due to mis-punching. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0196] 100A, 100B... Binding device, 2... Forming and ejection section, 2A... Needle forming section, 2B... Needle ejection section, 20... Forming plate (part of needle forming section 2A), 21... Driver plate (part of needle ejection section 2B), 22... Cam (operating part), 22g... Gear, 22a... Shaft, 22b... Forming cam surface (one side), 22c... Driver cam surface (other side), 22H... First cam surface, 22H1... Needle forming cam surface (forming area 23D), 22H2... Needle ejection cam surface (ejection area 24C), 22J... Second cam surface, 2 2J1... Needle forming cam surface (forming area 23H), 22J2... Needle ejection restricting cam surface (ejection restricting area 24G), 23... Forming cam, 23A... Home area, 23B... Clamping area, 23C... Free running area, 23D... Forming area, 23E... Return area, 23F... Home area, 23G... Clamping area, 23H... Forming area (part of second cam surface 22J), 23J... Return area, 24... Driver cam, 24A... Home area, 24B... Clamping area, 24C... Ejection area (second 1 Cam surface (part of 22H), 24D... return area, 24E... home area, 24F... clamp area, 24G... ejection restricting area (part of second cam surface 22J), 24H... return area, 24J... rotation restricting part, 25... forming link, 25a... connecting part, 25b... shaft, 25c... forming follower, 26... driver link, 26a... connecting part, 26b... shaft, 26c... driver follower, 27... clamp part, 28... cam, 28A... home area, 28B... clamp area, 28C... f Forming area, 28D...Ejection area, 28E...Return area, 28H...First cam surface, 28H1...Needle forming cam surface (forming area 28C), 28H2...Needle ejection cam surface (ejection area 28D), 28J...Second cam surface, 28J1...Needle forming cam surface (forming area 28C), 28J2...Needle ejection regulating cam surface (forming area 28C), 29...Cam, 29A...Home area, 29B...Clamping area, 29C(1), 29C(2)...Forming area, 29D...Ejection area, 29E...Return area,29H...First cam surface, 29H1...Needle forming cam surface (forming areas 29C(1), 29C(2)), 29H2...Needle ejection cam surface (ejection area 29D), 29J...Second cam surface, 29J1...Needle forming cam surface (forming areas 29C(1), 29C(2)), 29J2...Needle ejection regulating cam surface (forming areas 29C(1), 29C(2)), 3...Bending section, 30...Clamping section, 10...Needle, 11...Sheet needle, 101...Motor, 210...Control section, 201A...Image forming apparatus, 202A...Post-processing device, 200A...Image forming system, 50...Needle feeding section (part of needle forming section 2A),

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, A post-processing device having a binding device for binding paper output from the image forming apparatus, A control unit that controls the binding device and An image forming system comprising, The stapling device is capable of performing a stapling process through a needle forming step in which a needle is formed and moved toward the punching position, and a needle punching step in which the needle is punched out from the punching position. The control unit controls the stapling device to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without going through the staple punching process. Image forming system.

2. The control unit has a first mode in which it performs a binding process after the needle forming process and the needle punching process, The binding device is controlled to switch between a second mode, which performs a needle head-out process that repeats the needle forming process multiple times without going through the needle-punching process, and a second mode. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The binding device comprises a needle forming unit that forms a needle in the needle forming process and moves it toward the punching position, a needle punching unit that punches out the needle at the punching position in the needle punching process, and a displaceable operating unit, wherein the needle forming unit or the needle punching unit operates according to the direction and amount of displacement of the operating unit. The control unit controls the displacement direction and amount of the operating part to switch the number of times the needle forming part operates and whether or not the needle ejecting part operates. The image forming system according to claim 2.

4. The binding device comprises a plurality of staple forming units, a plurality of staple ejection units, a plurality of operating units, and a single motor that drives the plurality of operating units. It has, The control unit controls the operating unit via the motor. The image forming system according to claim 3.

5. A post-processing device comprising a binding device for binding paper output from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, The device includes a control unit that controls the binding device, The stapling device is capable of performing a stapling process through a needle forming step in which a needle is formed and moved toward the punching position, and a needle punching step in which the needle is punched out from the punching position. The control unit controls the stapling device to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without going through the staple punching process. Post-processing equipment.

6. The binding device includes a needle forming unit that forms needles in the needle forming process and moves them toward the punching position, a needle punching unit that punches out needles at the punching position in the needle punching process, and a displaceable operating unit. The device is configured such that the needle forming unit or the needle punching unit operates according to the direction and amount of displacement of the operating unit. The control unit controls the direction and amount of displacement of the operating unit to switch the number of times the needle forming unit operates and whether or not the needle punching unit operates. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The binding device comprises a plurality of staple forming units, a plurality of staple ejection units, a plurality of operating units, and a single motor that drives the plurality of operating units. It has, The control unit controls the operating unit via the motor. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. A needle forming unit that forms the needle and moves it toward the ejection position, A needle-punching unit that ejects the needle at the aforementioned ejection position, Cams that operate the needle molding section and the needle ejection section Equipped with, The cam has a first cam surface that operates the needle forming section and the needle ejection section, and a second cam surface that operates the needle forming section by bypassing all or part of the operation of the needle ejection section by the first cam surface. Binding device.

9. The first cam surface has a needle forming cam surface for operating the needle forming section and a needle ejection cam surface for operating the needle ejection section. The second cam surface has a needle forming cam surface that operates the needle forming unit and a needle ejection restricting cam surface that bypasses part or all of the needle ejection cam surface. The binding device according to claim 8.

10. The cam is a rotary type cam that rotates around an axis as a pivot point, and the first and second cam surfaces are formed in the circumferential direction. The needle-formed cam surface is formed on one surface in the axial direction of the cam, The needle ejection cam surface and the needle ejection restricting cam surface are formed on the other surface in the axial direction. The binding device according to claim 9.

11. The needle forming cam surface is formed in a region where it partially or completely overlaps with the needle ejection cam surface and the needle ejection restricting cam surface along the rotational direction of the cam. The binding device according to claim 10.

12. The needle ejection section has a driver follower that contacts the needle ejection restricting cam surface, The second cam surface has a restricting portion that restricts the driver follower from moving from the needle ejection restricting cam surface to the needle ejection cam surface. A binding device according to claim 11.

13. Multiple needle forming units that form the needles and move them toward the ejection position, Multiple needle-punching units that eject needles at the aforementioned ejection positions, Multiple cams for operating the needle molding section and the needle ejection section, A single motor drives the cam and Equipped with, The cam has a first cam surface that operates the needle forming section and the needle ejection section, and a second cam surface that operates the needle forming section by bypassing all or part of the operation of the needle ejection section by the first cam surface. Binding device.

Images