A sheet binding machine, a sheet product bound by the sheet binding machine, and a method for binding sheet materials.

Abstract

To provide a sheet material binding machine, where even without strictly setting the engagement force between the concavo-convex teeth of one pair of gears and the concavo-convex teeth of the other, binding can be performed according to the number and thickness of sheet materials, and the binding portions of the sheet materials are avoided from breaking, wrinkling (creasing), or being misaligned.SOLUTION: In a sheet material binding machine in which a plurality of sheet materials V are fed to a stage S for conveyance and are engaged by a pair of concave-convex teeth T of a gear G through an aperture O to give concave-convex marks K and bind them, the position relationship between the stage S for conveyance and a binding position I in which a pair of gears engage is adjustable according to a thickness Vt of the plurality of sheet materials.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a binding machine for sheet materials that can be bound by imparting uneven marks to a plurality of sheet materials (such as paper, cellophane, synthetic resin film, metal film, etc., including medicine bags and food packaging materials) using the uneven teeth of a pair of gears without using metal staples, glue, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, many booklets, forms, etc. are bound and created using metal staples, glue, etc. Also, in medicine bags and food packaging materials, multiple bags are bound together for simultaneous storage or display. However, metal staples are dangerous when the staples protrude. Also, when booklets, forms, etc. become unnecessary and are discarded, they are cut by a shredder as needed and recycled as recycled paper from the perspective of incineration (or resource conservation). For those bound with metal staples, it is necessary to remove the metal staples to avoid damaging the blades of the shredder, and the disposal is difficult in reality. On the other hand, those bound with glue, etc. have the problem of generating toxic gases during incineration when the glue is a resin-based glue such as hot melt.

[0003] To address these problems, for example, when binding multiple sheets of sheet materials (such as copy paper, forms, etc.) without using metal needles or glue, a device is described that supplies moisture to each sheet and applies pressure from above and below with a binding member having continuous unevenness for binding (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] However, these methods involve adding moisture, making them difficult to use for simple binding, and the structures are also large and complex. Therefore, as shown in Figure 28, the applicant has developed a handy type binding machine (Patent Document 3). According to the binding machine of Patent Document 3, in addition to being handy, a gap (a gap through which the sheet material passes) is created by a one-sided support block (fixed block) on which one set of teeth is arranged and a other-sided support block (fixed block) on which the other set of teeth is arranged, which has the advantage of allowing for a simple structure. Furthermore, the applicant has already disclosed a sheet binding machine (Patent Document 4). Patent Document 4 describes a sheet binding machine that stacks multiple sheet materials and sandwiches them between one set of teeth to create binding marks, wherein one support block to which one set of teeth is attached is attached to the other support block to which the other set of teeth is attached so as to be able to move toward and away from it, and the binding pressure between the one set of teeth is adjusted by pressing an elastic force adjustment member for adjusting the spacing between the teeth and an operating means used for adjustment, in addition to a first elastic force adjustment member (elastic force adjustment member for adjusting the spacing between teeth) and a second elastic force adjustment member (elastic force adjustment member for adjusting the spacing between support blocks), and as the number of sheet materials increases, wrinkles may form in the binding portion of the sheet material (or around it) near the binding marks, the position may shift with each set of sheets, and sometimes the sheets may even break. The cause of this is not clear, but research by the present inventor has revealed that this tendency becomes stronger as the number of sheets increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3481300 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3502204 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6258686 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] By the way, conventional binding machines (including Patent Documents 1-4) have a need to bind as many sheets as possible. This need is high even for conventional binding machines as described above, and currently, they can bind about 3-5 sheets of plain paper and about 4-6 sheets of thin synthetic film, but further improvements are needed to bind as many sheets as possible without fraying. In addition, the types of sheet materials to be bound are diverse, including not only paper sheets but also synthetic resin sheets and cellophane, and there are situations where improved aesthetics are required, such as with medicine bags and food bags, so there is a need for binding machines that can address the need to eliminate wrinkles and misalignment that occur during binding. On the other hand, depending on the size and type of the protruding teeth used (such as the sharpness of the steel teeth), the number of sheets that could be stacked differed, or the teeth's bite could become improper, or the sheet material could be damaged. In other words, setting the appropriate pressure between the protruding teeth according to the material and thickness of the sheet material is inherently difficult, and if a paper jam occurs and the pressure between the protruding teeth (biting force) is released, it becomes difficult to return to the original appropriate setting. Furthermore, even when multiple sheets are fastened together with a pair of interlocking teeth, some of the sheet material may curl up due to the recoil. Therefore, these phenomena must be suppressed when fastening multiple sheets together. In this regard, Patent Document 3 describes a mechanism in which the notched flat portion 30 of the uneven teeth can remove paper in the event of a paper jam. However, when transporting paper continuously, it is necessary to flexibly correct the paper jam, and this alone is not sufficient.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Documents 1 and 2 have problems with the following issues: when multiple sheets of material are stacked and fed together (when the number of sheets increases), slippage occurs during transport, and the interlocking of the interlocking teeth is insufficient, causing the sheets to easily peel apart. When this slippage occurs, the sheets may become shiny, develop ridges or wavy marks, or the multiple sheets may shift (misalign), thus impairing the aesthetic appearance of the sheet material. Therefore, these phenomena must be resolved. In addition, Patent Documents 1 and 2 have complex and expensive device configurations, making the provision of a simple and easy-to-use sheet material binding machine a challenge.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sheet binding machine, a sheet product bound by the sheet binding machine, and a method for binding sheet materials, which can bind sheets according to the number and thickness of the sheets without having to precisely set the meshing force between the protruding teeth of one pair of gears and the protruding teeth of the other, and which can prevent the bound portion (or its surroundings) of the sheet material from tearing, wrinkling, or shifting, and can bind with clean protruding marks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a transport stage for guiding multiple sheets of sheet material in a stacked state to a binding position, with the side in contact with the sheet material being the front surface and the opposite side being the back surface, A pair of gears are arranged facing each other on the front and back sides of the transport stage, and have interlocking concave and concave teeth on their outer surfaces. A pressing mechanism that applies fastening pressure to the fastening position where the protruding and concave teeth of the pair of gears mesh with each other, even when fastening is not taking place. A sheet binding machine comprising: guiding multiple sheet materials to the binding position where binding pressure is applied even in a stationary state, and compressing the multiple sheet materials and imprinting indentations on them by the rotation of the pair of gears, The sheet binding machine is characterized in that the tips of the gears located on the back side of the conveying stage, which constitute the binding position in a stationary state, are positioned so as not to protrude from the front side of the conveying stage through an opening provided in the conveying stage so as not to interfere with the pair of gears. Here, the "static binding pressure in which binding has not been performed on the sheet material by the pressing mechanism" refers to the binding pressure in which the sheet material is not sandwiched in the binding position where the protruding teeth of the pair of gears mesh. Even in a static state where binding has not been performed, binding pressure is pre-applied by the pressing mechanism to the binding position where the protruding teeth of the pair of gears contact each other, and in this state, multiple sheets of sheet material are supplied to the binding position on the transport stage. According to the present invention, at the binding position where the concave and concave teeth of a pair of gears come into contact with each other, smooth binding is possible according to the material and thickness of multiple sheet materials. Furthermore, by positioning the binding position so that it does not protrude from the opening on the surface side of the transport stage when stationary, it is not necessary to search for the optimal binding pressure for the material and thickness of the sheet materials to be bound. Moreover, it is possible to avoid the binding portion (or its surroundings) of the sheet material that is imprinted with concave and concave marks from tearing, wrinkling, or shifting position, thereby forming a neatly bound portion.

[0010] Next, the sheet material binding machine of the present invention is characterized in that the transport stage is equipped with a stage position adjustment mechanism and is positioned so as to be adjustable in both the front and back directions. According to the present invention, by making the positional relationship between the transport stage and the binding position variable, it is possible to easily avoid breakage, wrinkles, misalignment, and fraying of the binding portion (or its surroundings) of the sheet material, thus forming a clean binding portion, in addition to methods that require experience and skill, such as fine-tuning the binding pressure according to the material and thickness of the sheet material being bound.

[0011] Furthermore, the sheet binding machine of the present invention is characterized in that, by a stage position adjustment mechanism provided on the transport stage, when the thickness of the multiple sheets to be bound is thinner than or equal to the tooth height of the concave and concave teeth of the pair of gears, the tip of the gear located on the back side of the transport stage that constitutes the binding position is positioned so as not to protrude toward the front side of the transport stage, and when the thickness of the multiple sheets to be bound is thicker than the tooth height of the concave and concave teeth of the pair of gears, the tip of the gear located on the back side of the transport stage that constitutes the binding position is positioned so as to protrude toward the front side of the transport stage. According to the present invention, by using the tooth height of the grooved teeth of a pair of gears (see Figure 23) as a reference, and comparing the tooth height of the grooved teeth, which is known in advance, with the thickness of the sheet material to be bound, it becomes possible to easily perform binding without compromising aesthetics, without having to go through trial and error to find the appropriate binding pressure or the positional relationship between the transport stage and the binding position.

[0012] Furthermore, the sheet material binding machine of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a sheet material guiding member near the downstream end of the opening for guiding the leading edge of the sheet material, which has been bound at the binding position, toward the surface side of the conveying stage. According to the present invention, even if the binding position where the concave and concave teeth of a pair of gears mesh does not protrude from the surface side of the conveying stage, the sheet material is guided to the surface side of the conveying stage, preventing jamming of the sheet material and enabling smooth binding.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention includes a first support block to which a first gear, which is located on the surface side of the conveying stage, is connected via a rotating shaft member, and a second support block to which a second gear, which is located on the back side of the conveying stage, is connected via a rotating shaft member, wherein the first support block and the second support block are slidably mounted on a support column located on a base and are biased toward the base by the binding pressure applied from the pressing mechanism. According to the present invention, the number of components can be suppressed, and the structure is simple. Therefore, it is easy to increase or decrease the size of the device. As shown in the embodiments of the present invention and the drawings described later, a pair of gears are arranged vertically. Apart from the device for moving the sheet material to be stitched horizontally, it is possible to provide a device that can move the sheet material vertically or obliquely.

[0014] The sheet material of the present invention is characterized in that it is stitched by a stitching machine for a sheet material having the above characteristics. According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid breakage, wrinkles, displacement, or loosening in the stitched portion (or its periphery) of the sheet material that is easily provided with uneven marks, and to form a neat stitched portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, in a stitching machine for a sheet material that supplies a plurality of sheet materials to a transport stage and engages the uneven teeth of a pair of gears through an opening of the transport stage to impart uneven marks and stitch the sheet material, without performing fine adjustment of the stitching pressure by the pressing mechanism each time, according to the material and thickness of the sheet material, by making it possible to adjust the positional relationship between the transport stage and the stitching position where the pair of gears engage, it is possible to impart neat uneven marks to the stitched portion of the sheet material to be stitched without causing tearing, wrinkling, displacement, or loosening, and to perform stitching that does not impair the aesthetics.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a stitching machine for a sheet material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view from another angle showing the stitching machine for the sheet material of the above embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the uneven teeth and stitching position of the above embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the gears, shaft members, and support blocks in the above embodiment. [Figure 5]It is a perspective view showing the rotational force transmission mechanism in the above embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a reference view showing another form of the rotational force transmission mechanism in the above embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing the relationship between the support block and the support column in the above embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a form that is upside down compared to the above embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing the pressing mechanism in the above embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the pressing mechanism in the above embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing the elastic member in the above embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the elastic member arranged between the pressing mechanism, the support block, and the base in each of the above embodiments. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the elastic member arranged between the pressing mechanism, the support block, and the base in each of the above embodiments. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the elastic member arranged between the pressing mechanism, the support block, and the base in each of the above embodiments. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer stage in the above embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing the lifting mechanism of the transfer stage in the above embodiment. [Figure 17(a)] It is a perspective view showing the lifting mechanism of another form of the transfer stage in the above embodiment. [Figure 17(b)] It is a perspective view showing the lifting mechanism of another form of the transfer stage in the above embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transfer stage and the gear in the above embodiment and (a) the sheet material bound (b). [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transfer stage and the gear in the above embodiment and (a) the sheet material bound (b). [Figure 20]This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the transport stage and the gears, and the binding pressure applied to the sheet material in the above embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows the state of the bound sheet material in Example 2 of the above embodiment. [Figure 22] This figure shows the state of the bound sheet material in Example 2 of the above embodiment. [Figure 23] This figure shows the tooth height and sheet material thickness that serve as the basis for the relationship between the transport stage and the binding position in the above embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing a stage position adjustment mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing a stage position adjustment mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing a sheet material guide member of a conveying stage according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This figure shows another form of the support block in the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a reference diagram illustrating conventional technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention are described in detail below.

[0018] (First Embodiment) Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the sheet binding machine 100 of this embodiment. Multiple sheets of sheet material V are stacked and bound together, passing from the front side (upstream side) of Figure 1 through the binding position I, which is the position where a pair of gears G come into contact, to the back side (downstream side). A pair of gears G are arranged opposite each other, sandwiching a transport stage S (described later), and are equipped with multiple concave and convex teeth T (concave Td, convex Tp) on their opposing outer surfaces so as to mesh with each other (Figure 3). Multiple sheets of material V are fed to the binding position I where the pair of gears G are in contact, and rotated to compress the sheet materials V and create concave and convex marks K, thereby binding them together. In this embodiment, the side of the conveying stage S that contacts the sheet material V is defined as the front surface Sf of the conveying stage S, and the gear on the front surface (upper in this embodiment) is referred to as the first gear G1, and the gear on the back surface Sb of the conveying stage S (lower in this embodiment) is referred to as the second gear G2 (Figures 1 to 3). In this embodiment, a pair of gears G(G1, G2) are rotatably fixed to their respective support blocks H via shaft members A(A1, A2). Here, the support block H1 supporting the first gear G1 is referred to as the first support block H1, and the support block H2 supporting the second gear G2 is referred to as the second support block H2. The binding position I is the position where the pair of gears G come into contact, and more specifically, it is the position where the pair of gears G come into contact and the multiple protruding teeth T provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of gears G mesh together, and in this embodiment, it is composed of the vicinity of the tip (lower end) of the first gear and the vicinity of the tip (upper end) of the second gear G2. In this embodiment, one of the pair of gears G is provided with a portion Gc where the pair of gears G do not mesh, as shown in each drawing, in order to smoothly resolve any jamming of the sheet material V during binding. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the shape of the grooved teeth T of the pair of gears G, and various materials can be used as long as they are wear-resistant and highly hard metals. The binding sheet material V can include paper, cellophane, synthetic resin film, metal film, medicine bags, and food packaging materials.

[0019] The sheet binding machine 100 of this embodiment has support blocks H for fixing the pair of gears G via shaft members A (Figure 4). The first support block H1 is equipped with a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits rotational force to the rotating shaft A1 connected to the first gear G1. As shown in Figure 5, the rotational force transmission mechanism in this embodiment has a simple configuration in which the extended tip of the shaft member is rotated in one direction with a ratchet-type wrench W. However, as shown in Figure 6, an electric motor M may also be connected to the shaft member A1 via a gear Mg to serve as the rotational force transmission mechanism, and there are no restrictions on the power or mechanism. The first gear G1, which is given rotational force by the rotational force transmission mechanism, rotates, and the second gear G2, with which the convex and concave teeth T of the first gear G1 mesh, also rotates in conjunction. With this configuration, no separate power source or mechanism is required to rotate the second gear G2; the power to rotate the first gear G1 is sufficient, contributing to the realization of a simple and inexpensive sheet material binding machine 100. In this embodiment, the first support block H1 and the second support block H2 are sandwiched between two opposing support columns P, the first support block H1 is slidable vertically, and the second support block H2 is fixed to the base F. However, both the first support block H1 and the second support block H2 may be configured to be slidable (Figure 7). Here, as shown in Figure 8, it is also possible to reverse the relationship between the first gear G1, which is connected to the rotational force transmission mechanism, and the second gear G2, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear G1.

[0020] Furthermore, the shape and size of the support block H, to which the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 are connected via the shaft member A, are not limited. As shown in Figure 27, a compact support block equipped with a bearing may be provided so as to wrap around the shaft member A1 connected to the first gear G1, and slidably arranged so as to be enclosed within the second support block H2, thereby achieving both the reception of the binding pressure applied by the pressing mechanism X described later and the rotation of the first gear G1.

[0021] Figure 9 shows the pressing mechanism X in the sheet material binding machine 100 of this embodiment. This pressing mechanism X is mounted above the support column P that holds the support block H, and the pressing mechanism X generates a force that pushes the first support block H1 downward (towards the second support block H2), causing the first gear G1 attached to the first support block H1 to come into contact with the second gear G2, generating a force to bind the sheet material V, and is a mechanism for maintaining the state in which the force necessary for binding is applied at the binding position I. The pressing mechanism X includes a lifting plate Xa that physically presses the first support block H1 toward the second support block H2, and a bolt Xb that is an operating means for raising and lowering the lifting plate X1. In this embodiment, the bolt X2, which is an operating means, spans two support columns P that sandwich the support block H and inserts a bridge Xc having a female threaded insertion hole, thereby raising and lowering the lifting plate L by rotation (Figure 10).

[0022] In the sheet material binding machine 100 of this embodiment, an elastic member E is positioned between the lifting plate Xa and the first support block H1. When the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 are in contact due to the binding pressure from the pressing mechanism X, and a binding force is applied, the elastic member E pushes the first support block H1 (and the first gear G1) upward against the binding pressure applied by the pressing mechanism 5 according to the thickness of the sheet material V guided to the binding position I, thereby achieving smooth binding. In this embodiment, the elastic member E is positioned in each of the storage holes Eh (see Figure 4) formed at the four corners of the upper surface of the first support block H1, with its upper end in contact with the lower surface of the lifting plate Xa (Figure 11). However, it may also be positioned between the first support block H1 and the second support block H2, or between the second support block H2 and the base F, provided that the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 are in contact and the binding pressure necessary for binding is maintained (Figures 12 to 14). In this embodiment, it is important that the elastic member E has the strength to withstand the force that lowers the lifting plate Xa by the pressing mechanism X, without losing its elasticity, and without completely shrinking. Furthermore, although a spring material is used as the elastic member E in this embodiment, it is not limited to a spring material. Rubber material may be stored in the storage hole Eh, or rubber material may be placed between the first support block H1 (which does not have a storage hole Eh) and the lifting plate Xa. The elastic member E constitutes part of the pressing mechanism X that applies binding pressure to multiple sheet materials V, while also having the function of adjusting the spacing between a pair of gears G to achieve smooth binding according to the thickness of the sheet materials V.

[0023] Figure 15 shows a transport stage S in the sheet material binding machine of this embodiment, which plays the role of stacking and aligning multiple sheet materials V and guiding them to the binding position I where the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 are in contact. In this embodiment, the conveying stage S has a surface Sf that contacts the sheet material V and a back surface Sb that contacts the back surface (see Figures 1 and 2). An opening O is provided so as not to interfere with the binding position I where the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 contact. This opening O is rectangular (square) in shape and is formed to the extent that it does not interfere with the meshing of the concave and convex teeth T of the pair of gears G. As shown in Figure 26, a sheet material guide member Y is provided at least on the downstream side of the left and right ends of the opening O so as to guide the leading edge of the sheet material V that has finished binding at the binding position I to the surface side Sf of the conveying stage. This prevents the sheet material from interfering with the opening O after it has finished binding and prevents sheet jamming. Here, sheet material guide members may also be provided on the upstream side near the left and right ends of the opening O, and these members can play a role in smoothly guiding the sheet material V to the binding position I (not shown). Furthermore, a stage lifting mechanism R1 is incorporated into at least one of the legs Sk of the transport stage S, and has the function of adjusting the position of the transport stage S in the direction toward the transport stage surface Sf and the transport stage back surface Sb. It is desirable that the position of the transport stage surface Sf can achieve at least three positions in the stationary state before the sheet material V is guided, such as a position where the binding position I does not protrude from the opening O toward the transport stage surface Sf, a position where the binding position I and the transport stage surface Sf are at the same position, and a position where the binding position I protrudes from the opening O toward the transport stage surface Sf. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism R1 for the transport stage, as shown in Figure 16, is configured to allow the transport stage S to be adjusted to the desired position by inserting pins Rp into multiple holes Rh on the leg portion Sk in the direction of the transport stage surface Sf and the direction of the transport stage back surface Sb. However, a transport stage lifting mechanism R1 that allows for stepless position adjustment may also be used and can be selected as appropriate. Furthermore, the transport stage S does not necessarily have to move parallel to both the Sf and Sb directions. In addition to having the stage lifting function R1 provided on each of the legs Sk of the transport stage S, as in this embodiment, the stage lifting function R1 may also be provided on only one of the legs Sk (not shown). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, a transport stage S2 made of a plastic metal plate is used, sandwiched between a first support block H1 and a second support block H2 (Figure 17(a)). By bending it towards either the first support block H1 or the second support block H2, it can be considered a stage lifting function R2, allowing the positional relationship with the binding position I to be changed as appropriate (Figure 17(b)).

[0024] In this embodiment, when binding multiple sheets of sheet material V using the sheet material binding machine 100, differences in the finished binding result will occur depending on the material and thickness (number of sheets) of the sheet material V being bound. First, the basic binding procedure using the sheet material binding machine 100 in this embodiment is as follows: With the first gear G1 and the second gear G2 in contact, the pressing mechanism X applies an arbitrary binding pressure to push the first gear G1 (supported by the first support block H1) toward the second gear G2 (supported by the second support block H2). Next, the process includes a step in which multiple sheet materials V are guided in an aligned and stacked state on the surface Sf of the transport stage S to a binding position I where the first gear G1 and the second gear G2, which are subjected to binding pressure by the pressing mechanism X, come into contact and their protruding teeth T mesh with each other. Then, the rotational force transmission mechanism rotates the first gear G1 and the second gear G2, sandwiching and compressing multiple sheet materials V, and creating uneven marks K, causing the sheet materials V to intertwine and be bound together in the next step. In this case, if the thickness Vt of the sheet material V to be bound is thin, or if the material of the sheet material V is easily torn, if the pressing mechanism X applies an excessive force that is not appropriate for the thickness and material of the sheet material V, the bound portion (or surrounding portion) of the sheet material V may tear, wrinkles may form around the bound portion (or surrounding portion), or the position of the sheet material V may shift, resulting in an unsightly finish. This means that the binding pressure needs to be subtly adjusted by the pressing mechanism X depending on the number of sheets V being bound together, and a very complicated process of finding the appropriate binding pressure each time must be performed before starting the binding procedure described above.

[0025] (Structure designed to maintain and improve the aesthetic appearance of the binding section) To avoid the complicated procedures described above, we focused on the positional relationship between the binding position I and the transport stage S (transport stage surface Sf) and conducted the following verification.

[0026] (Example 1) (1) When binding five sheets of plain paper, such as copy paper, with a thickness of approximately 0.09 mm per sheet, as sheet material V. First, when binding five sheets of plain paper, the appropriate binding pressure using the pressing mechanism X is determined to ensure that the binding area does not tear, wrinkle, or become misaligned, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing finish. Then, a predetermined binding pressure even greater than that determined pressure is applied. Then, as shown in Figure 18(a), when the binding operation is performed with the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I set to protrude from the opening O of the transport stage S towards the surface Sf of the transport stage in a stationary state before binding, wrinkles Z1 and tears Z2 will form in the binding area, resulting in the finish shown in Figure 18(b). Figure 18(b) shows an example of a defective finish. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 19(a), if the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I is set so as not to protrude from the opening O towards the surface Sf of the transport stage S, the binding portion (uneven marks K) of the sheet material V will have a clean finish that does not detract from the aesthetics, as shown in Figure 19(b). This is thought to be because the sheet material V at the binding position I is pulled towards the surface Sf of the transport stage S through the opening O, thereby alleviating excessive binding pressure (Figures 20(a) and 20(b)).

[0027] (Example 2) (2) When binding together 10 sheets of plain paper, such as copy paper, with a thickness of approximately 0.09 mm per sheet, as sheet material V. If, using the same binding pressure as in Example 1, the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I in a stationary state is set so as shown in Figure 19(a) that it does not protrude from the opening O toward the conveying stage surface Sf, problems may occur such as disruption (misalignment) Z3 of the alignment of the stacked sheet materials V (Figure 21), or the binding may be loose, causing the bound sheet materials to unravel. On the other hand, if the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I is set to protrude from the opening O towards the surface Sf of the conveying stage, as shown in Figure 18(a), without changing the binding pressure of the pressing mechanism X, then, as shown in Figure 22, a finish without wrinkles Z1, misalignment Z3, or fraying is achieved, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing finish. This is thought to be because, by making the binding position I in a stationary state protrude from the opening O towards the surface Sf of the conveying stage, the binding pressure generated by the sheet material V being pulled from the opening O of the conveying stage S towards the surface Sf of the conveying stage is not relieved, and the pressure applied to the binding position I is applied to multiple sheets of sheet material V without loss. Furthermore, by increasing the pressure from the pressing mechanism X, it becomes possible to bind even more sheets of sheet material V.

[0028] As described above, it was found that aesthetically pleasing binding can be achieved by adjusting the positional relationship between the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I and the transport stage S according to the thickness Vt of the sheet material to be bound. However, the inventors of this invention have further diligently researched what criteria should be used to adjust the positional relationship between the binding position I and the transport stage S, and have focused on the tooth height Tl of the concave and concave teeth T of the pair of gears G.

[0029] In this embodiment, the tooth height Tl of the uneven teeth T is 0.5 mm. In the verification of Example 1 described above, the thickness of the sheet material is approximately 0.45 mm, which is five sheets of plain paper with a thickness of approximately 0.09 mm. Next, in the verification of Example 2, the thickness of the sheet material is approximately 0.9 mm, which is ten sheets of plain paper with a thickness of approximately 0.09 mm. Specifically, as shown in Figure 23(a), when the thickness Vt of the sheet material is thinner than the tooth height Tl of the uneven teeth T of the pair of gears G, the tip G2t of the second gear G2 constituting the binding position I is adjusted so that it does not protrude toward the surface Sf side of the transport stage S. As shown in Figure 23(b), when the thickness Vt of the sheet material is thicker than the tooth height Tl of the uneven teeth T of the pair of gears G, the tip G2t of the second gear G2 constituting the binding position I is adjusted so that it protrudes toward the surface Sf side of the transport stage S. This makes it possible to bind without compromising aesthetics. Furthermore, verification was performed using uneven teeth T with different tooth lengths Tl, but the same results as above were obtained.

[0030] (Second Embodiment) Next, an embodiment of an embodiment that automatically controls the stage position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport stage will be described. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment that automatically controls the stage position adjustment mechanism. Here, the sheet binding machine, other than the automatic stage position adjustment mechanism, is as described in the first embodiment, and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0031] The automatic stage position adjustment mechanism R3 includes a sheet material thickness detection means U1 for detecting the thickness of the sheet material V, a drive means U2 such as a motor, and a control unit U3, which control the lifting and lowering operation of the transport stage S. The thickness of the multiple sheets V to be bound is detected by the sheet material thickness detection means U1. If the thickness Vt of the multiple sheets V is thinner than the tooth height Tl of the concave and concave teeth T of a pair of gears G stored in advance in the control unit U3, the control unit U3 drives the drive means U2 to adjust the position of the transport stage S so that the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I in the stationary state before binding does not protrude from the surface Sf side of the transport stage S. If the thickness Vt of the multiple sheets V is thicker than the tooth height Tl of the concave and concave teeth T of a pair of gears G stored in the control unit U3, the control unit U3 drives the drive means U2 to adjust the position of the transport stage S so that the tip G2t of the second gear G2 that constitutes the binding position I in the stationary state before binding protrudes from the surface Sf side of the transport stage S.

[0032] As described above, by making the positional relationship between the tip G2t of the second gear G2, which constitutes the binding position I in a stationary state, and the transport stage S (transport stage surface Sf) adjustable, it is possible to reduce the time and material costs of making subtle adjustments to find the appropriate binding pressure according to the material and thickness of the sheet material V to be bound, and to provide an inexpensive and simple sheet material binding machine that does not impair aesthetics. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0033] 100 sheet binding machine, A shaft member, A1 first shaft member, A2 second shaft member, E elastic member, Eh housing hole for elastic member, F base, G gear, G1 first gear, G2 second gear, Gc part without teeth, The tip of the second gear that constitutes the G2t binding position, H is a support block, H1 is the first support block, H2 is the second support block. I. Binding position, M: Motor that constitutes the rotational force transmission mechanism. Mg gears that constitute the rotational force transmission mechanism O An opening provided in the transport stage, P strut, R1~R3 ​​Stage position adjustment mechanism, Rh holes that constitute the stage position adjustment mechanism Pins that constitute the Rp stage position adjustment mechanism S, S2 transport stage, SK transport stage legs, Sf is the front side of the transport stage, Sb is the back side of the transport stage, T: uneven teeth, Td: concave teeth, Tp: convex teeth Tl tooth height of uneven teeth, U1 Sheet material thickness detection means, U2 drive means, U3 control unit, V-sheet material, Vt sheet material thickness W wrench, X pressing mechanism, Xa Lifting plate constituting the pressing mechanism, Xb Bolt, Xc Bridge, Y-shaped sheet material guide member Z1 Wrinkles, Z2 Tears, Z3 Misalignment

Claims

1. A transport stage that guides multiple sheets of sheet material stacked together to the binding position, with the side in contact with the sheet material being the front and the opposite side being the back, A pair of gears are arranged facing each other on the front and back sides of the conveying stage, and have interlocking concave and convex teeth on their outer surfaces; and an opening is formed in the portion of the conveying stage where the pair of gears mesh. A pressing mechanism that applies fastening pressure to the fastening position where the protruding and concave teeth of the pair of gears mesh with each other, even when fastening is not taking place. The transport stage is equipped with a stage position adjustment mechanism that is movable in the front side direction and the back side direction, If the thickness of the multiple sheets to be bound together by the stage position adjustment mechanism is thinner than the tooth height of the uneven teeth, The tip of the gear positioned on the back side of the transport stage that constitutes the binding position is positioned so that it does not protrude from the opening towards the front side of the transport stage. If the total thickness of the multiple sheet materials is greater than the tooth height of the uneven teeth, A sheet binding machine characterized by adjusting the position of the transport stage so that the tip of a gear located on the back side of the transport stage that constitutes the binding position is positioned to protrude from the opening toward the front side of the transport stage, thereby binding the sheet material.

2. The sheet material binding machine according to claim 1, further characterized in that a sheet material guiding member is provided near the downstream end of the opening for guiding the leading edge of the sheet material, which has been bound at the binding position, toward the surface side of the conveying stage.

3. The gears having the aforementioned uneven teeth include a first support block to which the first gear, located on the surface side of the conveying stage, is connected via a rotating shaft member, and a second support block to which the second gear, located on the back side of the conveying stage, is connected via a rotating shaft member. The sheet material binding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first support block and the second support block are slidably attached to a support column arranged on a base and are biased toward the base by the binding pressure applied from the pressing mechanism.

4. Sheet materials bound by a sheet material binding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A transport stage that guides multiple sheets of sheet material stacked together to the binding position, with the side in contact with the sheet material being the front and the opposite side being the back, A pair of gears are arranged facing each other on the front and back sides of the conveying stage, and each gear has multiple interlocking teeth on its outer surface; and an opening is formed in the portion of the conveying stage where the pair of gears interlock. A pressing mechanism that applies fastening pressure to the fastening position where the protruding and concave teeth of the pair of gears mesh with each other, even when fastening is not taking place. A method for binding sheet materials using a sheet material binding machine, comprising a conveying stage equipped with a stage position adjustment mechanism that allows the conveying stage to be positioned in the front and back directions, If the thickness of the multiple sheets to be bound together is thinner than the tooth height of the concave and concave teeth of the pair of gears, the tip of the gear positioned on the back side of the stage that constitutes the binding position is positioned so as not to protrude from the opening towards the front side of the transport stage. A method for binding sheet materials, characterized in that, if the thickness of the multiple sheet materials to be bound together is greater than the height of the teeth of the pair of gears, the transport stage is positioned such that the tip of the gear located on the back side of the transport stage that constitutes the binding position protrudes from the opening towards the front side of the transport stage, and the sheet materials are bound together.

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