Recording material processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To stabilize binding processing for a recording material bundle, as compared to a case where teeth are supported by a metal plate.SOLUTION: An interlocking part 600 is formed by a combination of multiple members. A member to which second binding teeth 72 are attached of the interlocking part 600 is formed by a second metal block 862. A lower support member 700 to support first binding teeth 71 is provided below the interlocking part 600. The lower support member 700 is formed by a first metal block 861.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording material processing apparatus and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet processing apparatus including a fixing means for fixing a second tooth profile moved to a position meshing with a first tooth profile to a second support means. Patent Document 2 discloses a paper binding apparatus having a first link member whose one end is rotatably connected to a movable pressure member and a second link member whose one end is rotatably connected to a fixing member fixed to an apparatus main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the binding process for a bundle of recording materials, for example, teeth may be advanced into the bundle of recording materials and pressed against the bundle, and the binding process for the bundle of recording materials may be performed. Here, if the teeth are supported by sheet metal or the like and the support of the teeth is unstable, problems such as a decrease in the certainty of binding are likely to occur. An object of the present invention is to achieve stabilization of the binding process for a bundle of recording materials as compared with the case where the support of the teeth is performed by sheet metal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Claim 1The invention described herein includes a first tooth used for binding a bundle of recording materials, and a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the bundle of recording materials located between the first tooth and the second tooth, A hole is provided, A first metal block that supports the first tooth, a second metal block that supports the second tooth, and a device that is fixed to the second metal block by being placed in a hole provided in the second metal block, Extending along the direction of movement of the second tooth, The first metal block The inner surface of the hole provided therein A guided member that is guided by, As the second tooth moves toward the first tooth, the guided member moves in the direction of movement of the second tooth while being guided by the inner surface of the hole provided in the first metal block. The recording material processing apparatus allows for the movement of the second metal block relative to the guided member, in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the second teeth, and by moving the second metal block relative to the guided member, the position of the second metal block relative to the guided member can be adjusted, specifically the position in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the second teeth. Claim 2 The invention described herein includes a first tooth used for binding a bundle of recording materials, and a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the bundle of recording materials located between the first tooth and the second tooth, A hole is provided, A first metal block that supports the first tooth, a second metal block that supports the second tooth, and a device that is fixed to the second metal block by being placed in a hole provided in the second metal block, Extending along the direction of movement of the second tooth, The first metal block The inner surface of the hole provided therein A guided member that is guided by, As the second tooth moves toward the first tooth, the guided member moves in the direction of movement of the second tooth while being guided by the inner surface of the hole provided in the first metal block. The second metal block of the guided member is provided The aforementioned A flat surface is provided in the portion opposite the hole, and the second metal block is provided The aforementioned This recording material processing device has a plane that aligns with the aforementioned plane provided in the portion of the hole facing the aforementioned plane. Claim 3The invention described herein is characterized in that the second metal block has one end and the other end, the second teeth are provided on the one end of the second metal block, and the plane provided on the guided member and the plane provided on the second metal block are arranged in a direction intersecting the direction from the one end to the other end of the second metal block. 2 This is a recording material processing device as described above. Claim 4 The invention described herein is a recording material processing device comprising: a first tooth used for binding a bundle of recording materials; a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the bundle of recording materials located between the first tooth and the second tooth; a first metal block supporting the first tooth; and a second metal block supporting the second tooth, wherein the second metal block is provided with a hole for a moving member through which a moving member used for moving the second metal block toward the first metal block passes, and at least two guide holes into which a guide member used for guiding the second metal block toward the first metal block is inserted, and the hole for the moving member is provided between the two guide holes. Claim 5 The invention described herein is a recording material processing device comprising: a first tooth used for binding a bundle of recording materials; a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the bundle of recording materials located between the first tooth and the second tooth; a first metal block supporting the first tooth; and a second metal block supporting the second tooth, wherein the first metal block is provided with a hole for a moving member through which a moving member used for moving the second metal block toward the first metal block passes, and at least two guide holes into which a guide member used for guiding the second metal block toward the first metal block is inserted, and the hole for the moving member is provided between the two guide holes. Claim 6 The invention described herein comprises an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a recording material processing apparatus for performing a binding process on a bundle of recording materials consisting of a plurality of recording materials on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording material processing apparatus is as described in claim 1 to 5This is an image forming system configured with a recording material processing device as described in any of the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] Claim 1 According to this invention, compared to the case where the teeth are supported by sheet metal, the binding process to the recording material bundle can be stabilized, and the position of the second metal block relative to the guided member can be adjusted. Claim 2 According to this invention, compared to the case where the teeth are supported by sheet metal, the binding process for the recording material bundle can be stabilized, and compared to a configuration where a curved surface and a flat surface face each other, displacement of the second metal block relative to the guided member can be made less likely. Claim 3 According to this invention, compared to the case where the plane provided on the guided member and the plane provided on the second metal block are arranged along the direction from one end to the other end of the second metal block, displacement of the second metal block relative to the guided member can be made less likely. Claim 4 According to this invention, compared to the case where the teeth are supported by sheet metal, the binding process for the recording material bundle can be stabilized, and compared to the case where the hole for the moving member is provided at a location outside the space between the two guide holes, the movement of the second metal block by the moving member used to move the second metal block toward the first metal block can be stabilized. Claim 5 According to this invention, compared to the case where the teeth are supported by sheet metal, the binding process for the recording material bundle can be stabilized, and compared to the case where the hole for the moving member is provided at a location outside the space between the two guide holes, the movement of the second metal block by the moving member used to move the second metal block toward the first metal block can be stabilized. Claim 6 According to this invention, the binding process for the recording material bundle can be stabilized compared to the case where the teeth are supported by sheet metal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first post-processing device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram when looking at the paper stacking unit from above. [Figure 4] It is a diagram when looking at the second binding processing device from the direction indicated by arrow IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram when looking at the second binding processing device from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the second binding processing device. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the second binding processing device along line VII-VII in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the cross-section of the second binding processing device along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the second binding processing device. [Figure 10] It is another configuration example of the second binding processing device, and is a diagram when looking at the interlocking part etc. from the direction indicated by arrow X in FIG. 5. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the second binding processing device. [Figure 12] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the screw member. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the second binding processing device. [Figure 14] (A) and (B) are perspective views of the upper support member provided in the second binding processing device. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the lower support member. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view when looking at the second binding processing device from below, showing the state of the second binding processing device with the large-diameter gear removed. [Figure 17] It is a diagram when looking at the through-hole and the rod-shaped member inserted into this through-hole from the direction indicated by arrow XVII in FIG. 14. [Figure 18]Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII. [Figure 19] This figure shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device. [Figure 20] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the second binding processing device, etc., viewed from above. [Figure 21] This figure shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a sheet of paper P, which is an example of a recording material, and a paper processing apparatus 3 that performs predetermined processing on the sheet of paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. Here, the image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on the paper P using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0009] As an example of a recording material processing apparatus, the paper processing apparatus 3 is equipped with a transport device 10 that transports the paper P output from the image forming apparatus 2 to the downstream side, and a paper supply device 20 that supplies interleaving paper such as cardboard or windowed paper P to the paper P transported by the transport device 10. Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a folding device 30 that performs folding processes such as inward tri-fold (C-fold) or outward tri-fold (Z-fold) on the paper P transported from the transport device 10.

[0010] Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a first post-processing device 40 located downstream of the folding device 30, which performs functions such as punching holes, edge binding, and saddle stitching on the paper P. Furthermore, downstream of the folding device 30, there is a first post-processing device 40 that performs processing on a stack of multiple sheets of paper P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2 (an example of a recording material stack), or performs processing on each individual sheet of paper P.

[0011] Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a second post-processing device 590 located downstream of the first post-processing device 40, which performs further processing on folded and saddle-stitched paper stacks. Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a control unit 100, which consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs and controls the entire paper processing device 3.

[0012] The first post-processing device 40 is equipped with a punching unit 41 for punching holes in the paper P and an edge-stapling stapler unit 42 for binding the ends of the stack of paper. Furthermore, there is a first loading section 43 where paper P that has gone through the edge-stapling unit 42 is loaded, and a second loading section 45 where paper P that has not been processed by the first post-processing device 40 or paper P that has only been punched is loaded. Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 is equipped with a saddle-stitching unit 44 that folds and saddle-stitches the stack of paper to produce a booklet in a spread-out shape.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first post-processing device 40. The first post-processing device 40 is provided with a receiving port 49 for receiving the paper P that has been transported from the folding device 30. A punching unit 41 is provided immediately after the receiving port 49. The punching unit 41 punches holes (such as two holes or four holes) in the paper P that has been transported to the first post-processing device 40.

[0014] Furthermore, a first paper transport path R11 is provided, extending from the receiving port 49 to the edge-stapling unit 42, and used to transport the paper P received at the receiving port 49 to the edge-stapling unit 42. Furthermore, at the first branching section B1, a second paper transport path R12 is provided, which branches off from the first paper transport path R11 and is used to transport the paper P to the second loading section 45.

[0015] Furthermore, at the second branching section B2, a third paper transport path R13 is provided, which branches off from the first paper transport path R11 and is used to transport the paper P to the saddle-stitching unit 44. Furthermore, a switching gate 70 is provided to switch (set) the destination of the paper P to one of the first paper transport path R11 to the third paper transport path R13.

[0016] The edge-stapling stapler unit 42 is provided with a paper stacking unit 60 that collects the required number of sheets of paper P to generate a paper stack. The paper stacking section 60 is provided with a support plate 67 that is positioned at an angle to the horizontal direction and supports the transported paper P from below. In this embodiment, a stack of paper is formed on this support plate 67.

[0017] Furthermore, the edge stapling unit 42 is equipped with a stapling processing device 50 that performs stapling (edge ​​stapling) on ​​the edges of the stack of paper generated in the paper stacking unit 60. In this embodiment, as will be described later, two binding processing devices 50 are provided: a first binding processing device 51 that performs binding using staples, and a second binding processing device 52 that performs binding without using staples.

[0018] Furthermore, the edge-stapling stapler unit 42 is equipped with a transport roll 61 that is driven to rotate and feed the stack of paper generated in the paper stacking unit 60 to the first stacking unit 43. Furthermore, a movable roll 62 is provided that can move to a position retracted from the conveyor roll 61 and to a position in contact with the conveyor roll 61.

[0019] When processing is carried out by the edge-stapling stapler unit 42, the transported paper P is first received at the receiving port 49. Subsequently, the paper P is transported along the first paper transport path R11 and reaches the edge stapling unit 42. The paper P is then transported to the top of the support plate 67 and falls onto the support plate 67. The paper P is supported from below by the support plate 67 and slides along the support plate 67 due to the inclination and rotation member 63 provided to the support plate 67.

[0020] Subsequently, the paper P abuts against an end guide 64 attached to the end of the support plate 67. In addition, in this embodiment, an end guide 64 is provided on the end of the support plate 67, extending upward in the figure, and the paper P, moving along the support plate 67, abuts against this end guide 64. As a result, in this embodiment, the movement of the paper P is stopped. Thereafter, this operation is performed each time paper P is transported from the upstream side, and a stack of aligned paper P is generated on the support plate 67.

[0021] In this embodiment, a paper width alignment member 65 is further provided to align the positions of the paper stack in the width direction. In this embodiment, each time a sheet of paper P is supplied onto the support plate 67, the edges (sides) of the paper P in the width direction are pressed by the paper width alignment member 65, and the positions of the paper P (paper stack) in the width direction are also aligned.

[0022] When a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are stacked on the support plate 67, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 perform binding on the ends of the stack of paper. The first stapling device 51 performs stapling by driving metal staples (U-shaped needles) into the stack of paper. The second stapling device 52 performs stapling by clamping the stack of paper with two stapling teeth and pressing the sheets of paper in the stack together.

[0023] Subsequently, in this embodiment, the movable roll 62 advances toward the transport roll 61, and the stack of paper is sandwiched between the movable roll 62 and the transport roll 61. Then, the transport roll 61 rotates, and the stack of paper is transported to the first loading section 43. The first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 are provided so as to be movable toward the back and front sides of the paper in the figure, and in this embodiment, binding processing can be performed on the paper P at multiple locations.

[0024] Referring to Figure 3 (a view of the paper stacking unit 60 from above), further explanation is given. In this embodiment, as described above, a first binding processing device 51 and a second binding processing device 52 are provided. The first binding processing device 51 and the second binding processing device 52 are arranged such that their positions in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40 are different from each other.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 move along the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40, which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P (paper stack). In addition, in this embodiment, the first binding processing device 51 and the second binding processing device 52 move along a single common path. In this embodiment, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 are movable, allowing binding to be performed at multiple locations on the stack of paper.

[0026] Here, the first binding processing device 51 and the second binding processing device 52 each stop at two points (positions (A) and (B) in Figure 3) that are located at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40, and perform binding processing (two-point edge binding processing) at these two points. Furthermore, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 each stop, for example, at one end of the stack of paper (one corner of the stack of paper) (position (D) in Figure 3), and perform binding (single-point binding) at this stopping position.

[0027] Furthermore, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 each stop, for example, at the other end of the stack of paper (the other corner of the stack of paper) (position (C) in Figure 3), and perform binding (single-point binding) at this stopping position. In this embodiment, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 move linearly between position (A) and position (B), but between position (A) and position (C), and between position (B) and position (D), the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 move with a rotation of, for example, 45°.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, multiple end guides 64 are provided. These end guides 64 are positioned at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40 (a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction of the paper P). Furthermore, each of the end guides 64 has a regulating portion 641 and an opposing piece 642, as shown in Figure 3.

[0029] The restricting portion 641 is positioned perpendicular to the support plate 67, and in this embodiment, the edge of the paper P abuts against this restricting portion 641, thereby restricting the movement of the paper P. The opposing piece 642 is connected to the regulating portion 641 and is positioned to face the support plate 67. In this embodiment, when the paper P is placed on the support plate 67, the edge of the paper P fits between the opposing piece 642 and the support plate 67. Furthermore, the edge of the paper P abuts against the regulating portion 641. This aligns the paper P.

[0030] When the binding process is performed at position (A) in Figure 3, the binding process is carried out through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642 located in the center (center in the vertical direction) of Figure 3 and the opposing piece 642 located at the bottom of the figure. Furthermore, when the binding process is performed at position (B) in Figure 3, the binding process is carried out through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642 located at the top of the figure and the opposing piece 642 located in the center of the figure.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the second binding device 52 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows the second binding device 52 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow V in Figure 4. In addition, Figure 5 shows the second binding device 52 as viewed from the front. In Figure 4, the direction indicated by arrow 4A will be referred to as the width direction of the second binding device 52, and the direction indicated by arrow 4B will be referred to as the depth direction of the second binding device 52. The direction indicated by arrow 4C will be referred to as the height direction of the second binding device 52. Furthermore, in this specification, the direction indicated by arrow 4R in the figure is referred to as the rear direction or rear side, and the direction indicated by arrow 4F in the figure is referred to as the front direction or front side.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the second binding device 52 is equipped with first binding teeth 71 used for binding a paper bundle T (see Figure 5), which is an example of a recording material bundle. Above the first binding teeth 71, a second binding tooth 72 is provided. Each of the first prosthetic tooth 71, which is an example of a first tooth, and the second prosthetic tooth 72, which is an example of a second tooth, is provided with a recessed or recessed portion.

[0033] The surface of the first prosthetic tooth 71 that is located on the side of the second prosthetic tooth 72, and the surface of the second prosthetic tooth 72 that is located on the side of the first prosthetic tooth 71, are provided with an uneven surface in which convex and concave portions are arranged alternately in the direction indicated by arrow 4X in the figure. In other words, the surface of the first prosthesis tooth 71 that is located on the side of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and the surface of the second prosthesis tooth 72 that is located on the side of the first prosthesis tooth 71, are provided with convex and concave portions arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the fastening process is performed by the first fastening teeth 71 and the second fastening teeth 72, the second fastening teeth 72 advance toward the first fastening teeth 71. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the binding process is performed, the second binding tooth 72 descends along a linear path indicated by arrow 4Y in the figure (hereinafter referred to as "linear path 4Y") and moves toward the first binding tooth 71.

[0035] In this embodiment, the stack of paper T located between the first staple tooth 71 and the second staple tooth 72 is sandwiched and pressed by the first staple tooth 71 and the second staple tooth 72. In this embodiment, the protrusion on the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the recess on the second stabilizing tooth 72 face each other. Furthermore, a protrusion on one prosthesis tooth fits into a recess on the other prosthesis tooth. As a result, the sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack T are pressed together, and the paper P are bound. Subsequently, in this embodiment, the second binding teeth 72 move upward and retract from the first binding teeth 71.

[0036] In this embodiment, the case in which the protrusions and recesses of the first and second closure teeth 71 and 72 are arranged alternately was described as an example, but the protrusions and recesses may be arranged in other ways. Alternatively, for example, when the stack of paper T is pressed by the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72, a portion of the stack of paper T may be cut to form a strip-shaped piece, and through holes may be formed in the stack of paper T, and the strip-shaped piece may be passed through these through holes to perform the binding process. The method of stabilization using the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 is not particularly limited.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the second stapling processing device 52 is provided with a moving mechanism 500 as an example of a moving means for moving the second stapling teeth 72 toward the first stapling teeth 71. The moving mechanism 500 includes a rod-shaped screw member 510 extending vertically in the figure, and rotates this screw member 510 in the circumferential direction to move the second stapling tooth 72 toward the first stapling tooth 71.

[0038] The screw member 510 is made of metal. Furthermore, the screw member 510 is formed in a straight shape. Furthermore, spiral-shaped protrusions and grooves are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510. In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510 is provided with male threads in which protrusions and grooves are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the screw member 510. In the axial direction of the screw member 510, the protrusions and grooves are arranged alternately. Furthermore, the screw member 510 in this embodiment is a screw that conforms to the JIS standard. Furthermore, the type of screw member 510 is not particularly limited, but for example, a trapezoidal screw can be used. Also, the screw member 510 is not limited to being a screw on its own, but may be integrated with other functional members.

[0039] Furthermore, the screw member 510 is positioned along the linear path 4Y on which the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a multi-start screw is used as the screw member 510. More specifically, in this embodiment, a double-start screw is used as the screw member 510. In this embodiment, "multi-start screw" refers to a screw that has two or more helical threads within one pitch.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an interlocking part 600 is provided that moves in conjunction with the second stud tooth 72. In addition, a screw member 510 engages with this interlocking part 600. In other words, the screw member 510 is connected to the interlocking part 600. More specifically, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a female threaded portion 610, and the male threaded screw member 510 engages with the portion of the interlocking portion 600 that is provided with this female threaded portion 610.

[0041] The moving mechanism 500 rotates the screw member 510 that engages with the female screw portion 610 in the circumferential direction, thereby moving the second fastening tooth 72 toward the first fastening tooth 71. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the drive motor M, which will be described later, is rotated in the forward direction, the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction and in one direction. As a result, the interlocking part 600 and the second closure tooth 72 descend, and the second closure tooth 72 moves to the first closure tooth 71. This performs the closure process. In this embodiment, when the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction, the interlocking portion 600 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 move along the axial direction of the screw member 510.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, once the binding process is complete, the drive motor M reverses direction, causing the screw member 510 to rotate in the opposite direction. As a result, the interlocking part 600 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 rise. When the second prosthesis tooth 72 rises, the second prosthesis tooth 72 retracts from the first prosthesis tooth 71.

[0043] In addition to the screw member 510, the moving mechanism 500 is also provided with a drive motor M as an example of a drive source, as shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, a pinion gear (not shown) is provided below the drive motor M, connected to the output shaft of the drive motor M and positioned coaxially with the output shaft. A rotary gear (not shown) is also provided that meshes with and rotates with this pinion gear. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a large-diameter gear 520 is provided that meshes with this rotating gear and receives driving force from this rotating gear.

[0044] The large-diameter gear 520, which is an example of a rotating body, is arranged coaxially with the screw member 510. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower end of the screw member 510 is fixed to the large-diameter gear 520. Moreover, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the large-diameter gear 520 is larger than the outer diameter of the screw member 510. In this embodiment, the drive motor M rotates the large-diameter gear 520, and consequently, the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the large-diameter gear 520 receives the driving force transmitted to the screw member 510. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the large-diameter gear 520 to the screw member 510. As a result, the screw member 510 rotates around its axis. When the screw member 510 rotates around its axis, the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves forward and backward relative to the first stabilizing tooth 71.

[0046] The mechanism for moving the second stapling teeth 72 is not particularly limited, and other examples include a cam mechanism and a jack mechanism. In this embodiment, using a screw member 510 allows for miniaturization of the second stapling processing device 52. When using a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism, for example, one possible configuration is to install the cam mechanism or jack mechanism at the location indicated by reference numeral 4Z in Figure 4 (above the second binding processing device 52). In this embodiment, the interlocking part 600 is pressed from above by a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism to move the second stapling tooth 72.

[0047] However, in this case, it becomes difficult to increase the distance between the first stapling teeth 71 and the second stapling teeth 72 while suppressing the enlargement of the second stapling processing device 52. In this embodiment, the space between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 serves as a receiving section for receiving the stack of paper T. However, when using a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism, it is difficult to enlarge this receiving section while suppressing the enlargement of the second binding processing device 52.

[0048] When using a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism, increasing the size of the cam mechanism or jack mechanism increases the amount of movement of the second stapling tooth 72, making it possible to enlarge the receiving section. However, this leads to an increase in the size of the second stapling processing device 52. Furthermore, reducing the size of the receiving section can prevent the second binding processing device 52 from becoming larger, but in this case, the maximum number of sheets of paper P that can be bound will decrease.

[0049] In contrast, using the screw member 510 as in this embodiment suppresses the enlargement of the second binding processing device 52, and furthermore, the receiving section becomes larger. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, some components of the moving mechanism 500, such as the drive motor M and the screw member 510, are provided on the side of the linear path 4Y to which the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves. In this case, it becomes easier to reduce the height dimension of the second binding processing device 52 while ensuring the size of the receiving section.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the large-diameter gear 520 is arranged to extend in a direction that intersects with the linear path 4Y on which the second stapling teeth 72 move, which also reduces the height dimension of the second stapling device 52. In this embodiment, the direction in which the linear path 4Y extends and the radial direction of the large-diameter gear 520 intersect (are perpendicular). In this case, the height dimension of the second binding processing device 52 is smaller compared to the case where the large-diameter gear 520 is installed along the direction in which the linear path 4Y extends.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end guide 64 shown in Figure 3 is configured to allow the second binding processing device 52 to pass through. More specifically, in this embodiment, the maximum distance between the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 is greater than the height dimension of the end guide 64, and the end guide 64 passes through the receiving portion. As a result, the second stapling processing device 52 passes through the end guide 64.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a load-receiving member 620. In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 is provided with a female threaded portion 610. A load-receiving member 620, as an example of a load-receiving section, contacts the screw member 510 and receives a load from this screw member 510. Furthermore, the interlocking section 600 is provided with an upper support member 630 that supports the load-receiving member 620 and the second closure tooth 72.

[0053] Furthermore, the interlocking section 600 is provided with two rod-shaped members 640 that are attached to the upper support member 630 and extend downward. The interlocking section 600 is also provided with fixing members 650 for fixing each of the rod-shaped members 640 to the upper support member 630. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is provided as a left rod-shaped member 640L located on the left side in the figure and a right rod-shaped member 640R located on the right side in the figure. The left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R are each arranged to extend along the linear path 4Y.

[0054] The rod-shaped member 640 is used to guide the interlocking portion 600. The rod-shaped member 640 is also used to guide the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member 640 is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded member 510. More specifically, the outer diameters of the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R are each larger than the outer diameter of the threaded member 510.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640 are separate parts, and the rod-shaped member 640 is attached to the upper support member 630. However, the design is not limited to this; the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640 may be integrated, and the upper support member 630 may be given the function of the rod-shaped member 640.

[0056] The fixing member 650 is composed of a nut 652. A bolt portion 651 is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped member 640, which is located at the top in the figure, and the nut 652 is fixed to this bolt portion 651. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cylindrical rod-shaped member body 648 is provided in the portion of the rod-shaped member 640 that is located below the upper support member 630.

[0057] In this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is provided with a through hole 633 (see Figure 5), which is an example of a hole. In this embodiment, a rod-shaped member 640 is passed through this through hole 633. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the bolt portion 651 of the rod-shaped member 640 protrudes above the upper support member 630.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a nut 652 is attached to this bolt portion 651 which protrudes above the upper support member 630. In this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is sandwiched between the nut 652 attached to the bolt portion 651 and the rod-shaped member body 648 of the rod-shaped member 640. This fixes the rod-shaped member 640 to the upper support member 630.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the second closure teeth 72 are fixed to the upper support member 630. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second closure teeth 72 are fixed to one end 631 of the upper support member 630 located on the front side in the figure. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second stabilizing tooth 72 is fixed to the upper support member 630 by press-fitting. Furthermore, the second prosthetic tooth 72 may be fixed not only by press-fitting, but also by other methods such as bonding, welding, or fastening.

[0060] Furthermore, below the interlocking portion 600, a lower support member 700 is provided to support the first prosthesis tooth 71. In other words, below the upper support member 630, a lower support member 700 is provided to support the first prosthesis tooth 71. In this embodiment, the first stabilizing tooth 71 is fixed to the lower support member 700 by press-fitting. As described above, the first prosthetic tooth 71 may be fixed not only by press-fitting, but also by other methods such as bonding, welding, or fastening.

[0061] The lower support member 700 is provided with a tooth support portion 710 that extends in the width direction of the second stapling processing device 52 and supports the first stapling teeth 71 from below. Furthermore, the lower support member 700 is provided with a connecting portion 720 that is connected to each end of the tooth support portion 710 and extends from this end toward the rear side of the second stapling processing device 52. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the lower support member 700 is formed from a metal block, and the tooth support portion 710 and the connecting portion 720 are integrated.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a guide section 90 is provided to guide the second prosthesis tooth 72. This guide portion 90 is provided on the lower support member 700. Furthermore, this guide portion 90 is arranged along the linear path 4Y on which the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves. In this embodiment, as described above, a rod-shaped member 640 is provided, and the guide portion 90 guides the second prosthesis tooth 72 by guiding this rod-shaped member 640.

[0063] More specifically, in this embodiment, the lower support member 700 is provided with a hole 91 that extends along a linear path 4Y. In this embodiment, the guide portion 90 is formed by the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole portion 91. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91 is used to guide the rod-shaped member 640, which is an example of a guided portion.

[0064] In this embodiment, a cylindrical member 198 (see Figure 13) is placed inside each of the holes 91, and the inner circumferential surface 91A (see Figure 5) of the holes 91 guides the rod-shaped member 640 via this cylindrical member 198. However, the arrangement is not limited to this; the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91 may be in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped member 640 without installing the cylindrical member 198. The phrase "the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91 guides the rod-shaped member 640" is not limited to a configuration in which the inner circumferential surface 91A directly contacts the rod-shaped member 640 and guides it, but also includes a configuration in which the inner circumferential surface 91A guides the rod-shaped member 640 via another member such as the cylindrical member 198.

[0065] In this embodiment, multiple guide portions 90 and rod-shaped members 640, which are the guided portions, are provided. Specifically, in this embodiment, two guide portions 90 and two rod-shaped members 640 are provided. In this embodiment, two guided sections and two guided sections are provided, but the number of guided sections and guided sections is not limited to this; there may be one or three or more.

[0066] The hole 91 has a circular cross-section. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is made of, for example, a cylindrical member with a diameter of 10 mm or more. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the hole 91 and the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped member 640 are not limited to circular shapes, but may be elliptical, polygonal, or other shapes other than circular. In this embodiment, a cylindrical rod-shaped member 640, which constitutes a part of the interlocking portion 600 (see Figure 4), is inserted into the hole 91, and the rod-shaped member 640 is guided by the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91.

[0067] In this embodiment, the guide portion 90 is composed of a hole portion 91, which is an example of a hole provided in the lower support member 700. More specifically, the guide portion 90 is composed of the inner surface of the hole portion 91 provided in the lower support member 700. The guide portion 90 uses the inner surface of the hole portion 91 to guide the outer surface of the rod-shaped member 640.

[0068] The rod-shaped member 640 (see Figure 4), which is an example of the guided portion and rod-shaped portion, extends along the vertical direction, which is the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600. In other words, the rod-shaped member 640 extends along the movement path of the interlocking portion 600. Furthermore, the rod-shaped member 640 extends downstream in the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600, starting from the connection point with the upper support member 630. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole 91 (see Figure 5) provided in the lower support member 700, which functions as a guide, also extends along the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600.

[0069] In Figures 4 and 5, the guide portion is formed by the inner surface of the hole, and the guided portion is formed by a rod-shaped portion that contacts the inner surface of the hole. However, the design is not limited to this configuration, and as will be described later, the guided portion may be formed by the inner surface of the hole, and the guide portion may be formed by a rod-shaped portion that contacts the inner surface of the hole. Furthermore, the hole 91 (see Figure 5) provided in the lower support member 700 may be provided in a state where it penetrates the lower support member 700. However, it is not limited to this, and the hole 91 may not penetrate the lower support member 700, but may have a bottom.

[0070] In this embodiment, as the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the contact area between the guide portion 90 (see Figure 5) and the rod-shaped member 640 which is the guided portion increases. More specifically, in this embodiment, as the second closure tooth 72 moves toward the first closure tooth 71, the amount of penetration of the rod-shaped member 640 into the hole 91 increases, and the contact area between the guide portion 90 and the rod-shaped member 640 increases. In other words, in this embodiment, as the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the area of ​​the region where the guide portion 90 and the rod-shaped member 640 overlap increases.

[0071] Figure 6 shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device 52. Figure 6 illustrates a case where the guided portion is formed by the inner surface of the hole, and the guide portion is formed by a rod-shaped portion that contacts the inner surface of the hole. In this configuration example, a hole 93 extending along a linear path 4Y is provided on the side of the interlocking portion 600 that is linked to the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this configuration example, a rod-shaped member 640 is provided on the lower support member 700 side, which enters the hole 93 and extends along the linear path 4Y. The rod-shaped member 640 is fixed to the lower support member 700.

[0072] In this configuration example, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped member 640 becomes the guide portion 90, and this outer circumferential surface is used to guide the interlocking portion 600. In this configuration example, the guided portion is formed by the inner surface of a hole 93 that extends along the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600. In this configuration example, the guide portion is composed of a rod-shaped member 640 that extends along the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600 and contacts the inner surface of the hole portion 93.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment (as shown in Figures 4 and 5), the movement of the screw member 510 relative to the interlocking portion 600 is such that the screw member 510 can move in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction in which the screw member 510 extends. Specifically, in this embodiment, the movement of the screw member 510 relative to the interlocking portion 600 is such that the screw member 510 can move in the direction indicated by arrow 4A in Figure 4. In other words, the screw member 510 of the second binding processing device 52 can move in the width direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 4A. More specifically, in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 is configured to move relative to the upper support member 630, thereby enabling the load-receiving member 620 to move in the width direction of the second binding processing device 52. In other words, in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can move relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640, which constitute part of the interlocking section 600.

[0075] In this way, by allowing the load-receiving member 620 to move relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640, the screw member 510 can be moved relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640. More specifically, the screw member 510 can be moved relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640, and the screw member 510 can be moved in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction in which it extends. In other words, the screw member 510 can be moved radially.

[0076] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second binding device 52 along the line VII-VII in Figure 4, showing the upper portion of the second binding device 52. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a through hole 620A is formed in the load-receiving member 620, and a fixing screw 95 used to fix the load-receiving member 620 to the upper support member 630 is passed through this through hole 620A. A gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 620A and the fixing screw 95. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the fixing screw 95 located inside the through hole 620A does not have a threaded portion.

[0077] Furthermore, the thickness of the load-receiving member 620 is smaller than the distance between the head 95A of the fixing screw 95 and the upper surface 630E of the upper support member 630. As a result, in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can be moved relative to the upper support member 630, specifically in the direction indicated by arrow 7A in the figure. In this case, the screw member 510 (not shown in Figure 7) can be moved relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640. In other words, the movement of the screw member 510 relative to the interlocking part 600 (see Figure 4) allows for the movement of the screw member 510 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the screw member 510 extends.

[0078] Here, for example, we assume a configuration in which the screw member 510 cannot move relative to the interlocking part 600, and also assume a state in which the screw member 510 is inclined with respect to the linear path 4Y (see Figure 4). In this case, when the second prosthesis tooth 72 advances toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward a position different from its intended position. In this case, the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 relative to the first prosthesis tooth 71 is shifted from the originally intended position. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the screw member 510 is movable, the inclination of the screw member 510 with respect to the linear path 4Y becomes smaller, and the displacement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 with respect to the first prosthesis tooth 71 becomes smaller.

[0079] Furthermore, if the screw member 510 is not able to move relative to the interlocking part 600, and the screw member 510 is inclined with respect to the linear path 4Y, the second stapling tooth 72 may stop while it is moving toward the first stapling tooth 71, making stapling impossible. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the screw member 510 is movable, the inclination of the screw member 510 with respect to the linear path 4Y becomes smaller, making it less likely for problems such as the second stabilizing tooth 72 stopping midway to occur.

[0080] In this embodiment, the part indicated by reference numeral 7F in Figure 7 is the guided part guided by the guide part 90 (see Figure 5), and in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can move relative to this guided part. More specifically, the load-receiving member 620 is capable of moving relative to the guided portion in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the axial direction of the screw member 510 (not shown in Figure 7).

[0081] The interlocking portion 600 includes a load-receiving member 620 as an example of a load-receiving portion that contacts the screw member 510 and receives a load from the screw member 510, and a rod-shaped member 640 as an example of a guided portion that is guided by the guide portion 90. In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620, which is an example of a load-receiving part, can be moved relative to the rod-shaped member 640. As in this embodiment, if the load-receiving member 620 can move relative to the rod-shaped member 640, as described above, the displacement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 relative to the first prosthesis tooth 71 becomes smaller, and problems such as the second prosthesis tooth 72 stopping midway become less likely to occur.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, the load-bearing member 620 has a T-shaped cross-section. More specifically, the load-receiving member 620 comprises a disc-shaped large-diameter portion 621 located at the top in the figure, and a small-diameter portion 622 located below the large-diameter portion 621. The large-diameter section 621 and the small-diameter section 622 are arranged coaxially. Furthermore, the lower end of the large-diameter section 621 and the upper end of the small-diameter section 622 are connected.

[0083] A female threaded portion 610 is provided on the central axis of the load-bearing member 620. The female threaded portion 610 is cylindrical, and in this embodiment, a rod-shaped screw member 510 (see Figure 4) is passed through this female threaded portion 610. In other words, in this embodiment, the female threaded portion 610 and the screw member 510 interlock and connect with each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal length L1 of the second stabilizing tooth 72 (see Figure 5) is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the large diameter portion 621 (see Figure 7).

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when comparing the radial positions of the large-diameter portion 621, the second stabilizing tooth 72 (see Figure 5) is located on the other end 621B side of the large-diameter portion 621 than on the other end 621A (see Figure 7). Furthermore, the second stabilizing tooth 72 is located on the side of the one end 621A of the large-diameter portion 621, rather than on the other end 621B. In other words, in this embodiment, when the second stapling device 52 is viewed from the front (when the second stapling device 52 is viewed from the side where the receiving portion is provided), the second stapling teeth 72 are located between one end 621A and the other end 621B of the large diameter portion 621.

[0085] In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 is pulled downward by the screw member 510, and consequently, the portion of the upper support member 630 indicated by reference numeral 7X in Figure 7 is uniformly pressed from above by the load-receiving member 620. In this case, the portion of the upper support member 630 that is uniformly pressed moves downward while generally maintaining a shape that extends laterally and linearly. On the other hand, the side portions of the upper support member 630 located on both sides of this pressing portion (indicated by reference numeral 7Y in Figure 7) tend to tilt with respect to the horizontal direction, as indicated by reference numeral 7Z.

[0086] In this case, for example, if the longitudinal dimension of the second prosthesis tooth 72 is large and a part of the second prosthesis tooth 72 extends to the side portion (the portion indicated by reference numeral 7Y), the second prosthesis tooth 72 is prone to distortion. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the second closure tooth 72 does not reach the side portion and is positioned between one end 621A and the other end 621B of the large diameter portion 621, distortion of the second closure tooth 72 becomes less likely.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 relative to the guide portion 90 (see Figure 5) is such that the second prosthesis tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 90 extends. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second stabilizing tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction indicated by arrow 5X (see Figure 5), which is the direction in which the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91 extends. In addition, in this embodiment, the second prosthesis tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction of advancement and retraction of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 5Y in Figure 5. More specifically, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is movable relative to the rod-shaped member 640, and the upper support member 630 is also movable in the direction indicated by arrow 5Y. In other words, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 can move along the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0089] In this embodiment, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves in the longitudinal direction by moving the upper support member 630 relative to the rod-shaped member 640. In addition, in this embodiment, when the upper support member 630 is moved relative to the rod-shaped member 640, the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 90 extends (indicated by arrow 5X in the figure).

[0090] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a bolt portion 651 is provided at the upper end of the rod-shaped member 640. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a through hole 633 is formed in the upper support member 630 through which the bolt portion 651 passes. This through hole 633 is a so-called elongated hole and is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second stabilizing tooth 72.

[0091] As a result, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 can move relative to the rod-shaped member 640, and the second closure tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rod-shaped member 640 extends. In other words, the second closure tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 90 extends. More specifically, the second prosthesis tooth 72 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 5Y in Figure 5.

[0092] In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is released from the bolt portion 651 and nut 652 that secure it to the upper support member 630, and then the upper support member 630 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the second stud teeth 72. This alters the positional relationship between the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72. In addition, the relative position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 with respect to the first prosthesis tooth 71 is adjusted. In this embodiment, once the position of the second closure tooth 72 has been adjusted, the nut 652 is tightened onto the bolt portion 651, and the rod-shaped member 640 is fixed to the upper support member 630.

[0093] In this embodiment, the configuration described is such that the upper support member 630 moves along the longitudinal direction of the second stapling tooth 72. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the upper support member 630 may move in both the longitudinal direction of the second stapling tooth 72 and in a direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in order to allow the upper support member 630 to move in both the longitudinal direction and the perpendicular direction, for example, the through hole 633 formed in the upper support member 630 may be formed as a round hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the bolt portion 651. As a result, the upper support member 630 moves in both the longitudinal direction and the perpendicular direction.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the drive motor M is housed between one end 511 and the other end 512 in the axial direction of the screw member 510. In other words, in this embodiment, the drive motor M is located to the side of the screw member 510. As a result, in this embodiment, the size of the second fastening device 52 in the direction in which the screw member 510 extends, in other words, in the direction in which the second fastening tooth 72 moves forward and backward, is reduced.

[0095] Here, if the drive motor M is located, for example, at the location indicated by the reference numeral 5S in Figure 5, it tends to lead to an increase in the size of the second binding processing device 52. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the drive motor M is located to the side of the screw member 510, the size increase of the second binding processing device 52 is suppressed.

[0096] In this embodiment, all or most of the drive motor M is housed between one end 511 and the other end 512 in the axial direction of the screw member 510. Furthermore, the drive motor M may be configured such that at least a portion of it is positioned on the other end 512 side of the screw member 510 in the axial direction, and on the one end 511 side of the other end 512. In this case, the second binding processing device 52 can be made smaller compared to a configuration in which the drive motor M is not located at all between one end 511 and the other end 512.

[0097] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the second stapling device 52 along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 5. The moving mechanism 500 of this embodiment (see Figure 4) applies a load to a specific location of the interlocking part 600 to move the second prosthesis tooth 72 toward the first prosthesis tooth 71. More specifically, the moving mechanism 500 applies a load to a specific location in the interlocking portion 600 indicated by reference numeral 8A (see Figure 8) (hereinafter referred to as the "load application location 8A"), thereby moving the second prosthesis tooth 72 toward the first prosthesis tooth 71.

[0098] More specifically, in this embodiment, the load application location 8A is the location where the female screw portion 610 is provided. In this embodiment, a load is applied to this location where the female screw portion 610 is provided to move the interlocking portion 600 and move the second stapling tooth 72 toward the first stapling tooth 71. In this embodiment, the guide portion 90 (the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole portion 91) is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A. Furthermore, "located on the closer side" does not mean that all parts of the guide portion 90 are located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than to the load application point 8A.

[0099] In this embodiment, the rear portion 90B of the guide portion 90, which is located at the rearmost position, is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the rear portion 8X of the load application point 8A, which is located at the rearmost position. Thus, when comparing the parts located furthest to the rear, if the rear portion 90B of the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the rear portion 8X of the load application point 8A, then it can be said that the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A.

[0100] The guide section 90 guides the second prosthesis tooth 72 by providing guidance to the portion of the interlocking section 600 that is linked to the second prosthesis tooth 72, which is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A. More specifically, the guide portion 90 guides the rod-shaped member 640, which is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A, and thereby guides the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual plane H1 that passes through the load application point 8A and the second prosthesis tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y (see Figure 5), guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1. More specifically, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual plane H1 that passes through the central part C1 of the load application point 8A and the central part C2 in the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y, guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1.

[0102] In other words, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual plane H1 that passes through the axial center 510R of the screw member 510 and the central part C2 in the longitudinal direction of the second stabilizing tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y, guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each guide portion 90 provided in these two regions R1 and R2 is positioned closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than to the load application point 8A.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the second binding teeth 72 are pressed against the stack of paper T, the reaction force causes the second binding teeth 72 to be pressed upward, and one end 631 of the upper support member 630 moves upward. In this case, as in this embodiment, if each of the guide portions 90 is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than to the load application point 8A, upward movement of one end portion 631 of the upper support member 630 becomes less likely.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual line LX that passes through the axial center 610R of the female screw portion 610 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the second stapling tooth 72, the guide portion 90 is located at a point outside of this virtual line LX. More specifically, the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the second stapling device 52 when viewed from above. In this view, the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second stapling teeth 72 than the dashed line LX.

[0105] "The guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX" means that when the guide portion 90 is projected onto the plane H8, the central portion 90C of the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX when the virtual line LX is projected onto the plane H8. Here, plane H8 is a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second prosthetic tooth 72. In this embodiment, when the guide portion 90 and the virtual line LX are projected onto the plane H8 (when projected in a direction perpendicular to the plane H8), the central portion 90C of the guide portion 90 (the central portion in the direction in which the plane H8 extends) is located on the second prosthetic tooth 72 side of the virtual line LX.

[0106] The statement that the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX does not mean that the entire portion of the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX. As described above, if the central part 90C of the guide portion 90 is located on the side of the second prosthetic tooth 72 that is closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX, then the guide portion 90 is located on the side of the virtual line LX that is closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72.

[0107] In this case, compared to the case where the guide portion 90 is located on the virtual line LX, upward movement of one end portion 631 of the upper support member 630 becomes less likely. In other words, compared to the case where the position of the virtual line LX and the position of the central part 90C of the guide part 90 are aligned, upward movement of one end 631 of the upper support member 630 becomes less likely. In this case, when the binding process is performed, the second binding teeth 72 are less likely to move upward, and a greater load is applied to the stack of paper T.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portions 90 provided in each of the two regions R1 and R2 are arranged on a common straight line LK that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72. In addition, the guide portions 90 provided in each of the two regions R1 and R2 are positioned on a straight line LK that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second stud tooth 72 and passes through a location other than the axial center 610R of the female screw portion 610.

[0109] "The guide portion 90 is positioned on the straight line LK" means that when the guide portion 90 and the straight line LK are projected onto the plane H8 (projected in a direction perpendicular to the plane H8), the position of the central portion 90C of the guide portion 90 (the central portion in the direction in which the plane H8 extends) coincides with the position of the straight line LK.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance L11 between the guide portion 90 provided in one of the two regions R1 and R2, region R1, and the distance L21 between the guide portion 90 provided in the other region R2 and the plane H1 are equal. In addition, in this embodiment, the distance L11 between one of the two guides 90, which are arranged on a common straight line LK, and the plane H1 is equal to the distance L21 between the other guide 90 and the plane H1.

[0111] More specifically, we consider the case where plane H1, one guide portion 90, and the other guide portion 90 are projected onto plane H15, which extends along the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72 (i.e., projected in a direction perpendicular to plane H15). In this embodiment, the distance L11 between the central part C11 of one guide portion 90 (the central part in the direction in which the plane H15 extends) and the plane H1 is equal to the distance L21 between the central part C21 of the other guide portion 90 (the central part in the direction in which the plane H15 extends) and the plane H1.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the female thread portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600, which is the contact portion that contacts the threaded member 510, is located on the right side of the right rod-shaped member 640R in the figure, which is an example of the second guided portion, rather than on the left side of the left rod-shaped member 640L in the figure, which is an example of the first guided portion. Furthermore, this female thread portion 610 is located on the left side of the diagram, closer to the left-side rod-shaped member 640L, than to the right-side rod-shaped member 640R on the right side of the diagram.

[0113] In this embodiment, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a left rod-shaped member 640L and a right rod-shaped member 640R, which are guided by the guide portion 90. In this embodiment, the female screw portion 610, which is an example of a contact portion, is located on the side of the right rod-shaped member 640R relative to the left rod-shaped member 640L, and on the side of the left rod-shaped member 640L relative to the right rod-shaped member 640R. In this embodiment, the female thread portion 610 can be considered as a load-receiving portion that receives the load from the threaded member 510. In this embodiment, this load-receiving portion is located on the right rod-shaped member 640R side of the left rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left rod-shaped member 640L side of the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0114] More specifically, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, and the female threaded portion 610 are projected onto a plane H15. In this case, on this plane H15, the female thread portion 610 is located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R.

[0115] The statement "the female thread portion 610 is located on the right rod-shaped member 640R side of the left rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left rod-shaped member 640L side of the right rod-shaped member 640R" is not limited to the state in which the female thread portion 610 is located in the region sandwiched between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. As shown in Figure 9, which will be described later, a configuration in which the female thread portion 610 is located outside the area sandwiched between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R is also conceivable. Even in this configuration shown in Figure 9, the female thread portion 610 is located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R.

[0116] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the load-receiving member 620 of the interlocking portion 600 (see Figure 8), the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71. More specifically, when a load is applied to the female threaded portion 610 provided on the load-receiving member 620, the second stapling tooth 72 moves toward the first stapling tooth 71. In this embodiment, the first and second closure teeth 71 and 72 are also located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R.

[0117] Furthermore, as described above, the statement that "the first prosthetic tooth 71 and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are located on the right-side rod-shaped member 640R side of the left-side rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left-side rod-shaped member 640L side of the right-side rod-shaped member 640R" is not limited to the state in which the first prosthetic tooth 71 and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are located in the region sandwiched between the left-side rod-shaped member 640L and the right-side rod-shaped member 640R. As shown in Figure 8, even if the first prosthetic tooth 71 (not shown in Figure 8) and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are located outside the area sandwiched between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R, it can still be said that the first prosthetic tooth 71 and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are located closer to the right rod-shaped member 640R than the left rod-shaped member 640L, and closer to the left rod-shaped member 640L than the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0118] Figure 9 shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device 52. In this configuration example, multiple guide sections 90 are provided, similar to the above. Furthermore, in this configuration example, the second prosthesis tooth 72 is positioned between one of the multiple guide sections 90 (hereinafter referred to as "guide section 90E") and another guide section 90 (hereinafter referred to as "guide section 90F").

[0119] Figure 9 shows the state of the multiple guides 90 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 as viewed from the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72. In Figure 9, the second prosthesis tooth 72 is positioned between one guide portion 90E and another guide portion 90F, which are included in the multiple guide portions 90.

[0120] Here, "located in between" means that when one guide portion 90E, the other guide portion 90F, and the second prosthesis tooth 72 are projected onto a plane 9A that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72 (when projected in a direction perpendicular to the plane 9A), there is a state in which the three of them overlap.

[0121] Furthermore, in this configuration example shown in Figure 9, as described above, if we assume a virtual plane H1 that passes through the load application point 8A and the second prosthesis tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y, then guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1. Furthermore, in this configuration example, the distance L31 between one guide portion 90E provided in one region R1 and the plane H1 is equal to the distance L32 between the other guide portion 90F provided in the other region R2 and the plane H1. Furthermore, in this configuration example, as described above, the second stabilizing tooth 72 is positioned between one guide portion 90E and the other guide portion 90F.

[0122] In this configuration example, where the second binding tooth 72 is located between one guide portion 90E and the other guide portion 90F, a larger load can be applied to the paper stack T. More specifically, in this configuration example, compared to the case where the second stapling tooth 72 is located outside the space between one guide portion 90E and the other guide portion 90F, the second stapling tooth 72 is less likely to move upward, allowing a greater load to be applied to the paper stack T.

[0123] Here, when performing the binding process at the binding positions shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), it is preferable to have a configuration in which the rod-shaped members 640 and guide portions 90 are not provided on either side of the second binding teeth 72, as shown in the example configuration in Figure 8. More specifically, in order to avoid interference between the rod-shaped member 640 and the paper stack T, it is preferable that the rod-shaped member 640 and the guide portion 90 are not provided on either side of the second binding tooth 72. In contrast, for example, in the second binding device 52 that binds only the corners of the paper stack T, the paper stack T can be bound even if the second binding teeth 72 are located between one guide section 90E and the other guide section 90F, as shown in Figure 9.

[0124] In addition, the guide portion 90 may be provided on the opposite side from the side where the second prosthesis tooth 72 is located, with the load application point 8A (see Figure 8) in between. In this embodiment, as described above, the second binding teeth 72 receive a reaction force from the paper stack T, causing one end 631 of the upper support member 630 to move upward. In this case, the other end 634 (see Figure 8) of the upper support member 630 moves downward.

[0125] If the guide portion 90 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the second prosthesis tooth 72 is located, with the load application point 8A in between, the downward movement of the other end 634 of the upper support member 630 is restricted. As a result, in this case as well, the upward movement of one end 631 of the upper support member 630 is restricted. In this case as well, the second stapling tooth 72 is less likely to move upward, allowing a greater load to be applied to the paper stack T.

[0126] Figure 10 shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device 52, and is a view of the interlocking part 600 etc. from the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 5. In Figure 10, the interlocking part 600, screw member 510 etc. are shown, and the illustration of other components is omitted. In this configuration example shown in Figure 10, a restricting unit 900 is provided to restrict the movement of the interlocking unit 600. This restricting section 900 restricts the movement of the interlocking section 600 on the side opposite to the side where the second prosthesis tooth 72 is located, with the load application point 8A in between.

[0127] More specifically, the restricting portion 900 contacts the other end 634 of the upper support member 630, which is located on the opposite side of the one end 631, the end on which the second stapling tooth 72 is provided, and restricts the downward movement of this other end 634. In this embodiment, as described above, the second binding teeth 72 receive a reaction force from the paper stack T, and consequently, the other end 634 of the upper support member 630 moves downward. The restricting part 900 restricts this downward movement of the other end 634.

[0128] As a result, in this case as well, the second stapling tooth 72 is less likely to move upward, and a greater load can be applied to the paper stack T. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 900 is composed of a rotating body and restricts the downward movement of the other end portion 634 while allowing it to move downward. The restricting portion 900 is not limited to this; for example, it may be formed to extend vertically and have an inclined surface that approaches the other end 634 as it extends downwards, thereby restricting the movement of the other end 634.

[0129] Figure 11 shows another example of the configuration of the second binding processing device 52. Here, Figure 11 shows a portion of the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from the direction of arrow XI in Figure 4. Furthermore, Figure 11 shows a portion of the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from the rear side. In this configuration example shown in Figure 11, a rotating member 950, which rotates using a drive source such as a motor, is provided behind the second binding processing device 52. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a projection 951 is provided at the other end 634 of the upper support member 630, projecting toward the rotating member 950.

[0130] The rotating member 950 accommodates the projection 951 provided on the upper support member 630, and a groove 653 is formed in the groove 650 to guide the projection 951. In this configuration example, the projection 951 is guided by the inner surface of the groove 653, causing the upper support member 630 to move up and down, and consequently, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves up and down. In this configuration example, as in the above example, a rod-shaped member 640 is provided, and a guide portion 90 is provided to guide this rod-shaped member 640, so that in this configuration example as well, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves up and down along the linear path 4Y.

[0131] Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the screw member 510. In this embodiment, a restricting member that restricts the movement of the interlocking part 600 (see Figure 4) is attached to the screw member 510. Specifically, one end 510A of the screw member 510 is provided with a mounting portion 510B. A regulating member can be attached to this mounting portion 510B. Specifically, the end face of the screw member 510, located at one end 510A, is provided with a circular recess 510C that curves inward toward the inside of the screw member 510. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the recess 510C. In this embodiment, a regulating member 980 (see Figure 4) equipped with a male thread is attached to this female thread portion.

[0132] In this embodiment, if the screw member 510 rotates more than necessary and the interlocking portion 600 reaches one end 510A (see Figure 12) of the screw member 510, the interlocking portion 600 will come into contact with the regulating member 980, and the movement of the interlocking portion 600 will be restricted. This prevents the interlocking portion 600 from detaching from the screw member 510. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 510D extending along the circumferential direction of the screw member 510 is formed on one end 510A and its outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510. In this embodiment, a retaining element (not shown) with an E-shaped or C-shaped cross-section can be attached to the groove 510D. In this embodiment, the movement of the interlocking part 600 can also be restricted by this retaining element.

[0133] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the second binding processing device 52. Furthermore, the main components of the second binding processing device 52 shown in Figure 13 are the same as the components of the second binding processing device 52 described above. In this configuration example shown in Figure 12, the positional relationship between the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the screw member 510, and the female screw portion 610 is different from that described above. Specifically, in this configuration example shown in Figure 13, a screw member 510 and an example of a load-receiving part, a female screw portion 610, are provided between the left rod-shaped member 640L, which is the first guided part, and the right rod-shaped member 640R, which is the second guided part.

[0134] More specifically, in this configuration example, when the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the screw member 510, and the female screw portion 610 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, the screw member 510 and the female screw portion 610 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. More specifically, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the screw member 510, and the female screw portion 610 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and toward a virtual plane H13 that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0135] In this case, on this virtual plane H13, the threaded member 510 and the female threaded portion 610 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. Here, "the screw member 510 and the female screw portion 610 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R" means not only that all parts of the female screw portion 610 and all parts of the screw member 510 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R, but also that only a part of the female screw portion 610 and a part of the screw member 510 are located between them. In this embodiment, all parts of the screw member 510 and all parts of the female screw portion 610 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0136] Furthermore, in this configuration example, when the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the first prosthesis tooth 71, and the second prosthesis tooth 72 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 are located outside the space between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. In this embodiment, two guided parts are provided: a left rod-shaped member 640L and a right rod-shaped member 640R. In this configuration example, the first closing tooth 71 and the second closing tooth 72 are located outside the space between these two guided parts.

[0137] More specifically, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the first prosthetic tooth 71, and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthetic tooth 72, and toward the aforementioned hypothetical plane H13 which is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second prosthetic tooth 72. In this case, the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 are located on this virtual plane H13, at a point outside the space between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0138] Furthermore, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the first prosthetic tooth 71, and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthetic tooth 72. In this case, the first prosthetic tooth 71 and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R. In other words, on the hypothetical plane H13 described above, the first prosthetic tooth 71 and the second prosthetic tooth 72 are located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R.

[0139] Furthermore, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the first staple tooth 71, the second staple tooth 72, and the female screw portion 610 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second staple tooth 72. In this embodiment, the female screw portion 610 is located on the side where the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R are provided, rather than on the side where the first fastening teeth 71 and the second fastening teeth 72 are provided. In other words, on the virtual plane H13, the female screw portion 610 is located on the side where the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R are provided, rather than on the side where the first fastening teeth 71 and the second fastening teeth 72 are provided.

[0140] Furthermore, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the screw member 510, and the female screw portion 610 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, the screw member 510 and the female screw portion 610, which is an example of a load-receiving portion, are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. In other words, on the virtual plane H13, the threaded member 510 and the female threaded portion 610 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. In other words, on the virtual plane H13, the threaded member 510 and the female threaded portion 610 are located within the region sandwiched between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0141] Furthermore, in the configuration example shown in Figure 13, a first elastic member 391 is attached to the lower support member 700 to separate the paper stack T (not shown in Figure 13) after the binding process from the first binding teeth 71. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second elastic member 392 for separating the paper stack T after the binding process from the second binding teeth 72 is attached to the upper support member 630.

[0142] In this embodiment, when binding is performed on the stack of paper T, the first elastic member 391 and the second elastic member 392 are sandwiched and compressed by the upper support member 630 and the lower support member 700. Furthermore, in this embodiment, once the binding of the paper stack T is completed and the second binding teeth 72 retract from the first binding teeth 71, the first elastic member 391 and the second elastic member 392, which are in a compressed state, return to their original state. As a result, the stack of paper T is pressed by the first elastic member 391 and the second elastic member 392, and the stack of paper T separates from the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72. Although not explained above, the first elastic member 391 and the second elastic member 392 are also provided in the second binding processing device 52 shown in Figures 4 to 11.

[0143] Figures 14(A) and (B) are perspective views of the upper support member 630 provided on the second binding processing device 52 shown in Figure 13. Figure 14(A) is a perspective view of the upper support member 630 as seen from above, and Figure 14(B) is a perspective view of the upper support member 630 as seen from below. As described above, the upper support member 630 supports a second prosthetic tooth 72 (not shown in Figure 14), which is an example of a second tooth. In this embodiment, the second prosthetic tooth 72 is fixed to the upper support member 630 at the location indicated by reference numeral 14A in Figure 14(B) by press-fitting.

[0144] The upper support member 630 is made of a metal block (hereinafter referred to as the "second metal block 862"). The upper support member 630 in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 11 above is also made of a metal block. The second metal block 862 is composed of a sintered metal body, and the hardness of the second metal block 862 is high. The second metal block 862 may also be formed by casting or forging. If the second metal block 862 is made of a sintered metal body, or formed by casting or forging, the hardness of the second metal block 862 will increase.

[0145] The interlocking section 600 (see Figure 13) is composed of a combination of multiple members. In this embodiment, the member to which the second closure tooth 72 is attached is composed of a second metal block 862. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, a hole 862A for a movable member is provided in the second metal block 862. In this embodiment, the screw member 510, which is an example of a movable member, is passed through this hole 862A for a movable member. In other words, in this embodiment, the screw member 510, which is an example of a moving member used to move the second metal block 862 toward the first metal block 861 (described later), is passed through the hole 862A for the moving member.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the second metal block 862 has two through holes 633 formed therein. Here, the through hole 633 is an example of a guide hole, and in this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640, which is an example of a guide member used to guide the second metal block 862 moving toward the first metal block 861, is inserted into this through hole 633. In this configuration example, a hole 862A for a movable member is provided between the two through holes 633.

[0147] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lower support member 700. As described above, the lower support member 700 supports the first stabilizing tooth 71 (not shown in Figure 15), which is an example of a first tooth. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first stabilizing tooth 71 is fixed to the location indicated by reference numeral 15A by press-fitting. The lower support member 700 is also made of a metal block (hereinafter referred to as the "first metal block 861"). The lower support member 700 in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 11 above is also made of a metal block.

[0148] The first metal block 861 is made of a sintered metal body, and the hardness of the first metal block 861 is high. The first metal block 861 may also be formed by casting or forging. If the first metal block 861 is made of a sintered metal body, or formed by casting or forging, the hardness of the first metal block 861 will increase. In this specification, "metal block" refers to a block of metal formed by casting, forging, or sintering, rather than sheet metal or sheet metal that has been bent.

[0149] As an example of a support member, this lower support member 700 has one surface 700A and the other surface 700B. In other words, the first metal block 861 has one surface 700A and the other surface 700B. The first stabilizing tooth 71 is attached to this one side 700A of the lower support member 700.

[0150] Furthermore, the lower support member 700 is provided with a through hole 700C extending from the other surface 700B to the one surface 700A. The screw member 510 (see Figure 13) is passed through this through hole 700C. In this embodiment, a cylindrical bearing 970 is positioned within the through-hole 700C, as shown in Figure 13. In this embodiment, the portion of the threaded member 510 located within the through-hole 700C is supported by this bearing 970.

[0151] The through-hole 700C (see Figure 15) can also be considered as a hole for a movable member, and the lower support member 700 is also provided with a hole for a movable member through which a screw member 510, which is an example of a movable member, is passed. Furthermore, the lower support member 700 is provided with two guide holes 700D into which the rod-shaped member 640, which is a guide member used to guide the second metal block 862 as it moves toward the first metal block 861, is inserted. In this embodiment, the hole 91 shown in Figure 5 is realized by this guide hole 700D. In this embodiment, a through hole 700C, which is an example of a hole for a movable member, is provided between the two guide holes 700D.

[0152] The interlocking portion 600 shown in Figure 13 is provided on one side 700A of the lower support member 700 shown in Figure 15. In this embodiment, when the screw member 510 (Figure 13) rotates in the circumferential direction, the interlocking portion 600 approaches one surface 700A (see Figure 15) of the lower support member 700. As a result, the second stabilizing tooth 72 attached to the interlocking part 600 approaches the first stabilizing tooth 71 attached to this one side 700A.

[0153] Furthermore, in this configuration example shown in Figure 13, as described above, a large-diameter gear 520 is provided that is connected to the screw member 510 and receives the driving force transmitted to the screw member 510. This large-diameter gear 520 is located on the opposite side of the installation side of the interlocking section 600, with the lower support member 700 in between.

[0154] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the second binding device 52 as seen from below, showing the state of the second binding device 52 with the large-diameter gear 520 removed. In this embodiment, a bearing BR is provided between the lower support member 700 and the large-diameter gear 520 (see Figure 13). More specifically, in this embodiment, a thrust bearing is provided as the bearing BR, in which cylindrical rotating bodies are arranged radially.

[0155] In this embodiment, when the second binding teeth 72 are pressed against the stack of paper T, the large-diameter gear 520 is pressed against the other surface 700B of the lower support member 700, making it difficult for the large-diameter gear 520 to rotate. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when bearing BR is provided, the large-diameter gear 520 rotates more easily compared to when bearing BR is not provided.

[0156] In this embodiment, the hardness of the second metal block 862 (see Figure 14) that constitutes the upper support member 630 is different from the hardness of the first metal block 861 (see Figure 15) that constitutes the lower support member 700. In this embodiment, the hardness of the second metal block 862 is greater than that of the first metal block 861.

[0157] In other words, in this embodiment, the hardness of the second metal block 862, which is the member to which the second prosthesis tooth 72 is attached, is greater than the hardness of the first metal block 861, which is the member to which the first prosthesis tooth 71 is attached. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second metal block 862 is hardened, while the first metal block 861 is not hardened, and the hardness of the second metal block 862 is greater than that of the first metal block 861.

[0158] In this embodiment, the first metal block 861 and the second metal block 862 are formed from a SUS-based metal. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the first metal block 861 and the second metal block 862 may be formed from metals other than SUS-based metals. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hardness of the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 is the greatest. Next, the hardness of the second metal block 862 is the greatest, followed by the hardness of the first metal block 861.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the volume of the first metal block 861 and the volume of the second metal block 862 are different. Specifically, in this embodiment, the volume of the second metal block 862 is smaller than the volume of the first metal block 861. In other words, in this embodiment, the volume of the first metal block 861, to which the first prosthesis tooth 71 is attached, is larger than the volume of the second metal block 862, to which the second prosthesis tooth 72 is attached, within the interlocking portion 600.

[0160] In this embodiment, while the second prosthesis tooth 72 is moving toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the first prosthesis tooth 71 remains stationary without moving. In this embodiment, the stationary first prosthesis tooth 71 and the first metal block 861 supporting the first prosthesis tooth 71 receive a load from the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, the volume of the first metal block 861, which is the metal block that receives the load, is larger than the volume of the second metal block 862 that moves.

[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when comparing the axial thickness of the screw member 510, as shown in Figure 13, the thickness T1 of the first metal block 861 is greater than the thickness T2 of the second metal block 862. In this embodiment, as described above, the first prosthesis tooth 71 is positioned in a stationary state without movement, and the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the first metal block 861 receive the load from the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first metal block 861, which is the metal block that receives the load, is greater than the thickness T2 of the second metal block 862 that performs the movement.

[0162] In this embodiment, a rod-shaped member 640, guided by the first metal block 861, is attached to the second metal block 862 shown in Figure 14. Specifically, in this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640, which is an example of a guided member, is fixed to the second metal block 862 while inserted into a through hole 633, which is an example of a hole provided in the second metal block 862. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is guided by the inner surface of a guide hole 700D, which is an example of a hole provided in the first metal block 861 (see Figure 15).

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement of the second metal block 862 relative to the rod-shaped member 640 (see Figure 13) is such that the second metal block 862 can move in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72. Specifically, in this embodiment, the direction indicated by arrow 13X in Figure 13 is the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and the second metal block 862 can move in the direction indicated by arrow 13B, which intersects this direction of movement. Specifically, as described above and as shown in Figure 14, in this embodiment, the through hole 633, which is an example of a hole provided in the upper support member 630, is an elongated hole. This allows the second metal block 862 to move in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0164] Figure 17 shows the through-hole 633 and the rod-shaped member 640 inserted into the through-hole 633, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XVII in Figure 14. In this embodiment, a flat surface 640H is provided on the portion of the rod-shaped member 640 that faces the second metal block 862. Specifically, the flat surface 640H is provided on the portion of the rod-shaped member 640 that faces the inner surface of the through hole 633.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plane 862H is provided in the portion of the second metal block 862 that faces the plane 640H, and is aligned with the plane 640H. More specifically, in this embodiment, a plane 862H is provided on the inner surface of the through hole 633, which is formed as an elongated hole, and is opposite to the plane 640H provided on the rod-shaped member 640. In this embodiment, the plane 640H provided on the rod-shaped member 640 and the plane 862H provided on the second metal block 862 are aligned in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction from one end 631 (see Figure 14(A)) to the other end 634 of the second metal block 862.

[0166] As shown in Figure 14(A), the second metal block 862 has one end 631 and the other end 634 that are at different positions in the depth direction of the second binding processing device 52. In this embodiment, the second stabilizing tooth 72 (see Figure 13) is attached to this end 631 of the second metal block 862. In this embodiment, the plane 640H provided on the rod-shaped member 640 and the plane 862H provided on the second metal block 862 are aligned in a direction intersecting the direction from one end 631 to the other end 634.

[0167] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17. In this embodiment, when the second binding teeth 72 provided on the second metal block 862 are pressed against the stack of paper T, a reaction force acts on the second binding teeth 72, and one end 631 of the upper support member 630 is pressed in the direction indicated by arrow 18A. In this case, as in this embodiment, when the planes 640H and 862H extending along the intersecting directions are facing each other, these planes come into contact with each other. As a result, the deformation of the upper support member 630 is suppressed by the rod-shaped member 640. In this case, compared to a configuration where there is no flat surface and deformation of the upper support member 630 is likely to occur, the load acting from the second binding teeth 72 to the paper stack T becomes larger.

[0168] Figure 19 shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device 52. Note that Figure 19 shows the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from above. In this configuration example, as described above, two rod-shaped members 640, a left rod-shaped member 640L and a right rod-shaped member 640R, are provided as guided portions in the interlocking portion 600.

[0169] Furthermore, in this configuration example, when the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the first prosthesis tooth 71, and the second prosthesis tooth 72 are projected toward the upstream or downstream side in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 are positioned between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. More specifically, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, the first prosthesis tooth 71, and the second prosthesis tooth 72 are projected onto the above-mentioned hypothetical plane H13 (see Figure 13). In this case, on this virtual plane H13, the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 are located between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0170] Furthermore, in this configuration example shown in Figure 19, the screw member 510 and the female screw portion 610 are located outside the space between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. Let's assume that the screw member 510, the female screw portion 610, the left rod-shaped member 640L, and the right rod-shaped member 640R are projected onto the above-mentioned hypothetical plane H13. In this case, on this virtual plane H13, the threaded member 510 and the female threaded portion 610 are located outside the space between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0171] As shown in this example configuration in Figure 19, the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 may be positioned between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R. If the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 are positioned between the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R, binding becomes impossible at the binding positions shown in Figure 3(A) and (B). Specifically, the paper stack T interferes with the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R, making binding impossible. However, even with this configuration example shown in Figure 19, this interference can be avoided at the binding positions in Figures 3(C) and (D), and the paper can be bound to the stack T.

[0172] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the second binding teeth 72 and the screw member 510, which is an example of a connecting member, is less than or equal to the size of the margin at the corner of the paper P that constitutes the stack of paper T to be bound. In this embodiment, the screw member 510 is connected to the interlocking portion 600 and also functions as a connecting member that applies a load to the interlocking portion 600 to move the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, the distance between the second binding tooth 72 and the screw member 510, which is an example of a connecting member, is less than or equal to the size of the margin at the corner of the paper P.

[0173] More specifically, as shown in (A) of FIG. 20 (a view when viewing the second binding device 52 and the like from above), in the present embodiment, when assuming a perpendicular bisector SL of a line segment SB connecting one end 72A and the other end 72B of the second binding tooth 72 along the longitudinal direction of the second binding tooth 72, a screw member 510 as an example of a connecting member is positioned on this perpendicular bisector SL. In the present embodiment, the separation distance L51 between the second binding tooth 72 and the screw member 510 on this perpendicular bisector SL is not greater than the size of the margin YH at the corner CP1 of the sheet P constituting the sheet bundle T.

[0174] The margin YH at the corner CP1 of the sheet P constituting the sheet bundle T refers to a portion located between the corner CP2 of the rectangular image forming region GR (the region inside the broken line 20A) where an image is formed on the sheet P and the corner CP1 of the sheet P. Also, the size of the margin YH at the corner CP1 of the sheet P constituting the sheet bundle T refers to the separation distance L52 between the corner CP2 of the rectangular image forming region GR and the corner CP1 of the sheet P. In the present embodiment, the separation distance L51 between the second binding tooth 72 and the screw member 510 on the perpendicular bisector SL is not greater than the separation distance L52 between the corner CP2 of the image forming region GR and the corner CP1 of the sheet P.

[0175] Here, as shown in FIG. 20(B), assume a case where the separation distance L51 between the second binding tooth 72 and the screw member 510 is greater than the separation distance L52 between the corner CP2 of the image forming region GR and the corner CP1 of the sheet P. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20(B), the screw member 510 moves away from the corner CP1 of the sheet P, and accordingly, the entire second binding device 52 moves away from the sheet P. In this case, the increase in the size of the first post-processing device 40 (see FIG. 1) is caused by the amount by which the second binding device 52 moves away from the sheet P. On the other hand, when the separation distance L51 between the second stapling teeth 72 and the screw member 510 is less than or equal to the separation distance L52 between the corner CP2 of the image forming area GR and the corner CP1 of the paper P, the second stapling device 52 is arranged closer to the paper P. In this case, an increase in the size of the first post-processing device 40 is suppressed.

[0176] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the second stapling device 52. In the above description, the case where the second stapling teeth 72 move along a linear movement path has been described. However, the second stapling teeth 72 may move along a movement path R21 having a curvature. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 21, the upper support member 630 is configured to rotate about the rotation center R. Further, in this configuration example, a screw member 510 is connected to the other end portion 634 of the upper support member 630, and a second stapling tooth 72 is attached to one end portion 631 of the upper support member 630.

[0177] More specifically, in this configuration example, a load receiving member 620 is provided at the other end portion 634 of the upper support member 630, and a second stapling tooth 72 is attached to one end portion 631 of the upper support member 630. The load receiving member 620 is provided with an internal thread portion 610, similar to the above. Further, the load receiving member 620 is rotatable with respect to the upper support member 630. Specifically, the load receiving member 620 is rotatable about a rotation axis 21R extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 21. Further, the upper support member 630 is provided with a long hole NH. The rotation axis 21R that becomes the rotation center of the load receiving member 620 is inserted into this long hole NH and can move along this long hole NH. In other words, the load receiving member 620 can move along the long hole NH.

[0178] In this configuration example, when the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction, the other end portion 634 of the upper support member 630 moves in the extending direction of the screw member 510, and accordingly, the second stapling teeth 72 advance and retreat with respect to the first stapling teeth 71. As a result, even in this configuration example, stabilization can be performed using the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the second stabilizing tooth 72. Even when a straight screw member 510 is used, the second prosthesis tooth 72 may not move along a linear movement path, but rather along a curved movement path R21, as shown in Figure 21.

[0179] Furthermore, in this configuration example shown in Figure 21, a guide unit is provided to guide the interlocking portion 600 which is linked to the second prosthesis tooth 72. Also in this configuration example, a guided portion is provided on the interlocking portion 600 and is guided by the guide unit. Specifically, in this configuration example, a hole 91 is provided as a guide portion. In addition, a rod-shaped member 640 is provided as a guided portion, which extends along the direction of movement (movement path) of the interlocking portion 600 and contacts the inner surface of the hole 91.

[0180] In this example configuration, the rod-shaped member 640 is provided on the second stapling tooth 72 side and the hole 91 is provided on the first stapling tooth 71 side. However, similar to the above, the hole 91 may be provided on the second stapling tooth 72 side and the rod-shaped member 640 may be provided on the first stapling tooth 71 side. Furthermore, in the configuration example shown in Figure 21, similar to the above, the upper support member 630 is formed from the second metal block 862, and the lower support member 700 is formed from the first metal block 861.

[0181] Further examples of configurations will be explained. In the above description, a configuration in which the screw member 510 is connected to the second stabilizing tooth 72 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves was explained as an example. However, a configuration in which the screw member 510 is connected to the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the first stabilizing tooth 71 moves is also possible. Alternatively, screw members 510 may be provided corresponding to the first fastening teeth 71 and the second fastening teeth 72, and the fastening process may be performed by moving both the first fastening teeth 71 and the second fastening teeth 72.

[0182] Furthermore, when moving both the first and second stabilizing teeth 71 and 72, a common screw member 510 may be connected to both the first and second stabilizing teeth 71 and 72. In this case, the first and second stabilizing teeth 71 and 72 are moved closer together and further apart by rotating this screw member 510. When using a single screw member 510, this single screw member 510 is provided with a first screw portion in which the screw grooves are oriented clockwise, and a second screw portion in which the screw grooves are oriented counterclockwise. In this case, for example, the first screw portion is used to move the first stabilizing tooth 71, and the second screw portion is used to move the second stabilizing tooth 72.

[0183] Furthermore, the configurations described above are not limited to the embodiments and their variations, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, it is understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. For example, some of the components described above may be omitted, or other functions may be added to each component described above. Furthermore, although multiple embodiments have been described above, configurations included in one embodiment may be swapped with those included in other embodiments, or configurations included in one embodiment may be added to other embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1…Image forming system, 2…Image forming apparatus, 3…Paper processing apparatus, 71…First binding tooth, 72…Second binding tooth, 72A…One end, 72B…Other end, 90…Guide part, 91…Hole part, 510…Screw member, 520…Large diameter gear, 620…Load receiving member, 631…One end, 633…Through hole, 634…Other end, 640…Rod-shaped member, 640H…Flat surface, 640L…Left rod-shaped member, 640R…Right rod-shaped member, 700…Lower support member, 700C…Through hole, 700D…Guide hole, 861…First metal block, 862…Second metal block, 862A…Hole for moving member, 862H…Flat surface, 980…Regulating member, BR…Bearing, P…Paper, SL…Perpendicular bisector, T…Paper stack

Claims

1. A first tooth used for binding bundles of recording materials, A second tooth moves toward the first tooth and presses the recording material bundle located between the first tooth and the second tooth, A hole is provided in the first metal block that supports the first tooth, A second metal block supporting the second tooth, A guided member is attached to the second metal block by being fixed to the second metal block while being inserted into a hole provided in the second metal block, extends along the direction of movement of the second tooth, and is guided by the inner surface of the hole provided in the first metal block, Equipped with, As the second tooth moves toward the first tooth, the guided member moves in the direction of movement of the second tooth while being guided by the inner surface of the hole provided in the first metal block. The movement of the second metal block relative to the guided member is such that the second metal block can be moved in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the second tooth, and by moving the second metal block relative to the guided member, the position of the second metal block relative to the guided member can be adjusted in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the second tooth. Recording material processing device.

2. A first tooth used for binding bundles of recording materials, A second tooth moves toward the first tooth and presses the recording material bundle located between the first tooth and the second tooth, A hole is provided in the first metal block that supports the first tooth, A second metal block supporting the second tooth, A guided member is attached to the second metal block by being fixed to the second metal block while being inserted into a hole provided in the second metal block, extends along the direction of movement of the second tooth, and is guided by the inner surface of the hole provided in the first metal block, Equipped with, As the second tooth moves toward the first tooth, the guided member moves in the direction of movement of the second tooth while being guided by the inner surface of the hole provided in the first metal block. A flat surface is provided on the portion of the guided member that is facing the hole in the second metal block, A plane is provided in the portion of the hole in the second metal block that faces the plane, and that plane is aligned with the plane. Recording material processing device.

3. The second metal block has one end and the other end, The second tooth is provided at one end of the second metal block, The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plane provided on the guided member and the plane provided on the second metal block are arranged in a direction intersecting the direction from one end to the other end of the second metal block.

4. A first tooth used for binding bundles of recording materials, A second tooth moves toward the first tooth and presses the recording material bundle located between the first tooth and the second tooth, A first metal block supporting the first tooth, A second metal block supporting the second tooth, Equipped with, The second metal block is provided with a hole for a moving member through which a moving member used to move the second metal block toward the first metal block passes, and at least two guide holes into which a guide member used to guide the second metal block toward the first metal block is inserted. A hole for the movable member is provided between the two guide holes. Recording material processing device.

5. A first tooth used for binding bundles of recording materials, A second tooth moves toward the first tooth and presses the recording material bundle located between the first tooth and the second tooth, A first metal block supporting the first tooth, A second metal block supporting the second tooth, Equipped with, The first metal block is provided with a hole for a moving member through which a moving member used to move the second metal block toward the first metal block passes, and at least two guide holes into which a guide member used to guide the second metal block as it moves toward the first metal block is inserted. A hole for the movable member is provided between the two guide holes. Recording material processing device.

6. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a recording material processing apparatus for performing a binding process on a bundle of recording materials consisting of a plurality of recording materials on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording material processing apparatus is configured as the recording material processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images