Stapler

Abstract

The present invention provides a stapler capable of performing a stapling operation according to a stapling position even when a plurality of portions at a peripheral edge of an object to be stapled are fastened with staples. The stapler comprises: a staple ejection unit that ejects a staple; a stapling unit that bends a pair of staple legs of the staple ejected by the staple ejection unit; a stapling drive unit that performs a stapling operation of fastening an object to be stapled with the staple; a detection unit that actuates the stapling drive unit upon detection of the object to be stapled; and a control unit that switches, in a preset order, a position at which the detection unit detects the object to be stapled.

Description

Stapler

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stapler that staples an object to be stapled with a needle.

[0002] Conventionally, a stapler that drives a needle into an object to be stapled, such as a stack of papers, has been proposed. An electric stapler driven by a motor includes a guide for abutting the tip of the object to be stapled. When the object to be stapled is inserted into the insertion port of the main body by the user, the front end surface of the object to be stapled abuts against the guide, and the guide moves backward, turning on the detection unit and generating a drive signal for driving the motor to perform the stapling operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 5055762

[0004] When the object to be stapled is, for example, in the form of a blister pack in which a resin cover with a convex shape for storing a product is placed on a paper backing, a use for stapling the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the convex shape of the product storage part of the blister pack with a needle can be considered. In such a stapling method, the operator rotates the object to be stapled and performs an operation of inserting the vicinity of the peripheral edge to be stapled into the stapler for stapling.

[0005] In a conventional stapler, when the detection unit detects the object to be stapled during the operation of inserting the object to be stapled deeper, the stapling operation is executed. Therefore, when stapling a plurality of locations on the peripheral edge of the object to be stapled with a needle, if the distance from the side of the stapling target part to the stapling position is different, it is necessary to change the position of the detection unit according to the stapling position, which is troublesome.

[0006] Therefore, a stapler is provided that can perform a stapling operation according to the stapling position even when stapling a plurality of locations on the peripheral edge of the object to be stapled with a needle.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a stapler including a needle punching part that punches out a needle, a stapling part that bends a pair of needle legs of the needle punched out by the needle punching part, a stapling drive part that performs a stapling operation of an object to be stapled with the needle, a detection part that activates the stapling drive part by detecting the object to be stapled, and a control part that switches the position for detecting the object to be stapled by the detection part in a preset order.

[0008] In this disclosure, when fastening multiple points on the periphery of an object to be fastened with staples, the position at which the object to be fastened is detected by the detection unit is switched according to the order of operations.

[0009] In this disclosure, when an object to be bound is rotated and stapled at multiple points on its periphery, the detection unit switches the position at which it detects the object to be bound, according to the binding position of the object. This allows the binding drive unit to be activated at the appropriate timing when stapling multiple points on the periphery of the object in a predetermined order, enabling the object to be stapled at the desired position.

[0010] This is a side view showing an example of a stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of a stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of a stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of a stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of a stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of an object to be stapled. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stapled position information display screen. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stapled position information display screen. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stapled position information display screen. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stapled position information setting screen. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stapled position information setting screen. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a perspective view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a front view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a perspective view showing yet another example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a top view showing yet another example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a front view showing yet another example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a perspective view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment.This is a perspective view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the third embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the third embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the third embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the stapler according to the third embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the third embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the third embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of the operation of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the fourth embodiment. This is a top view showing an example of a stapler according to the fifth embodiment.

[0011] Embodiments of the stapler of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Example of the configuration of the stapler of the first embodiment> Figures 1, 2, and 3 are side views showing an example of the stapler of the first embodiment, Figure 4 is a top view showing an example of the stapler of the first embodiment, and Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the stapler of the first embodiment.

[0013] The stapler 1A of the first embodiment includes a staple-dispensing unit 2 that dispenses staples (not shown) and a stapling unit 3 that bends a pair of staple legs of the staple dispensed by the staple-dispensing unit 2. The stapler 1A also includes a mounting unit 4 on which the object to be stapled is placed and a detection unit 5A that activates the staple-dispensing unit 2 and the stapling unit 3 upon detection of the object to be stapled.

[0014] The stapler 1A has an insertion section 20 formed between the staple-issuing section 2, the stapling section 3, and the mounting section 4, into which the object to be stapled is inserted. The stapler 1A opens and closes in directions in which the staple-issuing section 2 and the stapling section 3 move closer together and further apart. In the stapler 1A, for example, the staple-issuing section 2 and the stapling section 3 are connected so that they can rotate relative to each other with a connecting shaft (not shown) as the pivot point.

[0015] In stapler 1A, the side where the staple-issuing section 2 and the stapling section 3 open and close is referred to as the front side, and the side where the staple-issuing section 2 and the stapling section 3 are connected is referred to as the rear side. In addition, in stapler 1A, the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-back direction is referred to as the lateral direction.

[0016] In the staple-punching section 2, the point where the portion where staples (not shown) are ejected and the portion in the binding section 3 where the legs of the staples ejected by the staple-punching section 2 are bent are opposite each other is referred to as the binding position Pp by the staple-punching section 2 and the binding section 3. Furthermore, a virtual line extending laterally through the binding position Pp is referred to as the reference line L.

[0017] The mounting section 4 is a flat plate with a recess 40 into which the binding position Pp, formed by the staple-punching section 2 and the binding section 3, is inserted.

[0018] The detection unit 5A is located in the recess 40 and is activated when pressed by the object to be bound placed on the mounting unit 4.

[0019] The stapler 1A includes a detection unit movement unit 6A that moves the detection unit 5A along the front-rear directions indicated by arrows F and R. The detection unit movement unit 6A is an example of a movement unit and includes a detection unit movement motor 60 that moves the detection unit 5A, and a guide unit (not shown) that guides the movement of the detection unit 5A.

[0020] The detection unit 5A moves in the forward and backward directions indicated by arrows F and R relative to the mounting unit 4 by the detection unit movement unit 6A, thereby switching the distance along the forward and backward direction with respect to the reference line L passing through the binding position Pp, for example, within a range from distance A to distance C. For example, Figure 1 shows the case where the distance from the reference line L passing through the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5A is distance A, Figure 2 shows the case where the distance from the reference line L passing through the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5A is distance B (distance A > distance B), and Figure 3 shows the case where the distance from the reference line L passing through the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5A is distance C (distance B > distance C).

[0021] The stapler 1A includes a staple drive unit 7 that performs the staple operation of the object to be stapled with staples. The staple drive unit 7 includes a staple motor 70. Driven by the staple motor 70, the staple drive unit 7 moves the staple dispensing unit 2 and the staple unit 3 in directions toward and toward relative proximity. As the staple dispensing unit 2 and the staple unit 3 move toward relative proximity, the object to be stapled is held between the staple dispensing unit 2 and the staple unit 3.

[0022] Furthermore, the binding drive unit 7 moves a forming plate (not shown) provided in the staple ejection unit 2 by the binding motor 70, thereby forming the staples. In addition, the binding drive unit 7 moves a driver plate (not shown) provided in the staple ejection unit 2 by the binding motor 70, thereby ejecting the formed staples. Note that if pre-formed U-shaped staples are used, the staple forming process using the forming plate can be omitted.

[0023] When the staple-punching unit 2 ejects a staple, the leg of the staple is pressed against a clincher (not shown) provided in the binding unit 3, causing the leg to bend. This performs the staple-binding action on the object to be bound. Therefore, the binding position Pp by the staple-punching unit 2 and the binding unit 3 can also be said to be the binding position where the staple-binding action on the object to be bound is performed.

[0024] The stapler 1A includes a control unit 8. The control unit 8 pre-sets, based on a predetermined setting program, staple position information that moves the detection unit 5A in a predetermined order to, for example, a first position P1 shown by a solid line in Figures 1 and 4, a second position P2 shown by a solid line in Figure 2, and a third position P3 shown by a solid line in Figure 3. The stapler 1A also includes a storage unit 80. The storage unit 80 stores staple position information and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 80 is a storage medium (for example, a non-temporary computer-readable medium) in which staple position information and the like are stored, and the control unit is a processor that reads and executes the information stored in this storage medium.

[0025] The control unit 8 drives the detection unit movement unit 6A based on the binding position information stored in the storage unit 80 to move the detection unit 5A to a predetermined position in a predetermined order, and drives the binding drive unit 7 when the detection unit 5A detects the object to be bound, thereby executing the binding operation.

[0026] The stapler 1A includes an operation unit 9. The operation unit 9 includes, for example, a display unit and a touch panel input unit. The stapler 1A is configured by operating the operation unit 9 to set staple position information, etc. The staple position information, etc., set by operating the operation unit 9 is stored in the storage unit 80.

[0027] <Example of the structure of the object to be bound> Figure 6 is a top view showing an example of an object to be bound. The object to be bound 100 is in the form of a blister pack, for example, in which a resin cover with a convex portion 110 formed thereon in which an item is stored is placed over a paper backing. The object to be bound 100 is bound with staples 10 at multiple locations around the convex portion 110, in this example, at three locations. The object to be bound 100 is bound with staples 10 at a distance A from the first side 101, at a distance B from the second side 102, and at a distance C from the third side 103.

[0028] <Examples of operation of the stapler in the first embodiment> Figures 7, 8, and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a staple position information display screen, Figures 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a staple position information setting screen, Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the stapler in the first embodiment, and Figure 13 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the stapler in the first embodiment.

[0029] Furthermore, Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the stapler of the first embodiment, Figure 15 is a top view showing an example of the operation of the stapler of the first embodiment, Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the stapler of the first embodiment, and Figure 17 is a front view showing an example of the operation of the stapler of the first embodiment.

[0030] The following operation is an example in which the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 is facing upward, towards the side where the staple-punching portion 2 is provided, and staples 10 are used sequentially at a distance A from the first edge 101, a distance B from the second edge 102, and a distance C from the third edge 103.

[0031] The binding position information display screen 90 shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9 displays product information 91 that identifies the object to be bound and binding position information 92 that identifies the binding position. It also displays binding position diagram information 93 that shows the binding position in a diagram. Furthermore, the binding position information display screen 90 displays a reset button 94 that allows the binding operation to be performed from the first binding position regardless of the previous binding position, and a re-binding button 95 that allows the binding to be re-bound at a binding position from the previous time. Note that while a binding operation is being performed at a binding position, a binding operation at the next binding position cannot be performed, so the position information display screen 90 may also display whether a binding operation is possible or not. In addition, to serve as a guideline for when to replace consumables, the number of times the binding operation has been performed, and since the number of binding positions may differ depending on the product, the number of times the binding operation has been performed for each product may also be displayed.

[0032] The binding position information setting screen 96 shown in Figures 10 and 11 displays a product selection button 97 to identify the object to be bound, selected product information 98 indicating the selected product, and selected binding position information 99 indicating the selected binding position.

[0033] The control unit 8 displays a binding position information setting screen 96 on the operation unit 9 based on a predetermined setting program. In step SA1 in Figure 12 and step SB1 in Figure 13, the control unit 8 selects the object to be bound and the binding position based on the operation on the binding position information setting screen 96 to set the binding position information, and displays the binding position information display screen 90 shown in Figure 7 on the operation unit 9.

[0034] Based on the binding position information, the control unit 8 first binds at a distance A from the first edge 101. Based on the binding position setting information, the control unit 8 drives the detection unit moving motor 60 to move the detection unit 5A to position P1 using the detection unit moving unit 6A, and waits for the insertion of the object to be bound 100 in step SA2 in Figure 12 and step SB2 in Figure 13.

[0035] The worker places the object to be bound, which is product A, into the insertion section 20 with the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound, which is product A, facing upwards towards the side where the needle ejection section 2 is provided, and with the first edge 101 facing the detection section 5A.

[0036] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, the first edge 101 of the object to be stapled 100 presses against the detection section 5A. The control unit 8 drives the staple motor 70 upon detection of the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5A, and the staple drive unit 7 operates the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1A clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0037] Furthermore, in the stapler 1A, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and in step SA3 in Figure 12 and step SB3 in Figure 13, the object to be stapled 100 is stapled at a distance A from the first side 101, which is the stapling position 1, at the staple 10.

[0038] Furthermore, in step SA4 of Figure 12, if the reset button 94 is operated, the detection unit 5A is set to position P1, and the binding operation can be performed again at binding position 1. Also, in step SB4 of Figure 13, if the re-binding button 95 is operated, the detection unit 5A is set to position P1, and the binding operation can be performed again at binding position 1.

[0039] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment, Figure 19 is a top view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment, Figure 20 is a side view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment, and Figure 21 is a front view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Based on the binding position information, the control unit 8 drives the detector moving motor 60 based on the binding position setting information to move the detector 5A to the position P2 by the detector moving unit 6A in order to bind the location at a distance B from the second side 102 next. The movement of the detector 5A may be automatically performed by the control unit 8 based on the binding position setting information after the binding operation at the binding position 1 is completed, or may be performed by the control unit 8 based on the binding position setting information when the operator performs a predetermined operation after the binding operation at the binding position 1 is completed. Also, the binding position information display screen 90 shown in FIG. 7 is switched to the binding position information display screen 90 shown in FIG. 8.

[0041] The operator places the convex portion 110 of the binding object 100 in an upward direction on the side where the needle punching portion 2 is provided, and places the binding object 100 in the insertion portion 20 with the second side 102 facing the detector 5A.

[0042] When the operator places the binding object 100 on the placement portion 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, the second side 102 of the binding object 100 presses the detector 5A. The control unit 8 drives the binding motor 70 by detecting the binding object 100 by the detector 5A, and operates the needle punching portion 2 and the binding portion 3 by the binding drive unit 7. As a result, the stapler 1A sandwiches the binding object inserting portion 2 and the binding portion 3.

[0043] Also, in the stapler 1A, the needle 10 is punched out by the needle punching portion 2, and the legs of the needle 10 punched out by the needle punching portion 2 are bent by the binding portion 3. At step SA5 in FIG. 12 and step SB5 in FIG. 13, the location at a distance B from the second side 102, which is the binding position 2 in the binding object 100, is bound by the needle 10.

[0044] When the reset button 94 is operated at step SA6 in FIG. 12, the detector 5A is set to the position P1, and the binding operation at the binding position 1 is possible again. When the re-binding button 95 is operated at step SB6 in FIG. 13, the detector moving unit 6A is set to the position P2, and the binding operation at the binding position 2 is possible again. When the re-binding button 95 is operated again at step SB4 in FIG. 13, the detector 5A is set to the position P1, and the binding operation at the binding position 1 is possible again.

[0045] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment, FIG. 23 is a top view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment, FIG. 24 is a side view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 25 is a front view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Based on the binding position information, the control unit 8 drives the detection unit moving motor 60 based on the binding position setting information in order to bind the position at a distance C from the third side 103 next, and moves the detection unit 5A to the position P3 by the detection unit moving unit 6A. The movement of the detection unit 5A may be automatically performed by the control unit 8 based on the binding position setting information when the binding operation at the binding position 2 is completed, or may be performed by the control unit 8 based on the binding position setting information when the binding operation at the binding position 2 is completed and the operator performs a predetermined operation. Also, the binding position information display screen 90 shown in FIG. 8 is switched to the binding position information display screen 90 shown in FIG. 9.

[0047] The operator places the convex portion 110 of the binding object 100 upward on the side where the needle punching portion 2 is provided, and places the binding object 100 in the insertion portion 20 with the third side 103 facing the detection unit 5A.

[0048] When the operator places the binding object 100 on the placement portion 4 and moves it in the backward direction shown by the arrow R, the third side 103 of the binding object 100 presses the detection unit 5A. The control unit 8 drives the binding motor 70 by detecting the binding object 100 by the detection unit 5A, and operates the needle punching portion 2 and the binding portion 3 by the binding driving unit 7. As a result, the stapler 1A sandwiches the binding object 100 between the needle punching portion 2 and the binding portion 3.

[0049] Also, in the stapler 1A, the needle 10 is punched out by the needle punching portion 2, and the legs of the needle 10 punched out by the needle punching portion 2 are bent by the binding portion 3. At the third side 103 which is the binding position 3 in the binding object 100 and at a distance C from the third side 103, the binding object 100 is bound by the needle 10 in step SA7 in FIG. 12 and step SB7 in FIG. 13.

[0050] In step SA8 of Figure 12, once the binding operation for the binding target object 100, which is product A, is completed, the detection unit 5A is moved to position P1 and waits for the insertion of the binding target object 100. In step SB8 of Figure 13, if the re-binding button 95 is operated, the detection unit 5A is moved to position P3, and the binding operation can be performed again at binding position 3. If the re-binding button 95 is operated again in step SB6 of Figure 13, the detection unit 5A is moved to position P2, and the binding operation can be performed again at binding position 2. Furthermore, if the re-binding button 95 is operated again in step SB4 of Figure 13, the detection unit 5A is moved to position P1, and the binding operation can be performed again at binding position 1. In step SB9 of Figure 13, once the binding operation for the binding target object 100, which is product A, is completed, the detection unit 5A is moved to position P1 and waits for the insertion of the binding target object 100.

[0051] <Example of the configuration of the stapler according to the second embodiment> Figures 26, 27, and 28 are side views showing an example of a stapler according to the second embodiment.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the stapler 1B has a staple binding mechanism 30 equipped with a staple dispensing section 2 and a binding section 3, which is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the mounting section 4 by a binding mechanism movement section 31, which is a movable section.

[0053] The detection unit 5A is fixed in position relative to the mounting unit 4. In contrast, the staple binding mechanism 30 moves in the front-rear direction as indicated by arrows F and R, so that the distance from the detection unit 5A along the front-rear direction of the binding position Pp is switched within a range of, for example, distance A to distance C. For example, Figure 26 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5A is distance A, Figure 27 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5A is distance B (distance A > distance B), and Figure 28 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5A is distance C (distance B > distance C).

[0054] The control unit 8 drives the binding mechanism movement unit 31 based on the binding position information to move the staple binding mechanism unit 30 to a predetermined position in a predetermined order, and drives the binding drive unit 7 when the object to be bound is detected by the detection unit 5A to perform the binding operation. The other configurations are the same as those of the stapler 1A in the first embodiment.

[0055] <Example of operation of the stapler in the second embodiment> Figure 29 is a perspective view showing an example of operation of the stapler in the second embodiment, Figure 30 is a side view showing an example of operation of the stapler in the second embodiment, and Figure 31 is a top view showing an example of operation of the stapler in the second embodiment.

[0056] The following operation is similar to that of the first embodiment, in which the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 is positioned upward so that the staple-punching portion 2 is provided, and staples 10 are sequentially used at a distance A from the first edge 101, a distance B from the second edge 102, and a distance C from the third edge 103.

[0057] The control unit 8 first moves the staple binding mechanism 30 to bind at a distance A from the first edge 101, thereby moving the binding position Pp to position P1.

[0058] The worker places the object to be bound 100 into the insertion section 20 with the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound facing upwards, towards the side where the needle ejection section 2 is provided, and with the first edge 101 facing the detection section 5A.

[0059] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, the first edge 101 of the object to be stapled 100 presses against the detection section 5A. The control unit 8 detects the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5A and drives the staple drive unit 7 to activate the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1B clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0060] Furthermore, in the stapler 1B, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance A from the first edge 101, which is the fastening position 1.

[0061] Figure 32 is a perspective view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment, Figure 33 is a side view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment, and Figure 34 is a top view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler according to the second embodiment.

[0062] The control unit 8 then moves the staple binding mechanism 30 to bind the second edge 102 at a distance B, thereby moving the binding position Pp to position P2.

[0063] The operator places the object to be bound 100 into the insertion section 20 with the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound facing upwards, towards the side where the needle ejection section 2 is provided, and the second side 102 facing the detection section 5A.

[0064] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, the second edge 102 of the object to be stapled 100 presses against the detection section 5A. The control unit 8 detects the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5A and drives the staple drive unit 7 to activate the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1B clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0065] Furthermore, in the stapler 1B, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance B from the second side 102 where the stapling position 2 is located.

[0066] Figure 35 is a perspective view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler of the second embodiment, Figure 36 is a side view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler of the second embodiment, and Figure 37 is a top view showing an example of a further operation of the stapler of the second embodiment.

[0067] The control unit 8 then moves the staple binding mechanism 30 to bind the section at a distance C from the third edge 103, thereby moving the binding position Pp to position P3.

[0068] The operator places the object to be bound 100 into the insertion section 20 with the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound facing upwards, towards the side where the needle ejection section 2 is located, and the third side 103 facing the detection section 5A.

[0069] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, the second edge 103 of the object to be stapled 100 presses against the detection section 5A. The control unit 8 detects the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5A and drives the staple drive unit 7 to activate the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1B clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0070] Furthermore, in the stapler 1B, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance C from the third side 103 where the stapling position 3 is located.

[0071] <Example of the configuration of the stapler of the third embodiment> Figures 38, 39, and 40 are side views showing an example of the stapler of the third embodiment, and Figure 41 is a top view showing an example of the stapler of the third embodiment.

[0072] The stapler 1C of the third embodiment is equipped with a plurality of detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc arranged in parallel in the front-rear direction of the mounting section 4.

[0073] The detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc are non-contact sensors such as optical sensors, and their positions are fixed relative to the mounting unit 4. For example, Figure 38 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5Ca at position P1 is distance A, Figure 39 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5Cb at position P2 is distance B (distance A > distance B), and Figure 40 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the detection unit 5Cc at position P3 is distance C (distance B > distance C).

[0074] The control unit 8 switches the detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc, which detect the object to be stapled, in a preset order based on the stapled position information. The control unit 8 drives the stapled drive unit 7 when the object to be stapled is detected by any of the detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, or 5Cc, and performs the stapled operation. The other configurations are the same as those of the stapler 1A in the first embodiment.

[0075] <Example of operation of the stapler of the third embodiment> Figure 42 is a top view showing an example of operation of the stapler of the third embodiment, Figure 43 is a top view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler of the third embodiment, and Figure 44 is a top view showing an example of yet another next operation of the stapler of the third embodiment.

[0076] The following operation is similar to that of the first embodiment, in which the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 is positioned upward so that the staple-punching portion 2 is provided, and staples 10 are sequentially used at a distance A from the first edge 101, a distance B from the second edge 102, and a distance C from the third edge 103.

[0077] The worker positions the object to be bound 100 with the convex portion 110 facing upwards, towards the side where the staple-punching portion 2 is located, and inserts the object to be bound 100 into the insertion portion 20 from the first edge 101.

[0078] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the first edge 101 of the object to be stapled 100 passes the detection position of the detection sections 5Cc and 5Cb. When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it further in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the first edge 101 of the object to be stapled 100 reaches the detection position of the detection section 5Ca. The control unit 8 drives the staple drive unit 7 upon detection of the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5Ca, and operates the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1C clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0079] Furthermore, in the stapler 1C, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance A from the first edge 101, which is the fastening position 1.

[0080] In this case, the response time is set so that the staple-feeding unit 2 and the staple-feeding unit 3 do not operate from the time the object to be stapled 100 passes the detection position of the detection units 5Cc and 5Cb until it reaches the detection position of the detection unit 5Ca, or the detection units 5Cc and 5Cb are set so that they do not detect the object to be stapled 110.

[0081] Next, the worker orients the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 upward so that the needle-punching portion 2 is located on the side facing upward, and inserts the object to be bound 100 into the insertion portion 20 from the second side 102.

[0082] When the operator places the object to be bound 100 on the placement unit 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the second edge 102 of the object to be bound 100 passes the detection position of the detection unit 5Cc. When the operator places the object to be bound 100 on the placement unit 4 and moves it further in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the second edge 102 of the object to be bound 100 reaches the detection position of the detection unit 5Cb. In this case, a response time is set so that the needle dispensing unit 2 and the binding unit 3 do not operate from the time the object to be bound 100 passes the detection position of the detection unit 5Cc until it reaches the detection position of the detection unit 5Cb, or the detection unit 5Cc is set so that it does not detect the object to be bound 110.

[0083] The control unit 8 drives the stapling drive unit 7 when the detection unit 5Cb detects the object to be stapled 100, thereby activating the staple ejection unit 2 and the stapling unit 3. As a result, the stapler 1C clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection unit 2 and the stapling unit 3.

[0084] Furthermore, in the stapler 1C, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance B from the second side 102, which is the stapling position 2.

[0085] Next, the worker orients the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 upward so that the needle-punching portion 2 is located on the side facing upward, and inserts the object to be bound 100 into the insertion portion 20 from the third side 103.

[0086] The operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, so that the third edge 103 of the object to be stapled 100 reaches the detection position by the detection section 5Cc. The control unit 8 drives the staple drive unit 7 upon detection of the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5Cc, and operates the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1C clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0087] Furthermore, in the stapler 1C, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance C from the third side 103, which is the stapling position 3.

[0088] <Example of the configuration of the stapler of the fourth embodiment> Figures 45, 46, and 47 are side views showing an example of the stapler of the fourth embodiment, and Figure 48 is a top view showing an example of the stapler of the fourth embodiment.

[0089] The stapler 1D of the fourth embodiment is equipped with a plurality of detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc arranged in parallel in the front-rear direction of the mounting unit 4.

[0090] Furthermore, the stapler 1D is equipped with a stopper portion 11 that is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the mounting portion 4. The stopper portion 11 protrudes from the recess 40 into the insertion portion 20 in the mounting portion 4, and the object to be stapled is brought into contact with it. The stopper portion 11 is driven by a motor (not shown) of a stopper portion movement portion 12, which is a moving portion, and its position is switched according to the detection position by the detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc.

[0091] The detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc are fixed in position relative to the mounting unit 4. For example, Figure 45 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the abutment unit 11 moved to the position corresponding to the detection unit 5Ca at position P1 is distance A; Figure 46 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the abutment unit 11 moved to the position corresponding to the detection unit 5Cb at position P2 is distance B (distance A > distance B); and Figure 47 shows the case where the distance from the binding position Pp to the abutment unit 11 moved to the position corresponding to the detection unit 5Cc at position P3 is distance C (distance B > distance C).

[0092] The control unit 8 switches the detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, and 5Cc, which detect the object to be stapled, in a preset order based on the stapled position information. The control unit 8 also drives the stopper unit movement unit 12 based on the stapled position information to move the stopper unit 11 to a predetermined position in a predetermined order. The control unit 8 drives the stapled drive unit 7 when the object to be stapled is detected by any of the detection units 5Ca, 5Cb, or 5Cc to perform the stapled operation. The other configurations are the same as those of the stapler 1A in the first embodiment.

[0093] <Example of operation of the stapler of the fourth embodiment> Figure 49 is a top view showing an example of operation of the stapler of the fourth embodiment, Figure 50 is a top view showing an example of the next operation of the stapler of the fourth embodiment, and Figure 51 is a top view showing an example of yet another next operation of the stapler of the fourth embodiment.

[0094] The following operation is similar to that of the first embodiment, in which the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 is positioned upward so that the staple-punching portion 2 is provided, and staples 10 are sequentially used at a distance A from the first edge 101, a distance B from the second edge 102, and a distance C from the third edge 103.

[0095] The control unit 8 first moves the abutment unit 11 to position P1, which corresponds to the detection unit 5Ca, in order to fasten the first edge 101 at a distance A.

[0096] The worker positions the object to be bound 100 with the convex portion 110 facing upwards, towards the side where the staple-punching portion 2 is located, and inserts the object to be bound 100 into the insertion portion 20 from the first edge 101.

[0097] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the first edge 101 of the object to be stapled 100 passes the detection position of the detection sections 5Cc and 5Cb. When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it further in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the first edge 101 of the object to be stapled 100 abuts against the stopper section 11 and reaches the detection position of the detection section 5Ca. The control unit 8 drives the staple drive unit 7 upon detection of the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5Ca, and operates the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1D clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0098] Furthermore, in the stapler 1D, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance A from the first edge 101, which is the fastening position 1.

[0099] The control unit 8 then moves the abutment unit 11 to position P2, which corresponds to the detection unit 5Cb, in order to fasten the second edge 102 at a distance B from it.

[0100] Next, the worker orients the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 upward so that the needle-punching portion 2 is located on the side facing upward, and inserts the object to be bound 100 into the insertion portion 20 from the second side 102.

[0101] When the operator places the object to be bound 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the second edge 102 of the object to be bound 100 passes the detection position of the detection section 5Cc. When the operator places the object to be bound 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it further in the backward direction indicated by arrow R, the second edge 102 of the object to be bound 100 abuts against the abutment section 11 and reaches the detection position of the detection section 5Cb.

[0102] The control unit 8 drives the stapling drive unit 7 when the detection unit 5Cb detects the object to be stapled 100, thereby activating the staple ejection unit 2 and the stapling unit 3. As a result, the stapler 1D clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection unit 2 and the stapling unit 3.

[0103] Furthermore, in the stapler 1D, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance B from the second side 102, which is the stapling position 2.

[0104] The control unit 8 then moves the abutment unit 11 to position P3, which corresponds to the detection unit 5Cc, in order to fasten the part at a distance C from the third side 103.

[0105] Next, the worker orients the convex portion 110 of the object to be bound 100 upward so that the needle-punching portion 2 is located on the side facing upward, and inserts the object to be bound 100 into the insertion portion 20 from the third side 103.

[0106] When the operator places the object to be stapled 100 on the mounting section 4 and moves it in the backward direction indicated by the arrow R, the third edge 103 of the object to be stapled 100 abuts against the abutment section 11 and reaches the detection position by the detection section 5Cc. The control unit 8 drives the staple drive section 7 upon detection of the object to be stapled 100 by the detection section 5Cc, activating the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3. As a result, the stapler 1D clamps the object to be stapled 100 between the staple ejection section 2 and the staple section 3.

[0107] Furthermore, in the stapler 1D, staples 10 are ejected from the staple ejection section 2, the legs of the staples 10 ejected from the staple ejection section 2 are bent in the stapling section 3, and the staples 10 are used to fasten the object to be fastened 100 at a distance C from the third side 103, which is the stapling position 3.

[0108] <Example of configuration and operation of the stapler of the fifth embodiment> Figure 52 is a top view showing an example of a stapler of the fifth embodiment. The stapler 1E of the fifth embodiment is equipped with a stopper portion 11 that is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the mounting portion 4. The stopper portion 11 protrudes from a recess 40 in the mounting portion 4 into the insertion portion 20, and the object to be stapled is brought into contact with it. The stopper portion 11 is driven by a motor (not shown) of a stopper portion movement portion (not shown), which is a moving part.

[0109] Furthermore, the stapler 1E is equipped with a detection unit 5Cc. The detection unit 5Cc is fixed in position relative to the mounting unit 4. The detection unit 5Cc is positioned at the shortest distance within the assumed range from the edge of the object to be stapled to the stapled position, for example, at the closest distance C from the stapled position Pp.

[0110] The control unit 8 drives a stopper movement unit (not shown) based on the binding position information to move the stopper 11 to a predetermined position in a predetermined order. Based on the binding position information, the control unit 8 drives the binding drive unit 7 in accordance with the elapsed time from the detection of the object to be bound by the detection unit 5Cc to execute the binding operation.

[0111] For example, as shown in Figure 45, when the distance from the binding position Pp to the stopper 11 is distance A, the control unit 8 drives the binding drive unit 7 in accordance with the elapsed time of a predetermined waiting time tL after the detection unit 5Cc detects the object to be bound. Also, as shown in Figure 46, when the distance from the binding position Pp to the stopper 11 is distance B, the control unit 8 drives the binding drive unit 7 in accordance with the elapsed time of a predetermined waiting time tS1 (<tL) after the detection unit 5Cc detects the object to be bound. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 47, when the distance from the binding position Pp to the stopper 11 is distance C, the control unit 8 drives the binding drive unit 7 in accordance with the elapsed time of a predetermined waiting time tS2 (<tS1) after the detection unit 5Cc detects the object to be bound.

[0112] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0113] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2025-008105) filed on January 20, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated by reference within this application.

[0114] This disclosure provides a stapler that can perform a stapling operation according to the stapling position, even when stapling multiple points on the periphery of an object to be stapled with staples.

[0115] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E... Stapler, 2... Staple dispensing section, 20... Insertion section, 3... Binding section, 30... Staple binding mechanism section, 31... Staple binding mechanism moving section (moving section), 4... Placement section, 5A... Detection section, 6A... Detection section moving section (moving section), 60... Detection section moving motor, 7... Binding drive section, 70... Binding motor, 8... Control unit, 80... Memory section, 9... Operation section, 10... Staple, 11... Stopping section, 12... Stopping section moving section (moving section), 100... Binding object, 101... First edge, 102... Second edge, 103... Third edge, 110... Convex section

Claims

1. A stapler comprising: a staple-feeding unit for ejecting staples; a stapling unit for bending a pair of staple legs of the staple ejected by the staple-feeding unit; a stapling drive unit for executing the stapling operation of an object to be stapled with the staples; a detection unit for activating the stapling drive unit upon detection of the object to be stapled; and a control unit for switching the positions in which the detection unit detects the object to be stapled in a preset order.

2. The stapler according to claim 1, comprising the detection unit, or the moving unit for moving the staple dispensing unit and the stapling unit, wherein the control unit moves the detection unit, or the staple dispensing unit and the stapling unit relative to each other by the moving unit in the predetermined order.

3. The stapler according to claim 1, comprising a stopper portion against which the object to be stapled is abutted, wherein the control unit moves the stopper portion in the predetermined order.

4. The stapler according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of detection units, wherein the control unit switches between the plurality of detection units in a predetermined order for detecting the object to be stapled.

5. The stapler according to claim 1, comprising: an operation unit for setting stapling position information on a stapling object according to the work order for stapling multiple locations on the stapling object; and a storage unit for storing the stapling position information set by the operation unit.

6. The stapler according to claim 5, wherein the control unit switches the positions in which the detection unit detects the object to be stapled based on the stapled position information, in the order set in advance.

7. The stapler according to claim 5, wherein the operating unit displays the stapling position on the object to be stapled according to the work sequence based on the stapling position information.

8. A stapler comprising: a needle-feeding unit for ejecting needles; a stapling unit for bending a pair of needle legs of the needle ejected by the needle-feeding unit; a detection unit for detecting an object to be stapled; a stopper unit against which the object to be stapled is placed; a stapling drive unit for executing a stapling operation of the object to be stapled with the needles in accordance with the elapsed time of a predetermined waiting period following the detection of the object to be stapled by the detection unit; and a control unit for switching the predetermined waiting period based on the distance from the stapling position where the stapling operation is performed to the stopper unit.

Images