Patent Description:
An electric stapler attached to an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus or the like includes a forming plate for forming a straight staple needle into a U-shape, a driver plate for striking out the U-shaped staple needle into a sheet, and a feeding unit for delivering the staple needle toward a position below the forming plate and the driver plate. The staple needles are connected in a sheet shape and accommodated in the electric stapler as sheet-like staples.

The forming plate is located upstream of the driver plate in a feeding direction of the sheet-like staples, and the forming plate and the driver plate are configured to be actuated in conjunction with each other. Therefore, when the forming plate and the driver plate are operated in a state where the staple needles are located at positions below the forming plate and the driver plate, respectively, the staple needles at the position below the forming plate are each formed in a U-shape, and the staple needles at the position below the driver plate are each struck out.

In the meantime, there is a case where when the electric stapler is activated, a leading staple of the sheet-shaped staples is not located below the forming plate or the driver plate. For this reason, it is necessary to perform a staple initial setting of moving (feeding) a leading staple to a position below the driver plate by repeating an operation until the leading staple is located below the driver plate, i.e., until the leading staple is in a state where it can be actually struck out.

However, a so-called idle striking is performed by the driver plate while the staple initial setting is performed, i.e., until the staple is located below the driver plate, and resultantly, a problem occurs in which an idle striking mark is left on a sheet.

For example, disclosed is an automatic binding preparation mechanism for an electric stapler where a detection means detects whether a leading staple is located below a driver plate, and a sheet to be bound is kept on standby without being set until it is detected by the detection means that the leading staple is located below the driver plate, i.e., until actual striking-out is possible (<CIT> corresponding to <CIT>). According to this mechanism, since the sheet to be bound is not set until the staple initial setting is completed, no idle striking mark is left on the sheet to be bound.

However, in the mechanism described in <CIT>, which discloses an image forming system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, the sheet should stand by without being set until actual striking-out is possible, and when it is intended to perform staple initial setting in a state where the sheet is set, an idle striking mark is left on the sheet.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus including a binding device configured such that no idle striking mark is left on a sheet even when a staple initial setting is performed in a state where the sheet is set, and a binding device.

The invention provides an image forming system according to claim <NUM>, a post-processing apparatus according to claim <NUM> and a binding device according to claim <NUM>.

An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, and a post-processing apparatus including a binding device configured to bind the sheet output from the image forming apparatus, wherein any one of the image forming apparatus, the post-processing apparatus, and the binding device includes a control unit configured to control the binding device. The binding device is capable of executing binding processing via a staple forming process of forming a staple and moving the staple toward a striking-out position and a staple striking-out process of striking out the staple at the striking-out position, and the control unit is configured to control the binding device to repeat multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process.

Since the binding device is controlled by the control unit to repeat multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process, during this control, the staple is moved (fed) toward the striking-out position, but a staple striking-out operation is not performed. For this reason, even when the staple initial setting is performed in a state where the sheet is set in the device in advance, an idle striking mark due to the striking-out operation is not left on the sheet.

In addition, a post-processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a binding device configured to bind a sheet output from an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on the sheet, and a control unit configured to control the binding device. The binding device is capable of executing binding processing via a staple forming process of forming a staple and moving the staple toward a striking-out position and a staple striking-out process of striking out the staple at the striking-out position, and the control unit is configured to control the binding device to repeat multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process.

Since the binding device attached to the image forming system or post-processing apparatus described above is controlled by the control unit to repeat multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process, during this control, the staple is moved (fed) toward the striking-out position, but the staple striking-out operation is not performed. For this reason, even when the sheet has already been set, an idle striking mark due to the striking-out operation is not left on the sheet.

A binding device according to the present invention includes a staple forming unit configured to form a staple and to move the staple toward a striking-out position, a staple striking-out unit configured to strike out the staple at the striking-out position, and a cam configured to actuate the staple forming unit and the staple striking-out unit. The cam has a first cam surface for actuating the staple forming unit and the staple striking-out unit, and a second cam surface for actuating the staple forming unit by bypassing all or part of actuation of the staple striking-out unit by the first cam surface.

When actuating the staple forming unit or the staple striking-out unit by the cam, the binding device uses the first cam surface and thus can execute a binding operation by forming of a staple and striking-out of the formed staple, while the binding device uses the second cam surface and thus can execute the staple initial setting of actuating the staple forming unit by bypassing all or part of the staple striking-out operation. When executing the staple initial setting operation by using the second cam surface, the staple forming unit is actuated by bypassing all or part of the staple striking-out operation, and accordingly, the staple can be fed without leaving an idle striking mark due to the striking-out operation on the sheet.

According to a further example, a binding device is described which includes a plurality of staple forming units each configured to form a staple and to move the staple toward a striking-out position, a plurality of staple striking-out units each configured to strike out the staple at the striking-out position, a plurality of cams configured to actuate the plurality of staple forming units and the plurality of staple striking-out units, and a single motor configured to drive the cams, in which each of the cams has a first cam surface for actuating the staple forming unit and the staple striking-out unit, and a second cam surface for actuating the staple forming unit by bypassing all or part of actuation of the staple striking-out unit by the first cam surface.

In order to bind a plurality of places of sheet at once, a binding device that actuates a plurality of staple forming units and staple striking-out units with one motor is sometimes used. In such a binding device, there is a case in which positions of staples of the plurality of staple forming units are not matched, such as after replacement of the staples. For example, the staple of one staple forming unit is located at the forming position or striking-out position, while the staple of another staple forming unit is not located at the forming position or striking-out position. In such a case, in the present binding device, since the staple feeding is repeated multiple times (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> times) without striking out the staple after the staple forming operation, the positions of the staples of the plurality of staple forming units can be matched (the staple initial setting processing can be completed) without leaving an idle striking mark on the sheet.

Even when the sheet is set in the binding device in advance, the staple initial setting can be performed without leaving an idle striking mark on the sheet.

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

<FIG> is a configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment of an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus, <FIG> is a block diagram showing an example of the embodiment of the image forming system and the post-processing apparatus, and <FIG> illustrates an example of a staple.

In addition, <FIG> illustrate an example of an operation of the image forming system and post-processing apparatus, showing a second mode (initial setting mode) in which staple initial setting processing of repeating multiple times a staple forming process without undergoing a staple striking-out process is executed. Further, <FIG> illustrate an example of an operation of the image forming system and post-processing apparatus, showing a first mode (striking-out mode) in which binding processing is executed via the staple forming process and the staple striking-out process.

An image forming system 200A includes an image forming apparatus 201A that forms an image on a sheet, a post-processing apparatus 202A having a binding device 100A that binds the sheet output from the image forming apparatus 201A with a staple <NUM>, and an operation unit 203A that receives a person's operation. In addition, the image forming system 200A includes a control unit <NUM> that controls the binding device 100A. Note that the control unit <NUM> may be provided in any of the image forming apparatus 201A, the post-processing apparatus 202A, and the binding device 100A. However, in the present example, an example in which the control unit is provided in the post-processing apparatus 202A will be described. The control unit <NUM> may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the staple <NUM> has a straight shape before forming. A plurality of staples <NUM> are aligned in a width direction and are detachably connected by an adhesive or the like to form a sheet shape (the plurality of staples <NUM> in the form of a sheet are hereinafter referred to as "sheet staples <NUM>"), and the sheet staples <NUM> are stacked and accommodated in the binding device 100A. The lowermost sheet staple <NUM> of the stacked sheet staples <NUM> is fed in a direction of an arrow E1, which is a connecting direction of the staples <NUM>, and is formed into a U-shape.

As shown in <FIG>, the binding device 100A can execute binding processing via a staple forming process of forming a staple <NUM> and moving the staple toward a striking-out position P2 and a staple striking-out process of striking out the staple <NUM> at the striking-out position P2, and includes a staple forming unit 2A that forms the staple <NUM> and moves the staple toward the striking-out position P2 in the staple forming process, and a staple striking-out unit 2B that strikes out the staple <NUM> at the striking-out position P2 in the staple striking-out process. The staple forming unit 2A includes a forming plate <NUM> that forms the staple <NUM> at a forming position P1, a staple feeding unit <NUM> that moves the formed staple <NUM> toward the striking-out position P2, and moves a next unformed staple <NUM> (sheet staple <NUM>) toward the forming position P1. In addition, the staple striking-out unit 2B includes a driver plate <NUM> that strikes out the staple <NUM> at the striking-out position P2.

The staple feeding unit <NUM> includes a claw portion <NUM> that is engaged with the staple <NUM>, and a link portion <NUM> that is pushed by the forming plate <NUM> in an operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in a direction of an arrow F10, and is urged in a direction of an arrow E1, which is a feeding direction of the staple <NUM>, by a spring <NUM>.

In an operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 for forming the staple <NUM>, the link portion <NUM> is pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, so that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in a direction of an arrow E2 while compressing the spring <NUM>. In an operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in a direction of an arrow F20 away from the staple <NUM>, the link portion <NUM> is released from being pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, so that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E1 by the force of the spring <NUM>.

Thereby, in the operations in which the forming plate <NUM> are moved in the directions of the arrows F10 and F20, the staple feeding unit <NUM> reciprocates in the directions of the arrows E1 and the arrow E2, and feeds the staple <NUM> engaged with the claw portion <NUM> in the direction of the arrow E1.

Note that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is not limited to operating in conjunction with the forming plate <NUM>, and may be configured to operate in conjunction with the driver plate <NUM>, or may have a drive source independent of the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM>.

Before the staple initial setting processing is completed, the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are each located at a standby position (<FIG>). From this state, when the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10, the staple <NUM> at the forming position P1 is formed and the link portion <NUM> is pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, so that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E2 while compressing the spring <NUM> (<FIG>).

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, when the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20, the link portion <NUM> is released from being pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, so that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E1 by the force of the spring <NUM>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2 (<FIG>).

Below, control of repeating the staple forming process multiple times without undergoing the staple striking-out process will be described.

<FIG> shows an example of an operation of the control unit <NUM>. In the standby state (<FIG>) in which the staple initial setting processing has not been completed and the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> have been moved to their respective standby positions, the control unit <NUM> causes the binding apparatus 100A to execute the staple forming process, in step SA10 of <FIG> (<FIG>). At this time, by regulating actuation of the driver plate <NUM> or regulating an amount of actuation thereof, the staple striking-out process is not undergone (not executed), so the driver plate <NUM> is not actuated and only the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> at the forming position P1 is formed. When the amount of actuation of the driver plate <NUM> is regulated, the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F <NUM> within a range in which it does not come into contact with the staple <NUM>.

In addition, as the link portion <NUM> is pushed by the forming plate <NUM> in the operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 for forming the staple <NUM>, the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E2 while compressing the spring <NUM>.

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, the control unit <NUM> moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F20, as shown in <FIG>. As the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 away from the formed staple <NUM>, the link portion <NUM> is released from being pushed by the forming plate <NUM> and is moved in the direction of the arrow E1 by the force of the spring <NUM>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2. The first staple forming process is executed by the above operations in <FIG>.

The control unit <NUM> determines in step SA20 of <FIG> whether the staple initial setting processing has ended. If it is determined that the staple initial setting processing has not ended, the control unit returns to step SA10 and again causes the binding device 100A to execute the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process. That is, the control unit <NUM> sets a predetermined state of regulating the actuation of the driver plate <NUM> or regulating the amount of actuation, and moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the next staple <NUM> moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed.

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, the control unit <NUM> moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F20, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2. The second staple forming process is executed by the above operations in <FIG>.

In the present example, since the formed staple <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position P2 by the second staple forming process, the staple <NUM> formed in the staple forming process is reliably moved to the striking-out position P2 by performing the staple forming process two times or more.

After the second staple forming process is executed, the control unit <NUM> proceeds to step SA20, but determines that the staple initial setting processing has not yet ended, and executes the staple forming process again in step SA10. The control unit <NUM> moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>, in order to execute the third and subsequent staple forming processes without undergoing the staple striking-out process. Thereby, the next staple <NUM> moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed.

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, the control unit <NUM> moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F20, as shown in <FIG>. In the third and subsequent staple forming processes, the staple <NUM> formed in the staple forming process has been already moved to the striking-out position P2. In the present example, since a staple stopper (not shown) for limiting feeding of the staple is provided at an end of the striking-out position P2, a so-called idle feeding is made in which even when the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E1, the staple <NUM> is not fed. The second and subsequent staple forming processes are executed by the above operations in <FIG> and <FIG>. In addition, the binding device 100A does not have a means for detecting the staple at the striking-out position P2.

In the present example, after the staple forming process has been executed three times, the control unit <NUM> determines in step SA20 of <FIG> that the staple initial setting processing has ended, and ends the processing. As described above, the control unit <NUM> controls the binding device 100A to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without undergoing the staple striking-out process. Note that in the staple forming process that is executed without undergoing the staple striking-out process, the driver plate <NUM> may be moved within a range in which it does not come into contact with the staple <NUM>. According to the image forming system 200A, the staple forming process can be repeated multiple times without involving the striking-out of the staple <NUM>, i.e., without performing so-called idle striking. In addition, even after the leading staple <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position P2, the staple forming process can be executed without involving the striking out of the leading staple <NUM>. Therefore, there is no need to set the sheet in order to prevent the leading staple <NUM> from being struck out without a sheet, and the staple initial setting processing can be executed by executing the staple forming process in a state where a sheet is not set. Further, even when a sheet is set, an idle striking mark due to idle striking is not left on the sheet. Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of a sheet, it is possible to execute the staple initial setting processing by executing the staple forming process. Further, it is possible to perform the initial setting for the staple <NUM> without the need for the binding device 100A to have a means for detecting that the staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position P2. Further, as compared with a case where the idle striking is performed (the driver plate <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position), it is possible to shorten an operating time required for the staple initial setting.

The control unit <NUM> controls the binding device 100A to be able to switch a first mode (striking-out mode) in which the binding processing is performed via the staple forming process and the staple striking-out process, and a second mode (initial setting mode) in which the staple initial setting processing is executed by repeating multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process.

First, the first mode will be described.

<FIG> shows a standby state in which the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are respectively located at standby positions. In the control of executing the binding processing via the staple forming process and the staple striking-out process, i.e., in the first mode, the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are actuated in conjunction with each other. For this reason, part or all of the staple striking-out process and the staple forming process are executed overlapped on a time-series basis.

In the first mode, the control unit <NUM> moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10 and moves the driver plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F1, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> at the forming position P1 is formed by the forming plate <NUM>, and the staple <NUM> at the striking-out position P2 is struck out by the driver plate <NUM>.

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10 and moving the driver plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F1, as shown in <FIG>, when the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 and the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F2, the link portion <NUM> is released from being pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, and is moved in the direction of the arrow E1 by the force of the spring <NUM>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1.

Next, the second mode will be described. In the second mode, the operations of <FIG> and the control of <FIG> described above are performed, and the binding device 100A is controlled to repeat the staple forming process multiple times without undergoing the staple striking-out process by the control unit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a binding device 100A2 of another embodiment, in the second mode.

The binding device 100A2 is different from the binding device 100A in that the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are integrally configured. The binding device 100A2 includes a driver forming plate 20B in which the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are integrally configured, and switches an amount of actuation of the driver forming plate 20B in the first mode and the second mode.

<FIG> shows a standby state in which the staple initial setting processing has not been completed and the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> have been moved to their respective standby positions. In order to execute the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process, the control unit <NUM> sets a predetermined state of regulating an amount of actuation of the driver forming plate 20B, and moves the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> at the forming position P1 is formed by the forming plate <NUM>. The driver forming plate 20B is moved within a range in which the driver plate <NUM> does not come into contact with the staple <NUM> when the staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position P2 in the staple forming process. For this reason, the staple forming process is executed without undergoing the staple striking-out process.

In addition, as the link portion <NUM> is pushed by the forming plate <NUM> in the operation in which the driver forming plate 20B is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 for forming the staple <NUM>, the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E2 while compressing the spring <NUM>.

After moving the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>, the driver forming plate 20B is moved in the direction of the arrow F20. In an operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 away from the formed staple <NUM>, the link portion <NUM> is released from being pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, so that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E1 by the force of the spring <NUM>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2. The first staple forming process is executed by the above operations in <FIG>.

When it is determined based on the number of executions of the staple forming process or the like that the staple initial setting processing has not ended, in order to repeat the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process, the control unit <NUM> sets a predetermined state of regulating an amount of actuation of the driver forming plate 20B, and as shown in <FIG>, moves the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of the arrow F10. Thereby, the next staple <NUM> moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed.

After moving the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>, the driver forming plate 20B is moved in the direction of the arrow F20. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2. The second staple forming process is executed by the above operations in <FIG>.

In the present example, in the second staple forming process, the staple <NUM> formed in the staple forming process is moved to the striking-out position P2. For this reason, by executing the staple forming process two times or more, the staple <NUM> formed in the staple forming process is reliably moved to the striking-out position P2.

Although the staple <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position P2 by the two staple forming processes, the third and subsequent staple forming processes may be executed without undergoing the staple striking-out process. When it is determined that the staple forming process has been performed predetermined n times or more, the control unit <NUM> determines that the staple initial setting processing has ended, and ends the processing.

Note that, in the binding device 100A2, during execution of the first mode in which the binding processing is executed via the staple forming process and the staple striking-out process, the control unit sets a predetermined state in which the amount of actuation of the driver forming plate 20B is not regulated, and as shown in <FIG>, moves the driver forming plate 20B in the direction of the arrow F10. Thereby, the next staple <NUM> moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed. In addition, since the staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position P2, the formed staple <NUM> is struck out by the driver plate <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls the first mode and the second mode to be switchable, i.e., to be selectively executable. Thereby, since the initial setting and striking-out of the staple <NUM> can be used separately, it becomes possible to execute each mode according to the state of the binding device 100A2 (100A).

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a binding device, <FIG> and <FIG> are side cross-sectional views showing an example of an embodiment of a forming striking-out unit and a bending unit, and <FIG> is a side view showing the example of the embodiment of the forming striking-out unit and the bending unit. In addition, <FIG> and <FIG> are front cross-sectional views showing the example of the embodiment of the forming striking-out unit and the bending unit, and <FIG> is a front view showing the example of the embodiment of the forming striking-out unit and the bending unit. <FIG> shows a driver cam in a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a forming cam in a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a driver plate in a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a forming plate in a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D in <FIG>.

Next, an example of a binding device adapted to be able to execute a staple forming process without undergoing a staple striking-out process will be described.

The binding device 100A includes a forming striking-out unit <NUM> for forming the staple <NUM> and striking out the formed staple <NUM>, a bending unit <NUM> for bending a staple leg of the staple <NUM> struck out by the forming striking-out unit <NUM>, and a motor <NUM> for driving both or one of the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>.

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> includes a staple forming unit 2A that forms a staple <NUM> and feeds (moves) the formed staple <NUM> toward the striking-out position in the staple forming process, a staple striking-out unit 2B that strikes out the staple <NUM> at the striking-out position in the staple striking-out process, and a cam (actuation unit) <NUM> that actuates the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B. In the present example, the cam <NUM> is a rotatable flat plate cam.

The staple forming unit 2A includes a forming plate <NUM> for forming the staple <NUM> and a staple feeding unit <NUM> for feeding (moving) the staple <NUM> toward the striking-out position (refer to <FIG>, and the like). The staple striking-out unit 2B includes a driver plate <NUM> for striking out the staple <NUM> formed by the forming plate <NUM>. The cam <NUM> is configured to be displaceable (rotatable in the present example), and the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B can be actuated by displacing (rotating) the cam <NUM>.

The forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are arranged along a feeding (moving) direction of the staple <NUM>, and the forming plate <NUM> is located upstream of the driver plate <NUM> in the feeding direction of the staple <NUM>. For this reason, the staple <NUM> formed by the forming plate <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position by the staple feeding unit <NUM> and struck out by the driver plate <NUM>.

The forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> are configured to be actuated in conjunction with each other. In the present example, when the previous staple <NUM> is struck out by the driver plate <NUM>, the next staple <NUM> (a staple to be struck out next or subsequently) is formed by the forming plate <NUM> simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> is configured so that the driver plate <NUM> is actuated to strike out the staple <NUM>, which is a striking-out target, and the forming plate <NUM> is actuated to form the staple <NUM>, which is a forming target. The staple <NUM> formed first by the forming plate <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position by the driver plate <NUM> and then struck out by the driver plate <NUM>. At this time, since the forming plate <NUM> is actuated in conjunction with the driver plate <NUM>, when the previous staple is struck out by the driver plate <NUM>, the next staple <NUM> (a staple <NUM> to be struck out next or subsequently) is formed by the forming plate <NUM> simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

In addition, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> is configured such that the striking-out of the staple <NUM> is not performed by regulating the presence or absence of actuation of the driver plate <NUM> or the amount of actuation, the forming plate <NUM> is actuated to form the staple <NUM>, which is a forming target, and the formed staple <NUM> is moved to the striking-out position by the driver plate <NUM>.

Below, a driving mechanism of the driver plate <NUM> and the forming plate <NUM>, which enables switching between the first mode and the second mode, will be described.

The driver plate <NUM> is provided on one end portion side of the forming striking-out unit <NUM> along the feed direction of the sheet staples <NUM> indicated by the arrow E1. The driver plate <NUM> is supported to be movable in the direction of the arrow F1 and the direction of the arrow F2 opposite to the direction of the arrow F1, which are substantially orthogonal to the feeding direction of the sheet staples <NUM> indicated by the arrow E1. The driver plate <NUM> strikes out the staple <NUM> on a distal end side in the moving direction denoted with the arrow F1.

The forming plate <NUM> is provided on an upstream side of the driver plate <NUM> in the feeding direction of the sheet staples <NUM> indicated by the arrow E1. In the present example, the forming plate <NUM> is provided spaced apart from the driver plate <NUM> with a gap corresponding to one width of the staple <NUM> in the width direction. The forming plate <NUM> is supported to be movable independently of the driver plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10 and the direction of the arrow F20 opposite to the direction of the arrow F10, which are substantially orthogonal to the feeding direction of the sheet staples <NUM> indicated by the arrow E1. The forming plate <NUM> forms the staple <NUM> on a distal end side in the moving direction denoted with the arrow F10.

As described above, the forming plate <NUM> is provided on the upstream side of the driver plate <NUM> in the feeding direction of the sheet staples <NUM>, so that it is located upstream of the staple <NUM> to be struck out by the driver plate <NUM> and forms the staple <NUM> to be struck out next or subsequently.

The cam <NUM> is provided on a gear <NUM>. The gear <NUM> is configured by a spur gear that rotates with a shaft 22a as a fulcrum, one surface along an axial direction serves as a forming cam surface 22b, and the other surface serves as a driver cam surface 22c.

A forming cam <NUM> for actuating the forming plate <NUM> is formed on the forming cam surface 22b. The forming cam <NUM> is configured by a cam whose distance from the shaft 22a varies, and includes a groove of a predetermined shape extending along a rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum.

In addition, a driver cam <NUM> for actuating the driver plate <NUM> is formed on the driver cam surface 22c. The driver cam <NUM> is configured by a cam whose distance from the shaft 22a varies, and includes a groove of a predetermined shape extending along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum.

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> includes a forming link <NUM> that actuates the forming plate <NUM>, following the shape of the forming cam <NUM>. The forming link <NUM> has a shape extending along the feeding direction of the sheet staples <NUM> indicated by the arrow E1, has one end portion connected to the forming plate <NUM> by a connecting portion 25a, and the other end portion rotatably supported by the forming striking-out unit <NUM> with a shaft 25b as a fulcrum, and is provided facing the forming cam surface 22b of the cam <NUM>.

The connecting portion 25a is, for example, a circular cylinder or cylindrical shaft, and connects the forming plate <NUM> and the forming link <NUM> rotatably. In addition, an axial direction of rotation of the forming plate <NUM> and the forming link <NUM> by the connecting portion 25a is parallel to an axial direction of rotation of the forming link <NUM> by the shaft 25b. Thereby, with the rotating operation of the forming link <NUM> with the shaft 25b as a fulcrum, the forming plate <NUM> can be moved in the direction of the arrow F10 and in the direction of the arrow F20.

The forming link <NUM> includes a forming follower 25c that actuates the forming link <NUM>, following the shape of the forming cam <NUM>.

The forming follower 25c is a circular cylinder or cylindrical member that has a diameter fitting into (the groove of) the forming cam <NUM> and is movable following the forming cam <NUM>, and is attached to the forming link <NUM> facing the forming cam surface 22b. The forming follower 25c is located between the connecting portion 25a and the shaft 25b, protrudes in a direction of the forming cam <NUM>, and enters the forming cam <NUM>.

In the forming cam <NUM>, a distance from the shaft 22a of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) varies in a predetermined pattern along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum. Thereby, when the cam <NUM> rotates, the forming follower 25c follows the forming cam <NUM>, so that the forming link <NUM> rotates with the shaft 25b as a fulcrum.

With a rotating operation of the forming link <NUM> with the shaft 25b as a support point, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 for forming the staple <NUM> and in the direction of the arrow F20 away from the formed staples <NUM>, according to a rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> includes a driver link <NUM> that actuates the driver plate <NUM>, following the shape of the driver cam <NUM>. The driver link <NUM> has a shape extending along the feeding direction of the sheet staples <NUM> indicated by the arrow E1, has one end portion connected to the driver plate <NUM> by a connecting portion 26a, and the other end portion rotatably supported by the forming striking-out unit <NUM> with a shaft 26b as a fulcrum, and is provided facing the driver cam surface 22c of the cam <NUM>.

The connecting portion 26a is, for example, a circular cylinder or cylindrical shaft, and the driver plate <NUM> and the driver link <NUM> are rotatably connected by the connecting portion 26a. In addition, an axial direction of rotation of the driver plate <NUM> and the driver link <NUM> by the connecting portion 26a is parallel to an axial direction of rotation of the driver link <NUM> by the shaft 26b. Thereby, with the rotating operation of the driver link <NUM> with the shaft 26b as the fulcrum, the driver plate <NUM> can be moved in the direction of the arrow F1 and in the direction of the arrow F2.

The driver link <NUM> includes a driver follower 26c that actuates the driver link <NUM>, following the shape of the driver cam <NUM>.

The driver follower 26c is a circular cylinder or cylindrical member that has a diameter fitting into (the groove of) the driver cam <NUM> and is movable following the driver cam <NUM>, and is provided on a surface of the driver link <NUM> facing the driver cam surface 22c of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). The driver follower 26c is located between the connecting portion 26a and the shaft 26b, protrudes in a direction of the driver cam <NUM>, and enters the driver cam <NUM>.

In the driver cam <NUM>, a distance from the shaft 22a of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) varies in a predetermined pattern along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum. Thereby, when the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) rotates, the driver follower 26c follows the driver cam <NUM>, so that the driver link <NUM> rotates with the shaft 26b as a fulcrum.

With a rotating operation of the driver link <NUM> with the shaft 26b as a support point, the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F1 for striking out the staple <NUM> and in the direction of the arrow F2 away from the formed staple <NUM>, according to the rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> is provided with a clamping part <NUM> for striking out the staple <NUM> and sandwiching the sheet (bundle) at a part facing the bending unit <NUM>. The bending unit <NUM> includes a clincher (not shown) for bending the staple <NUM>, and a clamping part <NUM> for a sheet (bundle) formed at a part facing the forming striking-out unit <NUM>.

In addition, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are configured such that a rotating operation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is transmitted to a mechanism (not shown) and the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are thus moved in a direction of an arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other and in a direction of an arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other.

Thereby, with the rotating operation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), clamping and unclamping of the sheet (bundle) by the reciprocating movement of the forming striking-out unit <NUM>, forming of the staple <NUM> by the reciprocating movement of the forming plate <NUM>, and striking-out of the staple <NUM> by the reciprocating movement of the driver plate <NUM> are performed. By switching the rotation direction and rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), the first mode and the second mode, i.e., the striking-out mode and the initial setting mode are switched. That is, it is possible to selectively execute the number of execution times of the staple forming operation (process) that does not involve the staple striking-out operation (process), or whether to execute the striking-out mode, such as executing the striking-out mode after executing the initial setting mode. According to this binding device 100A, an idle striking mark due to idle striking is not left on the sheet. In addition, it is possible to perform the initial setting for the staple without the need to have a means for detecting that a staple is present at the striking-out position P2.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a function assigned to the driver cam in the striking-out mode, and <FIG> illustrates an example of a function assigned to the forming cam in the striking-out mode. In addition, <FIG> illustrates an example of a function assigned to the driver cam in the initial setting mode, and <FIG> illustrates an example of a function assigned to the forming cam in the initial setting mode.

In the striking-out mode, by rotating the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) once in a forward direction denoted with an arrow H1, the clamping and unclamping operation of the sheet (bundle) by the reciprocating movement of the forming striking-out unit <NUM>, the forming operation of the staple <NUM> by the reciprocating movement of the forming plate <NUM>, and the striking-out operation of the staple <NUM> by the reciprocating movement of the driver plate <NUM> are performed in conjunction. Note that although one revolution of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is assigned to the striking-out mode, the rotation range of the gear may be less than one revolution.

In the initial setting mode, by rotating the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) at a predetermined rotational angle in a reverse direction denoted with an arrow H2 and the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the clamping and unclamping operation by the reciprocating movement of the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the forming operation of the staple <NUM> by the reciprocating movement of the forming plate <NUM> are performed in conjunction with each other without performing the striking-out operation of the staple <NUM>.

In the striking-out mode, in an operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, a contact surface (groove surface) of the driver cam <NUM> with the driver follower 26c functions as a home region 24A, a clamping region 24B, a striking-out region 24C, and a return region 24D along a rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum, as shown in <FIG>.

In the striking-out mode, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the driver follower 26c passes through the home region 24A, the clamping region 24B, and the striking-out region 24C in contact with an inner surface of the groove of the driver cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially inner surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). Thereafter, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the driver follower 26c passes through the return region 24D in contact with an outer surface of the groove of the driver cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially outer surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

In the striking-out mode, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, a contact surface (groove surface) of the forming cam <NUM> with the forming follower 25c functions as a home region 23A, a clamping region 23B, an idle running region 23C, a forming region 23D, and a return region 23E along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum, as shown in <FIG>. In the striking-out mode, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the forming follower 25c passes through the home region 23A, the clamping region 23B, the idle running region 23C and the forming region 23D in contact with an inner surface of the groove of the forming cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially inner surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). Thereafter, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the forming follower 25c passes through the return region 23E in contact with an outer surface of the groove of the forming cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially outer surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

The cam <NUM> includes the forming cam <NUM> and the driver cam <NUM>, and has a first cam surface <NUM> including the forming region 23D for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and the striking-out region 24C for actuating the staple striking-out unit 2B. The first cam surface <NUM> is at least a surface, which corresponds to the forming region 23D, of the groove surface (contact surface with the forming follower 25c) of the forming cam <NUM> and a surface, which corresponds to the striking-out region 24C, of the groove surface (contact surface with the driver follower 26c) of the driver cam <NUM>. Therefore, during execution of the striking-out mode, when the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 and the driver follower 26c passes through the striking-out region 24C, the driver plate <NUM> is actuated via the driver link <NUM>, and when the forming follower 25c passes through the forming region 23D, the forming plate <NUM> is actuated via the forming link <NUM>.

In the initial setting mode, in an operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, a contact surface (groove surface) of the driver cam <NUM> with the driver follower 26c functions as a home region 24C, and a clamping region 24F along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum, as shown in <FIG>. Further, in the present example, a striking-out regulation region <NUM> is provided at an end of the clamping region 24F. Further, in the initial setting mode, in an operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the contact surface (groove surface) of the driver cam <NUM> with the driver follower 26c functions as a return region <NUM> along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum, as shown in <FIG>.

In the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the driver follower 26c passes through the home region 24E, the clamping region 24F, and the striking-out regulation region <NUM> in contact with an inner surface of the groove of the driver cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially inner surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). In contrast, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the initial setting mode, the driver follower 26c passes through the return region <NUM> in contact with an outer surface of the groove of the driver cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially outer surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

In the initial setting mode, in an operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, a contact surface (groove surface) of the forming cam <NUM> with the forming follower 25c functions as a home region 23F, a clamping region <NUM> and a forming region <NUM> along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum, as shown in <FIG>. In addition, in the initial setting mode, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the contact surface (groove surface) of the forming cam <NUM> with the forming follower 25c functions as a return region 23J along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum, as shown in <FIG>.

In the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the forming follower 25c passes through the home region 23F, the clamping region <NUM>, and the forming region <NUM> in contact with an inner surface of the groove of the forming cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially inner surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). In contrast, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the initial setting mode, the forming follower 25c passes through the return region 23J in contact with an outer surface of the groove of the forming cam <NUM>, i.e., a radially outer surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

The cam <NUM> has a second cam surface 22J for actuating the staple forming unit 2A by bypassing all or part of the actuation of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the first cam surface <NUM> for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B. The second cam surface 22J includes a forming region <NUM> and a striking-out regulation region <NUM>. The striking-out regulation region <NUM> functions to bypass all or part of the actuation of the driver plate <NUM> of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the striking-out region 24C, which is a part of the first cam surface <NUM>. For this reason, during execution of the initial setting mode, when the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, the driver follower 26c passes through the striking-out regulation region <NUM> of the driver cam <NUM>, and the forming follower 25c passes through the forming region <NUM> of the forming cam <NUM>. Thereby, the binding device 100A operates to actuate the staple forming unit 2A by bypassing all or part of the actuation of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the first cam surface <NUM>.

As described above, when the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the driver follower 26c comes into contact with the striking-out region 24C, and the driver plate <NUM> of the staple striking-out unit 2B is actuated by the striking-out region 24C of the first cam surface <NUM>. In contrast, when the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, the driver follower 26c comes into contact with the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, not the striking-out region 24C, and the striking-out regulation region <NUM> of the second cam surface 22J bypasses part or all of the actuation of the driver plate <NUM> of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the striking-out region 24C of the first cam surface <NUM>.

The first cam surface <NUM> and the second cam surface 22J are also described as follows. That is, the first cam surface <NUM> has a staple forming cam surface 22H1 for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and a staple striking-out cam surface 22H2 for actuating the staple striking-out unit 2B.

The staple forming cam surface 22H1 is the forming region 23D with which the forming follower 25c comes into contact during execution of the striking-out mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the staple striking-out cam surface 22H2 is the striking-out region 24C with which the driver follower 26c comes into contact during execution of the striking-out mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1.

The second cam surface 22J has a staple forming cam surface 22J1 for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and a staple striking-out regulation cam surface 22J2 for bypassing part or all of the staple striking-out cam surface 22H2.

The staple forming cam surface 22J1 is the forming region <NUM> with which the forming follower 25c comes into contact during execution of the initial setting mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2. In addition, the staple striking-out regulation cam surface 22J2 is the striking-out regulation region <NUM> with which the driver follower 26c comes into contact during execution of the initial setting mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2.

The staple forming cam surface 22H1, which is the forming region 23D, and the staple forming cam surface 22J1, which is the forming region <NUM>, are formed on one surface of the cam <NUM> in the axial direction. In addition, the staple striking-out cam surface 22H2, which is the striking-out region 24C, and the staple striking-out control cam surface 22J2, which is the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, are formed on the other surface of the cam <NUM> in the axial direction.

Further, the staple forming cam surface 22J1, which is the forming region <NUM>, is formed in a region that partially or fully overlaps the staple striking-out cam surface 22H2, which is the striking-out region 24C, and the staple striking-out regulation cam surface 22J2, which is the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM>.

In the staple forming unit 2A, the forming plate <NUM> is actuated as the forming follower 25c follows the shape of the forming region 23D (staple forming cam surface 22H1). That is, as the forming follower 25c follows the shape of the forming region 23D by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the forming link <NUM> is rotated. Thereby, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 for forming the staple <NUM> and in the direction of the arrow F20 away from the formed staple <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and the like.

In the staple striking-out unit 2B, the driver plate <NUM> is actuated as the driver follower 26c follows the shape of the striking-out region 24C (staple striking-out cam surface 22H2). That is, as the driver follower 26c follows the shape of the striking-out region 24C by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the driver link <NUM> is rotated. Thereby, the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F1 for striking out the staple <NUM> and in the direction of the arrow F2 away from the struck staple <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and the like.

In the staple forming unit 2A, the forming plate <NUM> is actuated as the forming follower 25c follows the shape of the forming region <NUM> (staple forming cam surface 22J1). That is, as the forming follower 25c follows the shape of the forming region <NUM> by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, the forming link <NUM> is rotated. Thereby, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 for forming the staple <NUM> and in the direction of the arrow F20 away from the formed staple <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and the like.

In the staple striking-out unit 2B, the actuation of the driver plate <NUM> is restricted as the driver follower 26c follows the shape of the striking-out regulation region <NUM> (staple striking-out regulation cam surface 22J2). That is, as the driver follower 26c follows the shape of the striking-out regulation region <NUM> by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, the rotation of the driver link <NUM> is restricted. This restricts the movement of the driver plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F1 for striking out the staple <NUM> and in the direction of the arrow F2 away from the struck staple <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and the like.

<FIG> is an operation illustrating view showing an example of a flow of the striking-out mode, and <FIG> is an operation illustrating view showing an example of a flow of the initial setting mode. In addition, <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the driver cam in the striking-out mode, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the forming cam in the striking-out mode. Further, <FIG> is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the driver plate in the striking-out mode, and <FIG> is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the forming plate in the striking-out mode. Further, <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the driver cam in the initial setting mode, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the forming cam in the initial setting mode. Further, <FIG> is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the driver plate in the initial setting mode, and <FIG> is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation of the forming plate in the initial setting mode.

In the striking-out mode, the binding device 100A sequentially performs a standby operation at the home position (SA1), a clamping operation (SA2), a striking-out operation (SA3), an idle running operation (Sa4a) and a forming operation (SA4b), and a return operation (SA5), as shown in <FIG>, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1.

On the other hand, in the initial setting mode, the binding device 100A sequentially performs a standby operation at the home position (SB1), a clamping operation (SB2), a striking-out regulation operation (SB3), and a forming operation (SB4), as shown in <FIG>, with an operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated to a reverse rotation stop position P10 at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2. In addition, in the initial setting mode, the binding device 100A performs a return operation (SB5), as shown in <FIG>, with an operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 from the reverse rotation stop position P10.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the home region 24A, in the standby operation (SA1) at the home position. While the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the home region 24A, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> stop at relatively distant standby positions. In addition, the driver plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the formed staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the clamping region 24B, in the clamping operation SA2. While the driver follower 26c is located in the clamping region 24B, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other, thereby clamping the sheet (bundle). In addition, the driver plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the formed staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the striking-out region 24C, in the striking-out operation (SA3), as shown in <FIG>. While the driver follower 26c is located in the striking-out region 24C, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are held in position while clamping the sheet (bundle). Further, as shown in <FIG>, the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F1 from the standby position to a striking-out end position, strikes out the formed staple <NUM> in contact with the formed staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the return region 24D, in the return operation (SA5). While the driver follower 26c is located in the return region 24D, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other, thereby unclamping the sheet (bundle). Further, the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F2 from the striking-out end position to the standby position, and becomes distant from the struck staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the home region 23A, in the standby operation (SA1) at the home position. While the forming follower 25c is located in the home region 23A, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> stop at relatively distant standby positions. Further, the forming plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the sheet staples <NUM> before forming.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the clamping region 23B, in the clamping operation (SA2). While the forming follower 25c is located in the clamping region 23B, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other, thereby clamping the sheet (bundle). Further, the forming plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the sheet staples <NUM> before forming.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the idle running region 23C, in the idle running operation (SA4a). While the forming follower 25c is located in the idle running region 23C, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are kept in position while clamping the sheet (bundle). Further, the forming plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the sheet staples <NUM> before forming.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the forming region 23D, in the forming operation (SA4b), as shown in <FIG>. While the forming follower 25c is located in the forming region 23D, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are held in position while clamping the sheet (bundle). Further, as shown in <FIG>, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 from the standby position to the forming end position, and forms the staple <NUM> in contact with the sheet staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the return region 23E, in the return operation (SA5). While the forming follower 25c is located in the return region 23E, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other, thereby unclamping the sheet (bundle). Further, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position, and becomes distant from the formed staple <NUM>.

In the forming cam surface 22b and the driver cam surface 22c of the cam <NUM>, the forming cam <NUM> and the driver cam <NUM> are configured such that, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the home region 23A of the forming cam <NUM> and the home region 24A of the driver cam <NUM> overlap and the clamping region 23B and clamping region 24B overlap along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

In addition, the forming cam <NUM> and the driver cam <NUM> are configured such that, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the idle running region 23C and forming region 23D of the forming cam <NUM> and the striking-out region 24C of the driver cam <NUM> overlap along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

Further, the forming cam <NUM> and the driver cam <NUM> are configured such that, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the return region 23E of the forming cam <NUM> and the return region 24D of the driver cam <NUM> overlap along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

Thereby, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated one revolution in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, the clamping operation is performed in which the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other to clamp the sheet (bundle). In addition, the striking-out operation in which the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F1 from the standby position to the striking-out end position to strike out the staple <NUM>, and the forming operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 from the standby position to the forming end position to form the staple <NUM> are performed. In addition, the return operation is performed in which the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other to unclamp the sheet (bundle), the driver plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F2 from the striking-out end position to the standby position, and the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position. When the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position by the return operation, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 by the operation of the staple feeding unit <NUM> described above.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the home region 24E, in the standby operation (SB <NUM>) at the home position. While the driver follower 26c is located in the home region 24E, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> stop at relatively distant standby positions. In addition, the driver plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the formed staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the clamping region 24F, in the clamping operation (SB2). While the driver follower 26c is located in the clamping region 24F, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other. In addition, the driver plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the formed staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, in the striking-out regulation operation (SB3), as shown in <FIG>. While the driver follower 26c is located in the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are held in position while clamping the sheet. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the driver plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the formed staple <NUM>.

Note that, in the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, the shape of the driver cam <NUM> may be set to stop the driver plate <NUM> at the standby position, and the shape of the driver cam <NUM> may be set to move the driver plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F1 from the standby position within a range in which the staple <NUM> is not struck out.

In addition, the driver cam <NUM> is formed with a rotation regulation portion 24J at which the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the striking-out regulation region <NUM> and which regulates the rotation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) at a rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) at which the movement of the driver plate <NUM> striking out the staple <NUM> is regulated. The rotation regulation portion 24J is configured by providing a surface extending along the radial direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) at an end portion of the striking-out regulation region <NUM>. When the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 and the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the striking-out regulation region <NUM> and comes into contact with the rotation regulation portion 24J, the driver follower 26c cannot overcome the rotation regulation portion 24J, and the rotation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is thus regulated.

In the present example, by providing the rotation regulation portion 24J at the terminal end portion of the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, the driver follower 26c is prevented from entering the striking-out region 24c during rotation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) in the direction of the arrow H2. Specifically, the rotation regulation portion 24J has a shape that sharply changes in the direction in which the driver follower 26c becomes distant from the shaft 22a when the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the direction of the arrow H2. In order for the driver follower 26c to follow the sharp change in shape of the rotation regulation portion 24J, a high driving force from the motor <NUM> serving as a driving source is momentarily required. Since the motor <NUM> that drives the binding device 100A usually does not have a driving force enough to be able to follow the sharp change in shape of the cam <NUM>, the driver follower 26c cannot overcome the striking-out rotation regulation portion 24J and thus stops. In this way, the rotation regulation portion 24J, which is provided at the terminal end portion of the striking-out regulation region <NUM> and has a sharply changing shape, substantially regulates the movement of the driver plate <NUM>.

Note that the rotation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) may be controlled and stopped before the driver follower 26c comes into contact with the rotation regulation portion 24J. Specifically, rotational position control using an encoder, a stepping motor, or the like may be performed to set the stop position within the striking-out regulation region <NUM>. Alternatively, the stop position may be controlled using a driving time of the motor <NUM>. Alternatively, a detected part may be provided in a stop region of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), and a detection means for detecting the stop region may be provided in the forming striking-out unit <NUM> for control.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the initial setting mode, the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is located in the return region <NUM>, in the return operation (SB5). While the driver follower 26c is located in the return region <NUM>, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other. In addition, the driver plate <NUM> is moved in a direction away from the formed staple <NUM>.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the home region 23F, in the standby operation (SB1) at the home position. While the forming follower 25c is located in the home region 23F, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> stop at relatively distant standby positions. Further, the forming plate <NUM> stops at a standby position distant from the sheet staples <NUM> before forming.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the clamping region <NUM>, in the clamping operation (SB2). While the forming follower 25c is located in the clamping region <NUM>, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other. Further, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction approaching the sheet staples <NUM> before forming.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the forming region <NUM>, in the forming operation (SB4), as shown in <FIG>. While the forming follower 25c is located in the forming region <NUM>, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are held in position while clamping the sheet. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 from the standby position to the forming end position, and forms the staple <NUM> in contact with the sheet staple <NUM>.

The forming region <NUM> in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode overlaps part of the forming region 23D in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode. In the forming region 23D in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the striking-out mode, in a downstream region along the rotation direction, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position toward the standby position. Thereby, in the forming region <NUM> in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 from the standby position toward the forming end position.

With the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the initial setting mode, the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is located in the return region <NUM>, in the return operation (SB5). While the forming follower 25c is located in the return region <NUM>, the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other. Further, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position, and becomes distant from the formed staple <NUM>. When the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 by the operation of the staple feeding unit <NUM> described above.

In the forming cam surface 22b and the driver cam surface 22c of the cam <NUM>, the forming cam <NUM> and the driver cam <NUM> are configured such that, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the home region 23F of the forming cam <NUM> and the home region 24E of the driver cam <NUM> overlap, the clamping region <NUM> and the clamping region <NUM> overlap and the forming region <NUM> and the striking-out regulation region <NUM> overlap along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

In addition, the forming cam <NUM> and the driver cam <NUM> are configured such that, in the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the initial setting mode, the return region 23J of the forming cam <NUM> and the return region <NUM> of the driver cam <NUM> overlap along the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>).

Thereby, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 in the initial setting mode, the clamping operation is performed in which the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G1 in which they relatively come close to each other. Note that, in the initial setting mode, it is not necessary to clamp the sheet (bundle).

In addition, the forming operation is performed in which as the forming follower 25c of the forming link <NUM> is moved following the shape of the forming region <NUM> of the forming cam <NUM> and the forming link <NUM> is thus rotated, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 from the standby position to the forming end position to form the staple <NUM>.

In contrast, as the driver follower 26c of the driver link <NUM> is moved following the shape of the striking-out regulation region <NUM> of the driver cam <NUM>, the movement of the driver plate <NUM> to strike out the staple <NUM> is regulated.

Note that, in a configuration where the driver cam <NUM> is not provided with the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, the operation of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) rotating in the reverse direction causes the driver plate <NUM> to move from the standby position to the striking-out end position, and the staple <NUM> is struck out. Therefore, the driver cam <NUM> is provided with the striking-out regulation region <NUM> to regulate the movement of the driver plate <NUM> to strike out the staple <NUM> while the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction. In addition, when the rotation regulation portion 24J is provided at the terminal end portion of the regulation region <NUM>, even if the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) has not stopped at a stage where the driver follower 26c is within the regulation region <NUM>, the driver follower 26c cannot overcome the rotation regulation portion 24J, and therefore, unintentional striking-out of the staple <NUM> can be prevented reliably.

In addition, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 in the initial setting mode, the return operation is performed in which the forming striking-out unit <NUM> and the bending unit <NUM> are moved in the direction of the arrow G2 in which they become relatively distant from each other to clamp the sheet and the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position. When the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 from the forming end position to the standby position by the return operation, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 by the operation of the staple feeding unit <NUM> described above.

The binding device 100A includes the cam <NUM> as an example of the actuation unit that comes into contact with the forming plate <NUM> of the staple forming unit 2A via the forming link <NUM> or the like and comes into contact with the driver plate <NUM> of the staple striking-out unit 2B via the driver link <NUM> or the like. The forming plate <NUM> or the driver plate <NUM> is configured to be actuated according to the rotation direction and rotational angle (displacement amount) of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). The control unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> controls the rotation direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), which is a displacement direction of the actuation unit, and the rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), which is a displacement amount of the actuation unit, to switch the number of actuations of the forming plate <NUM> of the staple forming unit 2A and the presence or absence of actuation of the driver plate <NUM> of the staple striking-out unit 2B.

In this way, by controlling the rotation direction and rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), the striking-out mode and the initial setting mode are switched.

Note that an amount of movement of the forming plate <NUM> is determined by a length of the forming region 23D and forming region <NUM> in the forming cam <NUM> along a circumferential direction of cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) and an amount of change in distance from the center of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). In addition, an amount of movement of the driver plate <NUM> is determined by a length of the striking-out region 24C in the driver cam <NUM> along the circumferential direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) and the amount of change in distance from the center of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). When the length of the forming region 23D and forming region <NUM> along the circumferential direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is increased, even if a ratio of the amount of change in distance from the center of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is reduced, a required amount of movement of the forming plate <NUM> can be secured. However, in this case, it is necessary to increase a diameter of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), and the same applies to the driver plate <NUM> side. In contrast, when the forming cam <NUM> is formed on one surface of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) and the driver cam <NUM> is formed on the other surface, a region where the forming region 23D and forming region <NUM>, and the striking-out region 24C overlap along the circumferential direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) can be provided. This makes it possible to secure the required amounts of movement of the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> while suppressing enlargement of the diameter of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). On the other hand, if the forming region <NUM> and the striking-out region 24C overlap along the circumferential direction of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>), it is not possible to move only the forming plate <NUM> by an amount of movement required for forming of the staple <NUM>. Therefore, by forming the driver cam <NUM> with the striking-out regulation region <NUM>, the forming plate <NUM> can be actuated while regulating the actuation of the driver plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of another embodiment of the binding device.

A binding device 100B includes a plurality of, in this example, two forming striking-out units <NUM> and two bending units <NUM> described above. In the binding device 100B, in order to bind folds of, for example, booklet-shaped sheets, the two forming striking-out units <NUM> and bending units <NUM> are arranged at a predetermined interval with such an arrangement that binding positions of the respective forming striking-out units <NUM> and bending units <NUM> are aligned in a row.

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> includes a staple forming unit 2A that forms a staple <NUM> in the staple forming process and feeds (moves) the formed staple <NUM> toward the striking-out position, a staple striking-out unit 2B that strikes out the staple <NUM> at the striking-out position in the staple striking-out process, and a cam <NUM> (actuation unit) that actuates the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B. In the present example, the cam <NUM> is a rotatable flat plate cam.

The staple forming unit 2A includes a forming plate <NUM> for forming the staple <NUM> and a staple feeding unit <NUM> for feeding (moving) the staple <NUM> toward the striking-out position. The staple striking-out unit 2B includes a driver plate <NUM> for striking out the staple <NUM> formed by the forming plate <NUM>. The cam <NUM> has a gear <NUM>. The cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is configured to be displaceable (rotatable in the present example), and the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B can be actuated by displacing (rotating) the cam <NUM>.

The binding device 100B includes a plurality of staple forming units 2A (forming plates <NUM> and staple feeding units <NUM>) that form staples and move the same toward the striking-out positions, and a plurality of staple striking-out units 2B (driver plates <NUM>) that strike out the staples <NUM> at the striking-out positions, and a plurality of cams <NUM> (gears <NUM>) for actuating the staple forming units 2A and the staple striking-out units 2B. The cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) of each forming striking-out unit <NUM> is connected by a connecting portion 25a or the like such that a forming cam <NUM> and a driver cam <NUM> are in phase.

The binding device 100B includes a motor <NUM> that drives the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) of each forming striking-out unit <NUM>. The two forming striking-out units <NUM> have a configuration in which a driving force of the single motor <NUM> is transmitted to each cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) via a shaft, a gear or the like, and each cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated synchronously by the driving of the motor <NUM>.

In the binding device 100B, the motor <NUM> is controlled by the above-described control unit <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The binding device 100B executes the first mode (striking-out mode) and the second mode (initial setting mode) based on an operation on the operation unit 203A, or the like. In the striking-out mode, the control unit <NUM> controls the motor <NUM> to rotate the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) of each forming striking-out unit <NUM> once in the forward direction. Note that, in the present example, the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated once in the forward direction, but the binding device may include a gear having a configuration where one cycle in which the cam is forward rotated halfway at a rotational angle of less than one revolution and is then reversely rotated and returned can be set as a striking-out mode. Further, in the initial setting mode, the control unit <NUM> controls the motor <NUM> to rotate the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) of each forming striking-out unit <NUM> in the reverse and forward directions at predetermined rotational angles.

<FIG> are operation illustrating views showing an example of the initial setting operation in the binding device having two forming striking-out units. In the binding device 100B, a situation is considered in which an obstacle such as clogging of the staple <NUM> intended to be struck out by one forming striking-out unit <NUM>(<NUM>) occurred, and the staple <NUM>, which was the cause of the obstacle, was removed from the forming striking-out unit <NUM>(<NUM>). In this case, as shown in <FIG>, in one forming striking-out unit <NUM>(<NUM>) from which the staple <NUM>, which was the cause of the obstacle, has been removed, the staple <NUM> is not present at the striking-out position by the driver plate <NUM>. In contrast, in the other forming striking-out unit <NUM>(<NUM>) where no obstacle has occurred, the formed staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position by the driver plate <NUM>.

Therefore, upon recovery from such an obstacle, the initial setting mode described above is executed. When the initial setting mode is executed in the binding device 100B, as shown in <FIG>, a forming operation is performed in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F10 from the standby position to the forming end position to form a staple <NUM>.

In the other forming striking-out unit <NUM>(<NUM>), the formed staple <NUM> is already present at the striking-out position of the driver plate <NUM>. However, since the driver plate <NUM> does not contact the staple <NUM>, the staple <NUM> is not struck out.

That is, in the case of driving the two cams <NUM> (gears <NUM>) synchronized by the single motor <NUM>, the forming of the staples <NUM> by the two forming plates <NUM> can be performed simultaneously without bringing the two driver plates <NUM> into contact with the staples <NUM>. When this operation is repeated, the staple <NUM> is not struck out by the driver plate <NUM> in any of the plurality of forming striking-out units <NUM>, and the forming of the staple <NUM> by the forming plate <NUM> is repeated. Thereby, in the plurality of forming striking-out units <NUM>, the initial setting can be performed by moving the staples <NUM> formed without involving the striking-out of the staple to positions where they can be struck out by the driver plates <NUM>.

Note that, in the present example, the forming plate <NUM> is provided spaced apart from the driver plate <NUM> with a gap corresponding to one width of the staple <NUM> in the width direction. Therefore, in the initial setting mode, the control unit <NUM> performs two times or more the operation of rotating the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 and in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, thereby moving the formed staple <NUM> to the striking-out position by the driver plate <NUM>.

The forming striking-out unit <NUM> mounted on the binding device 100A and the binding device 100B is configured to be able to execute the initial setting mode by moving the forming plate while regulating the movement of the plate <NUM> with the shape of the driver cam <NUM> and forming cam <NUM> provided on the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) and the rotation direction and rotational angle of the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>). Thereby, an idle striking mark due to idle striking is not left on the sheet. In addition, it is possible to execute the initial setting mode for the staple <NUM> without a sensor for detecting the leading staple of the sheet staples.

Further, in the binding device 100A and the binding device 100B, the staple <NUM> is not struck out when executing the initial setting mode. For this reason, when executing the initial setting mode, a sheet for trial striking-out of the staple <NUM> is unnecessary. For this reason, when the binding device 100A and the binding device 100B are applied to the post-processing apparatus 202A of the image forming apparatus 201A, the initial setting mode can be executed without receiving sheet supply from the image forming apparatus 201A. Therefore, a signal instructing execution of the initial setting mode may be output to the binding devices 100A and 100B (post-processing apparatus 202A) without outputting a sheet on the image forming apparatus 201A side. In addition, the initial setting mode may be executed by an operation of the single binding device 100A, 100B (post-processing apparatus 202A), or when executing the initial setting mode by an operation of the single binding device 100A, 100B (post-processing apparatus 202A), whether to execute the initial setting mode may be determined according to a state on the image forming apparatus 201A side, and the initial setting mode may be executed according to an instruction to enable execution.

Note that, in the image forming system 200A, the initial setting mode described above may be executed after the start of a return operation of the post-processing apparatus 202A, such as when a power supply is turned on, when power is recovered after a power failure, or when returning from a power saving mode. In addition, after the start of the return operation of the post-processing apparatus 202A, the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) may be rotated in a predetermined direction and by a predetermined amount to locate the cam at the home position, and then the initial setting mode described above may be executed. Further, after a door (not shown) for maintenance provided for the post-processing apparatus 202A is opened, when it is detected that the door is closed, the initial setting mode described above may be executed. Further, when a state change (signal change) related to the binding device, such as a change in the presence or absence of the staple <NUM>, is detected after the door of the post-processing apparatus 202A is opened until the door is closed, the initial setting mode described above may be executed, and when the initial setting for the staple <NUM> is not required, such as paper jam, the initial setting mode described above may not be executed. On the other hand, even when the image forming system 200A is stopped due to a factor other than a state change caused by the binding device 100A, the initial setting mode described above may be executed upon return. In addition, the initial setting mode described above may not be executed after the staple <NUM> is replaced after the remaining amount of the staple <NUM> is consumed. Further, the initial setting mode described above may be executed at any timing, regardless of whether the image forming system 200A is in stop or in operation. Further, while the initial setting mode described above is executed, a scan or copy function of the image forming system 200A may be executed. On the other hand, if a sheet stays in the image forming apparatus 201A or the post-processing apparatus 202A due to paper jam or the like, the initial setting mode described above may not be executed. Note that, in a configuration in which a plurality of forming striking-out units <NUM> are driven by independent motors and in a configuration in which a plurality of binding devices 100A are provided, the initial setting mode described above may be executed simultaneously or may be executed at different timings among the devices having different driving sources. When a plurality of binding devices execute the initial setting mode described above at the same time, the time required for initial setting can be shortened, as compared with a case where the initial setting mode is executed at different timings. When a plurality of binding devices execute the initial setting mode described above at different timings, a current peak required instantaneously can be suppressed, as compared with a case where the initial setting mode is executed at the same time.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing another example of the embodiment of the actuating unit, and <FIG> is an operation illustrating view showing an example of a flow of the striking-out mode and the initial setting mode.

In the actuation unit of another embodiment, a cam <NUM> provided on the gear <NUM> functions as a home region 28A, a clamping region 28B, a forming region 28C, a striking-out region 28D, and a return region 28E along the rotation direction of the gear <NUM> with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum.

In the striking-out mode, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, a standby operation (SC1) at the home position corresponding to the home region 28A, a clamping operation (SC2) corresponding to the clamping region 28B, a forming operation (SC3) corresponding to the forming region 28C, a striking-out operation (SC4) corresponding to the striking-out region 28D, and a return operation (SC5) corresponding to the return region 28E are performed sequentially.

In addition, in the initial setting mode, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated to a forward rotation stop position P11 at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, the standby operation (SC1) at the home position, the clamping operation (SC2) and the forming operation (SC3) are performed sequentially. Further, when it is necessary to perform the forming operation (SC3) multiple times, the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2 to return to the home region 28A or the clamping region 28B, and the forming operation (SC3) is performed.

The forming region 28C actuates the staple forming unit 2A as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and the like by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the striking-out region 28D actuates the staple striking-out unit 2B as shown in <FIG> and the like by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1.

The cam <NUM> has a first cam surface <NUM> for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a second cam surface 28J for actuating the staple forming unit 2A by bypassing all or part of the actuation of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the first cam surface <NUM>.

The first cam surface <NUM> has a staple forming cam surface 28H1 for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and a staple striking-out cam surface 28H2 for actuating the staple striking-out unit 2B. In addition, the second cam surface 28J has a staple forming cam surface 28J1 for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and a staple striking-out regulation cam surface 28J2 for bypassing part or all of the staple striking-out cam surface 28H2 described above.

The staple forming cam surface 28H1 is the forming region 28C that performs the forming operation by actuating the staple forming unit 2A, as shown in <FIG>, and the like, when executing the striking-out mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the staple striking-out cam surface 28H2 is the striking-out region 28D that performs the striking-out operation by actuating the staple striking-out unit 2B, as shown in <FIG> and the like, when executing the striking-out mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1.

The staple forming cam face 28J1 is the forming region 28C that performs the forming operation by actuating the staple forming unit 2A, as shown in <FIG>, and the like, when executing the initial setting mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated to the forward rotation stop position P11 at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the staple striking-out regulation cam surface 28J2 is the forming region 28C at the time when the cam <NUM> is rotated at a predetermined rotational angle in the reverse direction denoted with the arrow H2, thereby bypassing the striking-out region 28D and returning to the home region 28A or the clamping region 28B, when executing the initial setting operation.

Note that in stopping the rotation of the motor that drives the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) in the initial setting mode, when the stop position passes the forward rotation stop position P11, the striking-out operation is started. Therefore, a stop region may be provided between the forming region 28C and the striking-out region 28D, and the rotation of the motor may be stopped in the stop region. In this configuration, the staple striking-out regulation cam surface 28J2 is the stop region.

In the actuation unit of still another embodiment, a cam <NUM> provided on the gear <NUM> functions as a home region 29A, a clamping region 29B, a plurality of forming regions 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n), a striking-out region 29D, and a return region 29E along the rotation direction of the gear <NUM> with the shaft 22a as a fulcrum.

In the striking-out mode, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, a standby operation (SD1) at the home position corresponding to the home region 29A, a clamping operation (SD2) corresponding to the clamping region 29B, a forming operation (SD3) corresponding to the plurality of forming regions 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n), a striking-out operation (SD4) corresponding to the striking-out region 29D, and a return operation (SD5) corresponding to the return region 29E are performed sequentially.

In addition, in the initial setting mode, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, a standby operation (SD1) at the home position corresponding to the home region 29A, a clamping operation (SD2) corresponding to the clamping region 29B, and a forming operation corresponding to the plurality of forming regions 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n) are performed sequentially. Further, when performing the striking-out mode after the initial setting mode, with the operation in which the cam <NUM> (gear <NUM>) is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1, a striking-out operation (SD4) corresponding to the striking-out region 29D and a return operation (SD5) corresponding to the return region 29E are performed sequentially.

The forming regions 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n) actuate the staple forming unit 2A as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and the like by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the striking-out region 29D actuates the staple striking-out unit 2B as shown in <FIG> and the like by the operation in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1.

The cam <NUM> has a first cam surface <NUM> for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and the staple striking-out unit 2B shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a second cam surface 29J for actuating the staple forming unit 2A by bypassing all or part of the actuation of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the first cam surface <NUM>.

The first cam surface <NUM> has a staple forming cam surface 29H1 for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and a staple striking-out cam surface 29H2 for actuating the staple striking-out unit 2B. In addition, the second cam surface 29J has a staple forming cam surface 29J1 for actuating the staple forming unit 2A and a staple striking-out regulation cam surface 29J2 for bypassing part or all of the staple striking-out cam surface 29H2 described above.

The staple forming cam surface 29H1 is the forming regions 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n) that perform the forming operation by actuating the staple forming unit 2A, as shown in <FIG>, and the like, when executing the striking-out mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the staple striking-out cam surface 29H2 is the striking-out region 29D that performs the striking-out operation by actuating the staple striking-out unit 2B, as shown in <FIG> and the like, when executing the striking-out mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1.

The staple forming cam face 29J1 is the forming region 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n) that perform the forming operation by actuating the staple forming unit 2A, as shown in <FIG>, and the like, when executing the initial setting mode in which the cam <NUM> is rotated to the forward rotation stop position P11 at a predetermined rotational angle in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1. In addition, the staple striking-out regulation cam surface 29J2 is the forming region 29C(<NUM>) to 29C(n) that perform the forming operation by actuating the staple forming unit 2A, as shown in <FIG>, and the like, in a state in which the actuation of the staple striking-out unit 2B by the striking-out region 29D is not started by regulating the rotational angle of the cam <NUM> in the forward direction denoted with the arrow H1 when executing the initial setting mode, as shown in <FIG> and the like, i.e., the striking-out region 29D is bypassed by not using the striking-out region 29D.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an example of the image forming system and post-processing apparatus having a binding device of still another embodiment. <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate the second mode in which the staple initial setting processing of repeating multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process is executed in a binding device 100C of still another embodiment. In addition, <FIG> is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the image forming system and post-processing apparatus having the binding device according to still another embodiment.

A binding device 100C includes a staple detection unit <NUM> that detects whether the staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position P2. The staple detection unit <NUM> is configured by a non-contact type sensor such as an optical sensor, a contact type sensor, or the like. The control unit <NUM> executes the staple initial setting processing of repeating the staple forming process multiple times without undergoing the striking-out process until the staple detection unit <NUM> detects that the staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position P2.

<FIG> shows a standby state in which the staple initial setting processing has not been completed and the forming plate <NUM> and the driver plate <NUM> have been moved to their respective standby positions. In order to execute the staple forming process in step SB10 of <FIG> without undergoing the staple striking-out process, the control unit <NUM> sets a predetermined state of regulating actuation of the forming plate <NUM> or regulating an amount of actuation, and moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> at the forming position P1 is formed.

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20. In an operation in which the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20 away from the formed staple <NUM>, the link portion <NUM> is released from being pushed by the forming plate <NUM>, so that the staple feeding unit <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow E1 by the force of the spring <NUM>. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2. The first staple forming process is executed by the above operations in <FIG>.

In step SB20 of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> determines whether to end the staple forming process when the staple detection unit <NUM> detects that the staple <NUM> is present at the striking-out position P2.

If the control unit <NUM> determines that there is no staple <NUM> at the striking-out position P2 and the staple forming process is not to be ended, in order to execute the staple forming process in step SB10 of <FIG> without undergoing the staple striking-out process, the control unit <NUM> sets a predetermined state of regulating actuation of the driver plate <NUM> or regulating an amount of actuation, and moves the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the next staple <NUM> moved to the staple forming position P1 in the previous staple forming process is formed.

After moving the forming plate <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F10, as shown in <FIG>, the forming plate <NUM> is moved in the direction of the arrow F20. Thereby, the staple <NUM> is fed in the direction of the arrow E1 toward the striking-out position P2. The second staple forming process is executed by the above operations in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An image forming system (200A) comprising:
an image forming apparatus (201A) configured to form an image on a sheet; and
a post-processing apparatus (202A) comprising a binding device (100A, 100B) configured to bind the sheet output from the image forming apparatus (201A),
wherein any one of the image forming apparatus (201A), the post-processing apparatus (202A), and the binding device (100A, 100B) includes a control unit (<NUM>) configured to control the binding device (100A, 100B),
wherein the binding device (100A, 100B) is capable of executing binding processing via a staple forming process of forming a staple (<NUM>) and moving the staple (<NUM>) toward a striking-out position and a staple striking-out process of striking out the staple (<NUM>) at the striking-out position, and
characterized in that the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to control the binding device (100A, 100B) to repeat multiple times the staple forming process without undergoing the staple striking-out process.