Patent ID: 8123097

Claim:
A self-propelled stapler mounted on an image processing machine, the self-propelled stapler comprising: a base fixed to the image processing machine; a stapler body which is slidable with respect to the base; and a sliding mechanism which is provided between the base and the stapler body, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a link which is rotatably provided on the stapler body, and is engagable with the base, wherein the link is rotated by a drive mechanism inside the stapler body to slide the stapler body with respect to the base such that the stapler body slides to a predetermined binding position at the time of a binding operation, and slides to an original position after the binding operation, wherein the drive mechanism is attached to the stapler body such that the drive mechanism slides with respect to the base when the stapler body slides with respect to the base, and wherein the sliding mechanism further comprises: a disk-shaped eccentric cam having a rotary shaft at an eccentric position, and a spring provided between the base and the stapler body, wherein the link is an L-shaped link having a rotatably supported bent portion, one portion of the L-shaped link is engaged with an outer circumferential face of the eccentric cam, an elongated hole is formed in another portion of the L-shaped link, the elongated hole is engaged with a shaft provided on a corresponding side of the base, and the drive mechanism inside the stapler body rotates the eccentric cam so that the L-shaped link is rotated to slide the stapler body to the binding position against the spring.