JP2006272593A - Staple processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a staple processor devised so as to suppress the scattering of needle tip parts during the detachment of a needle recovery box. <P>SOLUTION: The staple processor comprises the needle recovery box mounted in the staple processor in a freely detachable manner to receive the charging of the needle tip parts discarded from a needle housing part, a duct chute 139 having the first opening on the side of a discarding part and the second opening on the side of a charging port both of which connect the discarding port of the needle housing part provided to the stapler unit moved to a needle discarding position and the charging port of the needle housing part, a needle discarding mechanism for discarding the needle tip parts, which are housed in the needle housing part of the stapler unit moved to the needle discarding position, from the discarding part, and an on-off mechanism for closing the second opening of the duct chute corresponding to the detachment of the needle recovery box from the staple processor and opening the same corresponding to the mounting of the needle recovery box in the staple processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a staple processing apparatus including a stapler unit that moves on a track including a needle discarding position and a plurality of staple processing positions, and staples a plurality of stacked sheets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a staple processing apparatus including a stapler unit that moves on a track including a plurality of staple processing positions and staples a plurality of stacked sheets with staples is known.

  Among such staple processing apparatuses, in the staple processing apparatus that performs the binding process with one type of staple (needle) regardless of the number of sheets to be bound, when the number of sheets to be bound is small, the leading end of the folded staples. There is a problem that it is too long and looks bad.

  Therefore, a proposal has been made to prepare a plurality of types of staples having different lengths and replace the staples according to the number of sheets to be bound (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, this has a problem of poor operability.

  On the other hand, a stapler unit having a cutter that cuts an extra needle tip according to the number of sheets to be bound has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  The stapler unit having the cutter is provided with a storage box that temporarily stores the needle tip portion that has been cut when the staple processing is performed by moving to the staple processing position on the track, and is stored in the storage box. After moving to the needle discarding position provided on the track, the needle tip is discarded into a needle collection box that is detachably disposed at the needle discarding position.

By the way, in recent years, in order to cope with the downsizing of the device, it is not possible to place a needle collection box near the needle disposal position on the track, and the duct disposal chute between the needle disposal position and the needle collection box, In some cases, the needle tip discarded from the storage box of the stapler unit is led to the needle recovery box at the needle discarding position.
JP 2001-334502 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-25931

  However, in a staple processing apparatus in which the needle discarding position and the needle recovery box are connected by a duct chute, the needle recovery box is removed in order to discard the needle tip discarded in the needle recovery box, and then caught on the duct chute. If the staple processing device is provided in a copying machine, for example, the staple tip that has fallen is scattered in the copying machine, causing a failure. There is a fear.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a stapling apparatus that is devised to suppress scattering at the tip of the needle while the needle collection box is removed.

In order to achieve the above object, the first stapling apparatus of the stapling apparatus of the present invention comprises:
In a staple processing apparatus provided with a stapler unit that moves on a track including a needle discarding position and a plurality of staple processing positions and staples a plurality of stacked sheet-like materials with staples,
The above stapler unit
A stapler for binding a plurality of stacked sheets with staples;
A cutter for cutting the staple tip of the staple that binds the sheet-like material;
Containing a needle tip portion cut by the cutter, and a needle containing portion having a disposal port for discarding the accommodated needle tip portion,
Furthermore, this staple processing apparatus
A detachable needle recovery box having an insertion port into which a needle tip portion discarded from the needle housing portion is inserted, and collecting the needle tip portion introduced into the insertion port;
A first opening on the disposal port side connecting the disposal port of the needle housing portion provided in the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position and the insertion port of the needle recovery box on the disposal port side. A duct chute having a second opening;
A needle discarding mechanism for discarding the needle tip housed in the needle housing part of the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position from the disposal port;
An opening / closing mechanism that closes the second opening of the duct chute according to the removal of the needle recovery box and opens the second opening according to the attachment of the needle recovery box; It is characterized by.

  In the first stapling apparatus of the present invention, the second opening of the duct chute on the input side of the needle collecting box is closed by the opening / closing mechanism while the needle collecting box is removed from the staple processing apparatus. . As a result, in the first staple processing apparatus of the present invention, even if the needle tip portion falls from the duct chute while the needle collection box is removed, it is collected at the closed second opening portion. Can do. Therefore, according to the first staple processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of the needle tip from the duct chute while the needle recovery box is removed.

  Here, it is preferable that the insertion port is an opening including the second opening of the duct chute.

  If it does in this way, the needle front-end | tip part which falls when removing a needle | hook collection | recovery box can be reliably collect | recovered with a needle | hook collection box.

Further, the needle discarding mechanism is configured such that, in a state where the needle recovery box is removed, the needle tip portion accommodated in the needle accommodating portion is moved from the needle accommodating portion of the stapler unit moved to the needle discarding position. The second opening is discarded in the duct chute in a state closed by the opening / closing mechanism,
The stapling device
A sensor for detecting whether or not the needle collection box is mounted;
A first counter that counts the number of needle tips housed in the needle housing section and resets the count every time the stapler unit reaches the needle disposal position;
A fullness detection unit that detects the fullness of the needle housing unit when the count value of the first counter reaches a limit value;
While the sensor detects that the needle collection box has been removed, it counts the number of needle tips housed in the duct chute, and resets the count when the installation of the needle collection box is detected. A second counter to
When the sum of the count value of the first counter and the count value of the second counter does not exceed the limit value, the stapler unit is received by the full detection of the needle storage unit by the full detection unit. When the sum of the count value of the first counter and the count value of the second counter exceeds the limit value, the fullness of the needle container is detected by the fullness detection unit. It is also a preferable aspect that it is provided with a control unit that receives the stapler unit to the staple disposal position and prohibits staple processing.

  In this way, even when the needle collection box is removed, the needle tip portion is removed from the duct chute while discarding the needle tip portion accommodated in the needle accommodation portion into the duct chute with the second opening closed. Staple processing can be carried out without overflowing and until the needle accommodating portion is full.

The second stapling apparatus of the stapling apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
In a staple processing apparatus provided with a stapler unit that moves on a track including a needle discarding position and a plurality of staple processing positions and staples a plurality of stacked sheet-like materials with staples,
The above stapler unit
A stapler for binding a plurality of stacked sheets with staples;
A cutter for cutting the staple tip of the staple that binds the sheet-like material;
Containing a needle tip portion cut by the cutter, and a needle containing portion having a disposal port for discarding the accommodated needle tip portion,
Furthermore, this staple processing apparatus
A detachable needle recovery box having an insertion port into which a needle tip portion discarded from the needle housing portion is inserted, and collecting the needle tip portion introduced into the insertion port;
A duct chute formed of a transparent material that connects the disposal port of the needle housing portion provided in the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position and the insertion port of the needle recovery box;
And a needle discarding mechanism for discarding a needle tip portion accommodated in the needle accommodating portion of the stapler unit moved to the needle discarding position from the disposal port.

  According to the second stapling apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of the needle tip portion caught on the duct chute. For this reason, when you find the needle tip that is stuck on the duct chute, recover the needle collection box before removing the needle collection box by giving a shock, etc., and remove it from the duct chute after removing the needle collection box. The fall of the needle tip can be suppressed.

  According to the staple processing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of the needle tip from the duct chute while the needle recovery box is removed.

  Hereinafter, the stapling apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a part of a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine provided with an embodiment of a first stapling apparatus of the present invention.

  A copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming unit 11 and a paper processing unit 12.

  In the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, a staple processing mode in which a plurality of sheets on which images are copied is stapled can be selected by operating a touch panel (not shown) provided in the copying machine 1. In this staple processing mode, it is also possible to select a staple processing position which is a binding position.

The paper processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 has the image forming unit 11 when copying is completed and the route A in which the paper transported from the image forming unit 11 is normally transported and the staple processing mode are selected. 1 is provided in the sheet processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 in which a sheet discharged via the route A is discharged. Is shown on the upper surface of the copying machine 1, and a second discharge tray 122 that is discharged after the paper conveyed via the route B is stapled is shown below the first discharge tray 121.

  In FIG. 1, the bundle of sheets already stapled and discharged onto the second discharge tray 122 does not interfere with the discharge of the sheet bundle discharged onto the second discharge tray later. The state in which the second discharge tray 122 can be raised and lowered is also shown.

  Below the route B shown in FIG. 1 is shown a staple processing device 13 that performs a stapling process in which a plurality of sheets conveyed from the image forming unit 11 via the route B are stacked and stapled.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the stapling apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a transport roller 131a that transports the paper transported via route B shown in FIG. 1 to the second discharge tray 122 side shown on the right side of FIG. 2, and the transport roller 131a. A first chute 132 on which the conveyed paper is placed, and a second chute 133 that can be moved in and out of the side surface of the paper processing unit 12 on which the paper conveyed by the conveying roller 131a is placed, as in the first chute 132. Is shown.

  Further, in FIG. 2, in the vicinity of the stapler unit 130, which is rotated by the conveying roller 131 a so as to pull a plurality of sheets placed on the first chute 132 and the second chute 133 to the stapler unit 130 side. A deployed first paddle 131b and a second paddle 131c deployed proximate to the second discharge tray 122 are shown.

  Further, FIG. 2 shows a guide 134 for adjusting the entrance and exit of a plurality of stacked sheets on the near side and the far side in FIG. It should be noted that a mechanism for abutting the end portions of the stacked sheets with the guide 134 is not shown.

  The distance between the first paddle 131b and the second paddle 131c can be changed with respect to the first chute 132 or the second chute 133 according to the number of sheets to be stapled. The sheet bundle that has been stapled is conveyed to the second discharge tray 122 by the driving conveyance roller 131d and the driven conveyance roller 131e that moves up and down. The second chute 133 is drawn into the sheet processing unit 12 so as not to disturb the discharge when discharging the sheet bundle to the second discharge tray 122.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the staple processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  The staple processing apparatus 13 according to the present embodiment is of a type that cuts the staple tip portion of staples according to the number of sheets to be bound. FIG. 3 shows a stapler unit 130 that performs the binding processing and the associated needle tip portion. And a track plate 137 on which the stapler unit 130 moves.

  The stapler unit 130 shown in FIG. 3 includes a cutter 130a that cuts the staple tip of the staple, a storage box 130b that stores the staple tip cut by the cutter 130a, a stapler 130c that performs the binding process, and a housing of the stapler device 13. A shielding member 130e that shields a photo sensor 135 that will be described later, and a moving mechanism portion 130d for moving the stapler unit 130 on the track plate 137 are configured.

  The track plate 137 shown in FIG. 3 is composed of two upper and lower rails, and a first protrusion 1301d (see FIG. 2) provided in the moving mechanism portion 130d is fitted into the upper first rail 1371. In the lower second rail 1372, a second protrusion 1302d (see FIG. 2) provided in the moving mechanism portion 130d is fitted.

  FIG. 3 shows a control device 138 for controlling the movement of the stapler unit 130 on the track plate 137 and instructing the execution of the binding process, and a photo sensor 135 for grasping the position of the stapler unit 130. A flexible cable 1381 for electrically connecting the control device 138 and the stapler unit 130 is also shown. In addition, a state in which the photosensor 135 is also electrically connected to the control device 138 is shown.

  Further, FIG. 3 shows a duct chute 139 in which the tip of the needle housed in the housing box 130b of the stapler unit 130 is discarded, and the duct chute 139 is attached to the bottom of the housing box 130b from the wall surface. Protrusions 1390 (see FIG. 4) that are engaged with the lid portion are provided upright.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing how the needle tip is discarded from the storage box to the duct chute.

  FIG. 4A shows a state in which an openable / closable lid 1301b is attached to the bottom of the storage box 130b in order to discard the stored needle tip.

  FIG. 4B shows an opening 1302b provided at the bottom of the storage box 130b. The lid 1301b is biased by a spring (not shown) so as to close the opening 1302b.

  Note that FIG. 4 omits the illustration of the duct chute 139 and shows only the projections 1390 that are erected from the wall surface of the duct chute 139 in order to avoid making the figure complicated.

  The lid 1301b shown in FIG. 4 includes an engaging portion 13011b that engages with the protrusion 1390.

  4A shows that the opening 1302b is closed by the lid 1301b because the engaging portion 13011b of the lid 1301b and the protrusion 1390 are not in contact with each other, whereas FIG. ), The stapler unit 130 is approaching the 'needle discarding position' on the raceway plate where the lid 1301b is fully opened by the protrusion 1390, so that the lid 1301b is a spring that attempts to close the lid 1301b. It is shown that it is fully open against the bias. In the staple processing device 13, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the lid 1301b is opened, the needle tip portion accommodated in the accommodation box 130b is discarded to the duct chute 139 through the opening 1302b. It has become. FIG. 4A also shows that a full detection sensor 1303b for detecting whether or not the storage box 130b is full is provided.

  FIG. 5 is a view when the lid portion is looked down in the direction of the arrow X shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the engaging portion 13011b provided in the lid 1301b is engaged with the protrusion 1390. FIG. 5A shows the stapler unit 130 shown in FIG. A state in which the protrusion 1390 is brought into contact with the engaging portion 13011b by reaching the “close position” on the track plate, which is a position where the opening of the track is started, is shown. In FIG. 5 (b), when the stapler unit 130 reaches a position between the “proximity position” and the “needle discarding position”, the lid 1301b starts to be opened halfway, and the opening 1302b of the storage box 130b is opened. Shown exposed. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the lid 1301b is fully opened when the stapler unit 130 reaches the “needle discarding position”.

  Next, the movement of the stapler unit 130 on the track plate 137 will be described.

  In this staple processing apparatus 13, when the staple processing mode is selected on the touch panel (not shown) provided in the copying machine 1, in addition to the default staple position of “square punching”, “two-sided punching on one side” Alternatively, information on the staple position selected by the operator can be selected from the central control unit (not shown) of the copying machine 1 to the control device 138 through the signal line 1382 shown in FIG. The control device 138 controls the movement of the stapler unit 130 on the track plate through the moving mechanism unit 130d of the stapler unit 130 according to the information. In the staple processing device 13, when “one-side three-point strike” is selected as the staple processing position, the staple processing is also performed at the needle discarding position provided at the end on the track plate. Further, the moving mechanism portion 130d of the stapler unit 130 is provided with a plurality of rotating rollers that rotate while sandwiching the lower rail 1372 for moving the stapler unit 130, a stepping motor, and the like. It rotates by receiving the rotational driving force from the stepping motor. Further, the home position of the stapler unit 130 in the staple processing device 13 is provided on the end of the track plate opposite to the needle discarding position, and a sensor (not shown) provided at the home position. The position of the stapler unit 130 on the track plate is grasped by the control device 138 by the photosensor 135 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a state until the stapler unit reaches the needle discarding position.

  FIG. 6A shows a state before the photosensor 135 detects the shielding member 130e provided in the stapler unit 130, and FIG. Has been. The control device 138 instructs the stepping motor to step down from the time point shown in FIG. 6B, and thereby makes the moving speed of the stapler unit 130 lower than before the detection. Thereafter, the control device 138 counts a predetermined number of pulses and stops the stapler unit 130 at the needle discarding position shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6C shows a state in which the engaging portion 13011b provided in the lid 1301b starts to engage with the protrusion 1390 when the stapler unit 130 reaches the “close position”. (D) shows that the lid 1301b is completely opened by the stapler unit 130 reaching the “needle discarding position”.

  Next, the return operation when the position of the stapler unit 130 on the track cannot be grasped by the control device 135 due to a power supply trouble or the like will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a return operation after an abnormality has occurred.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the following return operation is about to be performed with the lid 1301b being fully opened due to the occurrence of an abnormality.

  FIG. 7A shows a state in which the photosensor 135 has already detected the shielding member 130e of the stapler unit 130 at the start of the return operation after the occurrence of an abnormality.

  Thus, when the shielding member 130e is already detected by the photosensor 135 at the start of the return operation, first, the stapler unit 130 is first placed on the left side in FIG. 7, that is, on the track rail, on the side opposite to the needle discarding position. It is moved and the detection by the photo sensor 135 is canceled. Thereby, the control apparatus 135 can grasp | ascertain the position of the stapler unit 130 on a track rail by the non-detection by the photosensor 135. Thereafter, the stapler unit 130 is moved to the needle discarding position as usual, and the narrow retract from the needle discarding position and the return from the retracted position to the needle discarding position are repeated, that is, the stapler unit 130 is vibrated at the needle discarding position. Thus, the abnormality around the lid 1301b is resolved by repeatedly engaging the engaging portion 13011b of the lid 1301b with the protrusion 1390. In this stapler processing apparatus 13, the movement of the stapler unit 130 to the position shown in FIG. 7B is performed when the shielding member 130e is already detected at the time of return as shown in FIG. 7A. In this case, the upper opening 139a of the duct chute 139 covers the opening 1302b of the storage box 130b in order to suppress the dispersion of the needle front end portion into the copying machine due to the needle tip falling from the opening 1302b of the storage box 130b. The range has been expanded.

  7B, when the shielding member 130e is not detected, the stapler unit 130 is moved in the direction of the needle discarding position, and the shielding member 130e by the photosensor 135 is moved. Wait for detection. Thereafter, the needle moves to the needle discarding position and a vibration similar to the above is instructed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a routine that is started in the control device as a return operation after occurrence of an abnormality.

  In step S1 shown in FIG. 8, it is detected whether or not the photosensor 135 detects the shielding member 130e. If it is determined in step S1 that it is detected, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the stapler unit 130 is instructed to move at a low speed in the left direction in FIG. 7, that is, on the side opposite to the needle discarding position side. In step S3, the photo sensor 135 waits for the non-detection of the shielding member 130e to instruct a step down for stopping. In step S4, after the stepping motor is stopped, a predetermined Amsec standby is instructed. In step S5, a high-speed movement in the right direction in FIG. 7, that is, toward the needle disposal position side is instructed. In step S6, when the photo sensor 135 is turned on, the step is lowered for low-speed movement. After that, in step S7, after outputting the number of pulses (B) after the photo sensor 135 is turned on, a stop step down is instructed. . Thereafter, in step S8, the vibration at the needle discarding position is instructed, and then this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it determines with the shielding member 130e not being detected in step S1, it will progress to step S5.

  Here, as described above, in the staple processing apparatus 13 according to the present embodiment, the upper opening 139a of the duct chute 139 protrudes greatly, so that the needle tip is likely to get caught in the middle of the duct chute 139. Therefore, after the needle recovery box is pulled out from the copying machine 1 for disposal of the needle tip, the needle tip that has been caught in the middle of the duct chute 139 falls so that the needle tip does not scatter into the copying machine. In the staple processing device 13, the lower opening 139b of the duct chute is closed in accordance with the withdrawal of the needle collection box from the needle disposal position.

  FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the duct chute from below.

  FIG. 9 shows an opening / closing member 1391 that is slidably engaged with the lower end portion 139c of the duct chute in the direction of arrow Z to open or close the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139.

  The opening / closing member 1391 is provided with a T-shaped protrusion 1392 on the lower surface side. FIG. 9A shows that the opening / closing member 1391 has advanced to the back side in FIG. The lower opening 139b of the 139 is opened, and the tip end portion 1392a of the projection 1392 is detected by the optical sensor 13a attached to a part of the casing in which the staple processing device 13 is provided. Has been.

  In FIG. 9B, when the opening / closing member 1391 is moved to the front side in FIG. 9, that is, when the lower opening 139b is closed, the tip portion 1392a of the projection 1392 is an optical sensor. A state of non-detection is shown by 13a.

  FIG. 10 is a view showing a case where the lower part of the duct chute shown in FIG. 9 is viewed from the side.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which an L-shaped member 1393 is provided on the upper surface side of the opening / closing member 1391 slidably engaged with the lower end portion 139c of the duct chute 139.

  A base portion 139d is provided at a position of the duct chute 139 facing the tip portion 1393a of the L-shaped member 1393, and an end portion of a spring 1394 is fixed to the opening / closing member 1391 and the base 139d, respectively. .

  In FIG. 10A, the spring 1394 expands because the standing wall portion 1392 b of the protrusion 1392 of the opening / closing member 1391 is pushed by the needle recovery box 136 against the biasing of the spring 1394 in the retracting direction. The state where the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139 is fully opened is shown.

  On the other hand, FIG. 10B shows a state in which the spring 1394 is retracted and the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139 is being closed as the needle collection box 136 is pulled out. In the staple processing device 13, as shown in FIG. 10, a needle tip portion that falls between the start and end of closing of the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139 can be recovered by the needle recovery box 136. Yes.

  As described above, in the staple processing device 13 of the present embodiment, the lower opening of the duct chute 139 on the insertion port side of the needle recovery box 136 is removed while the needle recovery box 136 is removed from the staple processing device 13. 139 b is closed by the opening / closing member 1391. As a result, in the staple processing device 13 of the present embodiment, even if the needle tip falls from the duct chute 139 while the needle collection box 136 is removed, the staple can be collected at the closed lower opening. it can. Therefore, according to the staple processing device 13 of the present embodiment, leakage of the needle tip from the duct chute 139 can be suppressed while the needle collection box 136 is removed. Further, since the opening 136a of the needle collection box 136 includes the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139, it is possible to reliably collect the tip of the needle that falls when the needle collection box 136 is removed from the copying machine 1. can do. Therefore, according to the staple processing apparatus 13 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress scattering of the needle tip portion while the needle recovery box is removed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a routine activated in the control device of the staple processing apparatus of the present embodiment. This routine is activated only when a staple processing instruction is issued for the number of staples necessary to cut the staple tip end portion. Note that counters described below are stored in the control device 138.

  In step S11 shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for stapling, and the process waits until there is an instruction in step S11. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S12, and it is determined whether or not the staple instruction position is the staple discarding position. If it is determined in step S12 that the position is not the needle discarding position, the process proceeds to step S13, where it is determined whether or not the number of needle tips collected in the storage box 130b has reached the limit. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is attached, the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined in step S14 that the needle collection box 136 is not attached, that is, the accommodation box 130b is full, and therefore, the staple collection position 136 must be moved to the staple instruction position and not go to the staple disposal position before performing the staple processing. If the needle collection box 136 is not attached when it is not, the lower opening 139b is collected by the duct chute 139 closed by the opening / closing member 1391. In step S15, before the needle disposal position is reached. In addition, a count value B representing the number of needle tip portions currently collected in the duct chute 139 is added to a count value A representing the number of needle tip portions collected in the storage box 130b which is the limit value. The count value is the limit value of the needle tip that the duct chute 139 can collect It determines whether or not beyond that Bmax. If it is determined in step S15 that the distance does not exceed, the duct chute 139 does not overflow even if the tip of the needle is discarded from the storage box 130b. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S19, and the movement to the needle discarding position is instructed. The count value A of the storage box 130b is reset to zero, and the count value obtained by adding the count value A to the count value B of the duct chute 139 is stored as the count value B in step S21. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22 to instruct movement and processing to the staple instruction position, and in step S23, a value 1 is added to the count A, and the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S15 that the count value obtained by adding the count value B to the count value A exceeds the count value Bmax, the process proceeds to step S16, and a display instruction for requesting the mounting of the needle collection box 136 is performed. In step S17, it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is attached, and waits until it is attached. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is attached, the process proceeds to step S18, and the count value C of the needle collection box 136 is reset to zero. deep. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, an instruction to move to the needle discarding position is given, and then in step S29, the count value A and the count value B are reset to zero. In step S30, the count value C is a count value obtained by adding the count value B and the count value A to the count value C so far. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Here, if it is determined in step S14 that the needle collection box 136 is attached, that is, since the storage box 130b is full, it is temporarily moved to the staple discarding position before moving to the staple instruction position and performing staple processing. Since the needle collection box 136 is mounted when it is necessary to go, the needle tip portion currently collected in the duct chute 139 and the needle tip portion currently contained in the accommodation box 130b are both needle collection boxes. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S24, where the count value C of the number of needle tips currently collected in the needle collection box 136 and the number of needle tips currently collected in the duct chute 139 are obtained. Count value B and the count of the number of needle tips currently collected in the storage box 130b It determines whether or not the sum of A exceeds the limit value of the needle recovery box 136. If it is determined in step S24 that the value does not exceed, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S24, the count value C, the count value B, and the count value C are added to exceed the limit count value Cmax of the needle collection box 136. In other words, if it is determined that the needle collection box 136 overflows when it has reached the needle disposal position, the process proceeds to step S25 to request disposal of the needle tip portion collected in the needle collection box 136. Display instructions. In step S26, the tip of the needle housed in the needle collection box 136 is discarded, and the process waits until the needle collection box 136 is remounted. If it is determined in step S26 that the needle collection box 136 has been remounted, the process proceeds to step S27, where the count value C is reset to zero. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S28. If it is determined in step S24 that the count value obtained by adding the count value C, the count value B, and the count value A does not exceed the limit count value Cmax of the needle collection box 136, the process proceeds to step S28. If it is determined in step S13 that the count value A has not reached the limit value Amax, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Here, a case where it is determined in step S12 that the staple processing position is the staple discarding position will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S31, and it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is attached. In step S31, when it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is not attached, that is, the needle opening portion currently collected in the storage box 130b when the staple discarding position, which is the staple instruction position, is reached, the lower opening 139b has the lower opening 139b. Since it is collected by the duct chute 139 closed by the opening / closing member 1391, in step S32, the count value A representing the number of needle tips collected in the storage box 130b is set to the current duct chute 139. The count value B representing the number of collected needle tip portions and the count value obtained by adding the value 1 generated by the staple processing at the needle discarding position is Bmax, which is the limit value of the needle tip portion that can be collected by the duct chute 139. It is judged whether or not it exceeds. If it is determined in step S32 that the distance does not exceed, the duct chute 139 does not overflow even if the tip of the needle is discarded from the storage box 130b. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S38 to instruct the movement to the needle disposal position and the staple processing. In step S39, the count value A of the storage box 130b is reset to zero. In step S40, the count value obtained by adding the count value A and the value 1 to the count value B of the duct chute 139 is stored as the count value B. Then, it returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the count value B plus the count value B plus the count value 1 exceeds the count value Bmax, the process proceeds to step S33, and a display instruction for requesting the mounting of the needle collection box 136 is performed. I do. In step S34, it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is mounted, and waits until it is mounted. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is mounted, the process proceeds to step S35 to instruct movement to the needle disposal position, and then step In S36, the count value A and the count value B are reset to zero. In step S37, the count value C is set to a count value obtained by adding the count value B, the count value A, and the value 1. Then, it returns to step S11.

  Here, when it is determined in step S31 that the needle collection box 136 is attached, that is, the needle tip currently collected in the duct chute 139 and the needle tip currently collected in the storage box 130b are Since both are housed in the needle collection box 136, the process proceeds to step S 41, where the count value C of the number of needle tips currently collected in the needle collection box 136 and the number of needle tips currently collected in the duct chute 139. It is determined whether the sum of the count value B of the number, the count value A of the number of needle tips currently collected in the storage box 130b, and the value 1 exceeds the limit value of the needle collection box 136. If it is determined in step S41 that it does not exceed, the process proceeds to step S44 to instruct movement to the needle discarding position and stapling processing. In step S45, the count value A and the count value B are reset to zero. In step S46, the needle recovery is performed. A count value obtained by adding the count value B, the count value A, and the value 1 of the duct chute 139 to the current count value C is stored as the count value C of the box 136. Then, it returns to step S11.

  In step S41, if it is determined that the count value obtained by adding the count value C, the count value B, the count value A, and the value 1 exceeds the limit count value Cmax of the needle collection box 136, that is, if the count value C is left as it is, If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 overflows when the disposal position is reached, the process proceeds to step S42, and a display instruction is issued to request disposal of the needle tip collected in the needle collection box 136. In step S43, the tip of the needle housed in the needle collection box 136 is discarded, and the process waits until the needle collection box 136 is remounted. If it is determined in step S43 that the needle collection box 136 has been remounted, the process proceeds to step S35.

  As described above, in the staple processing device 13, even when the needle recovery box 136 is removed, the needle tip portion stored in the storage box 130b is discarded into the duct chute 139 in which the lower opening 139b is closed. The staple processing can be performed until the needle tip portion does not overflow from the duct chute 139 and the storage box 130b is full.

  Next, an embodiment of the second stapling apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram from the side of one embodiment of the second stapling apparatus of the present invention.

  FIG. 12 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 10A of the staple processing device 13 of the embodiment of the first staple processing device. The stapler processing device of this embodiment and the stapler shown in FIG. The difference in appearance from the processing apparatus is that the duct chute 239 of this embodiment is formed of a transparent resin, and no mechanism for opening and closing the lower opening is provided.

  According to the stapler processing apparatus of the present embodiment, when taking out the needle collection box 136, it is possible to visually check whether or not the tip of the needle is caught inside the duct chute 239. When the needle collection box 136 is pulled out after being shocked to drop the needle collection box 136, the needle tip portion can be prevented from falling into the copying machine while the needle collection box 13b is being pulled out. .

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a routine activated in the control device of the staple processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This routine is also started only when a staple processing instruction for the number of staples necessary to cut the staple tip is issued.

  In step S51 shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for staple processing. In step S51, the process waits until there is an instruction. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S52, and the staple instruction position is the staple discarding position. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is determined in step S52 that it is not the needle discarding position, the process proceeds to step S53, where it is determined whether or not the number of needle tips collected in the storage box 130b has reached the limit. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is attached, the process proceeds to step S54. If it is determined in step S54 that the needle collection box 136 is not attached, that is, the accommodation box 130b is full, and therefore, the staple collection position 136 must be moved to the staple instruction position and not go to the staple disposal position before performing staple processing. Otherwise, if the needle collection box 136 is not attached, the tip of the needle will be scattered in the copying machine, so the process proceeds to step S55, and a display instruction for requesting the attachment of the needle collection box 136 is issued. In step S56, it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is attached, and waits until it is attached. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is attached, the process proceeds to step S57, and the count value C of the needle collection box 136 is reset to zero. deep. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the movement to the needle discarding position is instructed, and then in step S63, the count value A is reset to zero. In step S64, the count value C is set to a count value obtained by adding the count value A to the count value C so far. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S65.

  Here, if it is determined in step S54 that the needle collection box 136 is attached, that is, the accommodation box 130b is full, and therefore, the needle box must be temporarily moved to the staple discarding position before moving to the staple instruction position and performing the staple processing. Since the needle collection box 136 is attached when it is necessary, the needle tip portion currently collected in the accommodation box 130b is accommodated in the needle collection box 136. Proceeding to step S58, the sum of the count value C of the number of needle tips currently collected in the needle collection box 136 and the count value A of the number of needle tips currently collected in the storage box 130b is the needle collection. It is determined whether or not the limit value in box 136 is exceeded. If it is determined in step S58 that the value does not exceed, the process proceeds to step S62. If it is determined in step S58 that the limit count value Cmax has been exceeded, that is, when the needle discarding position is reached, the needle collection box 136 is reached. If it is determined that the needle has overflowed, the process proceeds to step S59, and a display instruction is issued to request disposal of the needle tip portion collected in the needle collection box 136. In step S60, the tip of the needle housed in the needle collection box 136 is discarded, and the process waits until the needle collection box 136 is reattached to the needle disposal position. If it is determined in step S60 that the needle collection box 136 has been remounted, the process proceeds to step S61, and the count value C is reset to zero. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S62. If it is determined in step S53 that the count value A has not reached the limit value Amax, the process proceeds to step S65.

  Here, a case will be described in which it is determined in step S52 that the position is the needle discarding position. In this case, the process proceeds to step S67, and it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is attached. In step S67, when it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is not attached, that is, when the needle discarding position, which is the staple instruction position, is reached, the needle tip currently collected in the storage box 130b falls into the apparatus. In step S68, a display instruction for requesting attachment of the needle collection box 136 is given. In step S69, it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is mounted, and waits until it is mounted. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is mounted, the process proceeds to step S70 to instruct movement to the needle discarding position, and then step In S71, the count value A is reset to zero. In step S72, the count value C is a count value obtained by adding the count value A and the value 1. Thereafter, the process returns to step S51.

  If it is determined in step S67 that the needle collection box 136 is attached, the needle tip currently collected in the accommodation box 130b is accommodated in the needle collection box 136. The total of the count value C of the number of needle tip portions currently collected in the needle collection box 136, the count value A of the number of needle tip portions currently housed in the housing box 130b, and the value 1 is the needle collection box. It is determined whether or not the limit value 136 is exceeded. If it is determined in step S73 that the value does not exceed, the process advances to step S76 to instruct movement to the needle discarding position and stapling processing. In step S77, the count value A is reset to zero. In step S78, the count of the needle collection box 136 is counted. As the value C, the count value obtained by adding the count value A and the value 1 to the current count value C is stored. Thereafter, the process returns to step S51.

  In step S73, if it is determined that the count value obtained by adding the count value C, the count value A, and the value 1 exceeds the limit count value Cmax of the needle collection box 136, that is, if it remains in this state, it reaches the needle discarding position. When it is determined that the needle collection box 136 overflows, the process proceeds to step S74, and a display instruction is issued to request disposal of the needle tip portion collected in the needle collection box 136. In step S75, the tip of the needle housed in the needle collection box 136 is discarded, and the process waits until the needle collection box 136 is remounted. If it is determined in step S75 that the needle collection box 136 has been remounted, the process proceeds to step S70.

  In the above-described embodiment of the first stapling apparatus of the present invention, the opening 136a of the needle collection box 136 includes the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139, and the needle collection box 136 is removed. Even when the needle tip portion stored in the storage box 130b is discarded to the duct chute 139 with the lower opening 139b closed, the needle tip portion does not overflow from the duct chute 139 and the storage box 130b is full. Although an example in which the stapling process can be performed has been described above, even if the opening 136a does not include the lower opening 139b of the duct chute 139, the needle collection box 136 is removed. Even if the staple processing is canceled when Such effect is not Genkyaku.

1 is a part of a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine including an embodiment of a first stapling apparatus of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the staple processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the staple processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the mode of discard of the needle front-end | tip part from a storage box to a duct chute. It is a figure at the time of looking down at a cover part in the direction of arrow X shown in FIG. The state until the stapler unit reaches the needle disposal position is shown. . It is a figure which shows the mode of the return operation | movement after abnormality generation. It is a flowchart of the routine started in a control apparatus as return operation | movement after abnormality occurrence. It is an external perspective view of the duct chute from below. It is a figure which shows the case where the lower part of the duct chute | shoot shown in FIG. 9 is seen from the side surface. It is a flowchart of the routine started in the control apparatus of the staple processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram from the side surface of one Embodiment of the 2nd stapling apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart of the routine started in the control apparatus of the staple processing apparatus of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Staple processing apparatus 130 Stapler unit 130a Cutter 130b Storage box 130e Shielding member 1301b Lid 13011b Engagement part 1302b Opening 130c Stapler 130d Movement mechanism part 135 Photo sensor 136 Needle collection box 137 Track plate 138 Control apparatus 139 Duct chute 139b Upper part Opening 1390 Protrusion 1391 Opening / closing member 1392 Protruding part 1393 L-shaped member 1394 Spring

Claims (4)

In a staple processing apparatus provided with a stapler unit that moves on a track including a needle discarding position and a plurality of staple processing positions and staples a plurality of stacked sheet-like materials with staples,
The stapler unit is
A stapler for binding a plurality of stacked sheets with staples;
A cutter for cutting the tip of the staple of the staple for binding the sheet-like material;
Containing a needle tip portion cut by the cutter, and a needle containing portion having a disposal port for discarding the accommodated needle tip portion,
Furthermore, this staple processing apparatus
A detachable needle collection box that has a loading port into which a needle tip portion discarded from the needle housing portion is loaded, and collects the needle tip portion loaded into the loading port,
A first opening on the disposal port side connecting the disposal port of the needle housing portion provided in the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position and the insertion port of the needle recovery box and the insertion port side A duct chute having a second opening;
A needle discarding mechanism that discards the needle tip housed in the needle housing part of the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position from the disposal port;
An opening / closing mechanism that closes the second opening of the duct chute according to the removal of the needle recovery box and opens the second opening according to the attachment of the needle recovery box. Staple processing device.   The staple processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion port is an opening including the second opening of the duct chute. In a state where the needle recovery box is removed, the needle discarding mechanism moves the needle tip portion accommodated in the needle accommodating portion from the needle accommodating portion of the stapler unit that has moved to the needle discarding position. Is discarded in the duct chute in a state closed by the opening and closing mechanism,
The stapling device
A sensor for detecting whether or not the needle collection box is mounted;
A first counter that counts the number of needle tips housed in the needle housing section and resets the count every time the stapler unit reaches the needle disposal position;
A fullness detection unit that detects the fullness of the needle housing unit when the count value of the first counter reaches a limit value;
While the sensor detects that the needle collection box has been removed, it counts the number of needle tips housed in the duct chute, and resets the count when attachment of the needle collection box is detected. A second counter to
If the sum of the count value of the first counter and the count value of the second counter does not exceed the limit value, the stapler unit is received by the full detection of the needle storage unit by the full detection unit. When the sum of the count value of the first counter and the count value of the second counter exceeds the limit value, the fullness detection of the needle storage unit is performed by the fullness detection unit. The staple processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that receives the stapler unit and moves the stapler unit to the staple disposal position and prohibits staple processing. In a staple processing apparatus provided with a stapler unit that moves on a track including a needle discarding position and a plurality of staple processing positions and staples a plurality of stacked sheet-like materials with staples,
The stapler unit is
A stapler for binding a plurality of stacked sheets with staples;
A cutter for cutting the tip of the staple of the staple for binding the sheet-like material;
Containing a needle tip portion cut by the cutter, and a needle containing portion having a disposal port for discarding the accommodated needle tip portion,
Furthermore, this staple processing apparatus
A detachable needle collection box that has a loading port into which a needle tip portion discarded from the needle housing portion is loaded, and collects the needle tip portion loaded into the loading port,
A duct chute formed of a transparent material that connects the disposal port of the needle housing portion provided in the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position and the insertion port of the needle recovery box;
A staple processing apparatus, comprising: a needle discarding mechanism for discarding a needle tip portion accommodated in the needle accommodating portion of the stapler unit moved to the needle discarding position from the disposal port.

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