JP2006272595A - 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 to the periphery of a needle recovery box at the time of discarding of the needle tip parts to the needle recovery box from a housing box. <P>SOLUTION: The staple processor comprises the needle recovery box arranged at a needle discarding position in a freely detachable manner and having a charging port, in which the needle tip parts discarded from a needle housing part are charged, to recover the needle tip parts charged in the charging port, a needle discarding mechanism for discarding the needle tip parts housed in the needle housing part to the needle recovery box from the stapler unit moved to the needle discarding position, and the magnet arranged under the bottom part of the needle recovery box separately from the needle recovery box and producing magnetic force for attracting the needle tip parts discarded from the needle housing part of the stapler unit moved to the needle discarding position to guide them to the charging port of the needle recovery box. <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 processing by the staple processing apparatus that performs binding processing 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, folded staples are used. There is a problem that the tip of is too long.

  Therefore, a proposal has been made to prepare 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 such a cutter is provided with a storage box for temporarily storing the tip of the needle cut during the staple processing performed by moving to the staple processing position on the track. The needle tip portion accommodated in the needle is discarded from the disposal port of the accommodation box moved to the needle disposal position on the track to the insertion port of the needle collection box arranged at the needle disposal position.
JP 2001-334502 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-25931

  However, when the needle tip portion is discarded, the needle tip portion may spill out from the inlet of the needle collection box and may be scattered around the needle collection box. For example, in a copying machine, there is a concern about the occurrence of a failure.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a stapling apparatus that is devised to suppress scattering of the needle tip portion around the needle collection box when the needle tip portion is discarded from the storage box to the needle collection box. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, a 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;
A needle housing portion that houses a needle tip portion cut by the cutter and has a disposal port for discarding the housed needle tip portion at the needle disposal position;
Furthermore, this staple processing apparatus
A needle collection box that is detachably disposed at the needle disposal position, has a loading port into which a needle tip portion discarded from the needle housing unit is loaded, and collects the needle tip portion loaded into the loading port;
A needle disposal mechanism for discarding the needle tip housed in the needle housing section from the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position to the needle collection box;
Separated from the needle collection box, the needle collection box is disposed below the bottom of the needle collection box and sucked from the needle storage section of the stapler unit that has moved to the needle disposal position. And a magnet for generating a magnetic force to be guided to the inlet of the box.

  In the staple processing apparatus of the present invention, the tip end of the needle discarded from the storage box at the needle discarding position is attracted by the magnetic force provided from the magnet disposed below the bottom of the needle recovery box, and is input to the inlet of the needle recovery box. Led. Thereby, according to the staple processing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress scattering of the needle tip portion around the needle collection box when the needle tip portion is discarded from the storage box to the needle collection box.

Here, the magnet is an electromagnet,
It is preferable that a power supply control unit that supplies power to the electromagnet for a predetermined time in response to the staple unit reaching the needle disposal position is preferable.

  Since the magnetic force is most effectively generated when the stapler unit reaches the needle discarding position, waste of electric power can be prevented in this way.

The magnet is a plurality of electromagnets arranged along the bottom of the needle collection box,
It is also a preferable aspect that a power supply control unit that supplies power to the electromagnet different from the previous time for a predetermined time each time the staple unit reaches the staple discarding position is also a preferable aspect.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent the formation of a crest at the tip of the needle due to the concentration of waste in the needle collection box, and the degree of collection can be increased if the crest formed is not flattened and flattened. Convenient compared to when it is not possible.

Here, the magnet is an electromagnet,
A power supply control unit for controlling power supply to the electromagnet;
A detection unit for detecting in advance the removal of the needle collection box from the needle disposal position,
The power supply control unit preferably stops power supply to the electromagnet when the detection unit detects in advance the removal of the needle collection box from the needle disposal position.

  In this way, waste of power can be prevented.

The magnet is an electromagnet arranged along the bottom of the needle collection box,
A power supply control unit for controlling power supply to the electromagnet;
A sensor for detecting whether or not the needle recovery box is mounted at the needle disposal position,
The power supply control unit preferably stops power supply to the electromagnet while the sensor is detecting that the needle recovery unit is not attached to the needle disposal position.

  In this way, waste of power can be prevented.

  It is also a preferred aspect that the needle collection box is formed using a non-magnetic material.

  In this way, the needle collection box is not magnetized, and the disposal of the needle tip can be prevented from being degraded.

  According to the staple processing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress scattering of the needle tip portion around the needle collection box when the needle tip portion is discarded from the storage box to the needle collection box.

  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 a first embodiment of a 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. A route B is provided for transporting the paper transported from.

  Further, in the sheet processing unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, a first discharge tray 121 on which the sheet conveyed via the route A is discharged is shown on the upper surface of the copying machine 1 and conveyed via the route B. A second discharge tray 122 that is discharged after stapled sheets are 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 is disposed on a cutter 130a that cuts the staple tip portion of staples, a storage box 130b that accommodates the staple tip portion cut by the cutter 130a, a stapler 130c that performs binding processing, and a track plate 137. Further, a shielding member 130e for shielding the photosensor 135 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 binding process, and a photo sensor 135 for grasping the position of the stapler unit 130. A flexible cable 1381 that electrically connects 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 storage box 130 b provided in the stapler unit 130.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of discarding the needle tip 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.

  FIG. 4 shows a protrusion 1390 that is erected on a housing (not shown) of the stapler processing apparatus 13a.

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

  FIG. 4A shows a state in which the lid 1301b is closed 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 reaches the 'needle discarding position' on the track plate, and the lid 1301b is opened almost fully against the spring bias to close the lid 1301b. Yes. In the staple processing device 13, as shown in FIG. 4B, the lid 1301b is opened, and the tip of the needle housed in the housing box 130b is discarded into the needle collection box. FIG. 4A also shows a state in which a full detection sensor 1303b for detecting the fullness of the storage box 130b 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. FIG. 5B shows that the lid 1301b is opened when the stapler unit 130 reaches a position between the “proximity position” and the “needle discarding position”, and the opening 1302b of the storage box 130b is exposed. It is shown. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the lid 1301b is fully opened when the stapler unit 130 reaches the “needle discarding position”. Thereby, the needle tip portion dropped from the opening 1302b of the storage box 130b is discarded in the needle collection box.

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

  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.

  The moving mechanism portion 130d of the stapler unit 130 includes a plurality of rotating rollers that rotate while sandwiching the lower rail 1372, a stepping motor, and the like for moving the stapler unit 130. Rotating by receiving rotational driving force from. 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.

  Hereinafter, a mechanism for collecting the needle tip portion discarded from the opening 1302b of the storage box 130b will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of discarding the cut needle tip portion in the stapler processing apparatus.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the lid 1301b is fully opened by the protrusion 1390 as shown in FIG. 5C because the stapler unit 130 has moved to the “needle discarding position” on the track. ing.

  6 shows a needle collection box 136, a box detection sensor 13b for detecting whether or not the needle collection box 136 is mounted at a predetermined position, an electromagnet 13c provided along the bottom of the needle collection box 136, 13d and a door opening detection sensor 13f that is disposed in the vicinity of the inside of the front door 120 of the paper processing unit 12 provided with the staple processing device 13 and detects whether or not the door is open. It is shown. FIG. 6 also illustrates the fullness detection sensor 1303b disposed in the storage box 130b provided in the stapler unit 130 and the photosensor 135 for grasping the position of the stapler unit 130. ing.

  The control unit 138 shown in FIG. 6 receives signals from the full detection sensor 1303b, the photo sensor 135, the box detection sensor 13b, and the door opening detection sensor 13f, and the two electromagnets 13c and 13d based on the input signals. Control the supply of power to

  In the staple processing apparatus 13 of the present embodiment, the tip end of the needle discarded from the storage box 130b at the “needle discarding position” is attracted by the magnetic force from the magnets 13c and 13d disposed below the bottom of the needle collection box 136. Then, it is guided to the inlet 136a of the needle collection box 136. As a result, according to the staple processing device 13, scattering of the needle tip portion around the needle collection box 136 when the needle tip portion is discarded from the storage box 130b to the needle collection box 136 can be suppressed. .

  FIG. 7 shows the needle collection box being removed for disposal of the needle tip.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the needle collection box 136 is separated from the electromagnets 13c and 13d. In this way, when the needle collection box 136 is pulled out for disposal of the needle tip portion. The power supply from the control unit 138 to the electromagnet is stopped. This is because if the electromagnet is supplied with electric power when the needle collection box 136 is taken out, the needle tip portion in the needle collection box and the electromagnet attract each other, which may prevent the needle collection box 136 from being pulled out. The needle collection box 136 is made of resin, but it is desirable that the needle collection box 136 be a non-magnetic material even when a material other than resin is used. If the needle collection box is made of a magnetic material, the needle collection box itself is magnetized by the electromagnet, so that a part of the collected needle tip is attracted to the bottom and is difficult to discard.

  Next, the control of the electromagnet by the control unit 138 of the staple processing apparatus 13 will be described in detail.

  As described above, the control unit 138 includes a full detection sensor 1303b for detecting whether or not the needle tip portion stored in the storage box 130b of the stapler unit 130 is full, and the position of the stapler unit 130 on the track. A signal from the photosensor 135 for grasping is received. Thereby, when the control unit 138 detects the arrival of the stapler unit 130 at the “needle discarding position”, this is because the tip of the needle is discarded due to the storage box 130b becoming full, or It is possible to determine whether the staple processing at the 'needle discarding position' is necessary although it is not full, and the controller 138 determines that the stapler unit 130 has reached the 'needle discarding position'. Is full, the power supply time is set longer than when staple processing is necessary at the “needle discarding position”. Or is because the former has a larger amount of needle tip to be discarded.

  Further, the control unit 138 alternately supplies power to the two magnets 13c and 13d shown in FIG. As a result, it is possible to prevent the formation of a crest at the tip of the needle due to the concentration of waste in the needle collection box, and the collectability will not be improved unless the formed crest is flattened by an operator or the like. The situation can be avoided.

  Further, when the front door 120 of the paper processing unit 12 is opened, the control unit 138 expects the needle collection box 136 to be pulled out, and the box detection sensor 13b detects the needle collection box 136. Otherwise, the generation of magnetic force will cause the tip of the needle to be scattered in the copying machine, so no power is supplied to the electromagnet.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a routine activated by the control unit of the staple processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This routine is started in the copying machine 1 when the staple processing mode is selected.

  In step S1 of FIG. 8, the counter n is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to step S2 to determine whether or not the front door 120 of the paper processing unit 12 is opened. If it is determined in step S2 that the needle collection box 136 is not opened, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether or not the needle collection box 136 is mounted. If it is determined that the needle collection box 136 is mounted, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the stapler unit 130 has reached the “needle discard position”. If it is determined in step S4 that the stapler unit 130 has reached, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the storage box 130b is full. If it is determined in step S5 that fullness has not been detected, that is, it is determined that stapling is to be performed at the “needle discarding position”, the process proceeds to step S6, waits until stapling is started, and stapling starts. Then, in step S7, the value 1 is added to the counter value n. In step S8, it is determined whether or not the counter value n has become 3. If it is determined in step S8 that the value n is not 3, the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that the value n is 3, the process proceeds to step S9, where the value 2 is subtracted from the value n, and the process proceeds to step S10. move on. In step S10, power supply to the nth electromagnet from the left in FIG. 6 is started. In step S11, the process waits until the predetermined time B elapses. When it is determined in step S11 that the predetermined time B has elapsed, step S12 is performed. Proceed to In step S12, the power supply is stopped, and then the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the full state is detected, the process proceeds to step S13. However, the description from step S13 to step S16 is the same as the description from step S7 to step S10, and is therefore omitted. In step S17, the process waits until the predetermined time A elapses. This predetermined time A is longer than the predetermined time B described above. This is because the number of needle tip portions to be attracted by the electromagnet is larger when fullness is detected. Then, it progresses to step S18, an electric power supply is stopped, and it returns to step S2. Note that if it is determined in step S2 that it is open, if it is determined that it is not attached in step S3, or if it is determined that the stapler unit 130 has not reached the 'needle discarding position', all of them are step S2. Return to.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another aspect of the arrangement of the electromagnets.

  FIG. 9 shows a case where a third electromagnet 13e is further added between the electromagnets 13c and 13d shown in FIG. 7. By arranging the electromagnets in this way and sequentially supplying power, Compared to the case shown in FIG. 7, the formation of a crest at the tip of the needle can be further prevented. As described above, the formation of a crest at the tip of the needle can also be prevented by alternately supplying power to each electromagnet and stopping power supply.

  In the embodiment described above, an example using an electromagnet has been described. However, even if this is a permanent magnet and cannot generate a magnetic force alternately, there is only one magnet. However, the basic effect of the present invention is not diminished.

1 is a part of a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine including a first embodiment of a staple processing 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 figure 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. It is a figure which shows the mode of discard of the cut needle front-end | tip part in this stapler processing apparatus. The needle collection box is shown removed for the needle tip. It is a flowchart of the routine started by the control part of the staple processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows another aspect about arrangement | positioning of an electromagnet.

Explanation of symbols

13 Staple processing device 13b Box detection sensor 13c, 13d, 13e Electromagnet 130 Stapler unit 130a Cutter 130b Receiving box 1301b Lid 13011b Engagement part 1302b Opening 1303b Fullness detection sensor 130c Stapler 130d Moving mechanism part 130e Light shielding member 135 Photo sensor 136 Needle 137 Track plate 138 Controller 1390 Protrusion

Claims (6)

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 needle collection box that is detachably arranged at the needle disposal position, 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 needle disposal mechanism that discards the needle tip housed in the needle housing section from the stapler unit moved to the needle disposal position to the needle collection box;
Separated from the needle recovery box, the needle recovery box is disposed below the bottom of the needle recovery box and sucked from the needle storage portion of the stapler unit that has moved to the needle discarding position to collect the needle. A stapling apparatus comprising: a magnet for generating a magnetic force to be guided to the insertion port of the box. The magnet is an electromagnet,
The staple processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply control unit configured to supply power to the electromagnet for a predetermined time in response to the staple unit reaching the staple disposal position. The magnets are a plurality of electromagnets deployed along the bottom of the needle collection box;
2. The staple processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply control unit configured to supply power to an electromagnet different from the previous time for a predetermined time each time the staple unit reaches the staple disposal position. The magnet is an electromagnet,
A power supply control unit for controlling power supply to the electromagnet;
A detection unit for detecting in advance removal of the needle recovery box from the needle disposal position,
The power supply control unit is configured to stop the power supply to the electromagnet when the detection unit detects in advance the removal of the needle recovery box from the needle disposal position. The staple processing apparatus according to claim. The magnet is an electromagnet,
A power supply control unit for controlling power supply to the electromagnet;
A sensor for detecting whether or not the needle recovery box is mounted at the needle disposal position,
The power supply control unit is configured to stop power supply to the electromagnet while the sensor is detecting that the needle recovery unit is not attached to the needle disposal position. The staple processing apparatus according to claim.   The staple processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the needle collection box is formed using a non-magnetic material.

Images