JP2018069475A - Binding device and binding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a binding device having a simple structure capable of bundling a sheet bundle, without using a piece or the like.SOLUTION: A binding device 100 includes folding means 30 and a punching blade 40. The folding means 30 includes a pressing part 31 and a fold-back part 32, the pressing part 31 presses a corner part of a sheet bundle to bend and deform the corner part, and the fold-back part 32 presses the corner part bent and deformed by the pressing part 31 to further bend and deform the corner part in a folding manner towards a center side of the sheet bundle. The punching blade 40 includes a holding hole 44 and forms a slit in the sheet bundle by penetrating the sheet bundle from a first face side to a second face side of the sheet bundle, and a tip of the corner part of the sheet bundle folded by the folding means 30 is held by the holding hole 44 and pulled through from the second face side to the first face side so that the tip of the corner part is inserted through the slit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a binding device and a binding method for binding a sheet bundle.

  A sheet bundle is formed by bundling a plurality of sheets (for example, paper). In order to improve the handleability of the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle is generally bound using a metal needle or the like. A binding device for binding a sheet bundle may be used by being incorporated in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine. Recently, awareness of the natural environment and running costs has increased, and a method of binding a sheet bundle without using metal needles has been developed.

  Examples of the method of binding a sheet bundle without using a metal needle include a crimping method and a half punching method. In the binding method using the pressure bonding method, the sheet bundle is bound by sandwiching the sheet bundle with the gear teeth facing each other and entwining the fibers. The crimping method has advantages such as less damage to the sheet and excellent stackability because the binding portion is flat. On the other hand, the crimping method has disadvantages that it is difficult to increase the number of sheets to be bound, it is difficult to increase the binding strength, and a large load is required for crimping.

  In the binding method by the half punching method, a sheet bundle is bound by forming a U-shaped cut and slit in the sheet bundle, folding the U-shaped portion and inserting the slit into the slit (see Patent Document 1 below) 2). The half-punch method has the advantage that the number of sheets to be bound can be increased and the binding strength can be increased compared to the crimping method. On the other hand, when the half-punch binding method is used, by folding the U-shaped part, a hole having a size corresponding to the U-shaped part is formed in the sheet bundle.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-037884 (Patent Document 3) discloses a binding method different from the above method. In the binding method, after the corner portion of the sheet bundle is folded, a slit is formed in the vicinity of the corner portion of the sheet bundle, and then the sheet bundle is bound by inserting a piece (sticking seal) through the slit. . According to this method, unlike the binding methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a hole having a size corresponding to a U-shaped portion is not formed in the sheet bundle (for details, refer to Patent Document 3). (See FIG. 6 etc.)

JP 2012-135947 A JP2015-114450A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-037884

  In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-037884 (Patent Document 3), an operation of folding a corner portion of a sheet bundle, an operation of forming a slit in the vicinity of the corner portion of the sheet bundle, and a piece ( The operation of inserting the sticking seal) is performed, and the sheet bundle is bound. In this method, a piece (sticking sticker) is used for the binding process.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a binding device and a binding method capable of bundling sheet bundles with a simpler configuration than conventional ones without using pieces or the like.

  The binding device according to the present invention includes a pressing portion and a folding portion, and the corner portion of the sheet bundle formed by bundling a plurality of sheets is bent and deformed by pressing the corner portion of the sheet bundle. A folding means for further bending and deforming the corner portion to be folded back toward the center of the sheet bundle by pressing the corner portion bent and deformed by the pressing portion. The corner portion of the sheet bundle which is formed by slitting the sheet bundle by penetrating the sheet bundle from the first surface side to the second surface side of the sheet bundle and folded by the bending means. And a cutting blade for inserting the tip of the corner portion into the slit by pulling the tip of the corner from the second surface side to the first surface side.

  In the binding device, preferably, the operation of bending the corner portion of the sheet bundle by the pressing portion and the operation of forming the slit in the sheet bundle by the punching blade are performed substantially simultaneously.

  Preferably, in the binding device, the pressing portion includes a plate-like portion and a protruding portion provided so as to protrude laterally from a tip of the plate-like portion, and the pressing portion is the sheet bundle. In the state where the corner is bent and deformed by pressing the corner, the folded portion passes the side of the plate-like portion and presses the corner, so that the folded portion is The corner is further bent and deformed so as to be folded back toward the center of the sheet bundle.

  Preferably, in the binding device, the pressing portion includes a plate-like portion, a first protrusion provided so as to protrude from the tip of the plate-like portion toward one side, and a tip of the plate-like portion. A second projecting portion provided so as to project from the other side to the other side, the folded portion including a first folded piece and a second folded piece, and the pressing portion of the sheet bundle. In a state where the corner is bent and deformed by pressing the corner, the first folded piece passes through the one side of the plate-like portion and presses the corner, and the first When the two folded pieces pass through the other side of the plate-like portion and press the corner portion, the folded portion is further bent and deformed so that the corner portion is folded toward the center side of the sheet bundle. Let

  Preferably, in the binding device, when the sheet bundle is placed, and the tip of the corner portion folded back by the folding portion is placed in the holding hole, the above placement portion is folded back. And a moving mechanism for moving in a direction away from the unit.

  Preferably, in the binding apparatus, the punching blade has a flat plate shape, and is substantially formed from a first blade portion forming a first cut portion of the slit and one side portion of the first blade portion. The slit is formed so as to be bent at a right angle, and is formed so as to be bent at a substantially right angle from the second blade portion forming the second cut portion of the slit and the other side portion of the first blade portion. A third blade portion that forms a third cut portion, and the second blade portion and the third blade portion face each other.

  In the binding apparatus, preferably, the first blade portion is a center of the sheet bundle as viewed from the second cut portion and the third cut portion formed by the second blade portion and the third blade portion, respectively. The first cut portion is formed at a position on the side.

  Preferably, in the binding device, a bent ridge line of bending deformation formed at the corner by the bending means and the first cut portion of the slit formed by the first blade portion are substantially parallel. is there.

  Preferably, in the binding device, the bending means has a width of the corner portion that is bent by the bending means and is inserted into the slit, and less than 100% of the length of the first cut portion. The corner is bent so as to have the above values.

  Preferably, in the binding device, the bending unit is configured such that a distance between a bending ridge line of bending deformation formed on the corner portion by the bending unit and the first cut portion is the second cut portion and the second cut portion. The corner portion is bent so as to be longer than any length of the third cut portion.

  Preferably, in the binding device, the punching blade forms the slit in a portion of the plurality of sheets on which no image is formed.

  Preferably, in the binding device, the bending means bends the corner so that a portion of the plurality of sheets on which the reinforcing image is formed is inserted into the slit.

  Preferably, the binding device is configured so that the position of the bending ridge line of the bending deformation formed at the corner portion by the bending means can be changed.

  In the binding apparatus, preferably, the punching blade is configured to be able to change a position of the slit formed in the sheet bundle.

  Preferably, in the binding apparatus, directions in which the first edge and the second edge of the sheet bundle defining the corner portion extend are defined as a first direction and a second direction, respectively, and the folding is performed. When the position of the sheet bundle disposed when the corner portion is bent and deformed by the bending means is a specific position, the sheet bundle is linear along the first direction and / or the second direction. It can be moved and placed at the specific position.

  Preferably, in the binding apparatus, another bending mechanism capable of moving the bending means and the punching blade between the position of the first corner and the position of the second corner of the sheet bundle. Further prepare.

  In the binding method according to the present invention, the corner portion is bent and deformed by pressing the corner portion of the sheet bundle formed by bundling a plurality of sheets, and the bent corner portion is pressed. A bending step of further bending and deforming the corner portion so as to be folded back toward the center side of the sheet bundle, and by penetrating the sheet bundle from the first surface side to the second surface side of the sheet bundle. A slit is formed in the sheet bundle, and the tip end of the corner portion of the sheet bundle folded back in the bending step is pulled out from the second surface side to the first surface side to thereby remove the tip end of the corner portion. And a step of passing through the slit.

  According to the above-described binding device and binding method, it is possible to bundle a sheet bundle with a simple configuration without using a piece or the like.

2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a front side and an upper side of the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back side and the top side of the binding device 100. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a front side and a bottom side of the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a front side in the binding device 100. It is a cross-sectional perspective view along the VV line in FIG. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. It is a cross-sectional perspective view along the VII-VII line in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG. 3 is a first perspective view illustrating a state in which the binding device 100 is disassembled. It is a 2nd perspective view which shows the state which the binding apparatus 100 decomposed | disassembled. It is a 3rd perspective view which shows the state which the binding apparatus 100 decomposed | disassembled. FIG. 12A is a plan view (cross-sectional view) illustrating a first stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII (B) -XII (B) in FIG. FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII (C) -XII (C) in FIG. 5 is a plan view (cross-sectional view) for explaining a first stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 14A is a plan view (sectional view) showing a second stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV (B) -XIV (B) in FIG. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV (C) -XIV (C) in FIG. FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV (D) -XIV (D) in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a second stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle by the binding device. FIG. 16A is a plan view (sectional view) illustrating a third stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI (B) -XVI (B) in FIG. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI (C) -XVI (C) in FIG. FIG. 17A is a plan view (cross-sectional view) showing a fourth stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII (B) -XVII (B) in FIG. FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII (C) -XVII (C) in FIG. FIG. 18A is a plan view (sectional view) showing a fifth stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII (B) -XVIII (B) in FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII (C) -XVIII (C) in FIG. FIG. 19A is a plan view (cross-sectional view) showing a sixth stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX (B) -XIX (B) in FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state of the first surface 71 side of the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device 100. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state of the second surface 72 side of the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device 100. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XXII-XXII line | wire in FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a sheet bundle 70 bound by a binding device and a binding method in Comparative Example 1. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a sheet bundle 70 bound by a binding device and a binding method in Comparative Example 2. FIG. It is a top view which shows the sheet | seat bundle 70 bound by the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 1st modification of embodiment. It is a top view which shows the sheet | seat bundle 70 bound by the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 2nd modification of embodiment. It is a top view which shows the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 3rd modification of embodiment. It is a top view which shows the sheet | seat bundle 70 bound by the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 4th modification of embodiment. It is a top view which shows the mode by the side of the 1st surface 71 of the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 4th modification of embodiment. It is a top view which shows the mode by the side of the 2nd surface 72 of the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 4th modification of embodiment. It is a top view for demonstrating the binding apparatus and the binding method in the 5th modification of embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may not be repeated.

[Binding device 100]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the front side and the top side of the binding device 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back side and the top side of the binding device 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the front side and the bottom side of the binding device 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the front side of the binding device 100.

  5 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line VV in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 to 11 are first to third perspective views showing a state in which the binding device 100 is disassembled, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the binding device 100 includes a lower base 10, an elevating mechanism 20, a bending means 30, a punching blade 40, an anvil 50, sliders 62 and 63, an urging spring 65, and the like. Hereinafter, features of these configurations will be described in order.

[Lower base 10]
Referring mainly to FIG. 9, the lower base 10 is formed in a flat plate shape as a whole and extends along the longitudinal direction (Y direction in the drawing). The lower base 10 includes guide walls 11P, 11Q, 11R, 11S, recessed grooves 12A, 12D, 13A, 13D, standing walls 12B, 13B, receiving surfaces 12C, 13C, and through holes 11A, 11B, 12H, 13H.

  The guide walls 11P, 11Q, 11R, and 11S have a shape that protrudes upward (Z direction), and extend in parallel along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the lower base 10. The guide walls 11P and 11S are located at both ends in the short direction (X direction) of the lower base 10, and the guide walls 11Q and 11R are located between the guide walls 11P and 11S.

  Concave grooves 12A and 12D are formed between the guide walls 11P and 11Q, and concave grooves 13A and 13D are formed between the guide walls 11R and 11S. Although details will be described later, the pushers 32 and 33 constituting the bending means 30 move along the longitudinal direction of the lower base 10 inside the concave grooves 12A and 13A, respectively (FIGS. 1 and 2). The sliders 62 and 63 move along the longitudinal direction of the lower base 10 inside the concave grooves 12D and 13D, respectively (FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the standing wall 12B is located substantially at the center of the guide wall 11P and protrudes upward (Z direction) from the guide wall 11P. The standing wall 13B is located substantially at the center of the guide wall 11S and protrudes upward from the guide wall 11S. The side surfaces of the standing walls 12B and 13B form receiving surfaces 12C and 13C, respectively.

  The through hole 11A is formed at a position between the guide walls 11Q and 11R. Although details will be described later, the cam plate 22 included in the elevating mechanism 20 moves in the vertical direction so as to enter and exit the through hole 11A (FIGS. 5 and 6). Although a specific configuration is not illustrated, even if the elevating mechanism 20 (upper base 21 and cam plate 22) moves in the vertical direction, the longitudinal direction of the elevating mechanism 20 (upper base 21 and cam plate 22) and the lower base 10 ( The relative position in the Y direction) does not change.

  The through hole 11B is formed at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the lower base 10. The through hole 11B includes a wide portion 11C and a narrow portion 11D. The wide portion 11 </ b> C and the narrow portion 11 </ b> D have shapes extending along the short direction (X direction) of the lower base 10.

  Although details will be described later, the folding knife 31 included in the bending means 30 is supported by the elevating mechanism 20 so that the elevating mechanism 20 moves in and out of the wide portion 11C as it moves in the vertical direction. And move in the vertical direction (Z direction). The punching blade 40 is also supported by the lifting mechanism 20 and moves in the vertical direction (Z direction) so as to enter and exit the narrow portion 11D as the lifting mechanism 20 moves in the vertical direction ( 5 to 8).

  Since the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the elevating mechanism 20 (the upper base 21 and the cam plate 22) and the lower base 10 does not change, even if the folding knife 31 and the cutting blade 40 move in the vertical direction, the folding knife 31 and the cutting blade 40 are There is no contact with the lower base 10.

  The through hole 12H is formed at a position between the guide walls 11P and 11Q, and penetrates a portion of the lower base 10 positioned below the concave groove 12D (FIG. 3). The through hole 13H is formed at a position between the guide walls 11R and 11S, and penetrates a portion of the lower base 10 that is located below the concave groove 13D. Although details will be described later, the hanging parts 62B and 63B formed on the sliders 62 and 63 move along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) inside the through holes 12H and 13H, respectively (FIGS. 7 and 8). .

[Elevating mechanism 20]
Referring mainly to FIG. 10, the lifting mechanism 20 includes an upper base 21, a cam plate 22, a cam groove 22 </ b> H, and a fixing portion 24. The upper base 21 has a plate shape, and the cam plate 22 and the fixing portion 24 are provided on the lower surface of the upper base 21. The upper base 21 is supported by a support mechanism (not shown), and moves substantially linearly in the vertical direction (Z direction) when receiving an external driving force. When the elevating mechanism 20 moves in the vertical direction, the distance between the upper base 21 and the lower base 10 changes (increases or decreases), but the relative relationship in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) between the elevating mechanism 20 (upper base 21) and the lower base 10 The position does not change.

  The pin 34 is inserted into the cam groove 22H (arrow AR22 in FIG. 10, FIGS. 5 to 8). The cam plate 22 and the cam groove 22 </ b> H constitute a cam mechanism in cooperation with the pin 34. When the elevating mechanism 20 moves in the direction approaching the lower base 10 (white arrow in FIG. 14B), the pin 34 moves in the direction approaching the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H ( (Black arrow in FIG. 14B). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 also move in the same direction.

  On the contrary, when the lifting mechanism 20 moves in a direction away from the lower base 10 (white arrow in FIG. 19B), the pin 34 moves away from the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H. (Black arrow in FIG. 19B). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 also move in the same direction.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the fixing part 24 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, the folding knife 31 is fixed to the side surface of the fixing portion 24 (FIG. 10) using a screw (not shown). As a preferred embodiment, a pressing member 35 (FIG. 11) is disposed between the folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40. The pressing member 35 is provided with an opening 35H (FIG. 11), and an urging spring 36 is disposed inside the opening 35H. The pressing member 35 is attached to the lower surface of the fixing portion 24 of the upper base 21 via the biasing spring 36. Although details will be described later, when the binding process is performed, the pressing member 35 suppresses the corner portion of the sheet bundle, thereby preventing the positional deviation from occurring at the corner portion of the sheet bundle.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the punching blade 40 is also fixed to the fixing portion 24. The punching blade 40 (second blade portion 42 and third blade portion 43) is provided with through holes 42H and 43H (FIG. 11). The bolts 26 (FIGS. 5 and 9) are inserted into the through holes 42 </ b> H and 43 </ b> H, and the bolts 26 are screwed into the screw holes formed in the fixing part 24, whereby the punching blade 40 is fixed to the fixing part 24.

[Bending means 30]
Referring mainly to FIGS. 9 to 11, the bending means 30 includes a folding knife 31 (pressing portion) and pushers 32 and 33 (folding portion).

(Folding knife 31 (pressing part))
The folding knife 31 functions as a “pressing part” of the bending means 30. The folding knife 31 (FIGS. 9 and 11) has a plate-like portion 31A, a first protruding portion 31B, and a second protruding portion 31C. The folding knife 31 is arranged so as to be parallel to the short direction (X direction) of the lower base 10. The first protruding portion 31B is provided so as to protrude from the tip (lower end) of the plate-like portion 31A toward one side (X direction). The second projecting portion 31C is provided so as to project from the tip (lower end) of the plate-like portion 31A toward the other side (opposite to the X direction).

  The folding knife 31 is fixed to the fixing portion 24 (FIG. 10) of the lifting mechanism 20. The folding knife 31 is disposed above the through hole 11B (wide portion 11C) in the vertical direction (Z direction) (arrow AR30 in FIG. 9). When the upper base 21 receives a driving force from the outside, the upper base 21 moves along the vertical direction (Z direction) together with the folding knife 31, and the folding knife 31 is formed in the through hole 11 </ b> B (wide portion 11 </ b> C). Go in and out (see FIGS. 5 to 8).

(Pushers 32, 33)
The pushers 32 and 33 function as “folding portions” of the bending means 30. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the pusher 32 includes a flat plate portion 32A (first folded piece) and an upright portion 32B, and an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 32A forms a pressing surface 32T. The pusher 33 (second folded piece) includes a flat plate portion 33A and an upright portion 33B, and an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 33A forms a pressing surface 33T. The flat plate portion 32 </ b> A of the pusher 32 and the flat plate portion 33 </ b> A of the pusher 33 are connected via upright portions 32 </ b> B and 33 </ b> B and a pin 34.

  The pushers 32 and 33 are respectively arranged inside the concave grooves 12A and 13A formed in the lower base 10 (arrows AR32 and AR33 shown in FIG. 9). When the elevating mechanism 20 moves in the direction approaching the lower base 10 (white arrow in FIG. 14B), the pin 34 moves in the direction approaching the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H ( (Black arrow in FIG. 14B). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 also move in the same direction. When the elevating mechanism 20 moves in a direction away from the lower base 10 (white arrow in FIG. 19B), the pin 34 moves in a direction away from the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H (FIG. 19). (B) Black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 also move in the same direction.

[Punching blade 40]
The punching blade 40 (FIGS. 9 to 11) has a first blade portion 41, a second blade portion 42, a third blade portion 43, and a holding hole 44. The first blade portion 41, the second blade portion 42, and the third blade portion 43 all have a flat plate shape.

  The 1st blade part 41 is arrange | positioned so that it may become parallel with respect to the transversal direction (X direction) of the lower base 10. FIG. The second blade portion 42 is formed to be bent at a substantially right angle from one side portion of the first blade portion 41, and the third blade portion 43 is bent at a substantially right angle from the other side portion of the first blade portion 41. To be formed. The second blade portion 42 and the third blade portion 43 are opposed to each other. When the punching blade 40 is viewed in plan (FIG. 13 and the like), the punching blade 40 has a “U” shape (substantially C shape). The holding hole 44 is formed so as to penetrate the first blade portion 41 and has a substantially rectangular opening shape in front view (see FIG. 4).

  The punching blade 40 is fixed to the fixing portion 24 (FIG. 10) of the lifting mechanism 20. The punching blade 40 is disposed above the through hole 11B (the narrow portion 11D) in the vertical direction (Z direction) (arrow AR30 in FIG. 9). When the upper base 21 receives a driving force from the outside, the upper base 21 moves along the vertical direction (Z direction) together with the punching blade 40, and the punching blade 40 has a through hole 11B (narrow portion 11D). Enters and exits (Figs. 5-8).

[Anvil 50 (Placement Section)]
The anvil 50 (FIGS. 9 to 11) includes a plate-like portion 51, a notch 51 </ b> C, support end surfaces 52 and 53, guide pieces 54 and 55, and hanging pieces 56 and 57. The plate-like portion 51 has a flat surface shape and functions as a “placement portion” on which a sheet bundle is placed.

  The plate-like portion 51 is disposed so as to straddle the guide walls 11P and 11S of the lower base 10 (arrow AR50 in FIG. 9). A pair of end surfaces located at the tip of the plate-like portion 51 in the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the lower base 10) form support end surfaces 52 and 53, respectively. The support end surfaces 52 and 53 are spaced apart from each other in the X direction (the short direction of the lower base 10), and the notch 51C is formed at a position between the support end surfaces 52 and 53.

  The urging force of an urging spring 65 (FIGS. 12B and 12C) to be described later is transmitted to the anvil 50 via the connecting pin 64 and the sliders 62 and 63. When the biasing spring 65 has a natural length (or when the biasing spring 65 forms the longest length at the position where the biasing spring 65 is disposed), the support end surface 52 of the anvil 50, The position of 53 in the Y direction substantially coincides with the position in the Y direction of the boundary portion between the wide portion 11C and the narrow portion 11D of the through-hole 11B (FIG. 12B).

  In this state, when the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the cutout 51C of the plate-like portion 51 is viewed in plan, the shape substantially matches the shape of the narrow portion 11D of the through hole 11B (FIG. 12A). Assuming that the punching blade 40 moves substantially linearly along the vertical direction (Z direction), the punching blade 40 passes through the inside of the notch 51C and enters and exits the through hole 11B (narrow portion 11D). To do. The punching blade 40 does not contact the plate-like portion 51 of the anvil 50.

  Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 again, the guide pieces 54 and 55 of the anvil 50 are provided so as to hang down from both ends in the X direction of the plate-like portion 51 (short direction of the lower base 10). The guide pieces 54 and 55 move in the longitudinal direction of the lower base 10 along the outer surfaces of the guide walls 11P and 11S of the lower base 10, respectively. The guide function of the guide pieces 54 and 55 allows the anvil 50 as a whole to move stably along the longitudinal direction of the lower base 10 without changing the direction of the anvil 50. The hanging pieces 56 and 57 of the anvil 50 are located at the rear end of the plate-like portion 51 in the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the lower base 10) and are provided so as to hang down from the rear end.

  The hanging piece 56 of the anvil 50 is disposed together with the urging spring 62S in an opening 62C formed in the slider 62 (flat plate portion 62A) (arrow AR56 in FIG. 10). A hanging piece 56 of the anvil 50 is disposed between the biasing spring 62S and the inner wall surface of the slider 62 forming the opening 62C.

  The hanging piece 57 of the anvil 50 is disposed together with the biasing spring 63S in an opening 63C formed in the slider 63 (flat plate portion 63A) (arrow AR57 in FIG. 10). A hanging piece 57 of the anvil 50 is disposed between the urging spring 63S and the inner wall surface of the slider 63 forming the opening 63C.

[Sliders 62, 63, biasing spring 65]
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the slider 62 includes a flat plate portion 62 </ b> A, a hanging portion 62 </ b> B, an opening portion 62 </ b> C, a biasing spring 62 </ b> S, and a facing surface 62 </ b> T. An end portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 62A forms a facing surface 62T. Similarly, the slider 63 includes a flat plate portion 63A, a hanging portion 63B, an opening portion 63C, an urging spring 63S, and an opposing surface 63T. An end portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 63A forms a facing surface 63T.

  The sliders 62 and 63 are respectively arranged inside the concave grooves 12D and 13D formed in the lower base 10 (arrows AR62 and AR63 shown in FIG. 9). The suspended portion 62B of the slider 62 is disposed inside the through hole 12H of the lower base 10, and moves along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) inside the through hole 12H (FIGS. 7 and 8). Similarly, the hanging part 63B of the slider 63 is disposed inside the through hole 13H of the lower base 10 and moves along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) inside the through hole 13H. The flat plate portion 62 </ b> A of the slider 62 and the flat plate portion 63 </ b> A of the slider 63 are connected via hanging portions 62 </ b> B and 63 </ b> B and a connecting pin 64.

  On the lower surface of the lower base 10, a convex portion 10T (FIGS. 3, 5, and 6) is provided. The biasing spring 65 is disposed between the convex portion 10T and the connecting pin 64. The urging force of the urging spring 65 is transmitted to the sliders 62 and 63 via the connecting pin 64. The biasing force of the biasing spring 65 is also transmitted to the anvil 50 via the connecting pin 64 and the sliders 62 and 63 (biasing springs 62S and 63S).

(Binding method)
Hereinafter, the binding method by the binding device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. By bundling a plurality of sheets, a sheet bundle 70 (FIG. 13) is formed.

  In general, the folding knife 31 (pressing portion) presses the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 to bend and deform the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70, and the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 that is bent and deformed by the folding knife 31. When the pushers 32 and 33 (folding portions) are pressed, the corner portions 70C of the sheet bundle 70 can be further bent and deformed so as to be folded toward the center side of the sheet bundle 70 (folding step).

  On the other hand, the punching blade 40 penetrates the sheet bundle 70 from the first surface 71 side to the second surface 72 side of the sheet bundle 70, thereby forming a slit S (FIG. 15) in the sheet bundle 70. The front end (outermost end portion 70T) of the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 folded back by the bending means 30 is held in the holding hole 44 of the punching blade 40 and pulled out from the second surface 72 side to the first surface 71 side. Thus, the tip end (outermost end portion 70T) of the corner portion 70C can be inserted into the slit S. More specific description will be given below.

(First stage (initial stage))
FIG. 12A is a plan view (cross-sectional view) illustrating a first stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII (B) -XII (B) in FIG. FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII (C) -XII (C) in FIG. For convenience of illustration, in FIG. 12A, the anvil 50 is illustrated using a dotted line, and the sheet bundle 70 is illustrated using a two-dot chain line. The same applies to FIG. 14A described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, in the first stage (initial stage) of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100, the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 is sufficient from the lower base 10. The pin 34 is located at the end of the cam groove 22H. The biasing spring 65 has a natural length (or when the biasing spring 65 forms the longest length at a position between the connecting pin 64 and the convex portion 10T) and faces the sliders 62 and 63. The positions of the surfaces 62T and 63T in the Y direction substantially coincide with the position in the Y direction of the boundary portion between the wide portion 11C and the narrow portion 11D of the through hole 11B. In the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the lower base 10), the opposing surfaces 62T and 63T of the sliders 62 and 63 and the pressing surfaces 32T and 33T of the pushers 32 and 33 are opposed to each other with a space therebetween.

  The urging springs 62S and 63S disposed inside the sliders 62 and 63 also have a natural length (or the longest length is formed inside the openings 62C and 63C) and support the anvil 50. The positions in the Y direction of the end faces 52 and 53 also substantially coincide with the position in the Y direction of the boundary portion between the wide portion 11C and the narrow portion 11D of the through-hole 11B (FIG. 12B).

  The sheet bundle 70 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72. In the first stage (initial stage), the plate-like portion 51 of the anvil 50 and the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 are separated from each other with a sufficient opening height (frontage). The sheet bundle 70 is placed on the plate-like portion 51 of the anvil 50 so that the first surface 71 faces the punching blade 40 and the folding knife 31 and the second surface 72 contacts the anvil 50 (plate-like portion 51). Placed.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the sheet bundle 70 has a first end edge 70E and a second end edge 70F. The first edge 70E and the second edge 70F are orthogonal to each other, and a corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is formed between the first edge 70E and the second edge 70F. An endmost portion 70T is formed at a position where the first end edge 70E and the second end edge 70F intersect.

  It is assumed that directions in which the first end edge 70E and the second end edge 70F defining the corner portion 70C extend are defined as “first direction” and “second direction”, respectively. On the other hand, the position of the sheet bundle 70 that is arranged when the corner portion 70C is bent and deformed by the bending means 30 (folding knife 31, pushers 32, 33) is defined as a “specific position P”.

  The sheet bundle 70 shown in FIG. 13 is arranged so that the first edge 70E is along the receiving surface 12C, and the second edge 70F is arranged along the receiving surface 13C. The first edge 70E and the receiving surface 12C are in contact with each other with a slight gap therebetween. The second end edge 70F and the receiving surface 13C are in contact with each other or face each other with a slight gap. The endmost portion 70T of the sheet bundle 70 is located on the side close to the pin 34 when viewed from the positions of the folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40. The position of the sheet bundle 70 that forms such a state can be defined as a specific position P.

  The sheet bundle 70 is linearly moved along the first direction (the extending direction of the first end edge 70E) and / or the second direction (the extending direction of the second end edge 70F), and the sheet bundle 70 has a specific shape. It can be arranged at position P. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the first stage (initial stage), a sufficient opening (frontage) is provided between the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 and the plate-like portion 51 of the anvil 50. No special member is disposed between the upper base 21 and the guide pieces 54 and 55 of the anvil 50 or between the upper base 21 and the standing walls 12B and 13B (receiving surfaces 12C and 13C).

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, in the first stage (initial stage), a frontage R1 (space) is secured between the guide wall 11P of the lower base 10 and the upper base 21 (not shown). A frontage R2 (space) is secured between the guide wall 11S and the upper base 21 (not shown). The sheet bundle 70 can be moved linearly along the first direction (for example, the arrow DR1 direction) and / or the second direction (for example, the arrow DR3 direction), and can be arranged at a specific position P.

  After the binding process is completed, the sheet bundle 70 is moved linearly along the first direction (arrow DR1), and can leave the specific position P through the front opening R2. The sheet bundle 70 is linearly moved along the direction opposite to the first direction (arrow DR2), and can be separated from the specific position P without passing through the front openings R1 and R2. Alternatively, the sheet bundle 70 can be moved linearly along the second direction (arrow DR3) and can leave the specific position P through the front opening R1. The sheet bundle 70 is moved linearly along the direction opposite to the second direction (arrow DR4), and can be separated from the specific position P without passing through the front openings R1 and R2. Any one of the arrows DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4 may be made to coincide with, for example, the sheet conveying direction in the image forming apparatus. According to this configuration, the time and effort required for carrying in sheets and sheet bundles is reduced or eliminated, so that the degree of design freedom and added value as a post-processing apparatus can be improved.

(Second stage)
FIG. 14A is a plan view (sectional view) showing a second stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV (B) -XIV (B) in FIG. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV (C) -XIV (C) in FIG. FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV (D) -XIV (D) in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 moves in a direction approaching the lower base 10 by receiving a driving force (white arrow). The folding knife 31 and the extraction blade 40 also move in the same direction (white arrow). The pin 34 moves in the direction approaching the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H (black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 also move in the same direction (black arrow). At this time (second stage), the pushers 32 and 33 are separated from the sliders 62 and 63, and the sliders 62 and 63 do not move because they have not yet received external force, and the position of the anvil 50 does not change.

  The folding knife 31 (pressing portion) bends and deforms the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 by pressing the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 (FIG. 15). The corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is bent about 90 ° with the portions supported by the support end faces 52 and 53 (FIG. 14A) of the anvil 50 as the starting point of deformation. The tip (lower end) of the folding knife 31 passes through the space between the pushers 32, 33 (pushing surfaces 32T, 33T) and the sliders 62, 63 (opposing surfaces 62T, 63T), and the wide portion 11C of the through hole 11B. Get inside.

  Referring to FIG. 14D, the folding knife 31 has a width W1 between the outer end of the first projecting portion 31B and the outer end of the second projecting portion 31C so that the folding ridge line 70R (see FIG. 15) is configured to be larger than the width W2. The folded ridge line 70 </ b> R is a fold (ridge line) that appears on the first surface 71 of the sheet bundle 70 when the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 is folded. Such a folding knife 31 can apply a pressing force to the entire width of a portion of the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 which is bent and deformed (portion where bending deformation is planned). The portion 70C can be reliably bent.

  The folding knife 31 is configured such that the width W3 of the plate-like portion 31A is smaller than the width W1 between the outer end of the first protruding portion 31B and the outer end of the second protruding portion 31C. The folding knife 31 has a substantially T shape as a whole. A space SP1 is formed above the first projecting portion 31B and on the side of one end 31A1 of the plate-like portion 31A, and above the second projecting portion 31C and the other end of the plate-like portion 31A. A space SP2 is formed at a position on the side of the end portion 31A2.

  The outer shape of the folding knife 31 is such that the flat plate portion 32A of the pusher 32 can pass through the space SP1 when the first protruding portion 31B and the second protruding portion 31C of the folding knife 31 are arranged inside the wide portion 11C. In addition, the flat plate portion 33A of the pusher 33 is configured to be able to pass through the space SP2. When the first protruding portion 31B and the second protruding portion 31C of the folding knife 31 are disposed so as to be entirely included in the wide portion 11C of the through hole 11B, the flat plate portion 32A of the pusher 32 moves through the space SP1 and the slider 62. The flat plate portion 33A of the pusher 33 can approach or separate from the facing surface 63T of the slider 63 through the space SP2. The effect will be described later.

  The punching blade 40 penetrates the sheet bundle 70 from the first surface 71 side to the second surface 72 side of the sheet bundle 70, whereby a U-shaped (substantially C-shaped) slit S is formed in the sheet bundle 70. (FIGS. 14C and 15) are formed. The punching blade 40 passes through the inner space of the cutout 51C of the anvil 50, and the tip (lower end) of the punching blade 40 enters the narrow portion 11D of the through hole 11B.

  The folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40 are supported by the upper base 21 and move integrally in a direction approaching the lower base 10 (white arrow). The operation of bending the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 by the folding knife 31 (pressing portion) and the operation of forming the slit S in the sheet bundle 70 by the punching blade 40 are performed substantially simultaneously. Along with the bending deformation operation, a force in the surface direction is generated in the sheet bundle 70, and the bending deformation operation and the slit S forming operation are performed substantially simultaneously, so that the punching blade 40 is positioned at the position of the sheet bundle 70. Is prevented, and the occurrence of displacement in the sheet bundle 70 (a plurality of sheets) is prevented.

  Here, in the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-037884 (Patent Document 3), an operation of folding a corner of the sheet bundle, an operation of forming a slit in the vicinity of the corner of the sheet bundle, The sheet bundle is bound by performing the operation of inserting the piece (sticking seal) separately. In this method, pieces are used, and these operations are performed as separate operations (processes independent of each other).

  According to the binding device 100 of the present embodiment, the bending deformation operation and the slit S forming operation can be performed substantially simultaneously as one process. These operations are preferably performed substantially simultaneously as one process in terms of simplifying the binding operation, but are not essential. For example, in the elevating mechanism 20, the support portion of the folding knife 31 and the support portion of the punching blade 40 are configured independently of each other, and the bending deformation operation and the slit S forming operation are separate operations (independent processes). It is also possible to configure to be performed as

  As described above, the pressing member 35 is disposed between the folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40. The pressing member 35 is elastically supported by the upper base 21 and moves in a direction approaching the lower base 10 together with the folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40 (white arrow). When the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is bent and deformed by the folding knife 31, the pressing member 35 elastically presses the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 (presses against the anvil 50). Occurrence of a positional shift in the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the slit S includes a first cut portion S1, a second cut portion S2, and a third cut portion S3. The first cut portion S1, the second cut portion S2, and the third cut portion S3 are formed by the first blade portion 41, the second blade portion 42, and the third blade portion 43, respectively. Although details will be described later, the leading end (endmost portion 70T) of the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is inserted into the slit S. The length of the first cut portion S1 is longer than the length of the second cut portion S2, and is longer than the length of the third cut portion S3. Since the slit S has the shape (wide U-shape), the slit S is three-dimensionally opened during insertion, so that the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 can be easily inserted into the slit S.

  The first blade portion 41 of the punching blade 40 forms a first cut portion S1 at a position on the center side of the sheet bundle 70 when viewed from the second cut portion S2 and the third cut portion S3. A tongue-like portion is formed at a position inside the slit S in the sheet bundle 70. The direction in which the tongue-like portion extends like a cantilever and the direction in which the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 is inserted into the slit S coincide with each other. At the time of insertion, since the slit S opens up and down in a tapered shape, the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 can be easily inserted into the slit S. The cutting blade 40 is configured to form the first cut portion S1 at a position opposite to the center side of the sheet bundle 70 as viewed from the second cut portion S2 and the third cut portion S3. It is also possible to do.

  The bending ridge line 70R of bending deformation formed on the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 by the bending means 30 (folding knife 31) and the first cut portion S1 formed by the first blade portion 41 are substantially parallel. is there. According to this configuration, in the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70, the balance (for example, volume balance) of the portion inserted through the slit S in the width direction is improved, and the portion inserted through the slit S is staggered after insertion. This can be suppressed.

(3rd stage)
FIG. 16A is a plan view (sectional view) illustrating a third stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI (B) -XVI (B) in FIG. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI (C) -XVI (C) in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 further moves in a direction approaching the lower base 10 by receiving a driving force (white arrow). The folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40 are further moved in the same direction (white arrow). The pin 34 further moves in the direction of approaching the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H (black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 further move in the same direction (black arrow).

  At this time (third stage), the pushers 32 and 33 are separated from the sliders 62 and 63, and the sliders 62 and 63 do not move because they have not yet received external force, and the position of the anvil 50 does not change. After this state, the pushers 32 and 33 further move in the direction of the black arrow, so that the flat plate portion 32A of the pusher 32 passes through the space SP1 (FIG. 14D), and the flat plate portion 33A of the pusher 33 passes through the space SP2. (FIG. 14D) is passed.

(Fourth stage)
FIG. 17A is a plan view (cross-sectional view) showing a fourth stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII (B) -XVII (B) in FIG. FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII (C) -XVII (C) in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 further moves in a direction approaching the lower base 10 by receiving a driving force (white arrow). The folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40 are further moved in the same direction (white arrow). The pin 34 further moves in the direction of approaching the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H (black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 further move in the same direction (black arrow).

  With the folding knife 31 (pressing portion) pressing the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 to bend and deform the corner portion 70C, the pushers 32 and 33 (folding portion) are the plate-like portion 31A of the folding knife 31. 14C (ie, spaces SP1 and SP2 in FIG. 14D), the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is pressed, and the corner portion 70C is further bent so as to be folded back toward the center side of the sheet bundle 70. Deform. The vicinity of the bent ridge line 70R (FIG. 15) of the corner portion 70C is folded back with the portions supported by the support end surfaces 52 and 53 (FIG. 17A) of the anvil 50 as the starting point of deformation.

  In the present embodiment, a total of two pushers 32 and 33 are used as the folding portion. In a state where the folding knife 31 (pressing portion) presses the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 to bend and deform the corner portion 70C, the pusher 32 (first folded piece) is formed on the plate-like portion 31A of the folding knife 31. While passing through one side (space SP1 in FIG. 14D) and pressing the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70, the pusher 33 (second folded piece) is the other of the plate-like portion 31A of the folding knife 31. Is passed through (the space SP2 in FIG. 14D) and the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is pressed.

  The pusher 32 further presses the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 and also starts to apply a pressing force to the slider 62 before long. Similarly, the pusher 33 further presses the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 and eventually starts to apply a pressing force to the slider 63. By applying a pressing force to the sliders 62 and 63 from the pushers 32 and 33, the sliders 62 and 63 also start moving in the direction of the black arrow.

  Along with the movement of the sliders 62 and 63, a pressing force in the direction indicated by the black arrow also acts on the urging springs 62S and 63S. The elastic restoring force of the urging springs 62S and 63S urges the anvil 50 to move in the direction of the black arrow via the hanging pieces 56 and 57 of the anvil 50. Until the sliders 62 and 63 move to some extent, the lengths of the urging springs 62S and 63S are simply shortened, and the anvil 50 hardly moves.

  Since the anvil 50 receives a frictional force from the sheet bundle 70, the lower base 10 and the like, the position of the anvil 50 hardly changes until the elastic restoring force of the urging springs 62S and 63S exceeds the frictional force. The corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is further bent and deformed so as to be folded back toward the center side of the sheet bundle 70, and portions in the vicinity of the bent ridge line 70R of the corner portion 70C are the support end faces 52 and 53 of the anvil 50 (FIG. 17). The portion supported by (A)) can be easily folded back to, for example, 135 ° using the deformation starting point.

(5th stage)
FIG. 18A is a plan view (sectional view) showing a fifth stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII (B) -XVIII (B) in FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII (C) -XVIII (C) in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the upper base 21 of the elevating mechanism 20 further moves in a direction approaching the lower base 10 by receiving a driving force (white arrow). The folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40 are further moved in the same direction (white arrow). The pin 34 further moves in the direction of approaching the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H (black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 further move in the same direction (black arrow). When the pin 34 comes into contact with the end portion of the cam groove 22H, the movement of the pin 34 and the pushers 32 and 33 is stopped.

  During the movement, the pusher 32 further presses the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 and further applies a pressing force to the slider 62 and the biasing spring 62S. Similarly, the pusher 33 further presses the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70, and also applies a pressing force to the slider 63 and the urging spring 63S. The corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 is further bent and deformed so as to be folded back toward the center side of the sheet bundle 70. By this operation, the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 enters the inside of the holding hole 44 of the punching blade 40.

  During the operation as described above, the elastic restoring force of the biasing springs 62S and 63S eventually exceeds the frictional force acting on the anvil 50. The anvil 50 also starts moving in the direction of the black arrow. When the tip end (outermost end portion 70T) of the corner portion 70C is disposed in the holding hole 44 of the punching blade 40 (for example, immediately before), the plate-like portion 51 (mounting portion) of the anvil 50 is pushed by the pushers 32 and 33 ( It moves in the direction away from the folding part (in the direction of the black arrow). That is, the urging springs 62S and 63S can function as a “moving mechanism”.

  The plate-like portion 51 and the support end surfaces 52 and 53 of the anvil 50 are moved away from the bent ridge line 70R of the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70. A gap is formed inside the bending deformation of the bent ridge line 70R of the sheet bundle 70. The vicinity of the bent ridge line 70R of the corner portion 70C can be easily bent (for example, 180 °) so as to fill this gap, and the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is removed from the holding hole 44 of the punching blade 40. It is possible to easily enter the inside. Since the sheet bundle 70 is held by the anvil 50 until just before the tip of the corner portion 70C (most end portion 70T) is disposed in the holding hole 44 of the punching blade 40, it is possible to realize a stable bending deformation operation. Become.

(6th stage)
FIG. 19A is a plan view (cross-sectional view) showing a sixth stage of the operation of binding the sheet bundle 70 by the binding device 100. FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX (B) -XIX (B) in FIG.

  After the tip end (outermost end portion 70T) of the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is disposed in the holding hole 44 of the punching blade 40, the upper base 21 is moved upward in a direction away from the lower base 10 (white arrow). Along with this, the folding knife 31 and the punching blade 40 also move in the same direction (white arrow). The punching blade 40 holds the tip end (outermost end portion 70 </ b> T) of the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 that has entered the holding hole 44 in the holding hole 44, and the first surface from the second surface 72 side of the sheet bundle 70. Pull to 71 side. The front end (outermost end portion 70T) of the corner portion 70C is inserted through the slit S.

  With the upward movement of the upper base 21 and the cam plate 22, the pin 34 moves in a direction away from the through hole 11B along the inner peripheral surface of the cam groove 22H (black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 connected to the pin 34 also move in the same direction (black arrow). The pushers 32 and 33 are separated from the sliders 62 and 63 (opposing surfaces 62T and 63T), and the pressing force applied to the sliders 62 and 63 from the pushers 32 and 33 is also released. The elastic restoring force of the urging spring 65 is applied to the sliders 62 and 63 via the connecting pin 64, and the sliders 62 and 63 and the anvil 50 return to their original positions (first stage positions). With the above operation, a desired binding portion 70 </ b> W (FIGS. 20 to 22) is formed on the sheet bundle 70.

(Binding part 70W)
FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a state on the first surface 71 side of the sheet bundle 70 on which the binding portion 70W is formed. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a state on the second surface 72 side of the sheet bundle 70 on which the binding portion 70W is formed. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII in FIG.

  Referring mainly to FIG. 20, the bending means 30 (folding knife 31, pushers 32, 33) is a portion of the corner portion 70 </ b> C that is bent by the bending means 30 in the sheet bundle 70 and inserted into the slit S. The corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is bent so that the width WA is less than 100% and 90% or more of the length WB of the first cut portion S1. By configuring the width WA of the insertion portion of the sheet bundle 70 to be a value substantially equal to the length WB of the first cut portion S1, a sufficient insertion amount can be ensured, and the binding strength can be secured. Can be increased.

  Further, the bending means 30 (folding knife 31, pushers 32, 33) is formed between the bending ridgeline 70R of the bending deformation formed on the corner 70C of the sheet bundle 70 by the bending means 30 and the first cut portion S1. The corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70 is bent so that the distance L1 is longer than the lengths L2 and L3 of the second cut portion S2 and the third cut portion S3. A margin is secured between the bent ridge line 70 </ b> R and the slit S, and it is possible to prevent the tearing and to secure the binding strength.

(Function and effect)
As described at the beginning, in the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-037884 (Patent Document 3), a piece (sticking seal) is used for the binding process. On the other hand, according to the binding device 100 and the binding method in the present embodiment, the sheet bundle 70 can be bundled with a simple configuration without using a piece or the like. In the description of the embodiment, the binding device 100 is used. However, part or all of the steps of the binding method disclosed above can be performed manually.

  FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method in the first comparative example. The sheet bundle 70 is formed with a U-shaped cut and a slit S, and the sheet bundle 70 is bound by folding the U-shaped portion 70M and inserting it into the slit S. However, by folding the U-shaped portion 70M, a hole 70H having a size corresponding to the U-shaped portion 70M is opened in the sheet bundle 70. Further, since the binding process is performed by one binding unit 70W, each sheet is staggered in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and it is difficult to form a stable sheet bundle over a long period of time.

  FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method in the second comparative example. In the case of the mode shown in FIG. 24, since the binding process is performed by the two binding portions 70W, each sheet is less likely to be staggered compared to the case of FIG. 23, and a stable sheet bundle can be formed. However, the sheet bundle 70 has two holes 70H. The binding operation is also more complicated than in the case of FIG.

  According to the binding device 100 and the binding method according to the embodiment, a hole having a size corresponding to a U-shaped portion is not formed in the bound sheet bundle 70, and it looks good and damages the sheet. Is also small. Since the inner sheet is held by the folding of the outermost sheet, an effect of suppressing wobbling is also obtained. By adopting or optimizing the various configurations already described in the description of the embodiments, it is possible to secure the binding strength or further improve the binding strength.

[First Modification of Embodiment]
FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method in the first modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the punching blade 40 may be configured to form a slit S in a portion Ra (a so-called blank portion) where no image is formed in a plurality of sheets. Without being limited to this configuration, the punching blade 40 may be configured to form a slit S in a portion Rb where an image is formed on a plurality of sheets. The position where the slit S is formed can be set to an arbitrary position according to the shape and size of the image.

[Second Modification of Embodiment]
FIG. 26 is a plan view illustrating the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method according to the second modification of the embodiment. In the modified example, a small binding portion 70W is formed as compared with the case of the above-described embodiment. Depending on the size of the sheet or sheet bundle 70, the binding portion 70W can be set to an arbitrary size.

[Third Modification of Embodiment]
FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method according to the third modification of the embodiment. In the modification, a larger binding portion 70W is formed as compared with the case of the above-described embodiment. Depending on the size of the sheet or sheet bundle 70, the binding portion 70W can be set to an arbitrary size.

  Regarding the second modification and the third modification, the binding device may be configured such that the position of the bending ridge line 70 </ b> R of the bending deformation formed by the bending unit 30 on the corner 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 can be changed. Good. Instead of or in addition to this configuration, the binding device may be configured such that the position of the slit S formed by the punching blade 40 in the sheet bundle 70 can be changed. In order to realize these configurations, for example, the positions of the receiving surfaces 12C and 13C may be movable.

  According to these configurations, the bent ridge line 70R and the slit S can be formed at a desired position, for example, between the sheet corner and the center of the sheet. The position of the binding portion 70 </ b> W can be adjusted according to the thickness of the sheet bundle 70. For example, if the number of sheets to be bound is large, if thick paper is bound, or if it is desired to secure a sufficient image area, a smaller binding portion 70W may be formed as shown in FIG. When the number of sheets to be bound is small or when thin paper is bound, a large binding portion 70W may be formed as shown in FIG.

[Fourth Modification of Embodiment]
FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating a sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method according to the fourth modification example of the embodiment. FIG. 29 is a plan view illustrating a state on the first surface 71 side of the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method according to the fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 30 is a plan view illustrating a state on the second surface 72 side of the sheet bundle 70 bound by the binding device and the binding method according to the fourth modified example of the embodiment.

  In the modification, a reinforcing image Rc (for example, a solid image) is formed at corners of a plurality of sheets forming the sheet bundle 70. The reinforcing image Rc may be formed on all of the plurality of sheets, or may be formed only on some of the plurality of sheets. Depending on the sheet bundle 70 and the thickness of each sheet, the reinforcing image Rc may be formed only on one side, or the reinforcing image Rc may be formed on both sides.

  The bending means 30 bends the corner portion 70 </ b> C of the sheet bundle 70 so that the portion where the reinforcing image Rc is formed in a plurality of sheets is inserted into the slit S. Since the reinforcing image Rc increases the rigidity of the corner portion 70C of the sheet bundle 70, the binding strength can be improved. By forming the reinforcing image Rc so as to include the position where the slit S is formed, the binding strength can be further improved.

[Fifth Modification of Embodiment]
FIG. 31 is a plan view for explaining the binding device 100 and the binding method according to the fifth modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, the binding device 100 may further include another moving mechanism 80. The other moving mechanism 80 can move the bending means 30, the punching blade 40, and the like between the position of the first corner 70C1 and the position of the second corner 70C2 of the sheet bundle 70. The other moving mechanism 80 is composed of, for example, a guide rail. With one binding device 100, a binding portion can be formed at the first corner portion 70C1 of the sheet bundle 70, and a binding portion can be formed at the second corner portion 70C2 of the sheet bundle 70.

  In FIG. 31, another moving mechanism 80 (guide rail) extends in an arc shape, but the other moving mechanism 80 linearly moves the main body (the bending means 30 and the cutting blade 40) of the binding device 100. It may be configured to be reciprocally movable in a shape (reciprocally movable in the vertical direction within the plane of FIG. 31). The direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the main body of the binding device 100 and the sheet conveyance direction (arrow DR1 and / or arrow DR2) in the image forming apparatus may be configured to be parallel to each other. According to this configuration, the time and effort required for carrying in sheets and sheet bundles is reduced or eliminated, so that the degree of design freedom and added value as a post-processing apparatus can be improved.

  The embodiment and each modification have been described above, but the above disclosure is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10 base, 10T convex part, 11A, 11B, 12H, 13H, 42H, 43H through hole, 11C wide part, 11D narrow part, 11P, 11Q, 11R, 11S guide wall, 12A, 12D, 13A, 13D concave groove, 12B, 13B Standing wall, 12C, 13C Receiving surface, 20 Lifting mechanism, 21 Upper base, 22 Cam plate, 22H Cam groove, 24 Fixing part, 26 Bolt, 30 Bending means, 31 Folding knife, 31A1, 31A2 End part, 31A, 51 Plate-shaped part, 31B 1st protrusion part, 31C 2nd protrusion part, 32, 33 pusher, 32A, 33A, 62A, 63A Flat plate part, 32B, 33B Standing part, 32T, 33T Push surface, 34 pin, 35 Press member , 35H, 62C, 63C opening, 36, 62S, 63S, 65 biasing spring, 40 punching blade, 41 first blade portion 42 2nd blade part, 43 3rd blade part, 44 Holding hole, 50 Anvil, 51C Notch, 52,53 Support end face, 54,55 Guide piece, 56,57 Hanging piece, 62,63 Slider, 62B, 63B Hanging Part, 62T, 63T facing surface, 64 connecting pin, 70 sheet bundle, 70C corner, 70C1 first corner, 70C2 second corner, 70E first edge, 70F second edge, 70H hole, 70M, Ra , Rb part, 70R bent ridge line, 70T endmost part, 70W binding part, 71 1st surface, 72 2nd surface, 80 moving mechanism, 100 binding device, AR22, AR30, AR32, AR33, AR50, AR56, AR57, AR62, AR63, DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4 arrow, L1 distance, L2, L3, WB length, P position, R1, R2 frontage, Rc complement Image for strong use, S slit, S1 first cut, S2 second cut, S3 third cut, SP1, SP2 space, W1, W2, W3, WA width.

Claims (17)

The corner portion of the sheet bundle formed by bundling a plurality of sheets including a pressing portion and a folding portion is bent and deformed by the pressing portion, and the corner portion is bent and deformed by the pressing portion. Bending means for further bending and deforming the corner portion so as to be folded back toward the center side of the sheet bundle by pressing the corner portion with the folding portion;
The sheet bundle which has a holding hole, forms a slit in the sheet bundle by penetrating the sheet bundle from the first surface side to the second surface side of the sheet bundle, and is folded by the folding means A cutting blade that allows the tip of the corner to pass through the slit by holding the tip of the corner in the holding hole and pulling the tip from the second surface to the first surface.
Binding device. The operation of bending the corner portion of the sheet bundle by the pressing portion and the operation of forming the slit in the sheet bundle by the punching blade are performed substantially simultaneously.
The binding device according to claim 1. The pressing portion includes a plate-like portion and a protruding portion provided so as to protrude from the tip of the plate-like portion toward the side,
In a state where the corner portion is bent and deformed by pressing the corner portion of the sheet bundle, the folded portion passes the side of the plate-like portion and presses the corner portion. Thus, the folded portion is further bent and deformed so that the corner portion is folded toward the center side of the sheet bundle,
The binding device according to claim 1 or 2. The pressing portion includes a plate-like portion, a first projecting portion provided so as to protrude from the tip of the plate-like portion toward one side, and the tip of the plate-like portion toward the other side. A second projecting portion provided so as to project,
The folded portion includes a first folded piece and a second folded piece,
In a state where the corner portion is bent and deformed by the pressing portion pressing the corner portion of the sheet bundle, the first folded piece passes through the one side of the plate-like portion and the corner portion is bent. And the second folded piece passes through the other side of the plate-shaped portion and presses the corner portion, so that the folded portion moves the corner portion toward the center of the sheet bundle. Bend and deform further to fold back,
The binding device according to claim 1 or 2. A placement section on which the sheet bundle is placed;
A moving mechanism for moving the placement portion in a direction away from the folding portion when the tip of the corner portion folded by the folding portion is disposed in the holding hole;
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The punching blade is
A first blade portion having a flat shape and forming a first cut portion of the slit;
A second blade portion that is formed so as to be bent at a substantially right angle from one side of the first blade portion, and forms a second cut portion of the slit;
A third blade portion that is formed so as to be bent at a substantially right angle from the other side portion of the first blade portion, and that forms a third cut portion of the slit, and
The second blade portion and the third blade portion are opposed to each other.
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first blade portion is located at a position on the center side of the sheet bundle as viewed from the second cut portion and the third cut portion formed by the second blade portion and the third blade portion, respectively. Forming a cut,
The binding device according to claim 6. A bending ridge line of bending deformation formed at the corner portion by the bending means and the first cut portion of the slit formed by the first blade portion are substantially parallel.
The binding device according to claim 7. The bending means is configured such that the width of the corner portion that is bent by the bending means and is inserted into the slit has a value that is less than 100% and 90% or more of the length of the first cut portion. , Bend the corners,
The binding device according to claim 8. In the bending means, the distance between the bending ridge line of the bending deformation formed at the corner by the bending means and the first cut portion is any of the second cut portion and the third cut portion. Bend the corners to be longer than
The binding device according to claim 8 or 9. The punching blade forms the slit in a portion where an image is not formed in the plurality of sheets.
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The bending means bends the corner so that a portion where a reinforcing image is formed in the plurality of sheets is inserted into the slit,
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The bending means is configured to be able to change the position of the bending ridge line of the bending deformation formed at the corner.
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The punching blade is configured to be able to change the position of the slit formed in the sheet bundle,
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The directions in which the first edge and the second edge of the sheet bundle defining the corner are extended are defined as a first direction and a second direction, respectively. If the position of the sheet bundle arranged when bending deformation is performed is a specific position, the sheet bundle is moved linearly along the first direction and / or the second direction, and the specific position is reached. Can be placed in the
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. And further comprising another moving mechanism capable of moving the bending means and the punching blade between the position of the first corner and the second corner of the sheet bundle.
The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The corner portion is bent and deformed by pressing a corner portion of a sheet bundle formed by bundling a plurality of sheets, and the corner portion is deformed by pressing the bent corner portion. Bending process to further bend and deform so as to fold toward the center side of,
A slit is formed in the sheet bundle by penetrating the sheet bundle from the first surface side to the second surface side of the sheet bundle, and the leading end of the corner portion of the sheet bundle folded in the folding step Inserting the tip of the corner portion into the slit by pulling out the second surface side from the second surface side to the first surface side,
Binding method.

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