Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sheet binding device, an image forming system, and related methods.
In the related art, a sheet binding device that binds an edge part of a sheet bundle by using an adhesive tape is known. The sheet binding device is provided with a bundle forming part and a tape mounting part. The bundle forming part forms a sheet bundle by stacking a plurality of sheets. The bundle forming part forms a side part of the sheet bundle in a stepwise shape in order to secure a surface area when the tape is mounted thereon. The tape mounting part binds the sheet bundle by mounting the adhesive tape on the edge part of the sheet bundle. The tape mounting part is provided with a tape holding part that holds the adhesive tape. The tape mounting part is provided with a first roller and a second roller that are opposite to each other in a sheet bundle thickness direction. The adhesive tape is peeled from the tape holding part by inserting the sheet bundle shifted in the stepwise shape toward the adhesive tape held by the tape holding part. Thereafter, the sheet bundle enters between the first roller and the second roller together with the adhesive tape, and the adhesive tape adheres to the edge part of the sheet bundle.
However, the following problem may occur depending on a relationship between a thickness of the sheet bundle and a roller gap between the first roller and the second roller. For example, when the roller gap therebetween is too narrow with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle cannot enter between the first roller and the second roller. On the other hand, for example, when the roller gap is too wide with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle, the adhesive tape cannot sufficiently adhere to the edge part of the sheet bundle.
In general, according to one embodiment, a sheet binding device includes a first mounting part, a second mounting part, and a mounting adjustment part. The first mounting part mounts a tape on an edge part of a sheet bundle. The second mounting part is opposite to the first mounting part in a sheet bundle thickness direction. The mounting adjustment part can adjust a mounting gap between the first mounting part and the second mounting part based upon a thickness of the sheet bundle. The mounting gap is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the sheet bundle before the sheet bundle is inserted between the first mounting part and the second mounting part.
Hereinafter, the sheet binding device and an image forming system of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in each drawing, the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference sign. Accordingly, redundant descriptions of those configurations may be omitted. Further, in the present application, various sheet-shaped media including paper and the like are referred to as a “sheet”.
First, one embodiment will be described with reference to
Here, first the image forming device 2 will be briefly described.
As illustrated in
The control panel 11 is provided with various keys and the like. The control panel 11 receives a user's operation.
The scanner part 12 reads image information of a copy object.
The printer part 13 forms an image on the sheet S based upon the image information received from the scanner part 12 or an external device.
The paper feed part 14 supplies the sheet S to the printer part 13.
The paper discharge part 15 conveys the sheet S discharged from the printer part 13 to the sheet binding device 3.
The control part 16 controls various operations of the control panel 11, the scanner part 12, the printer part 13, the paper feed part 14, and the paper discharge part 15.
Next, the sheet binding device 3 will be described.
The sheet binding device 3 is provided with a bundle forming part 22, a sheet shifting part 23, a tape processing part 24, an inter-guide adjustment part 80, a mounting adjustment part 81, an interlocking mechanism 82, an operation part 83, a storage part 25, and a control part 26.
Next, the bundle forming part 22 will be described.
As illustrated in
The main guide 31 guides the sheet S along a sheet conveying direction X1. A plurality of the sheets S are sequentially stacked on the main guide 31, thereby forming the sheet bundle 5. The main guide 31 guides the sheet bundle 5 toward a space between a first roller 91 and a second roller 92. The main guide 31 guides the sheet bundle 5 so that an edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 faces an inside of a width D1 between a center of the first roller 91 and a center of the second roller 92. A downstream side end part of the main guide 31 in the sheet conveying direction X1 is formed in a comb-teeth shape so as to avoid the first roller 41 of the sheet shifting part 23.
The sub guide 32 is opposite to the main guide 31 in a thickness direction Z of the sheet bundle 5 (hereinafter referred to as a “sheet bundle thickness direction Z”). A space for loading the sheet S is provided between the main guide 31 and the sub guide 32. A downstream side end part of the sub guide 32 in the sheet conveying direction X1 is formed in a comb-teeth shape so as to avoid the second roller 42 of the sheet shifting part 23.
The stopper 33 is provided at the downstream side end part of the main guide 31 in the sheet conveying direction X1. The stopper 33 is movable between a regulating position (indicated by a solid line in
The switching member 34 switches a conveying path of the sheet bundle 5. Hereinafter, a direction in which the sheet bundle 5 is conveyed toward the tape processing part 24 (specifically, a tape mounting part 59) is referred to as a “first conveying direction (an inserting direction)”. On the other hand, a direction in which the sheet bundle 5 is conveyed toward a position (for example, a position below the bundle forming part 22) different from the tape mounting part 59 is referred to as a “second conveying direction”. The switching member 34 switches the conveying path of the sheet bundle 5 between the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction.
Next, the sheet shifting part 23 will be described.
The sheet shifting part 23 forms a state in which the plurality of sheets S forming the sheet bundle 5 are shifted from each other at the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 by sequentially shifting the plurality of sheets S in the sheet conveying direction X1 little by little. For example, the sheet shifting part 23 forms a state in which the plurality of sheets S are shifted in a stepwise shape at the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5.
The sheet shifting part 23 is provided with the first roller 41 and the second roller 42. The first roller 41 and the second roller 42 form an example of a “bundle conveying part 40” in cooperation with each other. The bundle conveying part 40 conveys the sheet bundle 5 sandwiched between the main guide 31 and the sub guide 32 toward the space between the first roller 91 (a first mounting part 90A) and the second roller 92 (a second mounting part 90B).
The first roller 41 is mounted on a first shaft 43. For example, the first roller 41 is a driven roller that rotates according to rotation of the second roller 42. The first roller 41 is fixed at a fixed position.
The second roller 42 is mounted on a second shaft 44. The second roller 42 is a drive roller driven by a motor (not illustrated) through the second shaft 44. The second roller 42 is movable in a direction approaching the first roller 41 and a direction away from the first roller 41 by a moving mechanism which is not illustrated. As the second roller 42 is moved toward the first roller 41, the second roller 42 contacts the sheet bundle 5 from a side opposite to the first roller 41. A material of the second roller 42 is not particularly limited. For example, the second roller 42 is formed of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).
Here, an outer peripheral surface 41s of the first roller 41 is softer than an outer peripheral surface 42s of the second roller 42, and is deformable along the surface of the sheet bundle 5. For example, the first roller 41 is formed of a sponge or rubber and the like having a cavity therein. When the second roller 42 approaches the first roller 41, the outer peripheral surface 41s of the first roller 41 is deformed into a circular arc shape along the outer peripheral surface 42s of the second roller 42 together with the sheet bundle 5 (refer to
As illustrated in
Next, the tape processing part 24 will be described.
As illustrated in
The unwinding part 51 is an example of a “tape supplying part”. For example, the unwinding part 51 holds a raw web roll around which a belt-shaped tape T (hereinafter simply referred to as a “tape T”) is wound. The unwinding part 51 supplies the tape T along a length direction of the tape T. Further, the tape T includes an adhesive layer 61, a protective film (a first film) 62, and a release film (a second film) 63 in a state of being held in the unwinding part 51. The protective film 62 covers the adhesive layer 61 from one side. The protective film 62 is integrated with the adhesive layer 61 when the tape T is used. On the other hand, the release film 63 covers the adhesive layer 61 from the side opposite to the protective film 62. The release film 63 is released from the adhesive layer 61 before the tape T is used. The release film 63 is wound up by the separating member 53 and the winding part 54.
The tape conveying part 52 conveys the tape T supplied from the unwinding part 51 along the length direction of the tape T. For example, the length direction of the tape T is a direction approximately parallel to the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. For example, the tape conveying part 52 is a pair of conveying rollers for conveying the tape T.
The guide table 55 is an example of a tape conveying guide forming a conveying path of the tape T. The guide table 55 guides the tape T from which the release film 63 is separated. The guide table 55 supports the tape T when the tape T is held and cut. A conveying direction of the tape T (the length direction of the tape T) intersects with a vertical surface.
The cutter 56 cuts the belt-shaped tape T supplied from the unwinding part 51, thereby forming a sheet-like tape T. For example, the cutter 56 is a rotor cutter. The cutter 56 includes a cutting blade 56a and a supporting shaft 56b. The cutting blade 56a is rotationally driven in such a manner that the supporting shaft 56b is rotated by a motor which is not illustrated. Further, a configuration of the cutter 56 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. The configuration of the cutter 56 may be any configuration as long as the tape T supplied from the unwinding part 51 can be cut. The cutter 56 is movable in a direction approaching the tape T and a direction away from the tape T by a moving mechanism which is not illustrated.
The cutting length changing part 57 changes a length L (refer to
The cutting length changing part 57 includes a moving mechanism 71 that changes a relative position of the cutter 56 with respect to a tip Te of the tape T supplied from the unwinding part 51. For example, the moving mechanism 71 changes the relative position of the cutter 56 with respect to the tip Te of the tape T by moving the cutter 56. For example, the moving mechanism 71 moves the cutter 56 along the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. Further, “the relative position of the cutter 56 with respect to the tip Te of the tape T” is, for example, the relative position of the cutter 56 with respect to the tip Te of the tape T when the tape T is cut by the cutter 56.
In the embodiment, the moving mechanism 71 is provided with a supporting member 72 supporting the cutter 56, and a drive source 73 moving the cutter 56 via the supporting member 72. For example, the supporting member 72 is a ball screw connected to the cutter 56. The drive source 73 is a motor for moving the cutter 56 by driving the ball screw. Further, configurations of the supporting member 72 and the drive source 73 are not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the supporting member 72 may be a cam and the like abutting on the cutter 56. The drive source 73 may be a solenoid and the like for moving the cutter 56 via the supporting member 72. In this case, the supporting member 72 is a connecting member that connects the cutter 56 and the solenoid.
Further, a configuration of the moving mechanism 71 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the moving mechanism 71 may change the relative position of the cutter 56 with respect to the tip Te of the tape T by changing a feed length of the tape T with respect to the cutter 56 fixed at a fixed position.
In the embodiment, the cutting length changing part 57 is controlled by the control part 26 (refer to
In the embodiment, the cutting length changing part 57 changes the length of the tape T cut by the cutter 56 based upon the shift amount d between the sheets S changed by the control part 26. For example, when the shift amount d between the sheets S is increased by the control part 26, the cutting length changing part 57 lengthens the length L of the tape T cut by the cutter 56. On the other hand, when the shift amount d between the sheets S is reduced by the control part 26, the cutting length changing part 57 shortens the length L of the tape T cut by the cutter 56.
The tape holding part 58 supports the tape T in a state of holding an attitude of the tape T approximately flat. The tape holding part 58 is movable along the length direction of the tape T by a moving mechanism which is not illustrated. Further, the tape holding part 58 is movable in a direction approaching the tape T and a direction separating from the tape T by the moving mechanism which is not illustrated.
The tape holding part 58 is provided with a first tape supporting part 58a and a second tape supporting part 58b for supporting the tape T. Each of the first tape supporting part 58a and the second tape supporting part 58b extends along an inserting direction of the sheet bundle 5 (the sheet conveying direction X1). The first tape supporting part 58a and the second tape supporting part 58b are disposed with a space therebetween in the conveying direction of the tape T (the sheet bundle thickness direction Z). Each of the first tape supporting part 58a and the second tape supporting part 58b has a sharply tapered shape toward an adhesive surface of the tape T (an adhesive surface of the adhesive layer 61).
The tape mounting part 59 (a tape wrapping part) is provided with the first roller 91, the second roller 92, a first spring 93 (a first urging member), and a second spring 94 (a second urging member). The first roller 91 and the second roller 92 are arranged in the conveying direction of the tape T (the sheet bundle thickness direction Z). The first spring 93 urges the first roller 91 toward the second roller 92. The second spring 94 urges the second roller 92 toward the first roller 91. The first roller 91 and the first spring 93 form an example of “a first urging part (the first mounting part 90A)” in cooperation with each other. The second roller 92 and the second spring 94 form an example of “a second urging part (the second mounting part 90B)” in cooperation with each other. The edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92 together with the tape T when the tape T is mounted. Accordingly, the tape T is bent by the tape mounting part 59 so as to wrap the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5, and the tape T is mounted on the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5.
Next, the inter-guide adjustment part 80 will be described.
The inter-guide adjustment part 80 can adjust a guide gap between the main guide 31 and the sub guide 32. The guide gap therebetween is set based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. The inter-guide adjustment part 80 is provided with an eccentric cam 80a (hereinafter referred to as a “guide side cam 80a”) capable of adjusting the guide gap. The guide side cam 80a allows the sub guide 32 to be close to or to be away from the main guide 31. A rotating shaft 80b of the guide side cam 80a is shifted from a center position of the guide side cam 80a. The guide side cam 80a has a perfect circular outer shape. Further, the outer shape of the guide side cam 80a is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the outer shape of the guide side cam 80a may be an elliptical shape.
The guide side cam 80a abuts on the sub guide 32. The guide side cam 80a adjusts the guide gap by rotating around the rotating shaft 80b. The guide side cam 80a can move the sub guide 32 between a close position (indicated by a solid line in
Next, the mounting adjustment part 81 will be described.
The mounting adjustment part 81 can adjust a roller gap (hereinafter referred to as a “mounting gap”) between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92 based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. In
As illustrated in
A reference sign 85 in the drawing indicates a supporting plate that supports a base end of the second spring 94. The mounting side cam 81a abuts on the supporting plate 85. The mounting side cam 81a adjusts the mounting gap by rotating around the rotating shaft 81b. The mounting side cam 81a can move the second roller 92 between a close position (indicated by a two-dot chain line in
In the embodiment, the mounting side cam 81a has substantially the same outer shape as that of the guide side cam 80a. An adjustment amount of the mounting adjustment part 81 (an adjustment amount of the mounting gap) is substantially the same as an adjustment amount of the inter-guide adjustment part 80 (an adjustment amount of the guide gap).
Each of the guide side cam 80a and the mounting side cam 81a is positioned in one side of two regions partitioned by the sheet bundle 5 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. In the drawing, a reference sign A1 indicates a first region partitioned by the sheet bundle 5 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z, and a reference sign A2 indicates a second region partitioned by the sheet bundle 5 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. In the embodiment, the guide side cam 80a and the mounting side cam 81a are positioned in the second region A2.
Next, the interlocking mechanism 82 will be described.
The interlocking mechanism 82 allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other. In the embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 82 allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes gradually narrower as the guide gap becomes narrower. Additionally, the interlocking mechanism 82 allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap gradually becomes wider as the guide gap becomes wider.
A pressing force (an urging force of the urging member) with respect to the sheet bundle 5 between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92 becomes greater as the guide gap becomes narrower. On the other hand, the pressing force becomes smaller as the guide gap becomes wider. Further, the pressing force may be increased after the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92.
The interlocking mechanism 82 is provided with a power transmission mechanism 82a that transmits a rotational force of the guide side cam 80a to the mounting side cam 81a. For example, the power transmission mechanism 82a is provided with a belt and a pulley which are not illustrated. Further, a configuration of the power transmission mechanism 82a is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the power transmission mechanism 82a may be provided with a plurality of gears.
The operation part 83 is a member for rotating the guide side cam 80a around the rotating shaft 80b of the guide side cam 80a. For example, the operation part 83 is a knob provided outside the sheet binding device 3. For example, by operating the knob, the guide side cam 80a rotates around the rotating shaft 80b of the guide side cam 80a. Accordingly, the mounting side cam 81a rotates around the rotating shaft 81b of the mounting side cam 81a according to the rotation of the guide side cam 80a. As a result, the guide gap and the mounting gap are interlocked with each other, thereby being adjusted.
The control part 26 (refer to
Next, an operation example of the sheet binding device 3 will be described.
First, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Thus, the first roller 41 rotates according to the rotation of the second roller 42 while maintaining a state in which the first roller 41 is recessed so as to follow the outer peripheral surface 42s of the second roller 42. As a result, a state in which the plurality of sheets S are shifted in the stepwise shape in the sheet conveying direction X1 at the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 is formed. Further, the “edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5” in the following description means the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 in which the plurality of sheets S are shifted in the stepwise shape.
Next, the sheet binding device 3 moves the second roller 42 in a direction away from the first roller 41. Accordingly, the recess of the outer peripheral surface 41s of the first roller 41 is eliminated. Next, the sheet binding device 3 moves the sheet bundle 5 toward a reverse direction X2 opposite to the sheet conveying direction X1 by reversely rotating the first roller 41 and the second roller 42. Next, the sheet binding device 3 switches the conveying path from the second conveying direction to the first conveying direction by switching the switching member 34. Then, the sheet binding device 3 moves the sheet bundle 5 toward the tape mounting part 59 by normally rotating the first roller 41 and the second roller 42.
The sheet binding device 3 according to the embodiment sets the mounting gap W2 to be equal to or smaller than the thickness W1 of the sheet bundle 5 (W2 W1, refer to
For example, the guide side cam 80a rotates around the rotating shaft 80b of the guide side cam 80a by operating the knob (the operation part 83). Accordingly, the mounting side cam 81a rotates around the rotating shaft 81b of the mounting side cam 81a according to the rotation of the guide side cam 80a. Thus, the guide gap and the mounting gap are interlocked with each other, thereby being adjusted. For example, when the number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle 5 is ten, the guide gap and the mounting gap are set based upon the thickness of ten sheets.
As illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
As described above, a series of operations by the sheet binding device 3 is completed.
Next, an operation of a sheet binding device according to a comparative example will be described.
As illustrated in
In the comparative example, the mounting gap is constant (zero in the example of the drawing) regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the mounting gap is too narrow with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the sheet bundle 5 cannot enter between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92.
Meanwhile, as illustrated in
According to the embodiment, the sheet binding device 3 includes the first mounting part 90A, the second mounting part 90B, and the mounting adjustment part 81. The first mounting part 90A mounts the tape T on the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5. The second mounting part 90B is opposite to the first mounting part 90A in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. The mounting adjustment part 81 can adjust the mounting gap between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. The mounting gap W2 is equal to or smaller than the thickness W1 of the sheet bundle 5 before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The mounting gap can be adjusted based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 by the mounting adjustment part 81. In comparison with a case in which the mounting gap is constant regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5, there is the low possibility that the mounting gap is too narrow with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the sheet bundle 5 cannot enter between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. Additionally, there is a low possibility that the mounting gap is too wide with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the tape T cannot sufficiently adhere to the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5. Accordingly, it is possible to bind the sheet bundle 5 regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. Further, before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B, the tape T easily follows the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 in comparison with a case in which the mounting gap is greater than the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. Therefore, it is possible to more surely bind the sheet bundle 5.
The sheet binding device 3 is further provided with the main guide 31 that guides the sheet bundle 5 toward a space between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B, the sub guide 32 opposite to the main guide 31 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z, the inter-guide adjustment part 80 capable of adjusting the guide gap between the main guide 31 and the sub guide 32, and the interlocking mechanism 82 that allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
Since the sheet bundle 5 can be sandwiched by the main guide 31 and the sub guide 32, curling of the sheet bundle 5 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the sheet bundle 5 is stably and easily guided in comparison with a case in which only one guide is provided. Further, the guide gap and the mounting gap can be adjusted by being interlocked with each other. The device configuration is simplified, thereby contributing to cost reduction in comparison with a case in which the guide gap and the mounting gap are respectively adjusted by using two motors. Additionally, complicated control is not required in this configuration, thereby contributing to energy saving.
The guide gap is set based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
It is possible to hold the attitude of the sheet bundle 5 regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5.
The mounting adjustment part 81 can adjust the mounting gap. The interlocking mechanism 82 allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes gradually narrower as the guide gap becomes narrower. The interlocking mechanism 82 allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes gradually wider as the guide gap becomes wider. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The guide gap and the mounting gap can be adjusted in the stepwise shape by being interlocked with each other. Accordingly, the tape T easily follows the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 in comparison with a case in which the guide gap and the mounting gap are adjusted with only one stage.
The sheet binding device 3 is further provided with the bundle conveying part 40 that conveys the sheet bundle 5 in a state of being sandwiched between the main guide 31 and the sub guide 32 toward the space between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
It is possible to convey the sheet bundle 5 toward the space between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B in a state where the attitude of the sheet bundle 5 is held. Accordingly, the tape T can be mounted on the edge part of the sheet bundle 5 while suppressing the curling of the sheet bundle 5.
The mounting adjustment part 81 is provided with the eccentric cam 81a capable of adjusting the mounting gap. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The mounting gap can be adjusted with a simple configuration provided with the eccentric cam 81a. Further, complicated control is not required in comparison with a case in which a motor is provided, thereby contributing to energy saving.
The inter-guide adjustment part 80 is provided with the guide side cam 80a that allows the sub guide 32 to be close to or to be away from the main guide 31. The mounting adjustment part 81 is provided with the mounting side cam 81a that allows the second mounting part 90B to be close to or to be away from the first mounting part 90A. The interlocking mechanism 82 is provided with the power transmission mechanism 82a that transmits the rotational force of the guide side cam 80a to the mounting side cam 81a. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The guide gap and the mounting gap can be adjusted by being interlocked with each other with a simple configuration provided with the guide side cam 80a, the mounting side cam 81a, and the power transmission mechanism 82a. This device configuration is simplified, thereby contributing to cost reduction in comparison with a case in which the guide gap and the mounting gap are respectively adjusted by using two motors. Additionally, complicated control is not required, thereby contributing to energy saving.
Each of the guide side cam 80a and the mounting side cam 81a is positioned in one side (the second region A2) of the two regions A1 and A2 that are partitioned by the sheet bundle 5 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
A power transmission path between the guide side cam 80a and the mounting side cam 81a can be shortened in comparison with a case in which the guide side cam 80a and the mounting side cam 81a are positioned in mutually different regions in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z, resulting in contributing to miniaturization of the power transmission mechanism 82a.
The sheet binding device 3 is further provided with the operation part 83 for rotating the guide side cam 80a around the rotating shaft 80b of the guide side cam 80a. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The guide side cam 80a rotates around the rotating shaft 80b of the guide side cam 80a by the operation of the operation part 83. Accordingly, the mounting side cam 81a rotates around the rotating shaft 81b of the mounting side cam 81a according to the rotation of the guide side cam 80a. Accordingly, the guide gap and the mounting gap are adjusted by being interlocked with each other. As a result, the guide gap and the mounting gap can be adjusted by being interlocked with each other with a simple configuration provided with the operation part 83.
The first mounting part 90A is provided with the first roller 91 and the first spring 93 for urging the first roller 91 toward the second mounting part 90B. The second mounting part 90B is provided with the second roller 92 opposite to the first roller 91 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z, and the second spring 94 for urging the second roller 92 toward the first roller 91. The main guide 31 guides the sheet bundle 5 so that the edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 faces the inside of the width D1 between the center of the first roller 91 and the center of the second roller 92. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
Since the tape T can follow the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5, it is possible to more surely bind the sheet bundle 5. Further, in comparison with a case in which the sheet bundle 5 is guided so that the edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 faces the outside of the width D1 between the center of the first roller 91 and the center of the second roller 92, the sheet bundle 5 easily enters between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92.
Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described.
The mounting side cam 81a is not limited to having substantially the same outer shape as that of the guide side cam 80a. The adjustment amount of the mounting adjustment part 81 (the adjustment amount of the mounting gap) is not limited to being substantially the same as the adjustment amount of the inter-guide adjustment part 80 (the adjustment amount of the guide gap).
According to the first modification of the first embodiment, the adjustment amount of the mounting adjustment part 181 is smaller than the adjustment amount of the inter-guide adjustment part 80. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
A pressing force (an urging force of an urging member) is easily applied to the sheet bundle 5 in comparison with a case in which the adjustment amount of the mounting adjustment part 181 is the same as the adjustment amount of the inter-guide adjustment part 80. Therefore, the tape T easily follows the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5.
Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described.
The mounting gap is not limited to being greater than zero and smaller than the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92.
According to the second modification of the first embodiment, the mounting gap is zero before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
When the number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle 5 is two, the tape T can follow the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5. Accordingly, it is possible to more surely bind the sheet bundle 5 (two sheets).
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.
The first mounting part 90A is not limited to being provided with the first spring 93 (the first urging member) that urges the first roller 91 toward the second mounting part 90B. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first mounting part 90A does not include the first spring 93. In other words, in the second embodiment, the second mounting part 90B of the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B includes the urging member.
As illustrated in
The main guide 31 guides the sheet bundle 5 so that the edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 faces a nip forming end of the first roller 91. Here, the nip forming end of the first roller 91 means a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 91 that forms a nip by cooperating with the second roller 92. The nip forming end of the first roller 91 corresponds to an end edge of the first roller 91 closest to the second roller 92 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. A reference sign K1 in the drawing indicates a virtual straight line that goes along the main guide 31, and passes through the edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 and the nip forming end of the first roller 91.
According to the second embodiment, the first mounting part 90A is provided with the first roller 91, and the supporting member 95 that rotatably supports the first roller 91. The second mounting part 90B is provided with the second roller 92 opposite to the first roller 91 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z, and the second spring 94 that urges the second roller 92 toward the first roller 91. The main guide 31 guides the sheet bundle 5 so that the edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 faces the nip forming end of the first roller 91. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
Since the tape T can follow the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 by the urging member (the second spring 94) of the second mounting part 90B, it is possible to more surely bind the sheet bundle 5. Further, the sheet bundle 5 easily enters between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92 in comparison with a case in which the sheet bundle 5 is guided to a position where the edge tip of the sheet bundle 5 is shifted from the nip forming end of the first roller 91.
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.
The sheet binding device is not limited to being provided with the interlocking mechanism 82 that allows the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the sheet binding device does not include the interlocking mechanism 82.
As illustrated in
For example, the sensor 310 is a non-contact type displacement sensor such as a laser type displacement sensor. The sensor 310 is positioned between the main guide 31 and the first roller 91 in the inserting direction of the sheet bundle 5. The sensor 310 is positioned between the tape holding part 58 and the tape mounting part 59 in a state where the tape T is disposed so that the tape holding part 58 straddles the first roller 91 and the second roller 92.
A reference sign 321 in the drawing is a cam drive source for rotating the mounting side cam 81a. For example, the cam drive source 321 is a motor.
The mounting control part 320 controls the cam drive source 321 based upon the detection result of the sensor 310. The mounting control part 320 adjusts the mounting gap based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 by controlling the cam drive source 321.
According to the third embodiment, the mounting adjustment part 381 is provided with the sensor 310 that detects the thickness of the sheet bundle 5, and the mounting control part 320 that controls the mounting gap based upon the detection result of the sensor 310. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The mounting gap can be adjusted based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 by the mounting control part 320. In comparison with a case in which the mounting gap is constant regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5, there is the low possibility that the mounting gap is too narrow with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the sheet bundle 5 cannot enter between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. Further, there is the low possibility that the mounting gap is too wide with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the tape T cannot sufficiently adhere to the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically bind the sheet bundle 5 regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5.
Next, a first modification of the third embodiment will be described.
The mounting adjustment part is not limited to being provided with the mounting side cam 81a that allows the second mounting part 90B to be close to or to be away from the first mounting part 90A.
According to the first modification of the third embodiment, the mounting adjustment part 381A does not include the mounting side cam 81a. An effect described hereinbelow is achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
In comparison with a case in which the mounting adjustment part includes the mounting side cam 81a, the number of parts is reduced, thereby contributing to cost reduction.
Hereinafter, another modification of the embodiment will be described.
The mounting gap W2 is not limited to being greater than zero and smaller than the thickness W1 of the sheet bundle 5 before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. For example, the mounting gap W2 may be the same as the thickness W1 of the sheet bundle 5 (W2=W1) before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. That is, the mounting gap W2 may be equal to or smaller than the thickness W1 of the sheet bundle 5 (W2≤W1) before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92.
The interlocking mechanism 82 is not limited to allowing the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes gradually narrower as the guide gap becomes narrower. For example, the interlocking mechanism 82 may allow the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes narrower than an inter-mounting threshold value when the guide gap becomes smaller than an inter-guide threshold value.
The interlocking mechanism 82 is not limited to allowing the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes gradually wider as the guide gap becomes wider. For example, the interlocking mechanism 82 may allow the inter-guide adjustment part 80 and the mounting adjustment part 81 to be interlocked with each other so that the mounting gap becomes wider than the inter-mounting threshold value when the guide gap becomes wider than the inter-guide threshold value.
The sheet binding device is not limited to being provided with the main guide 31 that is provided between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B, and guides the sheet bundle 5, and the sub guide 32 that is opposite to the main guide 31 in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. For example, the sheet binding device may not include the sub guide 32. For example, the sheet binding device may be provided with the main guide 31.
According to at least one embodiment described hereinabove, the sheet binding device 3 includes the first mounting part 90A, the second mounting part 90B, and the mounting adjustment part 81. The first mounting part 90A mounts the tape T on the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5. The second mounting part 90B is opposite to the first mounting part 90A in the sheet bundle thickness direction Z. The mounting adjustment part 81 is capable of adjusting the mounting gap W2 between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. The mounting gap W2 is equal to or smaller than the thickness W1 of the sheet bundle 5 before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B. The effects described hereinbelow are achieved by the above-mentioned configuration.
The mounting gap can be adjusted based upon the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 by the mounting adjustment part 81. In comparison with a case in which the mounting gap is constant regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5, there is the low possibility that the mounting gap is too narrow with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the sheet bundle 5 cannot enter between the first roller 91 and the second roller 92. Additionally, there is the low possibility that the mounting gap is too wide with respect to the thickness of the sheet bundle 5 such that the tape T cannot sufficiently adhere to the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5. Accordingly, it is possible to bind the sheet bundle 5 regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. Further, before the sheet bundle 5 is inserted between the first mounting part 90A and the second mounting part 90B, the tape T easily follows the edge part 5a of the sheet bundle 5 in comparison with a case in which the mounting gap is greater than the thickness of the sheet bundle 5. Therefore, it is possible to more surely bind the sheet bundle 5.
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.