CA2585567A1 - Cassette type stapler - Google Patents

Abstract

In a flat clinch type stapler, downward movement prevention of a swaying member is released by permitting a slider to slide backward on a base. Then, the swaying member moves downward, and staple leg parts penetrating paper are bent flat. A mechanism for performing to-and-fro movement of the slider on the base by vertical movement of a handle is simplified.

Description

DESCRIPTION

STAPLER
TECHNICAL FIELD

[00011 The present invention relates to a stapler which, when stapling a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets stacked -together by means of a staple, can clinch the leg portions of the staple flat along the lower surface of the sheet bundle, that. is, a fla'~ clinch type stapler.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following documents disclose flat clinch type staplers.

[0003_1, [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application :,aid open No. Sho 62-35779 [Pa.tent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application :.,aid-cDpen No. Sho 62-35780 [Pa.tent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application .~aid-open No. Sho 62-92173 [Patent Document 4] JP 01-84982 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Utility Model Application ]-~aid-open No. Hei 01-132379 [Patent Document 6] JP 01-295769 [P~,:Ltent Document 7] Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. Hei 04-112784 [Patent Document 8] JP 2001-191264 [00041 In all of the staplers as disclosed in the above -meritioned documents, stapling is effected in two stages: a stage in which the leg portions of the staple penetrate the sheet bundle, and a stage in which the leg portions having penetrated the sheet bundle are flinched. In the first stage, by pushinq d.own a hanc.le, the handle and a staple box containing staples are brought close to each other. By further pushing down the handle, a blade provided on the inner side of the handle pushes out a staple. in the staple box, and the leg portions of the staple penet:rate the sheet bundle. At this time, the member receivingthesheets(swaying member) is prever.ited from descending by a member (slider) preventing descent of the swaying member, and the blade cannot reach the ar.vil.
As a result, it is only the operation of causing the staple leg ;acrtions to penetrate the sheet bundle that is effected. When the first stage is completed, there is effected transition to the second stage, that is, the stage in which the slider is moved backwards tc carLcel the descent prevention for the swaying member and in wh.ich the s--aple leg portions are clinched through engagement between the swaying member and the anvil.

[00051 Furt.her, after completion of the second stage, the stapler is restored to the state before the operation; that is, the slider is caused to advance to relatively ascend the swaying member, restoring the state in which descent of the swaying member is prevented. In the above-mentioned prior arts, the advancement of the slider and the ascent of the swaying member in this process are effected by providing a mechanism which is separate fr.om the mechanisnl for lowering the swaying member and which uses a coil spring, a plate spring, etc.

[0006] That is, in conventional f lat clinch type staplers, the mot ion of the handle is transmitted to the slider byway of a plura.l ity of componentsaddedtothehandle, frame, magazine, etc. Whencausing the slider to retreat to lower the swaying member, the handle descent inotion is transmitted to the slider; in the mechanism for raising the swaying member, there are used a plurality of springs, pins, and rivets.

[0007- As a result, the construction of the stapler is rather complicat:ed, and the number of indispensable components is inevi.---ably rather large.

[00081 Although popular in the market, the flat clinch type stapler involves a rather complicated construction and a large number of indispensable components as stated above, inevitably resulting in a complicated manufacturing process and high product price, which constitut:e an obstacle to its sufficiently widespread use.

[0009] Further, the complicated construction and the large number of components lead to a factor leading to product failure.

[00101 Further, this makes it rather difficult to maintain a stable st:apling performance.

[00111 Further, it is necessary to spend much cost and la.bor to maintain the requisite precision of each component. If_ the precision of each component is of an insufficient level, warpage in one cornponent will be transformed into warpage in the assemblage of comporients put together, resulting in a serious defect.

[00121 Further, in order to restore the slider and the swaying member to their home positions, a plurality of springs are used, and the f:orces of those springs may cause a force to be exe.r-ted so as to aush up the handle at the time of stapling. As a result, there is a. problem in that a large resistance is involved when pushing down --he handle.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0013I It is an object of the present invention to provide a stapler which, when stapling a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets stacked together by means of a staple, can flinch. the leg portions of the staple flat along the lower surface of the -c-h.eet bundle, in which the stapler construction is simplifie(i by simplifying the mechanism for restoring the slider to the fr-'rmer pcsitic.)n after clinching flat the staple leg portions h.a.ving penetrated the sheet bundle, and in which it is possible to attain high qual ity owing to such a simplif ied mechanism, making the stapler relatively free from clinching failure.

[00:141 Another object of the present invention is to prcvide a stapler which is of a simple construction as described above and which only involves a small number indispensable components, thereby making it possible to provide a product that is easy to manufacture and oE low price in the market.

[00151 Still another object of the present invention is to provide EL product which is relatively free from failure owing to the simple construction and the small number of components.

[00161 A further object of the present invention is to prcvide a product. which helps to maintain a stable stapling performance.
[00171 A still further object of the present invention is to .orovide a. product in which the number of components is reduced to thereby ntake it possible to reduce the time required to mair.:ain the requisite level of component precision.

MEANS FOF: SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[00181 According to a first aspect of the present invention, problems described above are solved by a stapler including: a base mechanism equipped with an anvil mechanism; a staple box mechanism rctatablymounted to the base mechanism; a handle mechanism rotat.ably mounted to the base mechanism, situated above the stable box mechanism, and.equipped with a blade; and a flat clinch mechanism, the flat clinch mechanism. having a swaying member and a slider, the slider existing under the swaying member to prevent descent of the swaying membe:f while leg portions of a staple contained in the staple box mechanisnl penetrate a sheet bundle through descent of the blade, descent prevention for the swaying member being canceled by displacing the slider fromunder the swaying member, the blade push.ing out, through descent of the swaying member, the staple such. that forward ends of the leg portions of the staple having penetrated the sheet bundle reach the position where the anvil mechanism exists, the staple binding the sheet bundle through clinching of the leg portions of the staple through engagement of the leg portior of the st:aple with the anvil mechanism, the swaying member ascending after the binding so that the slider may exist under the swaying inembe:r to re-ef:Eect descent prevention for the swaying mem:ber, characterized in that the slider slides in one longitudinal d:irection on 1.-;hE! baSe to cancel the descent prevention for the swaying member, allowing the swaying member to descend, that the slider slides in the other longitudinal direction on the base to cause the swaying member tc ascend, thus re-effecting the descent preventiori for the swaying niember, and that a means for causing the slider to slide in one directiori and a means for causing the slider to slic.e in the other direction are formed of a single mechanism which converts vertical motion of the handle to longitudinal motion of the slider.
[00191 The staple box mechani sm re f ers to a box- shaped mech.a.n i sm Loaded with staples. The present invention is applicable to both of the following systems; one in which the box is provided iri the stapler main body and in which when the staples have been consumed, the box is newly =Loaded with staples alone; and one in which a hcider for receiving the box is provided in the staple main body and in which when the staples have been consumed, a box loaded with. staples is i.ntroduced in its entirety into the holder, that is, the cassette type system.

[00201 The present invention features a special flat cli_nching mechanism, inparticular, a special slidingmechanism for the slider.
That is, the sli_der slides in one longitudinal direction cn the :base, whereby the descent prevention for the swaying nlember is canceled, and the swaying member is allowed to descend. In. the conventional mechanism, this sliding of the slider is effect:ed by providinq the slider with a spring, etc. dedicated to the sliding of the slider.

[00211 wher.L the slider slides in the other longitudinal direc--ion on the base, the swaying member ascends, and descent prevention for the swaying member is re-effected. As stated above, in the cor.Lventional mechanism, this sliding of the slider is effec-~ted by a mechanism, such as a spring, with which the slider is equipped.
Further, sliding of the slider does not constitute a factor c,a:;."ing the swaying member to ascend. In contrast, in the present inven.t ion, 'when the slider sl ides in the direction opposite to the "one direct i.on"

menti<Dned above, that is, in "the other direction", the slider gets under the swaying member to raise the same. As a result, there is no need for the conventionally required mechanism for raisincr the swaying niember such as a spring.

[0022] Further, the means for sliding the slider ir: one direction and the means for sliding it in the other direction are formeci by a single mechanism which converts vertical motion c:f: the handle to longit;udinal motion of the slider.

[0023 1 Here, the term "one direction" refers, for example, to the for_ward direction, in which case the other direction refers to the backward d]'Lrection. When one direction refers to the backward direc--i.on,, the other direction refers to the forward di.rec--_ion.
[00241 The vertical motion of the handle implies the m<:tion generated when the user grasping the handle pushes it down to use the stapler and the motion generated when the handle is raised by a hanc.le spring. Such vertical. motion is converted to longitudinal motion of the slider by a single mechanism. Owing to the single mechanism, when the handle is further raised by the handle spring, this vertical motion is converted to a longitudinal motion of: the slider by the single mechanism, and the slider slides on the '-nase to return to the former position. The return of the slider t:.o the former position rneans the return of the slider to the position where descent of the swaying member is prevented.

[00251 That. is, while in the prior arts the longitudinal mot.ion of the slider ar.id the vertical motion of the swaying member are effected by special spring mechanisms provided for those purpcses, :in t.he present invention, there is no need for such spring mechanisms.
[00261 As a. result, it is possible to reduce the number of component:s. It is also possible to reduce the number of assembly steps. Thus, a substantial improvement in terms of prcd.uct perfo:rmarice is achieved. Further, the failure factors are reduced.
[0027 1 According to a second aspect of the present invention, the problems are solved by the stapler the stapler according to the fi.rst aspect of the invention, characterized in that the handle is provic.ed with a first handle guide portion and a second handle guide portion, that the slider is provided with a first slider 9-uide portion and a second slider guide portion, that, in the one mechanism, through d.escent of the handle, the first handle guide portion and the f=_rst slider guide portion are engaged with each other and the descending motion of the handle is converted to a motion cau.sing the slider to slide in one direction, and that, through ascerit: of the handle, the second handle guide portion and the second slider guide portion are engaged with each other and the ascending motion of the handle i_s converted to a motion causing the slider to =,l.ide in the ot:her direction.

[0028] The first handle guide portion is a portion which,, when the handle descends, transmits the descending motion to the wl.i.der and. which is indicated by, for example, reference numerals 37 (Fig.

2) , 89 (Fig. 19) , and 96 (Fig. 27) referred to below. At this time, the dEtscending motion of the handle is received by the first slider guide portion as indicated by, for example, reference numeral.s 21 (Fig. "3), 74 (Fig. 18), and 109 (Fig. 26) referred to below.
[0029.1 When. the handle starts to descend, the f irst handle guide portion is first engaged with the first sliderguideportion. Further, the fi.rst handle guide portion continues to impart a force causing the s=_i.der to descend through the descent of the handle. Ir_this connection, the first handle guide member has a distinctive guide surface, and the motion in the direction in which the handle descends is converted to a motion in the direction in which the slider moves backwards., [0030 ] The second handle guide portion is a portion which, when the hEindles ascends, transmits the ascending motion to the slider, and which is indicated by, for example, reference numerals 36 (Fig.
2) , 90 (Fig. 21) , and 97 (Fig. 27) referred to below. At this time, the ascending motion of the handle is received by the second sl ider guide portion as indicated by, for example, reference numerals 20 (Fig. 14) , 79 (Fig. 21) , 114 (Fig. 26), and 115 (Fig. 34) referred tc beLow.

[00311 Wheri the handle starts to ascend, the second handle guide portiOn is first engaged with the second slider guide portion.
Further, the second handle guide portion continues to impart a force causi::lg a protruding member to ascend through the ascent of the handle. In this connection, the second handle guide member rLas a distincti.ve guide surface, and the motion in the direction in which the protruding member ascends is converted to a motion in the direction :in which the slider moves forwards.

[00:321 The first handle guide portion and the second handle guide portion may be provided as spaces in the handle itself, or may be previded so as to protrude from the right-hand side surface and t:ze 7_eft-hand side surface of the handle. They may also be orovided on a leg portion of the handle. The configuration of the first handle guide portion and the second handle guide portion may, for example, be rectangular or circular. The slider guide portion and t]1e second handle guide portion may be provided directly in the slider main body portion in the form of cutouts or prot-rus.ians.
[00331 According to a third aspect of the present. invention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the secor.Ld aspect of thE! invention, characterized in that both the first handle a-uide partion and the second handle guide portion are provided on a leg portion cf the handle, and that both the first slider guide portion and.the "econd slider guide portion are surfaces provided on the slider.

[0034] The leg portion of the handle is a member protr-(~.ding downwards from tine handle like a leg. The configuration of the leg portion is not: restricted to a rectangular one; it may also be triangular, spherical, etc. The configuration of the slider cfuide portion is in coriformity with the configuration of the leg portion so as to allow engagement of the first handle guide portion with the f irst slider portion, and engagement of the second handle portion with the second slider portion.

[0035j According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the third aspect of the invention, characterized in that the f irst handle guide portion is a rear end of a lower end of the leg portion of the handle, that the second handle guide portion is a front end of the lower end of t.he lecl portion of the handle, that the first slider guide portion is a front surface of a first protrusion provided at a rear of: the slider, and that the second slider guide portion is a rear surface of asecond prot:rusion provided at the rear of the slider.

[00361 In the fourth aspect of the invention, it is assumed that the leg portion is of a boot-like configuration. The boot: heel portion constitutes the first handle guide portion, and the boot toe pcrtion constitutes the second handle guide portion. Toprevent injury, it is desi rable f or the corner portions of those guide por ~: ions not t(D be sharp but rounded.

[ 00 3 7 1 At the rear of the slider, two pairs of upwardly exten.ding protr,.rsions are arranged longitudinally. The rear surface c>f the front. protrusion constitutes the second slider guide portion, and the f ront surface: of the rear protrusion constitutes the f irst s 1 ider guide portion. The positions and configuration of these two pairs of protrusions and the configuration of the leg portion of the handle conve:-t: vertical motion of the handle to longitudinal motion of the s:LidE!r..

[0038.1 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the second aspect of the invention, characterized in that the f irst handle guide por!: ion and the second handle guide portion are formed by an inner peripheral surface of an opening provided in the handle, and that the -first slide:f guide portion and the second slider guide portion exist on a prot:ruding portion of a protruding member engaged with a stopper one eiid of which is fixed to the slider and the other end of which is f ixed to the base.

[00391 The inner peripheral surface of the opening provided in the handle is of a distinctive configuration; this configuration converts vertical motion of the handle to longitudinal motirD.r.~ of the slider.

[00401 The "protruding member" is of a configuration whose central portion protrudes, such as an arcuate one or an Inverted V-sha]Ded one. The "protruding portion of the protruding member"
means the central portion in the case of an arcuate configuration, and t:ze crest of an Inverted V-shaped chevron in the case of an Inverced V-shaped member.

[0041 ] Accc>rding to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the f i f t h aspect of the invention, characterized in that the f irst handle guide po:rtion is an upper surfa.ce of the inner peripheral surface of the opening, that the second handle guide portion is a lower surface of the inner per:ipheral surface of the opening, and that the protruding member is an Inverted V-shaped member, with the first slider guide portion existing at the external angle of the apex of the Inverted V-s:haped membe:r, and the second slider guide portion existing at the internal angle of the apE:x of the Inverted V-shaped member.

[00421 The bent portion refers to the apex portiori of the Inver'-_ed V-shaped member. One end of the Inverted V-shaped member is fix-ed to the slider, and the other end of the Inverted V-shaped member is a free end, and this free end portion is engaged with the stopper f ixed to the base. When the handle descends, the ou.ter side cDf the apex of the Inverted V-shaped member is engaged. with the f:_rst handle guide portion as the first slider guide portion, and receives a downwardly directed force. However, since the c ther end oE the Inverted V-shaped member is engaged with the stopper fixed t:.o the base, the downwardly directed force escapes in the direc :-Lon of one end of the Inverted V-shaped member fixed to the slide:r.. As a:result, the slider slides backwards on the base.
[0043 1 The second slider portion is borne by the inside portion of the apex of the Inverted V-shaped member. The second handle guide porti(:)n is engaqed with the second slider portion, and tries to lift t:he Inverted V-shaped member as the handle ascends. However, since one end of the Inverted V-shaped member is fixed to the slider and the other end thereof is engaged with the stopper of the base, the lifting motion is converted to a motion causing the slider to slide forwards on the base.

[00441 According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the fifth aspect of the invention, characterized in that the stopper exists in front of the pretruding member, and that a downward motion of the handle is converted to a motion causing the slider to slide backwards.
[00451 In the seventh aspect, the positions of one end c:f: the Inver--ed'V-shapedmember fixed to the slider and the other end thereof engaged with the stopper are longitudinally reversed from those according to the sixth aspect of the invention. Thus, the downward inotion of the handle is converted to a motion causing the slider tc slide hackward.s, and the vertical motion of the handle is converted tc a-notion causing the slider to slide forwards.

[0046 ] According to an eighth aspect of the present invent ion, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the fourth or seventh aspect of the invention, characterized in that the a swaying rnember gu.ide is provided in front of and below the swaying member, that, whE:n the slider slides backwards on the base, a front -.:.pper end. of: the slider moves along the swaying member guide, the swaying member descending to a lowermost position when the front uppei- end of th-e slider is situated at the rear end of the swaying member guide, and that, when the slider slides forwards on the base, the :Eront upper end of the slider moves along the swaying member guide, the slider preventing descent of the swaying member when the front upper end of the slider is situated on the front side of the forward end o:= the swaying member guide.

[0047] The swaying member guide is a guide surface by which a corrier of the slider is guided when the prevention by the slider is canceled and the swaying member descends. It is necessary for the cc>nfigurat.ion of this surface to be one suitable for effecting the descent smoothly. Depending on the length of the staple Legs, the descending distance differs; this also indicates that: ~h.ere are various configurations suitable for smooth descent . The swa.ying membe:r guide may be configured into a convex surface, a concave surface, or a sigma-shaped surface.

[0048] Such a guide surface may be provided not on the swaying member but. on the slider. A ninth aspect of the present inven.tion describes the case in which it is provided on the slider.

[00491 According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the pro:blerns are solved by the stapler according to the fourth or seventh aspec: of: the invention, characterized in that a slider gui.de is provi(3ed above the forward end of the slider, that, when the sl ider slides ba.ckwards on the base, a guide end provided in front oi= and below the swaying member moves along the slider guide, the swaying member descendirig to a lowermost position when the guide e.r.Ld is situated at the forward end of the slider guide, and that, when the slider slides forwards on the base, the guide end moves along the slider guide, the slider preventing descent of the swaying member when t.he cfiuide end is situated on the rear side of the slider guide.
[00501 According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the fifth aspect of the irLventiorl, characterized in that the stopper exists at a rea:r of the protruding member, and that a downward motion cf the handle is converted to a motion causing the slider to slide forwards.
[00511 Accardingtoaneleventhaspectof thepresent invent:ion, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the tenth aspect of the invention, characterized in that a slider guide is prcvided above a front end of the slider, that, when the slider slides forwa.rds on the base, a guide end provided in front of and below the swaying member mcves along the slider guide, the swaying member descending tc a lowermost position when the guide end is situated at the front end of the slider guide, and that, when the slider slides backwards on thE! base, the guide end moves along the slider guide, the swaying member preventing descent of the slider when the guide member is situa:~ed on the rear side of the rear end of the slider guide.
[0052 ] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invent ion, the problems ar-e solved by the stapler according to the first aspect of thE~ invention, characterized in that the handle is equipped with a first h.andle quide portion and a second handle guide portion, that t:he slider is equipped with a first slider guide portior. and a second sl.ider guide portion, that, in the single mechanism, through descent of the handle, the first handle guide portion and the Yirst slide_-_ guide portion are engaged with each other through a handle-slider guide member to convert the descending motion of the handle to a motic>n causing the slider to slide backwards, and that, throu(jh a.scent of the handle, the second handle guide portion and the second slider guide portion are engaged with each other t:hrough the handle-slider guide member to convert the ascending motion of the handle to a motion causing the slider to slide forwards.
[00.531 The invention according to the twelfth aspect of the inven---i.on is characterized in that the first and second handle g?a.ide members a.nd the first and second slider guide members are enga.ged through the intermediation of the handle-slider guide member, Which is a separate member.

[00541 Owir.Lg to the adoption of a separate member, the inver.tion according to the twelfth aspect of the invention is characterized in that tr.e degree of freedom in the design of the stapler is enhanced.
When using the handle-slider guide member, the leg length of the handle-slider guide member is adjusted by the principles cf the lever, wliereby it is possible to increase or reduce the sliding distance of the slider. Further, the magnitude of the handle stroke and t:-ie magnitude of the force to be imparted to the handle can be adjust:ed through the leg length, so it is possible to ac-l-.Lieve a high degree of f reedom in design. As a result, the present invention is easily applicable to various staplers ranging from small staplers to la:-ge staplers for stapling thick sheet bundles.

[00551 Accordingto a thirteenth aspectofthe presentinvention, the problems are solved by the stapler according to the twelfth aspec-_ of the invention, characterized in that the handle-sl=ider guide mentber is rotatably fixed to a base column provided on the base, that the f:irst handle guide portion and the second handle guide portion are formed by an inner peripheral surface of ar.. opening provided in the handle, that one end of the handle-slider gu.ide member is engaged with the inner peripheral surface, that the f irst slider guide member and the second slider guide member exist in a cutout provided in the slider, and that the other end of the handle-slider guide member is engaged with the cutout.

[0056] The inner peripheral surface of the opening previded in. the handle is of a distinctive configuration, and one end of the handle-slider guide member is engaged with the inner periprLeral surface to be guided by a path along the inner peripheral surface, so the vertical motion of the handle is converted to the longitu.di.nal motio:z of the slider.

EFFEC'I'S OF THE ]CNVENTION

[0057] Since there is no need for the spring for longitudinally sliding the slider or the spring for maintaining the swaying member at the raised position, it is possible to reduce the number of components. Further, the number of assembly steps is also reduced.
As a result, a substantial improvement in product performance is achieved. Further, the failure factors are reduced.

[0058] Conventionally, the user experiences a snapping shock when the swaying member is detached f rom the holder. In the present inven--ion, in contrast, owing to the guide surface provided on the swaying member ortheslider,such a shock is substantially mitiga.ted.
[0059~ Since the slider and the swaying member are constantly held __n contact with each other by the guide surface, smoothen.ing in stiapling performance can be achieved.

[00601 Owir.Lg to the guide surface provided on the slid.etr or the swaying member, there is no need for the spring for restoring the swayi_ng member to the former position after stapling. 'I'hus, it is possible to cause a stapler to more reliably function as such :by using none of the spring for returning the slider i.'i the longicudinal direction and the spring for returning the swaying ;member to the former position, which springs have been indispensable for a:Ll conventional flat clinch staplers. Since the resistance causetd by the springs is reduced, it is possible to reduce the requisite force for performing stapling.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0061] All the inventions according to Embodiments 1 through '7 constitute the best mode for carrying out the present invent:ion.
[Embodiment 1]

[00621 Figs. 1 through 13 show Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, contact between the handle leg and the slider rear portion converts the descending motion of the handle to longitudinal sliding motion of the slider. At the time of clinching, the slider slides backwards, and the cfuide surface for gently lowering the swaying member is provided on the swaying member.

[0063 - In the specification, the claims, and the drawings, the side of the stapler as seen in the long-axis direction where the blade exists is r.eferred to as the front side, and the side thereof where the handle and the base are rotatably fixed is referred to as the rear side; the side where the handle exists is referred to as the upper side and the side where the base exists is referred tc as the lower side; and the right-hand side and the left-hand side are those as seen from above.

[0064 1 Referring to Figs. 1 through 5, a stapler 1 is composed of a base 2, a slider 4, a swaying member 5, a base cover 3, a staple case 8, a frame 6, and a handle 7. A handle spring 40 is provided ins ide the handle, and urges the handle away from the frame,. A base spring 43 is provided under the frame, urging the base away from the frame. At the rear of the staple case, there is provided a staple case spri.ng 42, urging the staple case so as to push it forwards.
In the example shown in Fig. 1, use of a cassette type stapl.er. is assumed, in which the replenishment and replacement of staple:" are effected by putting in and out a cassette loaded with staples; thus, z-,he staple case spring 42 is provided; however, the present invention is also applicable to a stapler of the type in which staples themselves in the staple case are replenished without putting in and out. the staple case as a cassette. In the case of a stapler which is not of the cassette type, there is no need to provide the staple case spring 42.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 3, an anvil base 10 is provided on the f:ront: portion of the base 2, and an iron anvil 11 is fitted in at this position. On the rear portion of the base 2, there are 10rovided a pair of swaying member bases 12, and swaying member support shafts 13 are provided on the swaying member bases 12. On the base 2, there are provided a pair of slider guides 14 in the long -axis direc--ion.

[00661 Referring to Fig. 3, the slider 4 has a recess 16 in its f:ront: portion. The recess 16 is provided for the pu:rpose of keeping off frorn the anvil 11 for stapling when the stapler is assembled. The slider 4 has a recess 22 in its rear portion. The recess 22 is provided for the purpose of keeping off from the swaying membe:r base 12 when the stapler is assembled. At the rear c:f: the slider 4, there is provided a handle leg guide mechanism for guiding the handle leg. That is, there are provided handle leg guides 18 extending upwards, and handle leg guides 19 extending upwards likewise. Guide surfaces 20 and 21, formed by the leg guide, guide handle legs 35 as described below.

[00671 Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the slider 4 is placed on the base such that its right and left outer walls extend alonq the slider guides 14 of the base 2.

[00681 Referring to Fig. 3, the swaying member 5 has a l.eg 25 in the rear portion thereof. The leg 25 has a hole 26. Wher. the swaying niember is mounted to the base, the hole 26 corres:ponds to the swaying member support shafts 13 provided on the swaying member :base L2 on the base 2 (Fig. 4).

[00691 Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, after mounting the slider and tr.e swaying member to the base 2, the base cover 3 is put thereon, and, further, the frame 6 is placed thereon. After this, the rear end oE the handle is mounted to the frame by a pin or rotatably fixed thereto, whereby the stapler is completed.

[0070] Figs. 6 through 12 show changes in the positional relat ionship between the handle, the swaying member, and the s 1 ider ,at the tinte of stapling. Fig. 13 is an explanatorypartial sectional view showing changes in the positional relationship at the ~:ime of stapling including changes in the positional relationship of the s~aple case.

[0071] WherL the stapler is not being used, that is, wheri the handle is up, leg front ends 36 of the handle legs 35 are encraged 'with t:he guide surfaces 20 of the handle leg guides 18 of the slider 4, so -=he slider 4 is at the foremost position; at this time, descent of the svaaying member 5 is prevented.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 7, when the handle 7 is lowered a. little, leg rear ends 37 of the handle legs 35 are engaged with the yuide surfaces 21 of the handle leg guides 19 of the slider 4. At this time, the positional relationship with the staple case is as shown in po,~tions A through C of Fig. 13; the staple case 8, whicll-. has :not been out of contact with the swaying member, is brought into contact.therewith, and the staple legs penetrate the sheet bundle.
[0073 1 As shown in Fig. 8, when the handle is further :Lowered, Lhe rear leg ends 37 of the handle legs 35 push the guide surfaces 21 of the: handle leg guides 19 backwards, so the slider 4 slides backwards a little. At this time, the positional relationship with the staple case is as shown in portion D of Fig. 13, in which the clinc]zinq of the staple is about to start.

[ 0074 1 Wher.L the handle is further lowered as shown in F i.q . 9, the slider 4 further slides backwards, and descends along the ca.rve provided on the lower surface of the swaying member. When the swaying member is brought to the lowermost position, the staple is cliz:.ched flat elong the back surface of the sheet. At this time, the stapler is in the state as shown in portion E of Fig. 13.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 10, by releasing the handle, the handle is raised by the handle spring (Fig. 1) ; when the handle is raised, the front leg ends 36 of the handle legs 35 push the guide surfaces 20 of the slider 4 forwards, and the slider 4 slides forwards a littlf?.

[00761 As shown in Fig. 11, when the handle is further raised, the front leg ends 36 of the handle legs 35 push the guide surfaces :20 of the slider further forwards, and the swaying member 5 climbs up the slider 4 along the curve provided on the lower surface of the swaying member. As shown in Fig. 12, when the handle is further raised, t:he swaying member 5 is completely placed on the slider 4. Af:ter this, the handle is further raised, and the stapler is restored to the state shown in Fig. 6.

[0077] Embodiment 1 provides the following effects.

[0078] Since the handle and the slider are directly engaged with each other, it is possible to reliably prevent descent of the swaying member until the forward ends of the staple legs penetrate the sheet bundle and the back of the staple comes into contact with the s:zeet bundle.

[0079] The slider and the swaying member are constantly held in contact with each other by virtue of the guide surfaces prcvided on the swaying member, so no shock or noise is generated. Further, the olzeration of the swaying member is adjusted to the kind of sta.ple, the length of the staple legs, the hardness of the staple, etc., so an optimum flat clinching effect is to be expected, makirLcI it possi;ale to provide a stapler of a sati.sfactory staplingperfor.ma.nce.
[0080] Since no springs are used to move the slider and the swaying member, no spring resistance is involved. Further, during stapl:ing, the staple box constantly keeps pressing the swaying member downwards, so, ir.L addition to the operation of the device for sliding the slider provided on the handle, the curving or slight rounding of the swaying member directly generates a force for causinc- the ,E;lide:-- to slide backwards or forwards. As a result, the requisite force for depressing the handle at the time of stapling is reduced.
[00811 The swaying member is rotatably supported by a bearing integrally formed on the base, so no such components as a pin is required, with the result that the assembly is facilitated, and the s---apler is nlade less subject to failure.

[0082 - At the time of production, the slider is simply placed on the base 2, so the assembly is facilitated, and the stapler is made less subject to failure.

[0083I Reliable positioning for the slider is established by a slicier guide integrally formed on the base or a guide devi.ce of perfect a.ccuracy integrally formed on the bases such as the anvil base and the swaying member base, so it is possible to automatically effec-_ a stable sliding.

[00841 Thesliding distance oftheslider can be adjusted eatiily, sc th(:~ design of a product in conformity with staple leg length is facilitated.

[Embodi.mEMt 2]

[00851 FigE;. 14 and 15 show Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2=i_s the same as Embodiment 1 in that it adopts a mechanism for converting vertical motion of the handle to longitudinal motion of the slider;
it dif=fers from Embodiment 1 in that the guide surface for gently lowering the swaying member is provided not on the swaying member but on the slider.

[00861 Embodiment 2 provides the following effects..

[0087] Since the forward end portion (the end portion nearer te the blade) of the slider is firmly held in contact with the base 2, thE! operation of the swaying member is stabilized. Owirig tc the sat.isfactory stability in the operation of the swaying member,, this embodiment proves effective for a relatively thick sheet bundle.
Owing t:o t:he high stability of the slider, the durability of the swaying member is improved substantially.

[Embo3iment 3]

[00881 Figsi. 16 through 25 show Embodiment 3. Embodime!nt 3 adopts a mechanism formed by a stopper provided on the base and an :In,Tert:ed V-shaped member provided on the slider. Further, at the t:Lme of clinching, the slider slides backwards, and the a-uide surface for gently lowering the swaying member is provided ori the swaying member.
.
[0089] As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, one end 77 of each Inverted V-sha,Qed member 76 is mounted to the rear end of a slider 75. The forward end of each Inverted V-shaped member 76 is a.free end.
[0090] A stopper 82 is fixed to the base 2, and the slider 75 is placed at a position such that the forward, free end of the Inverted V-shaped member is held in contact with the stopper 82. Further, when t.he slider i.s placed on the base 2, the swaying member mounted on the base is held in contact with the slider at the position. as shown in Figs. 1.8 and 22.

[0091:I As shown in Fig. 26, the swaying member is rotatably fixed to the base cover 3 at a position indicated by numeral 112.
ln7hile Fig. 26 shows Embodiment 4, the positional relationship between ~--he swaying member and the base cover is the same in Embodiment :3 and Embodiment 4.

[0092:, Figs. 19 through 25 sequentially illustrate the mechanisni of the stapler of Embodiment 3 at the time of operation.
A recess 88 is formed by a handle guide member 87 provided or. the handle member 7, and a guide shaft 79 formed of an Inverted V-shaped membe=- is engaged with the recess 88. By downwardly rotatenc- the handle 7, the apex of the Inverted V-shaped member 74 is engaged with an upper inner wall 89 of the recess 88, whereby a.force is exerted so as to spread the legs of the Inverted V-shaped member.
'rhe front end of the Inverted V-shaped member is engaged witr. the stopper 82 of the base 2, and the Inverted V-shaped member is mounted to the slider 75, whereby the slider 75 slides backwards on the base 2 ( F_Lgs . 19 through 21) to lower the swaying member ( Fig . 22 ).
After this, when the handle member ascends, a lower inner wall 90 of the recess 88 and the Inverted V-shaped guide member 79 are engaged with each other, and, as the handle member ascends, a force is exerted so as to bring the distal ends of the legs of the Inverted V- shaped membe=-_ closer to each other, and the slider 75 slides forwards on the base 2 (Figs. 23 and 24) , and the swaying member 80 is placed on the slider 75 again (Fig. 25).

[00931 Embodiment 3 provides the following effects..

[0094] Since the push-down force of the handle is directly applied to the apex of the Inverted V-shaped member, the movement of the s7.ider can be made light and smooth.

[0095 1 The width of the slider movement can be easily adjusted accordinq to the angle of the Inverted V- shapedportion of the Inverted V-sha]Ded member. That is, the width of the movement of the slider depends u.pon the staple leg length, that is, the thickness of the obj ec?= to be stapled. Thus, the force with which the slider is caused to sl__de can be made large or small according to the angle of the Inverted V-shaped portion of the Inverted V-shaped member.

[00961 When. the Inverted V-shaped member is endowed with a spring effect, a spring effect is to be expected, so the handle return force is strengthened. In this case, the force with which the s:Li.der advarices is also strengthened, so the swaying member is .reli.ably rest:ored.

[Embodi.ment 4]

[00971 Figs. 26 through 33 show Embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 is the same as Embodiment 3 in that it employs a mechanism for converting verti_cal motion of the handle to longitudinal mction of the slider; it differs from Embodiment 3 in the positional relationship bet:ween the stopper and the slider. Owing to ':his difference, at the time of clinching, the slider slides forwards.
The gui_de surface for lowering the swaying member is provided on the sl.idE~r.

[0098] Figs,. 27 through 33 sequentially illustrate the stapler mechai.zisnl of Embodiment 4 at the time of operation. That is, a recess 95 is forrned owing to the handle guide member provided on the handle member 7, and the recess 95 is engaged with a guide shaft 94 provided near the apex 109 of the Inverted V-shaped member. By pushing down the handle 7, the apex 109 of the Inverted V-shaped member is engaged with an upper inner wall 96 of the recess 95, whereby a force is exerted so as to spread the legs of the Inverted V-shaped member.
'I'he rear end of the Inverted V-shaped member is engaged with a stc,pper 113 on the base :2, and the Inverted V-shaped member is mount.ed to the slider 99, whereby the slider 99 slides forwards on the base 2( Fics.3 :L through 33 ), causing the swaying member to descend ( Fig .
31) . After this, as the handle member ascends, the slider 99 sl ides backwards on the base 2 (Figs. 32 and 33 ), and the swaying member 98 is placed on the slider 99 again (Fig. 27).

[0099 ) Embc>diment 4 provides the following effect: Since the guide surface of the slider and the forward end of the bottom surface of the swaying member move while in contact with each other, the sl ide.--moves smoothly forwards. Since the guide surf ace of the sl ider and the forward end of the bottom surface of the swaying member are constantly held in contact with each other, no shock or noise is generated until the completion of stapling.

[Embodiment 5]

[01001 Figs. 34 through 35 show Embodiment 5. Embodiment 5 .is th _ same as Embodiment 4 in that it employs a mechanism (the Inverr-ed V-shaped member 107, the stopper 82, etc.) for. converting vertical motion of the handle to longitudinal motion of the slider;
it differs from Embodiment 4 in that the guide surface for gently lowering the swaying member is provided on the slider.

[01011 In Embodiment 5, at the time of completion of stapling, the forward end of a slider 106 causes a swaying member 105 tc> descend gently ar.d smoothly, and the bottom surface of the swaying member is ger..tly received by the forward end, so there is no need tc prcvide a cushion member or the like.

[01021 In Embodiment 5, the rear bottom surface of the swa_y-ing member is constantly held in contact with the slider, so there is generated no shock until the swaying member reaches the lowermost point; thus, no uncomfortable noise is generated, and a smooth operal--i.on is always to be expected.

[Embodiment 6]

[01031 Figs. 37 through 49 show Embodiment 6. Embodiment 6 employs an arm mechanism; at the time of clinching, the slider sl ides backwards, and the guide surface for gently lowering the swaying membe:c is provided on the swaying member.

[01041 Referring to Fig. 39, an arm 69 is equipped with a. pair of apper arms 66,, a central arm 68, and a lower arm 69 engaged with the slider. The slider 60 has recesses 61, 62 similar to those of the s=_ider of Embodiment 1. That is, the positional relationship between the slider and the swaying member is the same as that. in Embodiment 1; the recess 61 is a recess for mounting the swaying membe:r to the :ba.se 2, and the recess 62 is a recess for an anvil :base.

[ 0105 1 Arm supports 55 are provided on the base 2, and r.oles 56 of the arm supports 55 are engaged with the arm. At the rear of the slider 60, there is provided an arm support 63, which is engaged with the lower arm 69.

[01061 As shown in Figs. 37 and 38, the handle 7 is equipped with a handle guide member 70, and a space 71 is provided between it and the handle 7. An arm guide shaft 67 is engaged with the space 71.

[01071 The positional relationship between the arm guide : haft 67 anci the space 71 of the handle guide member 70 when the handle 7 is rotated is as; shown in Figs. 46 through 49, and the correspor..ding :posit ional relationship between the slider 60 and the swaying me-mber 58 is as shown in F'igs. 40 through 45. That is, by downwardly :rot,s_t.ing the handle, the slider 60 slides backwards (Fig. 42) , and, by furt.her rotating the handle downwardly to cause the slider 60 to slide backwa-rds, the engagement between the slider 60 and the swaying member 58 is cariceled, and the swaying member 58 descends (Fig.
44). By upwardly rotating the handle, the arm causes the slider 50 to slide forwards (Fig. 45), with the result that the swaying membe:r is placed on the slider, and the state prior to the operation is .rest.or.ed (Fiq. 40).

[01081 The engagement between the guide shaft 67 and the handle guide member 70 in the above series of operations will be descr_ibed in detail with reference to Figs. 46 through 49. As shown. in. Fig.
38, the handle guide member 70 is mounted so as to protrude sidewise with respect to the handle 7. As a result, of the surfaces forming 'the space 71, the upwardly facing surface of the handle guide member '70 constitutes a lower guide surface 73, and the downwardly facing su.rface of the handle 7 constitutes an upper guide surface 72. That is, the upper surface of the upper arm 66 is in contact wit'r._ the apper guide surface 72, and the lower surface of the guide shaft 67 protruding sidewise from the arm 66 is in contact with the lower guide surface '73 of the space 71. When the handle 7 descends, the iapper guide surface 72 of the space 71 pushes the upper surface of the upper arm 66, and, as the arm engaged with the space 71. by ineans of the guide shaft 67 sequentially changes its pos.itir-m_ in the order as shown in Fig. 46, Fig. 47, Fig. 48, and Fig. 49, the slide.- 60 slides backwards on the base through the engagement between the arm receiver 63 of the slider 60 and the lower arm 69. Subsequently, when t;he handle 7 ascends, the lower guide surface 73 of the space 71 pushes up the lower surface of the guide shaft 67, and, as the arm engaqed with the space 71 changes its position in the crder as shown in Figs. 49, 50, 51, and 52, the slider 60 slides forwards on the base.

[01091 Embodiment 6 provides the following specific effects.
Since the arm utilizes the principles of the lever, the arm can transmit the movement of the handle to the slider smoothly and lightly.

[01101 Since the movement of the slider can be made light and smoot=a,, the handle operation at the time of stapling is facilita.ted.
[0111] The inovement of the handle is transmitted to the sl:ider through the arm. Thus, the movement width of the slider ca.n. be enlarged, so the embodiment is also applicable to long- leg staples for t:zi.ck paper sheets.

[01121 That. is, Embodiment 6 is advantageous in that i v makes it possible to achieve a higher degree of freedom in terms of sta.pler desig:i. When using the handle-slider guide member, owing t(--) the principles of the lever, it is possible to cause the slider to slide greatLy by small movement of the handle. Further, it is possible tc cause the slider to slide to a small degree by a great movement of the harLdle. As a result, this embodiment can be easily applicable to -,Tarious designs from a small size stapler to a large size stapler Eor st:apling thick sheet bundles. That is, through adjustment: of the length of the lower arm 69 and the length of the upper arnl 66, it i.s possible to easily change the distance fromthe fulcrum (central arm 68) to the force application point (the guide surface 57) , and the distance from the fulcrum (central arm 68) to the point of application (the distal end of the lower arm 69) , and the sliding distance of the slider can be made large or small by the principles of thE! lever. Further, the position of the handle guide member can be freely changed in the longitudinal direction.

[Embodiment 7]

[01131 Fig. 50 shows Embodiment 7. Embodiment 7 adopts an arm member mechanism; at the time of clinching, the slider slides backwards, and the guide surface for gently lowering the swaying inembe:r is provided on the slider. The effect obtained by usi.ng a separate member, that is, the arm member mechanism, is the same as thi3t. of Embodiment 6. In Embodiment 7, the guide surface is provided on the slider, so the descent and ascent of the sliding inembe_r can be made light and smooth and quiet, with the impact sound being reduced.

INDUSTRIAL APPLI:CABILITY

[0114:1 The present invention is to be utilized in the flat clinchincr mechanism of a flat clinch type stapler.

]3RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115.1 [Fig. 1] A general explanatory sectional view of a stapler (Embodinlent 1) .

[Fi.g. 2] F, diagram illustrating a handle (Embodiment 1).
[Fi.g. 3] Adiagram illustrating abase 1, aslider, andaswaying member (Embodiment 1) .

[Fi.g. 4] A diagram illustrating the base 1, the slider, and the swaying member as assembled (Embodiment 1).

[Fi.g. 5] A diagram illustrating how a base cover and a base 2 are further mounted to what is shown in Fig. 1 (Embodiment 1).
[Fi.g. 6] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used ( Embodiment 1) .

[Fi.g. 7] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used ( EmbodimE>nt 1) .

[Fi.g. 8] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used ( EmbodimE!nt 1) .

[Fi.g. 9] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used ( Embodiment 1).

I:Fi.g. 10] A diagram illustrating the stapler being ia.sed (Embodiment 1).

[Fig. 11] A diagram illustrating the stapler being u.sed (Embodiment 1).

[Fi.g. 12] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 1).

[Fi.g. 13] An explanatory sectional view illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 1).

I.Fi.g. 14] P, diagram illustrating a slider and a swaying member (Embodiment 2).

[Fi.g. 15] An explanatory sectional view illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 2).

[Fi.g. 16:] A general explanatory sectional view of a stapler (Embodiment 3).

[Fi.g. 17] A diagram illustrating a slider (Embodiment 3).
[Fi.g. 18] A diagram illustrating the positional relationship between what is obtained by assembling together the base 1, the slide:r, and the swaying member and the swaying member.

[Fi.g. 19] A diagram illustrating the stapler being u.sed (Embociiment 3).

[Fi.g. 20] A diagram illustrating the stapler being u.sed (Embodiment 3).

IFi.g. 21.] A diagram illustrating the stapler being u.sed (Embodiment 3).

[Fi.g. 22] A diagram illustrating the stapler being ,a.sed ( Emboci.iment 3 ) .

[Fi.g. 23] A diagram illustrating the stapler being 1.a.sed (Embodiment 3).

[Fi.g. 24] A diagram illustrating the stapler being u.sed (Embodiment 3).

[Fi.g. 25] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 3).

[Fi.g. 26] A diagram illustrating a base 1, a slider, and a swaying member as assembled together (Embodiment 4).

[Fig. 27] A diagram illustrating the stapler being ~.a.sed (Embodi.ment 4).

[Fi.g. 28] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 4).

[Fig. 29] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 4).

[Fig. 30] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 4).

[Fig. 31] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used ( Embodiment 4 ) .

[Fig. 32] A diagram illustrating the stapler beyng used (Embodiment 4).

,Fig. 33] A diagram illustrating the stapler being a.sed (Embodiment 4).

[Fig. 34] A diagram illustrating a base 1, a slider, -=nd a swaying member as assembled together (Embodiment 5).

[Fig. 35] A diagram illustrating the stapler being 7ased (Embodiment 5).

[Fig. 36] A diagram illustrating how a base 2 is mol,;.nted (Embodiment 5) 38 [Fi.g. 37;] .A general explanatory sectional view of a stapler (Embodiment 6).

[Fi.g. 38] A diagram illustrating a handle (Embodiment 6).
[Fi.g. 39] A diagram illustrating a base 1, a slider, a swaying membe=r, and an arm as assembled together (Embodiment 3).

[Fi.g. 40] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embociiment 6).

[:Fig. 41] A diagram illustrating the stapler being used (Embodiment 6).

[Fig. 42] A diagram illustrating the stapler being Lzsed (Embodiment 6).

[.Fig. 43] A diagram illustrating the stapler bei_ng used ( EmbodimE!nt 6 ) .

[Fig. 44] A diagram illustrating the stapler bei_ng used (Embodiment 6).

[Fig. 45] A diagram illustrating the stapler bei_ng used ( Embodi_ment 6 ) .

[Fig. 46] A diagram illustrating the condition of a handle guide meniber during use (Embodiment 6).

[Fig. 47;] A diagram illustrating the condition of a handle guide member during use (Embodiment 6).

[Fig. 48:] A diagram illustrating the condition of a handle guide meniber during use (Embodiment 6).

[Fig. 49] A diagram illustrating the condition of a handle guide meniber during use (Embodiment 6).

[Fi.g. 501 A diagram illustrating a base, a slider, a swaying membe=~, and an arm as assembled together (Embodiment 7).
DESCRIPTI:ON OF F:EFERENCE NUMERALS

[0116] 1 stapler 2 base 3 base cover 4 slider swaying member 6 frame 7 handle 8 staple case 1.0 anvil base 11 anvil 12 swaying member base 13 swaying member support shaft 14 slider guide surface swaying member guide surface 16 recess 17 slider front end 18 handle leg guide 19 handle leg guide guide surface 21 guide surface 22 recess 25 leg 26 hole 27 recess 28 recess 29 swaying member guide surface 30 swaying member front end 35 handle leg 36 leg front end 37 leg rear end 40 handle spring 41 sp:ring 42 cassette spring 43 base spring 45 engagement member 48 sheet 50 blade 51 blade hole 52 staple 55 arm support 56 support hole 57 gu:ide surface 58 swaying member 60 slid.er 61 recess 62 recess 63 arm support 65 arm 66 upper arm 67 guide shaft 68 central arm 69 lower arm 70 handle guide member 71 space 72 upper guide surface 73 lower guide surface 74 Inverted V-shaped member apex 75 slider 76 Inverted V-shaped member 77 Inverted V-shaped member rear end 78 recess 79 guide shaft 80 swaying member 82 base stopper 85 base cover 87 handle guide member 88 recess 89 upper guide surface 90 lower guide surface 95 recess 96 upper guide surface 97 lower guide surface 98 swaying member 99 slider 105 swaying member 106 slider 10i Inverted V-shaped member 10E Inverted V-shaped member apex 1.0S Inverted V-shaped member apex 1.1c Inverted V-shaped member 1.11 Inverted V-shaped member front end 112 screwed portion between swaying member and base cover 113 base stopper 1.14 guide shaft 115 guide shaft

Claims (5)

1. A stapler comprising:

a base mechanism equipped with an anvil mechanism;

a staple box mechanism rotatably mounted to the base mechanism;
a handle mechanism rotatably mounted to the base mechanism, situated above the stable box mechanism, and equipped with a blade;
and a flat clinch mechanism, the flat clinch mechanism having a swaying member and a slider, the slider existing under the swaying member to prevent descent of the swaying member while leg portions of a staple contained in the staple box mechanism penetrate a sheet bundle through descent of the blade, descent prevention for the swaying member being canceled by displacing the slider from under the swaying member, the blade pushing out, through descent of the swaying member, the staple such that forward ends of the leg portions of the staple having penetrated the sheet bundle reach the position where the anvil mechanism exists, the staple binding the sheet bundle through clinching of the leg portions of the staple through engagement of the leg portions of the staple with the anvil mechanism, the swaying member ascending after the binding so that the slider may exist under the swaying member to re-effect descent prevention for the swaying member, wherein:

the slider slides in one longitudinal direction on the base to cancel the descent prevention for the swaying member, allowing the swaying member to descend;

the slider slides in the other longitudinal direction on the base to cause the swaying member to ascend, thus re-effecting the descent prevention for the swaying member; and means for causing the slider to slide in one direction and means for causing the slider to slide in the other direction are formed of a single mechanism which converts vertical motion of the handle to longitudinal motion of the slider.

2. A stapler according to Claim 1, wherein:

the handle is equipped with a first handle guide portion and a second handle guide portion;

the slider is equipped with a first slider guide portion and a second slider guide portion;

in the single mechanism, through descent of the handle, the first handle guide portion and the first slider guide portion are engaged with each other to convert the descending motion of the handle to a motion causing the slider to slide in one direction;
and through ascent of the handle, the second handle guide portion and the second slider guide portion are engaged with each other to convert the ascending motion of the handle to a motion causing the slider to slide in the other direction.

3. A stapler according to Claim 2, wherein:

both the first handle guide portion and the second handle guide portion are provided on a leg portion of the handle; and both the first slider guide portion and the second slider guide portion are surfaces provided on the slider.

4. A stapler according to Claim 3, wherein:

the first handle guide portion is a rear end of a lower end of the leg portion of the handle, the second handle guide portion is a front end of the lower end of the leg portion of the handle;

the first slider guide portion is a front surface of a first protrusion provided at a rear of the slider; and the second slider guide portion is a rear surface of a second protrusion provided at the rear of the slider.

5. A stapler according to Claim 2, wherein:

the first handle guide portion and the second handle guide portion are formed by an inner peripheral surface of an opening provided in the handle; and the first slider guide portion and the second slider guide portion exist on a protruding portion of a protruding member engaged with a stooper one end of which is fixed to the slider and the other end of which is fixed to the base.

5. A stapler according to Claim 5, wherein:

the first handle guide portion is an upper surface of the inner peripheral surface of the opening, and the second handle guide portion is a lower surface of the inner peripheral surface of the opening;
and the protruding member is an Inverted V-shaped member, the first slider guide portion exists at the external angle of the apex of the Inverted V-shaped member, and the second slider guide portion exists at the internal angle of the apex of the Inverted V-shaped member.

7. A stapler according to Claim 5, wherein the stopper exists in front of the protruding member, and a downward motion of the handle is converted to a motion causing the slider to slide backwards.

8. A stapler according to Claim 4 or Claim 7, wherein a swaying member guide is provided in front of and below the swaying member, that, when the slider slides backwards on the base, a front upper end of the slider moves along the swaying member guide, the swaying member descending to a lowermost position when the front upper end of the slider is situated at the rear end of the swaying member guide, and that, when the slider slides forwards on the base, the front upper end of the slider moves along the swaying member guide, the slider preventing descent of the swaying member when the front upper end of the slider is situated on the front side of the forward end of the swaying member guide.

9. A stapler according to Claim 4 or Claim 7, wherein:

a slider guide is provided above the forward end of the slider;
a guide end provided in front of and below the swaying member moves along the slider guide when the slider slides backwards on the base, and the swaying member descends to a lowermost position when the guide end is situated at the forward end of the slider guide; and the guide end moves along the slider guide when the slider slides forwards on the base, and the slider prevents descent of the swaying member when the guide end is situated on the rear side of the slider guide.

10. A stapler according to Claim 5, wherein the stopper exists at a rear of the protruding member, and a downward motion of the handle is converted to a motion causing the slider to slide forwards.
11. A stapler according to Claim 10, wherein:

a slider guide is provided above a front end of the slider;
a guide end provided in front of and below the swaying member moves along the slider guide when the slider slides forwards on the base, and the swaying member descends to a lowermost position when the guide end is situated at the front end of the slider guide;
and the guide end moves along the slider guide when the slider slides backwards on the base, and the swaying member prevents descent of the slider when the guide member is situated on the rear side of the rear end of the slider guide.

12. A stapler according to Claim 1, wherein:

the handle is equipped with a first handle guide portion and a second handle guide portion;

the slider is equipped with a first slider guide portion and a second slider guide portion;

in the single mechanism, through descent of the handle, the first handle guide portion and the first slider guide portion are engaged with each other through a handle-slider guide member to convert the descending motion of the handle to a motion causing the slider to slide backwards; and through ascent of the handle, the second handle guide portion and the second slider guide portion are engaged with each other through the handle-slider guide member to convert the ascending motion of the handle to a motion causing the slider to slide forwards.
13. A stapler according to Claim 12, wherein:

the handle slider guide member is rotatably fixed to a base column provided on the base;

the first handle guide portion and the second handle guide portion are formed by an inner peripheral surface of an opening provided in the handle;

one end of the handle-slider guide member is engaged with the inner peripheral surface;

the first slider guide member and the second slider guide member exist in a cutout provided in the slider; and the other end of the handle-slider guide member is engaged with the cutout.