Bundling machine and bundling method

Abstract

A bundling machine uses a staple to bundle a first object and a second object, the staple including a first leg, a second leg, and a body portion connecting the first leg and the second leg, an opening being formed between the first leg and the second leg. The bundling machine includes a first displacement portion that displaces the first leg so as to be engageable with the first object, and a second displacement portion that displaces the second leg so as to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the body portion, and be engageable with the first object. The second displacement portion can be configured to displace the second leg to a position that crosses the first leg in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a strapping machine and a strapping method. Background Technology

[0002] There are known instances of using tying tools such as clips to bind plants with threads or similar materials.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes an example of such a latch. The latch has a pair of arms, left and right, and a convex protrusion disposed between the arms.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an electric strapping machine equipped with a rechargeable power supply that can be detachably connected to a mounting housing. The strapping machine described in Patent Document 2 can use the clips described in Patent Document 1 for strapping.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Description of European Patent No. 1839482

[0008] Patent Document 2: Description of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 111903423 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The clips or similar devices described in Patent Document 1 bind the relative movement of the first object and the second object, and are therefore equivalent to a binding device (clips) for binding the first object and the second object.

[0011] While Patent Document 2 discloses the use of the snagging machine described in Patent Document 1, it does not disclose a snagging method that prevents the snagging from easily detaching from the object. To snag growing objects such as plants, the two objects must be snagged in a way that prevents them from easily detaching, whether before or after growth. If the two objects are snagged tightly before growth, growth will be hindered. On the other hand, if the two objects are snagged loosely, the ends of the snagging device will open and the snagging device will easily detach as the stems or fruits of the objects grow thicker or their weight increases.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a strapping machine and a strapping method capable of performing strapping that is not easily loosened.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] One aspect of the invention disclosed in this application discloses a strapping machine that uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, with an opening formed between the first leg and the second leg. The strapping machine further includes: a first displacement part for displacing the first leg in a manner capable of engaging with the first object; and a second displacement part for displacing the second leg in a manner that surrounds the second object using the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, and is capable of engaging with the first object.

[0015] In addition, another method of binding according to the invention involved in this application is a method of binding a first object and a second object using clips. The clips include a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, with an opening formed between the first leg and the second leg. Displacement of the first leg causes the first object to engage with the first leg, and displacement of the second leg causes the second object to be surrounded by the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, thus engaging the first object with the second leg.

[0016] It should be noted that a top view refers to a viewpoint observed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first leg, the second leg, and the main body before they are tied together; it can also be called a planar view.

[0017] In this invention, "binding the first object and the second object" means restricting the movement of the second object relative to the first object. Here, the clips used for binding do not necessarily need to be in contact with either the first or the second object. For example, even if the clips are not in contact with the second object, the movement of the second object relative to the first object can be restricted by engaging the clips with the first object in a state that surrounds the second object; therefore, "binding the first object and the second object" includes such a state.

[0018] In this invention, "bending" or "folding" refers to a partial bending. Therefore, when bent, the portion other than the partially bent part substantially retains its original shape. For example, when bending a member that extends in a straight line, the portion other than the partially bent part substantially retains its straight-line extension shape.

[0019] In this invention, "bending" refers to bending in an arc shape within a specified range. Therefore, during bending, the bent component deforms smoothly within the specified range.

[0020] In this invention, "bending" includes bending and folding. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A This is an example of a clip before binding, shown from above.

[0022] Figure 1B This is an example of a snap fastener after it has been secured, shown from above.

[0023] Figure 1C This is an example of a snap fastener after it has been secured, shown from the main view.

[0024] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a strapping method using the strapping machine described in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a strapping method using the strapping machine described in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of a strapping method using the strapping machine described in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram of a strapping method using the strapping machine described in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2E This is a schematic diagram of a strapping method using the strapping machine described in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a right-side sectional view of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4A This is a top-view cross-sectional view of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4B This is a front-view sectional view of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged perspective view (perspective view) of the front end of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the driver according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6B This is a top-down plan view of the driver according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the slider in the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7B This is a top-down plan view of the slider according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8AThis is a partially enlarged cross-section of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment, viewed from the side.

[0038] Figure 8B This is a partially enlarged cross-section of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment, viewed from the rear.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged view (perspective sectional view) showing the nut component and the like of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the detachment part, etc., of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11A This is a partially enlarged view showing the initial state of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment from a frontal perspective.

[0042] Figure 11B This is a partially enlarged top view showing the initial state of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12A This is a partially enlarged top view showing the strapping machine according to the first embodiment at the start of plastic deformation.

[0044] Figure 12B This is a partially enlarged side view showing the beginning of plastic deformation of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12C This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the front end of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the abutting member 24 (claw member) according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a frontal sectional view of the abutment member 24 (claw member) under plastic deformation according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the second arm according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 16A This is a plan view of the second arm according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 16B This is a rear view of the second arm according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 17A This is a partial enlarged view from the front view showing the start of the drive movement of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 17B This is a partially enlarged top view showing the start of the drive movement of the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 18 This is a partially enlarged top view showing the detached clips moving forward using the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 19 This is a partially enlarged top view showing the tassel passing through the first outer wall portion via the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 20 This is a partially enlarged top view showing the state when the clasp reaches the displacement start position by the strapping machine according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 21A This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine from a frontal perspective, showing the user inserting a first object into the first insertion part and a second object into the second insertion part.

[0057] Figure 21B This is a top-view enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine as the user inserts a first object into the first insertion part and a second object into the second insertion part.

[0058] Figure 22A This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine from a main view, showing the slider restarting its forward movement after the first and second objects have been inserted.

[0059] Figure 22B This is a top-down enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine as the slider resumes its forward movement after the first and second objects have been inserted.

[0060] Figure 23A This is a close-up view of the front end of the strapping machine from a frontal perspective, showing the second leg deforming as the slider moves forward.

[0061] Figure 23B This is a top-down enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine as the slider moves forward and the second leg deforms.

[0062] Figure 24A This is a close-up view of the front end of the strapping machine from the main view, just before the slider moves forward to its final position.

[0063] Figure 24B This is a close-up view of the front end of the strapping machine from above, just before the slider moves forward to its final position.

[0064] Figure 25AThese are enlarged views of the front end of the strapping machine from the main view and enlarged 3D view after the slider begins to retract.

[0065] Figure 25B These are top-down enlarged views and 3D views of the front end of the strapping machine after the slider begins to retract.

[0066] Figure 25C This is a magnified 3D view of the front end of the strapping machine after the slider begins to retract.

[0067] Figure 26A It is a magnified view of the front end of the strapping machine as the slider moves further back, as well as a magnified 3D view.

[0068] Figure 26B It is a top-down enlarged view and a magnified 3D view of the front part of the strapping machine as the slider moves further backward.

[0069] Figure 26C This is a magnified 3D view of the front end of the strapping machine as the slider moves further backward.

[0070] Figure 27A This is an example of a clip before binding, shown from above.

[0071] Figure 27B This is an example of a snap fastener after it has been secured, shown from above.

[0072] Figure 28 This is a right view of the strapping machine involved in the second embodiment.

[0073] Figure 29 This is a top-view cross-sectional view of the strapping machine according to the second embodiment.

[0074] Figure 30A This is a perspective view of the crank holding mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0075] Figure 30B This is a vertical sectional view of the second retaining mechanism of the crank retaining mechanism according to the second embodiment, viewed from the front.

[0076] Figure 31A This is a perspective view of the hole involved in the second embodiment.

[0077] Figure 31B This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state in which the induced protrusion is inserted into the hole in the second embodiment.

[0078] Figure 31C This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state in which the induced protrusion is inserted into the hole in the second embodiment.

[0079] Figure 32AThis is a schematic diagram showing the structure in the second embodiment that links the movement of the driver with the up-and-down movement of the cover.

[0080] Figure 32B This is a schematic diagram showing the structure in the second embodiment that links the movement of the driver with the up-and-down movement of the cover.

[0081] Figure 32C This is a schematic diagram showing the structure in the second embodiment that links the movement of the driver with the up-and-down movement of the cover.

[0082] Figure 32D This is a schematic diagram showing the structure in the second embodiment that links the movement of the driver with the up-and-down movement of the cover.

[0083] Figure 33A This is a schematic diagram showing the structure in the second embodiment that links the movement of the driver with the up-and-down movement of the cover.

[0084] Figure 33B This is a schematic diagram showing the structure in the second embodiment that links the movement of the driver with the up-and-down movement of the cover.

[0085] Figure 34 This is a perspective view of the guide and retaining mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0086] Figure 35A This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0087] Figure 35B This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0088] Figure 35C This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0089] Figure 36A This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0090] Figure 36B This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0091] Figure 36C This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0092] Figure 36DThis is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine to engage the clips with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0093] Figure 37 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the clip is engaged with the first object in the second embodiment.

[0094] Figure 38 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the guide wall of the strapping machine according to the second embodiment.

[0095] Figure 39A This is an enlarged perspective view showing the inner support member of the strapping machine according to the second embodiment.

[0096] Figure 39B This is a top sectional view of the portion of the strapping machine according to the second embodiment that includes the inner support member.

[0097] Figure 40 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the ejection component of the strapping machine according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0098] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments.

[0099] <First Implementation Method>

[0100] [Structure of the clip S]

[0101] First, the structure of the clip S involved in this embodiment will be described. The clip S is made of a plastic wire capable of plastic deformation. The clip S is sometimes referred to as a wire or a clip. The clip S includes, for example, metal wire or metal cord (including components with surface plating treatment or coated with resin, etc.).

[0102] Figure 1A This embodiment illustrates the pre-binding clip S. Figure 1B and Figure 1C The top and front views of the clip S in its bundled state are shown respectively (however, for ease of explanation, in...). Figure 1C (Components not required for the description of the first object G and the second object P are omitted).

[0103] The clip S includes a first leg S1, a second leg S2, and a main body S3 that connects the first leg S1 and the second leg S2.

[0104] In the state before binding, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the clip S are set separately, so an opening is provided between the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. The direction from the closed portion of the main body S3 to the opening ( Figure 1A The left-hand direction of the paper in the diagram is called the opening direction D1. When installing the staple S into the strapping machine 10, the opening direction D1 is consistent with the front X1 described later.

[0105] The first leg S1 is the end portion containing the pin S, comprising a first part S1B extending in the opening direction D1 and a top part S1A that is bent from the first part S1B and extends outward. The angle between the first part S1B and the top part S1A is called the bending angle α1, and the portion of the top part S1A that is bent to connect with the first part S1B is called the bent portion. In this embodiment, the bending angle α1 is 90 degrees or less.

[0106] The second leg S2 is the portion containing the other end of the clip S, including a second part extending in the opening direction D1. (This is shown in a top view illustrating the strapped-in state.) Figure 1B In this configuration, the second leg S2 is bent in a manner that intersects with the first leg S1, thereby closing the opening. Therefore, the second leg S2 in this embodiment is formed to be longer than the width of the opening, i.e., the distance between the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. In addition, the second leg S2 is formed to be longer than the first leg S1.

[0107] The main body S3 is the portion connecting the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. In this embodiment, the main body S3 includes a side extending in a straight line. However, the shape of the main body S3 is not limited to this; for example, it may include an outwardly curved portion, or it may be composed of one or more sides and one or more curved portions.

[0108] exist Figure 1B In the binding state shown, the top end S1A of the first leg S1 of the clip S is bent approximately clockwise (hereinafter, the approximately clockwise direction in the top view is sometimes referred to as the "first rotation direction R1", and the approximately counterclockwise direction is sometimes referred to as the "second rotation direction R2"), and intersects with the first leg S1 in the top view. Therefore, the first object G can be clamped in using the first leg S1. Figure 1C As shown, the top part S1A of the first leg S1 is bent in such a way that the top part travels downward Z2 away from the plane PL of the first leg S1, the second leg S2 and the main body S3 before the binding.

[0109] On the other hand, a portion of the second leg S2 of the clip S closes the opening by bending it in the first rotational direction R1. Because the opening is closed, it is possible to prevent the clip S from detaching from the second object P surrounded by the clip S. Furthermore, as... Figure 1C As shown, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 is bent in such a way that the tip travels upward Z1 away from the plane PL of the first leg S1, the second leg S2, and the main body S3 before binding. By bending the tip of the first leg S1 downward Z2 to engage with the first object G, and bending the tip of the second leg S2 upward Z1 to engage with the second object P, tension can be easily generated in the area from the engagement position of the first object G with the first leg S1 to the engagement position of the second leg S2 with the second object P. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first object G from deflecting and the pin S from falling off.

[0110] In addition, the second leg S2 is bent in a first rotational direction R1 toward the inside of the clip S, closing the opening when viewed from above, until it intersects with the first leg S1. At this time, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 passes through the gap between the first object G and the second object P. Then, the second leg S2 is displaced in a second rotational direction R2, opposite to the first rotational direction R1, when viewed from above, so that the tip S2A of the second leg S2, which passes through the gap between the first object G and the second object P, engages with the first object G. As a result, the first object G can be engaged by using the tip S1A of the first leg S1 and the tip S2A of the second leg S2. Even if the second object P grows, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 are bent in the direction that increases the force of engaging the first object G. Thus, even if the second object P grows, the clip S is not easily dislodged from the first object G.

[0111] It should be noted that when displacing the second leg S2 in the first rotational direction R1, it is preferable to bend the second leg S2 in the first rotational direction R1 while simultaneously bending the tip S2A of the second leg S2 in the second rotational direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotational direction R1. With this structure, by displacing the tip S2A of the second leg S2, which passes through the gap between the first object G and the second object P, in the second rotational direction R2, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 can easily engage with the first object G.

[0112] The state of the clip S before binding is shown. Figure 1A The state of the clip S after binding is shown. Figure 1B and Figure 1CA comparison clearly shows that when the distance from the tip of the first leg S1 to the displacement portion of the first leg S1 is defined as the first distance DS1, and the distance from the tip of the second leg S2 to the displacement portion of the second leg S2 is defined as the second distance DS2, the second distance DS2 is larger than the first distance DS1; for example, the second distance DS2 is twice as large as the first distance DS1. By bending the pin S asymmetrically in this way, the second leg S2 can be properly engaged with the first object G that is approached and held by the first leg S1.

[0113] Moreover, such as Figure 1A As shown, the boundary position between the displaced portion and the non-displaced portion of the first leg S1, which is located at a first distance DS1 from the top of the first leg S1, is the position where the displaced portion and the non-displaced portion of the second leg S2, which is located at a second distance DS2 from the top of the second leg S2, has traveled in the opening direction D1.

[0114] By forming such a structure, the displacement of the second leg S2 can begin first when the slider 44 moves in the opening direction D1, and the displacement of the first leg S1 can begin after the second leg S2 begins to move. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of large loads to the strapping machine 10 at the same time.

[0115] It should be noted that the shape of the S-shaped pin is not limited to... Figure 1A The shape shown. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 may not be parallel. For example, even if the opening narrows towards the top, or even if the opening widens towards the top, the pin S can still be bent to achieve at least a portion of the aforementioned technical effect. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that even if the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 are of the same length, although the top of the first leg S1 may have excess material, the pin S can still be bent to achieve at least a portion of the aforementioned technical effect.

[0116] In addition, the method of bending the S-shaped pin is not limited to Figure 1B and Figure 1C The method shown. For example, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 may not be bent. Those skilled in the art will understand that even if the tip S2A of the second leg S2 is not bent, the second leg S2 can still engage with the first object G, thus achieving at least a portion of the above-described technical effects.

[0117] The following is an explanation of how to use... Figure 1A The pin S shown is as follows Figure 1B and Figure 1C An example of the structure of the strapping machine 10 that is bent as shown.

[0118] Figures 2A to 2EThis is a schematic diagram illustrating, conceptually, the structure of a strapping machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the appearance of a rivet S bent by the strapping machine 10. In this diagram, the main body S3 of the rivet S is stationary.

[0119] It should be noted that, for the sake of explaining the relative directional relationships, and for convenience, sometimes... Figures 2A to 2E In this diagram, the direction to the left of the paper is called the front (X1), the direction to the right of the paper is called the rear (X2), the direction perpendicular to the front of the paper is called the top (Z1), the direction perpendicular to the depth of the paper is called the bottom (Z2), the bottom of the paper is called the right (Y1), and the top of the paper is called the left (Y2). A top view refers to the perspective from the top (Z1) position towards the bottom (Z2) position; a front view refers to the perspective from the front (X1) position towards the rear (X2) position; and a side view refers to the perspective from the right (Y1) or left (Y2) position.

[0120] In addition, when the tack S described later is installed on the strapping machine 10, based on the tack S, the direction from the area surrounded by the tack S (the area where the second object P described later is inserted) to the outside of the tack S is sometimes called the outer direction, and the direction from the outside of the tack S to the area surrounded by the tack S is called the inner direction.

[0121] like Figure 2A As shown, the strapping machine 10 includes a slider 44 as an example of a moving component that moves forward X1. The strapping machine 10 also includes a first displacement unit 20 for displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S. Based on the movement of the slider 44 forward X1, the first displacement unit 20 moves different components in different directions, thereby displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G.

[0122] It should be noted that the slider 44 can be formed as a single piece or it can be composed of multiple parts that move in conjunction.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first displacement portion 20 includes an abutment member 24 that moves in a direction inclined toward the inside (right Y1) and rear X2 toward the pin S based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44. The abutment member 24 abuts against the area of ​​the top end S1A of the pin S and bends the top end S1A in a plastic deformation manner, and is therefore sometimes referred to as a gripping portion.

[0124] It should be noted that the first displacement part 20 may also include a component that moves inward (right Y1) to the inside of the pin S, that is, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front X1, based on the movement of the slider 44 forward X1, thereby abutting against the top part S1A of the pin S and bending the top part S1A.

[0125] Instead, the first displacement part 20 may also include a component that moves outward (left Y2) of the pin S based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the top part S1A of the pin S and bending the top part S1A.

[0126] Instead, the first displacement part 20 may also include a component that moves the pin S in the first rotation direction R1 based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the top part S1A of the pin S and bending the top part S1A.

[0127] Instead, the first displacement part 20 may also include a component that moves the pin S in the second rotational direction R2 based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the top part S1A of the pin S and bending the top part S1A.

[0128] Regarding the mechanism for moving the abutment member 24 and other components in different directions based on the forward X1 movement of the sliding member such as the slider 44, the mechanism disclosed in this embodiment or other mechanisms can be used.

[0129] Regarding the mechanism for rotating the abutment member 24 or other components in the first rotation direction R1 or the second rotation direction R2 based on the forward movement of the sliding member 44 or other moving member X1, the mechanism disclosed in this embodiment or other mechanisms can be used.

[0130] The strapping machine 10 also includes a second displacement unit 30 for displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S. The second displacement unit 30 moves different components in different directions based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G.

[0131] In this embodiment, the second displacement part 30 includes an arm (sometimes referred to as the second arm) that rotates in the first rotation direction R1 based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby bending the second leg S2 in a plastic deformation manner. In this embodiment, the arm abuts against the second leg S2 of the pin S, bending the second leg S2 both towards the direction of approaching the first leg S1 and in an upward Z1 tilting direction, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the tilting bending part.

[0132] exist Figure 2A In this configuration, the second displacement portion 30 is connected to the slider 44, enabling it to rotate around the front end of the slider 44 as a fulcrum. However, as described in the embodiments described later, the second displacement portion 30 may also be unconnected to the slider 44. For example, the second displacement portion 30 may also include a second arm 32 that is not connected to the slider 44 and rotates in the first rotation direction R1 via the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44, thereby bending the second leg S2 in a plastic deformation manner.

[0133] It should be noted that the second displacement part 30 may also include a component that moves inward (left Y2) to the inside of the pin S, that is, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front X1, based on the movement of the slider 44 forward X1, thereby abutting against the second leg S2 of the pin S and bending the second leg S2.

[0134] Instead, the second displacement part 30 may also include a component that moves outward (right Y1) of the pin S based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the second leg S2 of the pin S and bending the second leg S2.

[0135] Instead, the second displacement part 30 may also include a component that moves the pin S in the second rotation direction R2 based on the forward movement of the slider 44 X1, thereby abutting against the second leg S2 of the pin S and bending the second leg S2.

[0136] The second displacement portion 30 in this embodiment additionally includes a support wall portion 68A that bends the top end portion S2A of the second leg S2 in the opposite direction (outward) by causing it to abut against the top end portion S2A while passing through. The support wall portion 68A bends the top end portion S2A of the second leg S2, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the top end bending portion.

[0137] However, when using a staple with a pre-formed outwardly bent tip, the strapping machine may not include the support wall 68A.

[0138] The strapping machine 10 in this embodiment additionally includes a fulcrum 66A that functions as a fulcrum for bending the second leg S2. In this embodiment, the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 functions as the fulcrum 66A. Furthermore, the distance from the portion of the second leg S2 that abuts against the fulcrum 66A to its top end corresponds to a second distance DS2.

[0139] Figure 2A This is a top-view schematic diagram showing the state of the pin S after bending has just begun. As shown in the figure, the second displacement portion 30 begins to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 via the forward-moving slider 44. Consequently, the second leg S2 of the pin S, which abuts against the second displacement portion 30, begins to bend around the fulcrum 66A. At the same time, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 abuts against and passes through the support wall portion 68A. Therefore, it is possible to bend the second leg S2 in the first rotation direction R1, which corresponds to the inward direction of the pin S, while simultaneously bending the tip S2A of the second leg S2 in the second rotation direction R2, which corresponds to the outward direction of the pin S.

[0140] Figure 2B and Figure 2CThis is a top-view schematic diagram showing the state of the clip S after bending begins. As shown in the figure, the second displacement part 30 rotates further in the first rotation direction R1 by the slider 44 moving further forward. Therefore, the second displacement part 30 bends the second leg S2 further in the first rotation direction R1 with fulcrum 66A as the fulcrum.

[0141] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the second leg S2 of the clip S when it is bent and crosses the first leg S1 in a top view. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second leg S2 is bent both towards the first leg S1 and in an upward tilting direction Z1, thus avoiding interference with the first leg S1. As shown in the figure, by further moving the slider 44 forward, the second displacement part 30 rotates further in the first rotation direction R1 by more than 90 degrees. Therefore, the second displacement part 30 is configured to bend the second leg S2 to a position where it crosses the first leg S1 in a top view.

[0142] Figure 2E This is a top-view schematic diagram showing the bent state of the first leg S1 of the clip S. As shown in the figure, by moving the slider 44 forward, the abutment member 24 of the first displacement part 20 moves in an inward (right Y1) and rearward X2 direction, bending the top part S1A of the first leg S1. As shown, the top part S1A can be bent upward Z1 or downward Z2 relative to the first leg S1. By bending the top part S1A of the first leg S1 in this way, the first object G can be clamped in using the first leg S1.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first displacement portion 20 and the second displacement portion 30 are configured such that they abut against the slider 44 at different times, thereby staggering the timing of the start of bending of the first leg S1 of the clip S and the timing of the start of bending of the second leg S2 of the clip S. By forming such a structure, it is possible to suppress the generation of large loads on the strapping machine 10 simultaneously. Additionally, by starting the bending of the second leg S2, which has a larger bending amount, first, it is possible to prevent a significant staggering between the timing of the end of bending of the first leg S1 and the timing of the end of bending of the second leg S2.

[0144] The following describes the detailed structure of the strapping machine 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0145] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine 10 viewed from the right. Figure 4AThis is a top-down sectional view of the strapping machine 10 (however, for convenience, the view has been rotated 90 degrees. Hereinafter, for convenience, the view will sometimes be rotated as well). Structures that are not described for the purpose of further facilitating the explanation (such as the housing of the strapping machine 10) have been omitted (hereafter, for the same reason, some structures will sometimes be omitted in the view).

[0146] Figure 4B Therefore Figure 4A The main view shows a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine 10 after section AA is cut off. Figure 5 This is an enlarged 3D view of the front end of the strapping machine 10.

[0147] [Structural Overview of Strapping Machine 10]

[0148] The strapping machine 10 uses rivets S with openings to strap together a first object G and a second object P. It should be noted that, regarding the rivet S in one embodiment... Figure 1A , Figure 1B The structure of ) has been described above.

[0149] The first object G is, for example, a thread, beam, rope, rod, pipe, or tree branch. The first object G is sometimes referred to as a guiding element. The second object P is, for example, the stem, vine, branch, or fruit of grass, trees, etc. The binding machine 10 displaces the first leg S1 of the clip S in a manner that engages with the first object G, and displaces the second leg S2 in a manner that engages with the first object G, so that the clip S surrounds the second object P. This restricts the movement of the second object P relative to the first object G, thus binding the first object G and the second object P.

[0150] The strapping machine 10 includes a first displacement section 20 that can displace the first leg S1 of the clip S in a manner capable of engaging with the first object G, and a second displacement section 30 that can displace the second leg S2 of the clip S in a manner capable of engaging with the first object G. The second displacement section 30 is configured to strap the first object G and the second object P by engaging the top end S2A of the second leg S2 with the first object G while the second object P is surrounded by the first leg S1, the second leg S2 and the main body S3 of the clip S.

[0151] More specifically, the strapping machine 10 includes: a handle 12 extending vertically for user gripping, and equipped with a switch for driving the strapping machine 10; a hopper 14 ( Figure 3The device is configured to accommodate multiple clips S stacked vertically; a push rod 16 applies upward force Z1 to the multiple clips S accommodated in the hopper 14; a driver 42 pushes the upper clip S forward X1 to separate it from the other clips S and move it forward X1; a moving mechanism moves the driver 42 and the slider 44; a first displacement part 20 displaces the first leg S1 of the clip S via the slider 44; a second displacement part 30 displaces the second leg S2 of the clip S via the slider 44; and a disengagement part 56 provides a path for the clip S to disengage from the other clips S.

[0152] Here, the first displacement portion 20 includes a first outer wall portion 62 and a first inner wall portion 64 for displacing the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1 as it abuts against and passes through the drive 42 to move forward X1.

[0153] Additionally, the first displacement portion 20 includes a first arm 22 that rotates by being pushed by the first front end portion 44A1 of the slider 44 that moves forward X1, and an abutment member 24 that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the first arm 22 and moves toward the inside of the latch S to abut against the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1, thereby bending the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1. The abutment member 24 is sometimes referred to as a claw member.

[0154] The second displacement portion 30 includes a second arm 32 that rotates when pressed by the second front end portion 44A2 of the slider 44 that moves forward X1. The second arm 32 is configured to bend the second leg S2 by rotating while abutting against the second leg S2 of the clip S. At this time, as described above, by surrounding the second object P with the first leg S1, the second leg S2 and the main body portion S3 of the clip S and engaging the second leg S2 with the first object G, the first object G and the second object P can be bound together.

[0155] The strapping machine 10 of this embodiment moves components such as the slider 44 forward X1 in parallel motion. The parallel-moving components push the first arm 22 and the second arm 32, converting the motion into rotational motion, thereby displacing the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the clip S. However, the means of displacing the first leg S1 or the second leg S2 are not limited to this. For example, as a means of displacing the first leg S1, a means that allows the top end S1A of the first leg S1 to move in an arc shape when the driver 42 or the slider 44 moves forward can also be used. Furthermore, as a structure for converting parallel motion into rotational motion, other means for converting parallel motion into rotational motion can also be employed. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first arm 22 and the second arm 32 rotate in the same direction when viewed from above to displace the first leg S1 and the second leg S2, but this is not limited to this; for example, the second arm 32 can rotate in the opposite direction to displace the second leg S2.

[0156] The following describes the detailed structure of the strapping machine 10 according to this embodiment.

[0157] [Driver and slider moving mechanism (conveyor mechanism)]

[0158] The driver 42 of the strapping machine 10 has the function of moving the clip S forward X1 by moving forward X1. The driver 42 is configured to separate the upper clip S from the other clips S by moving the upper clip S connected to the other clips S forward X1, and is configured to further move the clip S forward X1 so that the top end S1A of the first leg S1 abuts against the first outer wall portion 62 included in the first displacement portion 20 and is displaced through the first outer wall portion 62.

[0159] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the driver 42 according to this embodiment. Figure 6B This is a plan view of the actuator 42 from above. As shown in these figures, the actuator 42 is formed in the shape of a plate, including a front end portion having a front end face 42S that abuts against the main body portion S3 of the pin S and a rear end portion having an actuator protrusion 42C located X2 behind the front end portion and forming a downward protrusion Z2.

[0160] The front end of the driver 42 includes a front end face 42S that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction and has the shape of a main body S3 that engages with the clip S.

[0161] Furthermore, the left end of the front end of the driver 42 supports the first leg S1 by abutting against the first part S1B or the part of the main body S3 connected to the first leg S1 from the outside, i.e., the left Y2, and in a manner that has a protruding end 42B extending forward X1 with a wall extending forward X1.

[0162] like Figure 4B and Figure 8B As shown, the actuator 42 is guided to move in the front-rear direction by fitting into a recess provided in the base 46. The upper surface of the actuator 42 abuts against the bottom surface of the slider 44, which fits into the recess provided in the base 46, thus restricting the upward Z1 movement of the actuator 42. Furthermore, the left and right sides of the actuator 42 abut against the left and right walls of the base 46, which extends in the front-rear direction, respectively, thus restricting the left and right movement of the actuator 42. Moreover, an actuator protrusion 42C, formed at the rear end of the actuator 42 and protruding downward Z2, is inserted into the recess of the base 46. The left and right walls and the bottom surface of the actuator protrusion 42C face the wall and upper surface of the base 46, respectively. With this structure, the actuator 42 is guided to move in the front-rear direction.

[0163] Three grooves are formed at the bottom of the driver protrusion 42C that protrudes downwards (Z2). Specifically, a first groove 42G1 is formed for moving forward X1 by being pushed forward X1 by the first claw 48C1 of the switching block 48 (an example of a "block"), a second groove 42G2 is formed for moving backward X2 by being pushed backward X2 by the second claw 48C2, and a third groove 42G3 is formed for moving forward X1 by being pushed forward X1 by the third claw 48C3. As shown in the figure, the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2, and the third groove 42G3 are arranged parallel to each other and extend in the front-rear direction. In addition, the front ends of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 (the sides of the grooves facing backward X2 of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3) are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the rear end of the second slot 42G2 (the side of the slot of the second slot 42G2 facing forward X1) is located X2 positions further rearward than the front ends of the first slot 42G1 and the third slot 42G3 (the sides of the slots of the first slot 42G1 and the third slot 42G3 facing rearward X2). On the other hand, the first slot 42G1 and the third slot 42G3 are located X2 positions further rearward than the rear end of the second slot 42G2.

[0164] As described below, the following structure is adopted: When moving forward, the first slot 42G1 and the third slot 42G3 are used to propel the drive 42 forward; when moving backward, the second slot 42G2 is used to propel the drive 42 backward. Thus, the drive 42 can move appropriately forward X1 during relatively high-load forward movement. Furthermore, in top view, the second slot 42G2 is arranged to overlap with the central axis of the ball screw 50, and the first slot 42G1 and the third slot 42G3 are arranged to sandwich the second slot 42G2. Therefore, the drive 42 is configured to move forward and backward in a balanced manner.

[0165] The driver 42 is mounted on the base 46 of the strapping machine 10 and is configured to move in the back-and-forth direction on the base 46. Thus, by forming the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2 and the third groove 42G3, a portion of the upper surface of the base 46 is exposed upward Z1.

[0166] The slider 44 of the strapping machine 10 has the function of moving forward X1 to push the first displacement part 20 and the second displacement part 30 forward X1, thereby displacing the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the clip S. The slider 44 according to this embodiment includes a first front end part 44A1 that pushes the first arm 22 of the first displacement part 20 forward X1 to rotate the first arm 22, and a second front end part 44A2 that pushes the second arm 32 of the second displacement part 30 forward X1 to rotate the second arm 32.

[0167] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the slider 44 involved in this embodiment. Figure 7B This is a plan view of the slider 44 from a top view. As shown in these figures, the slider 44 is formed in the shape of a plate, having a first front end portion 44A1 extending forward X1 to the left of the first leg S1 of the pin S being disposed, and a second front end portion 44A2 extending forward X1 separately from the first front end portion 44A1 to the side of the second leg S2 of the pin S being disposed.

[0168] The slider 44 also has a fixing part 44B for bolting the nut component 52, which will be described later.

[0169] like Figure 4B As shown, the slider 44 is guided to move in the front-rear direction by fitting into a recess provided in the base 46. The upper surface of the slider 44 is restricted from upward Z1 movement by abutting against a guide fixed to the base 46 or the housing. Furthermore, the left and right sides of the slider 44 are restricted from left and right movement by abutting against the left and right walls of the base 46, which extends in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the bottom surface of the slider 44 is supported by the upper surface of the base 46 and the upper surface of the driver 42. With this structure, the slider 44 (and the driver 42 for stacking the slider 44) are guided to move in the front-rear direction.

[0170] The structure of the first front end portion 44A1 and the second front end portion 44A2 of the slider 44 will be described later.

[0171] Nut component 52 of strapping machine 10 Figure 4A , Figure 8A and Figure 8B (etc.) has the function of moving the actuator 42 and the slider 44 forward X1 and backward X2. In this embodiment, the nut component 52 has a female thread that engages with the male thread of the ball screw 50 via a ball member (not shown). Therefore, when the ball screw 50 rotates in the forward direction, the nut component 52 moves forward X1; when the ball screw 50 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut component 52 moves backward X2. The nut component 52 is fixed to the slider 44. Additionally, as... Figure 8A As shown, the front end face of the nut component 52 abuts against the rear end face of the slider 44. Therefore, the nut component 52 and the slider 44 are configured to move integrally on the front X1 and rear X2 in a torque-suppressed manner.

[0172] Furthermore, the nut component 52 includes a switching block 48 for retaining the first claw portion 48C1, the second claw portion 48C2, and the third claw portion 48C3. Figure 8B The ring-shaped retaining portion 52A protrudes downwards (Z2). The nut component 52 and the switching block 48 held by the nut component 52 are configured to move integrally forward (X1) and backwards (X2). The retaining portion 52A holds the switching block 48 in such a manner that the first claw portion 48C1 can be inserted into the first groove 42G1, the second claw portion 48C2 can be inserted into the second groove 42G2, and the third claw portion 48C3 can be inserted into the third groove 42G3.

[0173] The nut component 52, slider 44 and driver 42 are configured to move forward X1 and backward X2, and are therefore sometimes referred to as the moving part.

[0174] Figure 8A This is a partial enlarged view of the strapping machine 10 when it is cut in a vertical section including the central axis 50AX of the ball screw 50, viewed from the side. Figure 8B This is a magnified view of the strapping machine 10 when it is cut with a vertical section perpendicular to the central axis 50AX of the ball screw 50, viewed from the rear (X2). Figure 9 This is a partial enlarged view of the three-dimensional sectional view of the strapping machine 10, showing the nut component 52, etc.

[0175] like Figure 8BAs shown, an elastic member 49 is inserted between the nut component 52 and the switching block 48 to generate an elastic force that presses the bottom of the switching block 48 against the surface of the base 46. Therefore, the switching block 48 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and the vertical distance between the nut component 52 and the switching block 48 varies according to the surface shape of the base 46 through which the switching block 48 passes.

[0176] In this embodiment, the nut component 52 is configured to move forward X1 and backward X2 via the motor 54 and the ball screw 50.

[0177] Electric motor 54 ( Figure 4A The ball screw 50 is rotated. The electric motor 54 is located at the rear end of the strapping machine 10. It should be noted that the strapping machine 10 is equipped with a removable battery, and the electric motor 54 can be configured to be driven by the battery power. The strapping machine 10 according to this embodiment also includes a speed reducer 55, which increases the torque of the electric motor 54 to rotate the ball screw 50. Furthermore, a printed wiring board is mounted at the rear end of the strapping machine 10, and this printed wiring board is equipped with a CPU, which is equivalent to a control device for controlling the electric motor 54.

[0178] 50 ball screw Figure 4A , Figure 8A and Figure 8B The ball screw 50 extends in the front-to-back direction approximately at the center of the strapping machine 10. As described above, the ball screw 50 has a male thread that engages with the female thread of the nut component 52 via a ball member (not shown).

[0179] Base 46 ( Figure 4B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B Support driver 42 and slider 44. (e.g.) Figure 4B As shown, the base 46 has a support surface that supports the driver 42 from below (Z2) by abutting or facing the bottom surface of the driver 42, and a wall portion that extends in the front-rear direction to support the driver 42 from the left (Y2) by abutting or facing the side of the left end of the driver 42. The base 46 also has a wall portion that extends in the front-rear direction to support the driver 42 from the right (Y1) by abutting or facing the right end of the driver 42. With this structure, the base 46 guides the driver 42 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction.

[0180] The base 46 also has a support surface that supports the slider 44 from below Z2 by abutting or facing the bottom surface of the slider 44 mounted on the driver 42, and a wall portion that extends in the front-rear direction to support the slider 44 from the left Y2 by abutting or facing the left end of the slider 44. The base 46 also has a wall portion that extends in the front-rear direction to support the slider 44 from the right Y1 by abutting or facing the right end of the slider 44. With this structure, the base 46 guides the slider 44 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction.

[0181] like Figure 9 As shown, the base 46 has a first protrusion 46A1 that is tapered as it moves backward X2 and upward Z1, a second protrusion 46A2 that is tapered as it moves forward X1 and upward Z1, and a third protrusion 46A3 that is tapered as it moves backward X2 and upward Z1.

[0182] The first protrusion 46A1 is positioned on the path of the first claw 48C1 (inside the first slot 42G1) when the driver 42 moves backward X2.

[0183] The second protrusion 46A2 is positioned on the path of the second claw 48C2 (inside the second groove 42G2) when the driver 42 moves forward X1.

[0184] The third protrusion 46A3 is positioned on the path of the third claw 48C3 (inside the third slot 42G3) when the driver 42 moves rearward X2.

[0185] The first protrusion 46A1 to the third protrusion 46A3 are preferably formed to be the same as or higher than the height of the driver 42 (the plate thickness of the driver 42).

[0186] The first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3 are positioned at the same location in the front-rear direction. The second protrusion 46A2 is positioned X1 positions forward of the first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3.

[0187] According to the above structure, if the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the positive direction, the nut component 52, the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52, and the switching block 48 held in the nut component 52 move forward X1 together. Furthermore, since the first claw portion 48C1, the second claw portion 48C2, and the third claw portion 48C3 of the switching block 48 are respectively inserted into the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2, and the third groove 42G3, the front surfaces of the first claw portion 48C1 and the third claw portion 48C3 abut against the rearward X2 side surfaces of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3, respectively. Therefore, the switching block 48, pressed against the surface of the base 46 by the elastic member 49, presses the surface of the base 46 downward Z2 while simultaneously moving the driver 42 forward X1 using the front surfaces of the first claw portion 48C1 and the third claw portion 48C3. As a result, the driver 42 and the slider 44 move forward X1 together. The movement that moves the driver 42 and the slider 44 forward X1 together is called the first movement.

[0188] Subsequently, if the switching block 48 advances to the position where the second protrusion 46A2 is provided, the second claw portion 48C2 moves upward Z1 along the inclined surface of the second protrusion 46A2. Therefore, the switching block 48 moves forward X1 and upward Z1 simultaneously. As a result, the front surfaces of the first claw portion 48C1 and the third claw portion 48C3 move upward Z1 relative to the sides of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 that are in contact with it. Therefore, the switching block 48 climbs onto the driver 42, and the driver 42 stops moving forward X1. At this point, the first movement action ends.

[0189] After the first movement is completed, if the motor 54 causes the ball screw 50 to rotate further in the positive direction, the switching block 48 moves forward X1 on the driver 42. At this time, only the slider 44 in the driver 42 moves forward X1. This movement, in which only the slider 44 in the driver 42 moves forward X1, is called the second movement. If the slider 44 advances a predetermined amount relative to the driver 42, the motor 54 stops the positive rotation of the ball screw 50. At this time, the second movement ends.

[0190] It should be noted that during the second movement, the driver 42 may advance due to friction between the switching block 48 and the driver 42. Therefore, the strapping machine 10 may also include a stop for stopping the forward movement of the driver 42 during the second movement. For example, by forming an opening in the base 46 and exposing a stop such as a ball bearing that is exerted upward Z1 through the opening, and on the other hand, providing a recess on the bottom surface of the driver 42 for the ball bearing to be inserted, the stop and the recess are configured to engage at the position where the driver 42 should stop moving forward X1 after the first movement ends, thus suppressing the forward and backward movement of the driver 42 during the second movement.

[0191] As described later, in the first movement, by using the driver 42 that moves forward X1, the upper pin S is pushed forward X1, which allows the upper pin S to move forward X1 and separate from the other pins S. Moreover, in the first movement, by using the driver 42 that moves forward X1 while moving the upper pin S forward X1, and by bringing the top part S1A of the first leg S1 into contact with the first outer wall part 62, the first leg S1 can be displaced (plasticly deformed) in a way that further reduces the bending angle α1 formed by the top part S1A of the first leg S1 and the first part S1B of the first leg S1.

[0192] Furthermore, during the second movement, the driver 42 stops moving forward X1, and therefore the pin S pushed by the driver 42 also stops moving forward X1. Thus, by advancing the slider 44 during the second movement, the second arm 32 of the second displacement part 30 can be pushed forward X1 and rotated by the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 while the pin S is stopped, so that the second leg S2 of the pin S is displaced by being surrounded by the first leg S1, the second leg S2, and the main body S3 and engaged with the first object G. Moreover, by rotating the first arm 22 of the first displacement part 20 by the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 while the pin S is stopped, the first leg S1 of the pin S can be displaced by engaging with the first object G.

[0193] It should be noted that the strapping machine 10 may also include a Hall sensor or other sensor for obtaining the rotation amount of the motor 54 in order to control the movement of the driver 42 and the slider 44. In addition, the strapping machine 10 may also include a magnet mounted on the nut component 52 for detecting and controlling the position of the nut component 52 in the front-back direction, and a Hall sensor or other sensor for obtaining the position of the magnet mounted on the nut component 52.

[0194] After the binding action is completed, the ball screw 50 is rotated in the opposite direction by the motor 54, and the nut component 52, the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52, and the switching block 48 held on the nut component 52 move backward X2 together. At this time, the switching block 48 moves backward X2 on the stopped drive 42.

[0195] If the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the opposite direction, the second claw portion 48C2 of the switching block 48 moves backward X2 and downward Z2 along the inclined surface of the second protrusion 46A2 provided on the base 46. Therefore, the first claw portion 48C1, the second claw portion 48C2, and the third claw portion 48C3 of the switching block 48 are inserted into the areas within the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2, and the third groove 42G3, respectively. If the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the opposite direction, the switching block 48 moves backward X2, and the rear surface of the second claw portion 48C2 of the switching block 48 abuts against the forward-facing side of the second groove 42G2. Thus, while the elastic member 49 presses the surface of the base 46 downward Z2, the rear surface of the second claw portion 48C2 moves the driver 42 backward X2. At this time, the nut component 52, slider 44, switching block 48 and driver 42 move backward X2 together.

[0196] If the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the opposite direction and the switching block 48 retracts to the position where the first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3 are provided, then the first claw portion 48C1 and the third claw portion 48C3 of the switching block 48 move upward Z1 along the inclined surfaces of the first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3, respectively. Therefore, the switching block 48 moves backward X2 while moving upward Z1. As a result, the rear surface of the second claw portion 48C2 moves upward Z1 than the side surface of the second groove 42G2 it abuts. Therefore, the switching block 48 climbs onto the driver 42, and the driver 42 stops moving backward X2. The strapping machine 10 may also have a stop made of the above-described structure or other structures to limit the backward X2 movement of the driver 42.

[0197] Subsequently, if the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the opposite direction, the switching block 48 moves backward X2 on the driver 42. At this time, only the slider 44 of the driver 42 and the slider 44 moves backward X2. If the slider 44 retracts a predetermined amount relative to the driver 42, the motor 54 stops the reverse rotation of the ball screw 50.

[0198] Subsequently, if the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the positive direction, the nut component 52, the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52, and the switching block 48 held in the nut component 52 move forward X1 together. By moving the nut component 52, the slider 44, and the switching block 48 forward X1 together until the first claw portion 48C1 and the third claw portion 48C3 of the switching block 48 abut or approach the side of the front end of the first groove 42G1 and the side of the front end of the third groove 42G3, respectively, the first movement action can be transferred.

[0199] With the above structure, the strapping machine 10 is configured to perform a first movement action in which the driver 42 and the slider 44 move forward together, and a second movement action in which only the slider 44 moves further forward X1.

[0200] It should be noted that the position of the nut component 52 in the initial state is not limited. For example, the strapping machine 10 can be configured such that, immediately after starting from the initial state, only the slider 44 moves forward, and then the first movement action of the driver 42 and the slider 44 is executed.

[0201] [Conveying and bending mechanism of the detachment section]

[0202] The disengagement part includes a movement path for the pin S, which is separated by the driver 42 and moves forward X1, and a support wall that supports the pin S in the displacement achieved by the first displacement part 20 and the second displacement part 30.

[0203] like Figure 10 As shown, the disengagement part 56 is provided in a manner that allows it to move up and down along with the movement of the slider 44. The disengagement part 56 has a gap 56A that allows a portion of the slider 44 to enter as it moves. By allowing a portion of the slider 44 to enter the disengagement part 56 through the gap 56A, the vertical position of the disengagement part 56 can be stabilized, and the deformation of the pin S can be reliably performed.

[0204] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a partial enlarged view showing the front end of the strapping machine 10 in the initial state (standby state) from the front and top views.

[0205] When the pin S moves forward X1 by the driver 42, the first outer wall portion 62 passes through the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1 while abutting against it, thereby plastically deforming it in a way that further reduces the bending angle α1 formed by the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1 and the first part S1B of the first leg S1 (the part connected to the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1).

[0206] Therefore, the first outer wall portion 62 is located at a position where only a portion of the top end portion S1A of the first leg portion S1 of the snap fastener S is in contact.

[0207] When the first leg S1 of the clip S moves forward X1 by the driver 42 and during the displacement of the first leg S1, the first inner wall portion 64 supports the first leg S1 from the inside by being disposed on the inside of the first leg S1. The first inner wall portion 64 has a bottom surface disposed along the moving path of the first leg S1 and a wall surface disposed substantially parallel to the moving direction of the first leg S1, i.e., the front-back direction, and supporting the first leg S1 from the inside.

[0208] On the other hand, the first outer wall portion 62 is provided in a manner that includes a wall surface that is inclined such that the gap between it and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 becomes smaller as it travels forward X1. With such a structure, the top end portion S1A of the first leg portion S1 can be displaced in such a manner that the bending angle α1 becomes smaller as it travels forward X1.

[0209] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first outer wall portion 62 at least includes a first region 62A of which a wall surface with a significantly reduced gap from the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 is formed. Figure 11B ) and a second region 62B (same) which is located X1 forward of the first region 62A and has a wall surface with a slightly reduced gap from the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64. Figure 11B ).

[0210] When the average reduction rate of the gap (distance in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front X1) between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 in the first region 62A is set as the first reduction rate, and the average reduction rate of the gap (distance in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front X1) between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 in the second region 62B is set as the second reduction rate, the absolute value of the first reduction rate is greater than the absolute value of the second reduction rate. In other words, the angle formed by the front-back direction from a top view and the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 in the first region 62A is greater than the angle formed by the front-back direction from a top view and the wall surface of the second region 62B of the first outer wall portion 62.

[0211] The smaller the bending angle α1 of the bending part, the smaller the elastic force relative to displacement rebound. Therefore, with the above structure, the top part S1A of the first leg S1 can be bent smoothly.

[0212] It should be noted that the wall surface that the first leg S1 does not contact is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the first inner wall 64 can also be configured such that the upper part of the first inner wall 64 is provided in a way that protrudes outward and forms a wall surface opposite to the upper surface of the first part S1B, thereby restricting the upward Z1 displacement of the first part S1B.

[0213] Furthermore, a through hole is formed in the first inner wall portion 64 to allow the top portion S1A and the abutment member 24 to pass through the lower Z2 of the first portion S1B. Figure 5 ).

[0214] [Support wall of the detachment section]

[0215] The disengagement portion further includes a second inner wall portion 66 having a wall surface that supports the second leg S2 from the inside by being disposed on the inner side of the second leg S2 when the second leg S2 is displaced. The second inner wall portion 66 also has a bottom surface disposed substantially parallel to the front-rear direction along the movement path of the second leg S2.

[0216] The front end of the second inner wall portion 66 functions as a fulcrum when the second leg S2 bends. Therefore, the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 is located at the bending portion of the second leg S2, specifically at a second distance DS2 from the top of the second leg S2. Since the second leg S2 needs to have a distance sufficient to close the opening, the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 needs to be located at a distance greater than the opening width of the clip S from the top of the second leg S2. The top portion S2A of the second leg S2 is supported by the top support portion 68. Furthermore, the opening width of the clip S is equivalent to the width between the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 and the wall surface of the second inner wall portion 66. Therefore, the second inner wall portion 66 is positioned such that the distance between the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 and the top support portion 68 (the surface facing the top of the second leg S2) is greater than the width between the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 and the wall surface of the second inner wall portion 66, which is equivalent to the opening width of the clip S.

[0217] The second displacement portion 30 further includes a top support portion 68 that supports the top end portion S2A of the second leg portion S2. The top support portion 68 includes a support wall portion 68A having a wall surface disposed on the inner side of the second leg portion S2 and supporting the top end portion S2A from the inner side.

[0218] [First displacement section]

[0219] The first displacement part 20 has the function of displacing the first leg S1 in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G.

[0220] The first displacement part 20 in this embodiment includes a first arm 22 that rotates by being pushed by the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44, and an abutment member 24 (claw member) that moves toward the inside of the clip S and abuts against the top end S1A of the first leg S1 while moving with the rotation of the first arm 22, thereby bending the top end S1A of the first leg S1 in a plastic deformation manner.

[0221] First, let's explain the structure of the first front end part 44A1 of the slider 44.

[0222] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the first front end portion 44A1 of the slider 44 is provided at the left Y2 end of the slider 44 in a forward X1 manner. The first front end portion 44A1 includes a first protrusion 44A11 that protrudes upward Z1 by abutting against the first arm 22 to rotate the first arm 22 in a first rotation direction R1 when moving forward X1, and a second protrusion 44A12 that abuts against the first arm 22 to rotate the first arm 22 in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1 when moving backward X2.

[0223] The first protrusion 44A11 is located X2 rearward than the second protrusion 44A12. Furthermore, the first protrusion 44A11 is located outward (Y2 to the left) than the second protrusion 44A12. This structure allows the distance between the rotation axis of the first arm 22 and the first protrusion 44A11 to be greater than the distance to the second protrusion 44A12, thus enabling the generation of a large rotational torque during high-load forward movement.

[0224] The first front end portion 44A1 of the slider 44 also includes a protruding end portion 44A13 extending forward X1. When the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1 undergoes plastic deformation, the protruding end portion 44A13 presses the first part S1B connected to the top end portion S1A of the first leg S1 from above Z1, thereby preventing the first part S1B from bending.

[0225] Next, the first arm 22 of the first displacement part 20 will be described. The first arm 22 is a member that is pushed forward X1 by the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 and rotates in the first rotation direction R1, causing the abutment member 24 to move inward.

[0226] Figure 12A This is a partially enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10 at the start of plastic deformation achieved by the first displacement section 20, viewed from above. Figure 12B This is a partially enlarged view of the cross-section of the first displacement part 20 viewed from the left. Figure 12C This is an enlarged perspective view of the front end of the strapping machine 10. However, for convenience, parts that are not necessary for explanation have been omitted from the figures.

[0227] like Figure 12AAs shown, the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 is located outside (right Y1) and in front X1 of the first leg S1 of the clip S. Furthermore, the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 is arranged perpendicularly to the front-back direction in a vertical orientation. Moreover, the first arm 22 has a portion extending rearward X2 from the rotation axis 22AX when in standby mode, and at the rear end of this portion has a wall portion that protrudes downward Z2 and extends rearward X2 and inward at an incline. The rearward X2-facing surface of this wall portion faces rearward X2 and outward in the initial state, while the forward X1-facing surface of this wall portion faces forward X1 and inward. The rearward X2-facing surface of this wall portion includes a surface that abuts against the advancing first protrusion 44A11. This wall portion moves by rotating in the first rotation direction R1 while abutting against the first protrusion 44A11, thus penetrating the area between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12. Furthermore, the forward-facing surface of the wall portion includes a surface that abuts against the retracting second protrusion 44A12. Therefore, the wall portion is configured to return to its original position while rotating in a second rotation direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotation direction R1, by abutting against the second protrusion 44A12.

[0228] like Figure 12C As shown, a protrusion 22C protruding downwards Z2 is also provided at the rear end of the first arm 22. This protrusion 22C engages with a recess 24A provided at the end of the abutment member 24. By rotating the first arm 22 in the first rotation direction R1 with the rotation axis 22AX as the center through this protrusion 22C, the abutment member 24 is configured to move inwards toward the latch S.

[0229] Figure 13 A perspective view of the abutment member 24 (claw member) is shown. The abutment member 24 has the function of plastically deforming the tip S1A of the first leg S1 of the clip S by being pushed by the first arm 22 and moving in a direction inclined towards the inside and downward Z2 toward the clip S. By the abutment member 24, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 is bent in a manner that, in top view, intersects with the first part S1B connected to the tip S1A of the first leg S1 and moves downward Z2 away from the plane PL of the first leg S1, the second leg S2 and the main body S3 before binding. By plastically deforming the tip S1A of the first leg S1 inward and downward Z2 while the first object G is clamped, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 can clamp the first object G without interfering with the first part S1B.

[0230] As shown in the figure, a recess 24A is provided at the end of the abutting member 24, which engages with the downward Z2 protrusion 22C of the first arm 22. When the protrusion 22C of the first arm 22 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the side of the recess 24A abuts, and the abutting member 24 moves in an inward and downward Z2 inclined direction. When the protrusion 22C rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the other side of the recess 24A abuts, and the abutting member 24 returns in an upward Z1 and outward inclined direction.

[0231] The top end of the abutting member 24 includes an abutting surface 24B that abuts against the top end in a gripping manner, and a corner portion 24C provided at the connection between the abutting surface 24B and the side surface for applying stress, which causes the top end to plastically deform. Here, the abutting surface 24B is formed in a recessed manner to match the cross-sectional shape of the clip S. In addition, the abutting surface 24B is formed at an angle so that it abuts against the top end S1A before the corner portion 24C. With such a structure, after the top end S1A is taken in by gripping with the abutting surface 24B, the corner portion S1A can be plastically deformed by the corner portion 24C, thus stabilizing the position of the top end S1A plastically deformed by the corner portion 24C.

[0232] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing the top portion S1A after plastic deformation, achieved by the abutment member 24, from a frontal view, and an enlarged view of region A in that cross-section. As shown in the figure, the abutment member 24 is guided in a direction inclined towards the inside (near the second arm 32) and downward Z2 by being placed on the inclined surface of the base 46, which is inclined inward and downward. The first part S1B of the first leg S1 is supported from above Z1 by the bottom surface of the slider 44, and from the inside and below Z2 by the first inner wall portion 64 (except for the portion of the top portion S1A passing through the lower Z2 of the first part S1B). In addition, the abutment surface 24B of the abutment member 24 faces the outer surface of the first part S1B during plastic deformation. Therefore, bending of the first part S1B can be suppressed during plastic deformation of the top portion S1A of the first leg S1.

[0233] [Second displacement section]

[0234] The second displacement part 30 has the function of displacing the second leg S2 in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G.

[0235] The second displacement part 30 has a second arm 32 that rotates in the first rotation direction R1 via the second front end part 44A2 of the slider 44, thereby bending the second leg S2 in a plastic deformation manner.

[0236] First, let's explain the structure of the second front end 44A2 of slider 44.

[0237] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the second front end portion 44A2 of the slider 44 is disposed at the right end Y1 of the slider 44, extending forward X1. The second front end portion 44A2 includes a first surface 44A21 and a second surface 44A22 formed facing forward X1 by abutting against the second arm 32 to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 when the slider 44 moves forward X1, and a third surface 44A23 formed at a position X1 forward of the first front surface 44A21 and the second surface 44A22 and facing backward X2. By distributing the rear end portion 32B of the second arm 32 between the first surface 44A21 and the second surface 44A22 and the third surface 44A23, the second arm 32 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 when the slider 44 moves forward, and returns to its original position in the second rotation direction R2 when the slider 44 moves backward.

[0238] The first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 corresponds to the surface where the first front end 44A1 of the advancing slider 44 first comes into contact with the rear end 32B of the second arm 32. The surface of the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 that comes into contact with the first surface 44A21 is called the first rear end surface 32B1.

[0239] The second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 corresponds to the surface where the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 abuts against the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 after the first surface 44A21 abuts against the first rear end surface 32B1 and the second arm 32 has begun to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 and has moved further forward. The surface of the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 that abuts against the second surface 44A22 is called the second rear end surface 32B2.

[0240] like Figure 7B As shown, in the vertical direction, the first surface 44A21 is positioned above the second surface 44A22 by Z1; in the front-back direction, the first surface 44A21 is positioned behind the second surface 44A22 by X2; and in the left-right direction, the first surface 44A21 is positioned to the right of the second surface 44A22 by Y1. That is, with the pin S as the reference, the first surface 44A21 is positioned further outward (to the right by Y1) than the second surface 44A22.

[0241] With this structure, the slider 44 can push the second arm 32 further using the second surface 44A22 after pushing it with the first surface 44A21, thus increasing the rotation angle of the second arm 32 relative to the stroke of the slider 44.

[0242] Furthermore, the slider 44 and the second arm 32 are configured such that the angle formed by the normal of the first rear end face 32B1 at the contact point (an example of the "first contact point") abutting the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 and the straight line connecting the first contact point and the rotation axis 32AX (an example of the "first angle") is closer to 90 degrees than the angle formed by the normal of the second rear end face 32B2 at the contact point (an example of the "second contact point") abutting the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 and the straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis 32AX (an example of the "second angle") in the absence of the first contact point.

[0243] The slider 44 and the second arm 32 are configured such that, at the point of contact switching due to the rotation of the second arm 32, the angle formed by the normal of the first rear end face 32B1 at the contact point (an example of the "first contact point") abutting the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 and the straight line connecting the first contact point and the rotation axis 32AX (an example of the "first angle") is equal to the angle formed by the normal of the second rear end face 32B2 at the contact point (an example of the "second contact point") abutting the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 and the straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis 32AX (an example of the "second angle"). Alternatively, the slider 44 and the second arm 32 are configured such that the angle formed by the normal of the second rear end face 32B2 at the contact point (an example of the "second contact point") abutting the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 and the straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis 32AX (an example of the "second angle") is closer to 90 degrees.

[0244] This structure enables the torque when the first surface 44A21 abuts against the first rear end surface 32B1 to be relatively greater than the torque when the second surface 44A22 abuts against the second rear end surface 32B2.

[0245] As described later, the second leg S2 needs to bend both parts simultaneously at the start of rotation of the second arm 32. Therefore, a large load is applied to the second arm 32 at the start of rotation. Thus, by pushing the second arm 32 forward X1 using the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 at the start of rotation when the load is applied, a relatively large torque can be generated in the second arm 32. It should be noted that, to increase the torque, the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the first rear end face 32B1 can also be greater than the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the second rear end face 32B2. In other words, the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the second rear end face 32B2 can also be smaller than the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the first rear end face 32B1.

[0246] Next, we will explain the second arm 32. Figure 15 This is a stereoscopic view of the second arm 32 viewed from below. Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are the plan view and the back view of the second arm 32, respectively.

[0247] As shown in these figures, the second arm 32 includes a rear end portion 32B extending rearward X2 from the rotation axis 32AX in the initial state and a top end portion 32C extending forward X1 from the rotation axis 32AX.

[0248] The first rear end face 32B1 of the rear end 32B is located X2 rearward than the second rear end face 32B2, so that the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 can abut against the first rear end face 32B1, and then the second surface 44A22 can abut against the second rear end face 32B2.

[0249] The rotation axis 32AX is located to the left (inner) of the first rear end face 32B1 and the second rear end face 32B2. Therefore, when pushed forward X1 by the rear end 32B, the top end 32C of the second arm 32 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 toward the inside of the pin S or toward the first arm 22.

[0250] Furthermore, the rotation axis 32AX is tilted so that it travels inward (to the left, Y2) as it travels downward Z2. Consequently, the top end 32C of the second arm 32, which rotates in the first rotation direction R1, is positioned so that it travels upward Z1 as it rotates in the first rotation direction R1. As a result, the second leg S2 of the clip S, which is plastically deformed by the second arm 32, also travels upward Z1 as it rotates, thus enabling it to engage with the first object G at a position Z1 above the plane PL of the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 before the binding.

[0251] The top portion 32C of the second arm 32 includes a main body 32C1 that abuts against the second leg S2 and a protrusion 32C2 for bending back. The main body 32C1 has two protrusions that are separated vertically at a position where it is separated from the rotation axis 32AX and protrude in the first rotation direction R1. By using these protrusions to clamp the second leg S2 from above and below, the second leg S2 can be firmly held while being plastically deformed.

[0252] The second arm 32 includes a bending protrusion 32C2 located at a position where it travels in the first rotation direction R1 and protrudes downward Z2. By rotating the second arm 32 in the first rotation direction R1 to bend the second leg S2, and then rotating the second arm 32 in the second rotation direction R2, the second leg S2 can be returned in the second rotation direction R2 using the protrusion 32C2, so that the top end S2A of the second leg S2 can engage with the first object G.

[0253] The bend-back protrusion 32C2 is formed at an angle that protrudes downwards towards Z2 as it travels towards the first rotation direction R1. With this structure, when the object rotates towards the second rotation direction R2, the bend-back protrusion 32C2 can smoothly pass over the second leg S2 engaged with the first object G while simultaneously returning the second leg S2 to the second rotation direction R2. It should be noted that on the plastically deformed pin S, the push rod 16 exerts a force upwards towards Z1 via the pin S at the lower Z2. The elevation angle of the second leg S2 during displacement (relative to the plane PL of the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 before binding, for example, is 10 to 45 degrees) and the angle of inclination of the bend-back protrusion 32C2 are designed so that the protrusion can overcome this force and pass over the second leg S2.

[0254] [Bundling method using a strapping machine]

[0255] The following describes the strapping method using the strapping machine 10.

[0256] As mentioned above, Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a partial enlarged view showing the front end of the strapping machine 10 in the initial state (standby state) from the front and top views.

[0257] At this time, the upper pin S is connected to one or more pins S housed in the lower hopper 14. Additionally, the actuator 42 is located X2 behind the main body S3 of the upper pin S. There is a slight gap between the front end of the actuator 42 and the main body S3 of the upper pin S. The protruding end 44A13 of the slider 44 located at the left end slightly overlaps with the pin S.

[0258] Figure 17A and Figure 17B This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10 from both front and top views immediately after the user operates the switch and the driver 42 begins to move. When the user operates the switch, the motor 54 begins to rotate, and simultaneously, the ball screw 50 rotates in the positive direction, causing the nut component 52 and the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52 to move forward X1. The first claw 48C1 and the third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 held in the nut component 52 are inserted into the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3, respectively. Therefore, the front surfaces of the first claw 48C1 and the third claw 48C3 abut against the rearward X2 side surfaces of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3, causing the driver 42 to move forward X1. Thus, the first movement of the driver 42 and the slider 44 moving together begins.

[0259] like Figure 8AAs shown, the base 46 is positioned such that the height of the driver 42 is approximately the same as that of the upper pin S. Therefore, the front end face 42S of the driver 42, which moves forward X1 on the base 46, abuts against the main body S3 of the upper pin S, pushing the main body S3 of the pin S forward X1. A separation block 18 is provided inside the lower pin S (Z2) to prevent the lower pin S (Z2) from moving forward X1. Figure 5 Therefore, only the upper pin S separates from the lower pin S Z2 and moves forward X1 on the separating block 18.

[0260] Figure 18 This is a partially enlarged top view of the front end of the strapping machine 10, showing the top end S1A of the first leg S1 of the clip S advancing along the guide path of the release section as the driver 42 moves forward. It should be noted that the front view and... Figure 17A Since they are the same, the diagram is omitted.

[0261] As the ball screw 50 continues to rotate in the positive direction, the slider 44 moves forward X1. Therefore, the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 advances such that the protruding end 44A13 is positioned on the first leg S1, and the second front end 44A2 advances along the right end of the strapping machine 10. The driver 42 also advances along with the slider 44. The top end S1A of the first leg S1 contacts the wall surface of the first region 62A, which corresponds to the entry portion of the first outer wall portion 62. Additionally, the inner side of the first portion S1B of the first leg S1 contacts the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64. The distance between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 decreases as the movement forward X1, thus the first leg S1 plastically deforms such that the bending angle α1 decreases as it moves forward. At this time, the protruding end 42B of the actuator 42 supports the left end of the first part S1B and the main body S3 from the outside, and the protruding end 44A13 of the slider 44 abuts against the upper surface of the first leg S1, pressing the first leg S1 down from above Z1, thereby suppressing the bending of the first part S1B. The distance between the wall surface of the first outer wall part 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall part 64 in the first region 62A is relatively significantly reduced, so the angle between the top end S1A of the first leg S1 and the first part S1B is relatively significantly reduced. In the next second region 62B, the distance between the wall surface of the first outer wall part 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall part 64 is relatively slightly reduced, so the bending angle is relatively slightly reduced.

[0262] Figure 19 This is a top-down enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10 as the drive 42 moves forward and the top end S1A of the first leg S1 of the clip S passes through the first outer wall portion 62. It should be noted that the front view and... Figure 17A The same applies, so the figure is omitted. As shown in the figure, the top part undergoes plastic deformation due to passing through the first outer wall part 62, and the bending angle α1 is greatly reduced.

[0263] Figure 20 This is a partially enlarged top view showing the state when the actuator 42 is in its forwardmost position and the pin S has reached the displacement start position. At this time, the bent portion of the first leg S1 of the pin S reaches the front end of the first inner wall portion 64 (the rearward x2 inner wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64), and the top end S2A of the second leg S2 reaches the front end of the top support portion 68 (the rearward x2 inner wall surface of the top support portion 68). It should be noted that the front view and... Figure 17A Since they are the same, the diagram is omitted.

[0264] At this time, the bent portion of the first leg S1 and the inner and lower surfaces of the first part S1B are supported from below (Z2) and to the right (Y1, inside) by the first inner wall portion 64. Additionally, the bent portion of the first leg S1 is also supported from the front (X1) by the first inner wall portion 64. Furthermore, the upper surface of the first part S1B is supported from above (Z1) by the protruding end portion 44A13 of the first front end portion 44A1 of the slider 44.

[0265] On the other hand, the inner side and lower surface of the top part S2A of the second leg S2 are supported by the top part from below Z2 and left Y2 (inner side).

[0266] Furthermore, the inner side of the main body S3 and the inner side of the connection between the second leg S2 and the main body S3 are supported from the inside by the second inner wall 66.

[0267] At this time, the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48, which pushes the driver 42 forward X1, moves upward Z1 via the second protrusion 46A2. As a result, the switching block 48 climbs onto the driver 42, thus stopping the driver 42 from moving forward X1, and the first movement ends. At the same time, the ball bearing, which is exerted upward Z1 force from the hole formed in the base 46, engages with the recess provided on the bottom surface of the driver 42 and functions as a stop, thus preventing the driver 42 from moving forward X1 or backward X2 due to friction with the switching block 48.

[0268] The first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12 of the first front end portion 44A1 of the slider 44 approach the rear end of the first arm 22. In addition, the first surface of the second front end portion 44A2 of the slider 44 approaches or abuts against the first rear end surface 32B1 of the second arm 32.

[0269] After the first movement is completed, the motor 54 stops rotating via the control device. At this time, the user places the first object G and the second object P into the designated positions on the strapping machine 10. In this embodiment, the first object G is a rope that functions as a guide element. Therefore, the user inserts the first object G, i.e., the rope, into the bend of the first leg S1. In this embodiment, the second object P is a stem. Therefore, the user inserts the second object P, i.e., the stem, into the area surrounded by the clips S. Sometimes, the portions of the strapping machine 10 for inserting the first object G and the second object P are referred to as the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion. In this embodiment, the first object G is inserted into the bend of the first leg S1 supported by the first inner wall portion 64, so the first inner wall portion 64 corresponds to the first insertion portion. In addition, the second object P is inserted into a recess of the strapping machine 10 that is recessed rearward X2 by being sandwiched between the first inner wall portion 64 and the second inner wall portion 66, so this recess corresponds to the second insertion portion.

[0270] Figure 21A and Figure 21B This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10 from the front and top views, showing the user inserting the first object G into the first insertion part and the second object P into the second insertion part.

[0271] Subsequently, if the user operates the switch, or if sensors such as contact sensors respectively located in the first insertion part and the second insertion part detect that the first object G and the second object P have been inserted, the motor 54 starts rotating again. As the motor 54 restarts rotating, the ball screw 50 rotates in the positive direction, causing the nut component 52 and the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52 to move forward X1. The switching block 48 advances on the driver 42, so the driver 42 does not advance. Therefore, a second movement action begins, in which only the slider 44 advances, between the driver 42 and the slider 44.

[0272] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10 from both front and top views as the slider 44 advances further during the second movement. During the second movement, the driver 42 does not advance. Therefore, the inner side of the main body S3 of the clip S is supported by the first inner wall 64 and the second inner wall 66, while the outer side is supported by the driver 42 and remains stationary.

[0273] The first protrusion 44A11 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 abuts against the rearward X2-facing surface of the wall portion of the rear end portion of the first arm 22, which protrudes downward Z2 and extends in an inclined direction, pushing the first arm 22 forward X1. The rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 is then positioned relative to the first protrusion 44A11 at a position X1 forward and outward (Y2 to the left). Therefore, the first arm 22 begins to rotate in the first rotation direction R1. The wall portion of the rear end portion of the first arm 22 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 while passing through the gap between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12. It should be noted that at this point in time, the first leg S1 has not undergone plastic deformation through the first displacement portion 20.

[0274] On the other hand, the first surface 44A21 of the second front end portion 44A2 abuts against the first rear end surface 32B1 of the second arm 32, pushing the second arm 32 forward X1. The rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 is now located forward X1 and inward (left Y2) relative to the first rear end surface 32B1, thus the second arm 32 also begins to rotate in the first rotation direction R1. The two protrusions of the main body of the second arm 32, sandwiched between the upper and lower second legs S2, are bent inward with the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 as a fulcrum.

[0275] At this time, the top end S2A of the second leg S2 is supported from the inside by the wall surface of the support wall 68A of the top end support 68 located on the inner side of the second leg S2. Therefore, while the second leg S2 is bent toward the inside of the pin S with the front end of the second inner wall 66 as the fulcrum, the top end S2A of the second leg S2 is bent in the opposite direction (outward) by passing through the support wall 68A while abutting against the wall surface of the support wall 68A of the top end support 68.

[0276] As described above, the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 is tilted in such a way that the further it travels downward Z2, the further it travels inward. Therefore, the top part S2A of the second leg S2 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the further it moves towards the first leg S1 while traveling upward Z1.

[0277] Furthermore, the period during which the top end S2A of the second leg S2 of the clip S abuts against the wall surface of the support wall 68A and the period during which the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 abuts against the first rear end face 32B1 of the second arm 32 are configured to overlap for at least a portion of the period, thus enabling the generation of a relatively large torque under high load.

[0278] Figure 23A and Figure 23B This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10 from the front and top views as the slider 44 moves further forward during the second movement.

[0279] The first arm 22 is further rotated in the first rotation direction R1 by being pushed by the first protrusion 44A11 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44. At this time, the protruding end 44A13 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 reaches the front end of the first inner wall portion 64, so the slider 44 presses the upper surface of the first part S1B of the first leg S1 from above Z1. Therefore, the first part S1B of the first leg S1 is supported by the slider 44 and the first inner wall portion 64 from above Z1, below Z2 and inward.

[0280] The second rear end face 32B2 of the second arm 32 is further rotated in the first rotation direction R1 by being pressed by the second surface 44A22 of the second front end face 44A2 of the slider 44. Figure 23B As shown, the second leg S2, held by the second arm 32, is bent to a position where it intersects with the first leg S1. Therefore, the opening of the clip S, which is positioned before binding, is closed in top view. The first leg S1, the second leg S2, and the main body S3 of the clip S surround the second object P in top view. It should be noted that in Figure 23A In the main view shown, the top part S2A of the second leg S2 moves upward Z1 and approaches the first object G.

[0281] Furthermore, after the period during which the top end S2A of the second leg S2 of the clip S and the support wall 68A abut, the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 and the second rear end face 32B2 of the second arm 32 abut, thus enabling the generation of a relatively small torque under relatively low load.

[0282] Figure 24A and Figure 24B This is a partial enlarged view of the front end of the strapping machine 10, shown in both frontal and top views, immediately before the slider 44 advances the most during the second movement.

[0283] The first arm 22 is pushed further in the first rotation direction R1 by the first protrusion 44A11 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44, and comes into contact with the first object G, pushing the first object G to displace it. In addition, the protrusion 22C of the first arm 22 protruding downward Z2 abuts against the recess 24A provided at the end of the abutting member 24. Therefore, with the rotation of the protrusion 22C of the first arm 22, the abutting member 24 begins to move in a direction that is inward toward the latch S and inclined downward Z2. First, the abutting surface 24B of the abutting member 24 abuts against the top end S1A of the first leg S1, and then the corner 24C of the abutting member 24 abuts against the top end S1A of the first leg S1, plastically deforming it by folding the top end back. The top end S1A of the first leg S1 folded back by the abutting member 24 bends by crossing the first part S1B in a way that is seen from above, passing below Z2 of the first part S1B. For example, a cross-sectional view at the location where the first part S1B and the top part S1A intersect. Figure 14 As shown, the top part S1A can be plastically deformed such that the first part S1B (above) and the top part S1A (below) are adjacent vertically. At this time, the top part of the abutment member 24 and the top part of the second leg S2 penetrate into the interior of the through hole formed in the first inner wall part 64 and communicating with the area surrounded by the tack S when viewed from above. As shown in the figure, the first part S1B is surrounded from above, below (however, except for the part through which the folded-back top part S1A and the abutment member 24 pass) and inside by the slider 44 and the first inner wall part 64, thus suppressing bending.

[0284] Through the above process, the first leg S1 clamps the first object G. Due to the plastic deformation of the first leg S1, the engagement between the first leg S1 and the first object G is not easily released.

[0285] On the other hand, the second rear end face 32B2 of the second arm 32 is further rotated in the first rotation direction R1 by being pressed by the second surface 44A22 of the second front end face 44A2 of the slider 44. As a result, the second leg S2 approaches the second object P beyond the first object G when viewed from above.

[0286] Then, the motor 54 reverses the ball screw 50, causing the slider 44 to begin to retract.

[0287] Figure 25A and Figure 25B as well as Figure 25C These are enlarged views of the front end of the strapping machine 10 from the main view and top view, as well as a partially enlarged 3D view, after the slider 44 has started to move backward.

[0288] If the slider 44 begins to move backward, the second protrusion 44A12 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 abuts against the front X1-facing surface of the wall of the first arm 22, which moves in a manner that penetrates the area between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12, and pushes it backward X2, thereby causing the first arm 22 to rotate in the second rotation direction R2.

[0289] Furthermore, the third surface of the second front end portion 44A2 of the slider 44 abuts against the rear end portion of the second arm 32 and pushes it backward X2, thereby causing the second arm 32 to rotate in the second rotation direction R2. If the second arm 32 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the bending protrusion 32C2, which is positioned downward Z2 at a position on the second arm 32 that is further forward than the main body in the first rotation direction R1, abuts against the second leg S2 and pushes it in the second rotation direction R2. Therefore, the second leg S2 displaces in the second rotation direction R2, and as a result, the bent portion of the second leg S2 engages with the first object G. Figure 25AAs shown, by engaging the second leg S2 with the first object G, the first object G is displaced, generating tension between the engaging position of the first leg S1 and the first object G and the engaging position of the second leg S2 and the second object P. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deflection of the first object G and prevent the engagement between the first object G and the second leg S2 from loosening.

[0290] Figure 26A and Figure 26B as well as Figure 26C These are enlarged views of the front end of the strapping machine 10 from the main view and top view, as well as a partially enlarged three-dimensional view, when the slider 44 moves further back.

[0291] The second protrusion 44A12 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 abuts against the front X1-facing surface of the wall of the first arm 22, which moves in a manner that penetrates the area between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12, and pushes it backward X2, so that the first arm 22 rotates further in the second rotation direction R2.

[0292] If from this state, the first arm 22 further rotates in the second rotation direction R2 and rotates to... Figure 21B In the initial position shown, the ball bearing, which is subjected to force by the elastic member, is inserted into the recess provided on the lower surface of the first arm 22. Thus, the first arm 22 is held in the initial position.

[0293] The third surface of the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 abuts against the forward-facing (X1) side of the rear end portion of the second arm 32 while pushing it backward (X2), thus causing the second arm 32 to rotate further in the second rotation direction R2. Since the second leg S2 engages with the first object G, the bending protrusion 32C2 of the second arm 32 cannot further displace the second leg S2 in the second rotation direction R2. Therefore, the bending protrusion 32C2 of the second arm 32 slightly presses the second leg S2 downward (Z2) while passing over the second leg S2. Figure 26C As shown, on the clip S, the push rod 16 acts on the clip S below Z2 to exert a force towards the upper Z1. Therefore, the protrusion 32C2 of the strapping machine 10, which is configured to bend back, can resist this force and pass over the second leg S2.

[0294] If from this state the second arm 32 further rotates in the second rotation direction R2 and rotates to... Figure 21B In the initial position shown, the ball bearing, which is subjected to force by the elastic member, is inserted into the recess provided on the lower surface of the second arm 32. Thus, the second arm 32 is held in the initial position.

[0295] After the binding action is completed, if the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the opposite direction, the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48 moves backward X2 and downward Z2 along the inclined surface of the second protrusion 46A2 provided on the base 46. Therefore, the first claw 48C1, the second claw 48C2, and the third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 are inserted into the areas of the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2, and the third groove 42G3, respectively. At this time, the first arm 22 and the second arm 32 return to their approximate initial positions. If the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the opposite direction, the switching block 48 moves backward X2, and the rear surface of the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48 abuts against the side of the second groove 42G2 facing forward X1. Thus, the switching block 48 presses the surface of the base 46 downward Z2 using the elastic member 49, while using the rear surface of the second claw 48C2 to move the driver 42 backward X2. Therefore, it is possible to return the driver 42 to its initial position.

[0296] Through the above steps, the second leg S2 engages with the first object G. As described above, the second leg S2 engages with the first object G in a state that passes through the gap between the first object G and the second object P when viewed from above, thus the second object P is surrounded by the pin S. Therefore, the engagement between the second object P and the pin S can be prevented from easily disengaging. Furthermore, even if the second object P grows and the second leg S2 bends, the engagement with the first object G is strengthened, thus also preventing the engagement between the first object G and the pin S from easily disengaging.

[0297] However, the strapping machine 10 according to this embodiment is deformable. For example, the first displacement part 20 can also be configured to plastically deform the top part S1A of the first leg S1 using the first arm 22 without using the abutment member 24. For example, a component that integrates the first arm 22 and the abutment member 24 can also be provided, and the top part S1A of the first leg S1 can be plastically deformed by rotating it. In this case, the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 can also be tilted, and the first arm 22 can be configured such that the top part passes below the first part S1B by setting the first arm 22 so that the rotation direction R1 decreases. Conversely, the first arm 22 can also be configured such that the top part passes above the first part S1B by setting the first arm 22 so that the rotation direction R1 increases. For example, the top part S1A of the first leg S1 folded back by the abutment member 24 can also be bent above the first part S1B by passing above Z1, so as to intersect the first part S1B when viewed from above. On the other hand, the second leg S2 can also be bent in a way that travels downwards in Z2 away from the plane PL that runs through the second leg S2 and the main body S3.

[0298] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, within the scope of ordinary inventiveness of those skilled in the art, other known structures can be added to a portion of the constituent elements of a certain embodiment. Additionally, a portion of the constituent elements of a certain embodiment can be replaced with other known constituent elements. The constituent elements disclosed in this application can be reasonably combined or replaced with other known constituent elements through the exercise of ordinary inventiveness of those skilled in the art.

[0299] In addition to the first embodiment described above, the invention involved in this application can also be implemented as a strapping machine or strapping method as described in the following notes.

[0300] That is, this application further discloses the strapping machine shown below.

[0301] (Postscript 1)

[0302] A strapping machine uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg. An opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg. The tip of the first leg is bent outwards. The strapping machine further comprises:

[0303] The moving part includes a driver configured to move the pin forward by moving it forward;

[0304] The first displacement portion includes a first outer wall portion that abuts against and passes through the top end of the first leg as the pin moves forward via the driver, thereby displacing the first leg in a manner capable of engaging with the first object; and

[0305] The second displacement portion displaces the second leg in a manner that surrounds the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body portion and engages with the first object.

[0306] (Note 1A)

[0307] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1, and capable of applying this structure.

[0308] The first displacement portion includes a first inner wall portion disposed on the inner side of the first leg when the pin moves forward by the driver.

[0309] The gap between the first outer wall portion and the first inner wall portion decreases as the movement forward.

[0310] (Note 1A1)

[0311] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1A, and capable of applying this structure.

[0312] The first outer wall portion includes:

[0313] The first region, the gap between it and the first inner wall portion decreases by a first rate of reduction; and

[0314] The second region is located further forward than the first region, and the gap between it and the first inner wall portion decreases by a second reduction rate that is smaller than the first reduction rate.

[0315] (Postscript 2)

[0316] A strapping machine uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg. An opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg. The strapping machine comprises:

[0317] A first displacement portion, comprising a movable portion and a first arm, is configured to engage the first leg with the first object using the first arm. The movable portion includes a slider configured to move forward, and the first arm is rotated by being pushed by a first front end of the forward-moving slider.

[0318] The second displacement portion includes a second arm and a wall portion. The second arm is pushed and rotated by the second front end of the slider that moves forward. The wall portion is disposed inside the second leg of the pin. The top end of the second leg, which is displaced inward by the rotation of the second arm, abuts against the wall portion while passing through the wall portion.

[0319] (Appendix 2A)

[0320] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 2, and capable of applying this structure.

[0321] The second displacement part is configured such that, while the second arm rotates to displace the second leg inward, the tip of the second leg abuts against the wall while being bent outward by the wall.

[0322] Subsequently, the first displacement portion is configured such that the tip of the first leg bends inward toward the clip by an abutting member that travels inward toward the clip through the rotation of the first arm in the first rotation direction.

[0323] (Note 2B)

[0324] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of applying this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 2 or Appendix 2A.

[0325] The second arm is configured to be pushed by the second front end of the forward-moving slider and rotated in the first rotation direction.

[0326] The second arm has a rotation axis that is tilted so that the more the front end of the second arm rotates in the first rotation direction, the more it moves upward.

[0327] (Note 2C)

[0328] According to any of the strapping machines described in this application and capable of using this structure, including any strapping machine according to any one of Annexes 2 to 2B.

[0329] The abutting member of the first displacement portion bends the top end of the first leg by passing under the first leg.

[0330] (Note 3)

[0331] A strapping machine uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg. An opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg. The strapping machine comprises:

[0332] The moving part includes a driver and a slider, and is configured to perform a first moving action in which the driver and the slider move forward and a second moving action in which the slider of the driver and the slider moves forward further after moving forward by the first moving action;

[0333] The first displacement portion, utilizing the first front end of the slider that moves forward through the second movement, displaces the first leg in a manner capable of engaging with the first object; and

[0334] The second displacement portion utilizes the second front end of the slider that moves forward through the second movement action to displace the second object by surrounding the first leg, the second leg, and the main body portion in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object.

[0335] (Note 3A)

[0336] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 3, and capable of applying this structure.

[0337] In the first moving action, the driver is configured to separate the pin from the other pins by moving the pin connected to the other pins forward.

[0338] (Note 3B)

[0339] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of applying this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 3 or 3A.

[0340] In the first movement action, the driver is configured to displace the tip of the first leg by moving the pin forward, thereby causing the tip of the first leg to abut against the first outer wall portion included in the first displacement portion.

[0341] (Note 4A)

[0342] A strapping machine, comprising:

[0343] A driver is used to separate one pin from the others.

[0344] The slider moves forward.

[0345] The first displacement portion includes a first arm that rotates in a first rotational direction by the slider moving forward; and

[0346] The second displacement section includes a second arm that rotates in the first rotation direction by moving the slider forward.

[0347] (Note 4B)

[0348] A strapping machine, comprising:

[0349] A driver is used to separate one pin from the others.

[0350] The slider moves forward.

[0351] The first displacement portion includes a first arm that rotates in a first rotational direction by the slider moving forward; and

[0352] The second displacement section includes a second arm that rotates in a direction different from the first rotation direction by moving the slider forward.

[0353] (Note 4C)

[0354] The strapping machine as described in Appendix 4A or Appendix 4B

[0355] The binding mechanism is capable of performing:

[0356] In the first moving action, the driver and the slider move; and

[0357] The second movement action involves only the slider of the driver and the slider moving.

[0358] (Note 5)

[0359] A strapping machine uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg. An opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg. The strapping machine comprises:

[0360] The moving part includes a driver configured to move the pin forward by moving forward and a slider configured to move forward.

[0361] The first displacement portion includes a first arm that is pushed and rotated by the first front end of the forward-moving slider, configured to use the first arm to engage the first leg with the first object; and

[0362] The second displacement portion includes a second arm that is pushed and rotated by the second front end of the slider that moves forward, and is configured to use the second arm to engage the second leg with the first object.

[0363] (Note 5A1)

[0364] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1, it further comprises:

[0365] Electric motor; and

[0366] The ball screw rotates via the motor.

[0367] The moving part includes a nut component having a female thread that engages with the ball screw, configured to move forward integrally with the slider by rotating the female thread.

[0368] (Note 5A2)

[0369] According to any strapping machine including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5A1, which is described in this application and capable of applying this structure, it comprises:

[0370] The base, which houses the driver;

[0371] The block is held in place by the nut component; and

[0372] An elastic member, disposed between the nut component and the block, presses the block against the surface of the base.

[0373] The block is configured to move the driver forward by abutting its front surface against the side of the driver.

[0374] (Note 5A3)

[0375] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5A1, and capable of applying this structure.

[0376] The driver has a groove that extends in the front-rear direction and exposes the surface of the base, and is configured to move the driver forward by abutting the front surface of the block against the side of the groove formed in the driver.

[0377] (Note 5A4)

[0378] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1A2, and capable of applying this structure.

[0379] The base includes a protrusion that moves upward toward the side of a slot formed in the driver, which is abutted by the front surface of the block as it moves forward.

[0380] (Note 5A5)

[0381] According to any of the strapping machines described in this application and capable of applying this structure, including any of the strapping machines described in any one of Appendices 5A1 to 5A4.

[0382] The drive has a second groove that extends in the front-rear direction and exposes the surface of the base.

[0383] The device is configured to move the driver rearward by abutting the rear surface of the block against the side of the second slot of the driver.

[0384] (Note 5A6)

[0385] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5A5, and capable of applying this structure.

[0386] The base includes a second protrusion that moves upward toward the side of the second slot of the driver, which is abutted by the rear surface of the rearward-moving block.

[0387] (Note 5A7)

[0388] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5A5 or Appendix 5A6.

[0389] The block contains:

[0390] The first claw portion has a front surface that abuts against the side of the groove; and

[0391] The second claw portion has a rear surface that abuts against the side of the second groove.

[0392] (Note 5B1)

[0393] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5, and capable of applying this structure.

[0394] The second arm is configured to be pushed by the second front end of the forward-moving slider and rotated in the first rotation direction.

[0395] The second arm has a rotation axis that is tilted so that the more the front end of the second arm rotates in the first rotation direction, the more it moves upward.

[0396] (Note 5B2)

[0397] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of applying this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5 or Appendix 5B1.

[0398] The second arm includes a rear end that extends rearward beyond the rotational axis of the second arm in the pre-rotation state.

[0399] The rear end of the second arm includes:

[0400] A first rear end face, for abutting the first surface of the second front end of the slider moving forward, is formed at a position separated from the rotation axis of the arm by a first distance; and

[0401] The second rear end face, which abuts against the second surface of the second front end of the slider as it moves further forward, is formed at a position that is separated from the rotation axis of the arm by a second distance smaller than the first distance.

[0402] (Note 5B3)

[0403] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5B2.

[0404] The second surface of the slider that abuts against the second rear end face of the second arm is formed at a position further forward than the first surface of the slider that abuts against the first rear end face of the arm.

[0405] (Note 5B4)

[0406] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5B2 or Appendix 5B3.

[0407] Viewed from above, the first angle formed by the normal to the first rear end face at the first contact point abutting the first surface of the slider and the straight line connecting the first contact point and the rotation axis is approximately 90 degrees greater than the second angle formed by the normal to the second rear end face at the second contact point abutting the second surface of the slider and the straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis.

[0408] (Note 5B5)

[0409] Any strapping machine according to any one of Appendices 5 to 5B4, described in this application, and capable of applying this structure.

[0410] The second displacement portion includes a wall portion disposed within the second leg of the pin after it has moved forward by the driver. The top end of the second leg, which is displaced inward by the rotation of the second arm, abuts against the wall portion while passing through the wall portion.

[0411] (Note 5B6)

[0412] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5B5.

[0413] The period during which the top end and the wall of the second leg of the clasp abut against each other and the period during which the first surface of the second front end of the slider and the first rear end face of the second arm abut against each other are configured to overlap for at least a portion of the period.

[0414] (Note 5B7)

[0415] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5B5 or Appendix 5B6.

[0416] The configuration is such that, after the top end portion and the wall portion of the second leg of the clip abut against each other, the second surface of the second front end portion of the slider abuts against the second rear end surface of the second arm.

[0417] (Note 5B8)

[0418] Any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including or referencing Appendix 5B2 or any of Appendix 5B3 to 5B7, is described in this application.

[0419] The second front end of the slider includes a third surface disposed in front of and facing rearward, which is a third surface.

[0420] The second arm is configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first rotation direction, which is caused by the third surface of the slider that moves backward.

[0421] (Note 5B9)

[0422] Any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including any of the strapping machines described in Appendix 5, Appendix 5B1 to Appendix 5B8.

[0423] The second arm includes:

[0424] The main body, when rotated in a first rotational direction by the forward-moving slider, abuts against the second leg of the latch, causing the second leg to displace in the first rotational direction; and

[0425] The protrusion is positioned at a point that travels in the first rotational direction relative to the main body. It protrudes downward so that it abuts against the second leg of the pin when the slider moves backward and rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, causing the second leg to displace in the second rotational direction.

[0426] (Note 5C1)

[0427] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5, and capable of applying this structure.

[0428] The first front end of the slider includes a first protrusion that protrudes upward in order to cause the first arm to rotate in a first rotation direction by moving forward while abutting against the first arm.

[0429] (Note 5C2)

[0430] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5C1, and capable of applying this structure.

[0431] The first front end of the slider includes a second protrusion, which causes the first arm to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by moving backward while abutting against the first arm.

[0432] (Note 5C3)

[0433] Any strapping machine according to Appendix 5C2, described in this application, and capable of using this structure.

[0434] The first arm includes a portion that rotates in the first rotational direction by abutting against the first protrusion that moves forward, and moves in a manner that passes through the area between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0435] (Note 5C4)

[0436] Any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including any of the strapping machines described in Appendix 5, Appendix 5C1 to Appendix 5C3.

[0437] The first displacement portion includes an abutting member that travels inward toward the clasp by rotation of the first arm in the first rotation direction.

[0438] (Note 5C5)

[0439] Any strapping machine described in this application and capable of using this structure, including any of the strapping machines described in Appendix 5, Appendix 5C1 to Appendix 5C4.

[0440] The abutting member moves downwards and toward the direction of approaching the second arm as the first arm rotates in the first rotation direction.

[0441] <Second Implementation Method>

[0442] [Structure of the clip]

[0443] First, the structure of the clip S100 according to this embodiment will be described. The clip S100 is made of a plastic wire that is capable of plastic deformation. The clip S100 is sometimes referred to as a wire or a clip. The clip S100 includes, for example, a metal wire or metal cord (including components with a surface plating treatment or coated with resin, etc.).

[0444] The clip S100 includes a first leg S110, a second leg S120, and a main body S130 connecting the first leg S110 and the second leg S120. In the state before binding, the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 of the clip S100 are set separately, so an opening is provided between the first leg S110 and the second leg S120.

[0445] Furthermore, the direction from the closed portion of the main body S130 (the portion extending in a direction intersecting the extending directions of the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 in order to connect the first leg S110 and the second leg S120) to the opening is called the opening direction D1. When installed in the strapping machine 100, the opening direction D1 of the clip S100 is consistent with the front X1 and the moving direction of the clip S100.

[0446] The main body S130 is the part that connects the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 and surrounds the second object P, such as the stem. Figure 27B As shown, in the bound state, the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 engage with the same guiding element, namely the first object G, so that the second object P can be arranged in the area surrounded by the main body S130, the first leg S110 and the second leg S120.

[0447] As long as an opening is provided for placing the second object P inside, the main body S130 can be formed into various shapes such as rectangles and parallelograms to fit the shape of the second object P. For example Figure 27A As shown, in this embodiment, the main body S130 is formed by bending in a C-shape or arc shape with an opening to the left of the paper.

[0448] The first leg S110 and the second leg S120 are parts used for engaging with the first object G. For example... Figure 27A As shown, the first leg S110 has a first part S111 that is connected to one end of the main body S130 and extends outward by bending, and a second part S112 that extends outward by bending further from the first part S111 in the opening direction D1. The first part S111 that connects the main body S130 and the second part S112 is sometimes referred to as the crank part.

[0449] The second leg S120 has a third part S123 that is connected to the other end of the main body S130 and extends in the opening direction D1, and a fourth part S124 that is bent outward from the top of the third part S123. The fourth part S124 is sometimes referred to as a hook or a top part.

[0450] like Figure 27B As shown, the third part S123 is the portion that closes the opening formed by the main body S130 by being bent. In the state before being bent, the third part S123 extends in the opening direction D1, that is, it extends approximately parallel to the second part S112. Therefore, the third part S123 is preferably formed to be longer than the width of the opening formed by the main body, that is, the distance between one end and the other end of the main body S130, and is also longer than the second part S112. However, if the outer diameter of the first object G is large, or if it is desired to increase the number of turns when the top end of the first leg S110 is helically bent (described later), the second part S112 may also be formed to be longer than the third part S123.

[0451] The fourth part, S124, is the portion that engages with the guide element, namely the first object G. The fourth part, S124, is bent outwards from the top of the third part, S123. The third part, S123, is elastic in the direction that widens the closed opening and returns to its original position; therefore, the fourth part, S124, can apply tension to the first object G in the direction of opening, i.e., the direction away from the first leg. Thus, it is possible to prevent the first object G from deflecting and the locking pin S100 from falling off.

[0452] like Figure 27B As shown, the portion of the first leg S110 that is displaced to engage with the first object G is based on the radius of the largest circle tangent to the main body S130 (corresponding to the radius of the second object P in the figure). For example, it could be a portion less than or equal to the radius of the top of the first leg S110 (an example of the "first distance"). The portion of the second leg S120 that is displaced to engage with the first object G is based on the radius of the largest circle tangent to the main body S130. For example, it could be a portion less than or equal to twice the radius of the top of the second leg S120 (an example of the "second distance"). With this configuration, the opening can be closed using the second leg S120.

[0453] It should be noted that the shape of the S100 clips is not limited to... Figure 27A The shape shown. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 may not be parallel. For example, even if the opening narrows towards the top, or even if the opening widens towards the top, the pin S100 can still be bent to achieve at least a portion of the aforementioned technical effects. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that even if the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 are of the same length, although the top of the first leg S110 may remain, the pin S100 can still be bent to achieve at least a portion of the aforementioned technical effects.

[0454] Furthermore, the top end of the second leg S120 may not be bent in advance as in the fourth part S124. Those skilled in the art will understand that even if the top end of the second leg S120 is not bent in advance, the second displacement part 300 can be used to move the second leg S120 in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G, thus achieving at least a portion of the aforementioned technical effects.

[0455] The following is an explanation of how to use... Figure 27A The shown clip S100 is as follows Figure 27B An example of the structure of a strapping machine 100 that is bent as shown.

[0456] [Structure of the strapping machine]

[0457] The following describes the strapping machine 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0458] It should be noted that, for the sake of explaining the relative directional relationships, and for convenience, sometimes... Figure 28 In this diagram, the direction to the left of the paper is called the front (X1), the direction to the right of the paper is called the rear (X2), the direction upwards of the paper is called the top (Z1), the direction downwards of the paper is called the bottom (Z2), the direction perpendicular to the paper and closest to the front is called the right (Y1), and the direction perpendicular to the paper and deep is called the left (Y2). A top view refers to the perspective when observing the strapping machine 100 from the top (Z1) position towards the bottom (Z2). A front view refers to the perspective when observing the strapping machine 100 from the front (X1) position towards the rear (X2). A side view refers to the perspective when observing the strapping machine 100 from the right (Y1) or left (Y2).

[0459] In addition, when the clip S100 is installed on the strapping machine 100, based on the clip S100, the direction from the area surrounded by the clip S100 (the area where the second object P is inserted, as described later) to the outside of the clip S100 is sometimes called the outer direction, and the direction from the outside of the clip S100 to the area surrounded by the clip S100 is called the inner direction.

[0460] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine 100 viewed from the right. Figure 29 This is a top-view sectional view (plan view) of the strapping machine 100 in its initial state (standby state) (however, for convenience, the view has been rotated by 90 degrees. Hereafter, for convenience, the view will sometimes be rotated in the same way. It should be noted that in the following figures, to make the explanation easier to understand, some structures are sometimes omitted).

[0461] [Structural Overview of Strapping Machine 100]

[0462] The strapping machine 100 uses rivets S100 with openings to strap the first object G and the second object P.

[0463] The first object G is, for example, a thread, beam, rope, rod, pipe, or tree branch. The first object G is sometimes referred to as a guiding element. The second object P is, for example, the stem, vine, branch, or fruit of grass, trees, etc. The second object P includes objects in a state of growth or deformation. The binding machine 100 displaces the first leg S110 of the clip S100 in a manner that engages with the first object G, and displaces the second leg S120 in a manner that engages with the first object G, such that the clip S100 surrounds the second object P, thereby restricting the movement of the second object P relative to the first object G, and binding the first object G and the second object P.

[0464] The strapping machine 100 includes a first displacement part 200 that can displace the first leg S110 of the clip S100 in a manner capable of engaging with the first object G, and a second displacement part 300 that can displace the second leg S120 of the clip S100 in a manner capable of engaging with the first object G. The second displacement part 300 is configured to strap the first object G and the second object P by engaging the top end S124 of the second leg S120 with the first object G while the second object P is surrounded by the first leg S110, the second leg S120 and the main body S130 of the clip S100.

[0465] More specifically, the strapping machine 100 includes: a handle 112 that extends vertically for user gripping, and is equipped with a switch for driving the strapping machine 100; a hopper 114 ( Figure 28 The device is configured to accommodate multiple clips S100 stacked in the vertical direction; a push rod 116 applies upward force Z1 to the multiple clips S100 accommodated in the hopper 114; and a driver 420. Figure 29 The upper pin S100 is separated from the other pins S100 and moves forward X1 by pushing the upper pin S100 forward X1 in the same direction as the opening D1; a moving mechanism for moving the driver 420; and a first displacement part 200. Figure 29 Sometimes referred to as the clamping part), used to displace the pin S100 by bending or folding its first leg S110; the second displacement part 300 ( Figure 29 The first leg S110 is displaced by bending or folding the second leg S120 of the pin S100; and the cover 170 moves up and down according to the forward and backward movement of the driver 420, thereby assisting the plastic deformation of the first leg S110 achieved by the first displacement part 200.

[0466] [Drive and drive mechanism]

[0467] The driver 420 of the strapping machine 100 has the function of moving the clip S100 forward by moving forward X1. The driver 420 is configured to separate the upper clip S100 from the other clips S100 by moving the upper clip S100 connected to the other clips S100 forward. The driver 420 is configured to: plastically deform the first leg S110 by moving the separated clip S100 further forward X1, causing the first leg S110 to abut against the first displacement part 200; and plastically deform the second leg S120 by moving the second leg S120 against the first guide wall 312 and the second guide wall 320 included in the second displacement part 300. Figure 35A (etc.) to abut against each other to cause the second leg S120 to undergo plastic deformation.

[0468] Nut component 152 of strapping machine 100 Figure 29 The actuator 420 is designed to move forward X1 and backward X2. In this embodiment, the nut component 152 has a female thread that engages with the male thread of the ball screw 150 via a ball member (not shown). Therefore, when the ball screw 150 rotates in the forward direction, the nut component 152 moves forward X1; when the ball screw 150 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut component 152 moves backward X2. The nut component 152 is fixed to the actuator 420.

[0469] The nut component 152 and the driver 420 are configured to move forward X1 and backward X2, and are therefore sometimes referred to as the moving part.

[0470] Electric motor 154 ( Figure 29 The ball screw 150 is rotated. A motor 154 is located at the rear end of the strapping machine 100. It should be noted that the strapping machine 100 is equipped with a removable battery, and the motor 154 can be configured to be driven by the battery power. The strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment also includes a reducer 155 that engages with the output shaft of the motor 154, and the motor 154 uses the reducer 155 to increase torque, thereby rotating the ball screw 150. Furthermore, a printed wiring board is mounted at the rear end of the strapping machine 100, and this printed wiring board is equipped with a CPU, which is equivalent to a control device for controlling the motor 154.

[0471] 150 ball screw Figure 29 It is provided in the front-to-back direction at approximately the center of the strapping machine 100. As described above, the ball screw 150 is formed with a male thread that engages with the female thread of the nut component 152 via a ball member (not shown).

[0472] The base supports the driver 420. The base has a support surface that supports the driver 420 from below (Z2) by abutting or facing the bottom surface of the driver 420, and a wall extending in the front-rear direction to support the driver 420 from the left (Y2) by abutting or facing the side of the left end of the driver 420. Furthermore, the base has a wall extending in the front-rear direction to support the driver 420 from the right (Y1) by abutting or facing the right end of the driver 420. With this structure, the base guides the driver 420 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction.

[0473] Separator 118 ( Figure 29The upper pin S100 is separated from the lower pin S100 located at Z2. The separating block 118 is configured to prevent the lower pin S100 located at Z2 from moving forward X1 by the inner side of the lower pin S100. A recess for inserting a second object P is formed on the front end face of the separating block 118. Therefore, the separating block 118 also functions as a second insertion part for inserting the second object P.

[0474] According to the above structure, if the motor 154 causes the ball screw 150 to rotate in the positive direction, the nut component 152 and the driver 420 fixed to the nut component 152 will move forward X1. If the motor 154 causes the ball screw 150 to rotate in the opposite direction, the nut component 152 and the driver 420 fixed to the nut component 152 will move backward X2.

[0475] It should be noted that the strapping machine 100 may also include a Hall sensor or other sensor for obtaining the rotation amount of the motor 154 in order to control the movement amount of the driver 420. Furthermore, the strapping machine 100 may also include a magnet installed on the nut component 152 for detecting and controlling the position of the nut component 152 in the front-back direction, and a Hall sensor or other sensor for obtaining the position of the magnet installed on the nut component 152. The control device is configured to control the motor 154 based on the information obtained from these sensors.

[0476] Drive 420 ( Figure 29 It is formed into a plate shape and includes a front end portion having a front end face that abuts against the main body portion S130 of the tack S100.

[0477] The front end face of the actuator 420 includes a flat surface extending in the left-right direction when viewed from above, conforming to the shape of the crank portion S111 of the pin S100; a curved surface connected to the flat surface and curved rearward in a concave manner when viewed from above, conforming to the shape of the main body S130 of the pin S100; and a top surface covering the upper surfaces of the main body S130 and the crank portion S111 of the pin S100. When the actuator 420 moves forward, not only does the curved surface abut against the main body S130, but the flat surface also abuts against the crank portion S111, thereby preventing the crank portion S111 from bending. Sometimes, the portion with the flat surface that abuts against the crank portion S111 is referred to as the shoulder of the actuator 420, and the portion with the curved surface that abuts against the main body S130 is referred to as the curved portion of the actuator 420.

[0478] As described above, the strapping machine 100 includes an electric motor 154, a control device for controlling the electric motor 154, a reducer 155 for increasing the torque of the electric motor 154, a ball screw 150 connected to the reducer 155, and a nut member 152 configured to move in the direction of the central axis of the ball screw 150 (i.e., the front-to-back direction) by rotating the ball screw 150 forward or backward. The driver 420 is fixed to the nut member 152 by means such as bolts. Therefore, the driver 420 is configured to move integrally with the nut member 152 in the front-to-back direction.

[0479] [Crank retaining mechanism]

[0480] The strapping machine 100 may also include a crank retaining mechanism 180 for preventing the crank portion S111 of the tack S100 from bending. Figure 30A This is a perspective view of the crank retaining mechanism at 180 degrees. Figure 30B This is a vertical sectional view of the second retaining part 184 of the through crank retaining mechanism 180 from the front view.

[0481] The crank retaining mechanism 180 includes a first retaining portion 182 that supports the crank portion S111 of the catch S100 from the inside (front X1) of the catch S100, and a second retaining portion 184 that supports the main body portion S130 connected to the crank portion S111 from the inside (right Y1) of the catch S100. The rearward-facing surface of the first retaining portion 182 abuts against the front surface of the crank portion S111 to support the crank portion S111. The rearward surface of the crank portion S111 abuts against the forward-facing flat surface of the drive unit 420, thus enabling the crank portion S111 of the catch S100 to be clamped and supported from the outside and inside (front-rear direction) of the catch S100.

[0482] On the other hand, the outward-facing (left Y2) surface of the second retaining portion 184 abuts against the inner side of the main body portion S130 of the clip S100, thus supporting the main body portion S130. The outer side of the main body portion S130 abuts against the curved surface of the driver 420, thereby clamping and supporting the main body portion S130 from the outside and inside of the clip S100. In addition to the above structure, the clip S100 can also be supported vertically using the top surface of the driver 420 and the upper surface of the separating block 118. Therefore, the clip S100 can be supported in four directions: vertical, horizontal, and vertical. Thus, the shape of the curved main body portion S130 and the crank portion S111, which is prone to bending due to bending, can be maintained to advance the clip S100.

[0483] It should be noted that the crank retaining mechanism 180 may also be wholly or at least partially composed of a force-applying member. For example, by using an elastic member to construct the crank retaining mechanism 180 and placing it in a state where a rearward force is applied, the first retaining part 182 can be pressed against the front surface of the crank part S111 for support.

[0484] The strapping machine 100 may also include a mechanism for moving the crank holding mechanism 180 after strapping. For example, it may include a mechanism that causes the crank holding mechanism 180 to be in a rearward-applied state and causes the upper surface of the separating block 118, which is in contact with the bottom surface of the crank holding mechanism 180, to tilt upward. As the forward-moving crank holding mechanism 180 moves upward along the tilted surface, the engagement with the crank portion S111 of the clip S100 is automatically released.

[0485] It should be noted that the crank retaining mechanism 180 may also have only either the first retaining part 182 or the second retaining part 184.

[0486] [First displacement section]

[0487] The first displacement part 200 has the function of displacing the first leg S110 in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G.

[0488] The first displacement portion 200 according to this embodiment includes: a hole portion 210 having a cylindrical inner wall surface, wherein, as the driver 420 advances, the tip of the second portion S112 of the first leg S110 of the pin S100 is inserted into the inner wall surface, thereby causing the tip of the first leg S110 to bend in an arc or spiral shape while moving downward; and a groove portion 211 guiding the tip of the first leg S110 toward the hole portion 210. The hole portion 210 is provided in front of the first leg S110 by X1, so that the tip of the second portion S112 can abut against the inner wall surface of the hole portion 210 by the advance of the pin S100, and the tip of the second portion S112 can be displaced according to the shape of the inner wall surface.

[0489] Figure 31A This is a three-dimensional view of hole 210. Figure 31B and Figure 31C This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the induced protrusion 172 being inserted into the hole 210 in parallel. The hole 210 is arranged such that the base, where the travel path of the first leg S110 is formed, i.e., the groove 211, passes through in the vertical direction. It should be noted that, in order to make the shape of the tack S100 easy to understand, the first object G is from... Figure 31A (etc.)

[0490] In order to allow the top end of the second part S112 of the first leg S110, which is pushed forward by the driver 420, to smoothly abut against the cylindrical inner wall surface of the hole 210 from the groove 211, a groove 211 is formed on the surface of the base to allow the first leg S110 to travel in the front-rear direction, and the hole 210 is formed such that the outer side of the groove 211 is smoothly connected to the cylindrical inner wall surface (when viewed from above, the tangent of the inner wall surface at the connection point between the inner wall surface and the groove is consistent with the outer side of the groove).

[0491] like Figure 31A As shown, a guide inlet portion 190 is formed on the base, extending through the base in the vertical direction and communicating with the hole portion 210 from the top to the bottom. The first object G (which will become the guiding element) is located at this guide inlet portion 190. Figure 37 (e.g., with the guide rope arranged along the central axis of the hole 210, the tip of the second part S112 of the first leg S110 is inserted into the hole 210, thereby causing the tip of the second part S112 to move in a spiral manner surrounding the first object G. Thus, the first leg S110 can engage with the first object G. It should be noted that since the first object G is inserted into the hole 210, the hole 210 also functions as a first insertion part. The inventors of this application focused on the fact that by inserting the guiding protrusion 172, which guides the tip of the first leg S110 to move downward Z2, into the hole 210, the downward Z2 movement of the second part S112 can be facilitated.)

[0492] The induced protrusion 172 is inserted into the hole 210 adjacent to the first object G, such that the tip of the first leg S110 abuts against it. Figure 31B and Figure 31C As shown, the induced protrusion 172 has a rotational direction toward the tip of the second part S112 (in Figure 31A The inclined surface (in a counter-clockwise direction) slopes downwards as it moves. With this structure, the top of the second part S112 comes into contact with the inclined surface of the induction protrusion 172 and is guided to move downwards.

[0493] To enhance the engagement between the first object G and the first leg S110, the inner diameter of the inner wall of the hole 210 is preferably less than twice the wire diameter of the tack S100 and the sum of the outer diameter of the first object G. By setting the inner diameter in this way, a portion of the first object G or the tack S100 is flattened, thereby enhancing the engagement between the tack S100 and the first object G.

[0494] It should be noted that the inner wall surface formed in the hole 210 does not necessarily have to be a cylindrical surface. For example, the hole 210 may be configured such that its inner wall surface is formed with a circular cross-section that becomes smaller as it travels downwards Z2, thereby enhancing the engagement between the first object G and the first leg S110 at the lower Z2 of the hole 210. Alternatively, the inner wall surface formed in the hole 210 may also be a curved surface formed by an arc-shaped groove for displacing the first leg S110 in an arc shape.

[0495] Moreover, such as Figure 31C As shown, the movement of the driver 420 and the formation position of the hole 210 are preferably adjusted such that the top end of the second part S112 surrounds the first object G at least twice (720 degrees or more). By surrounding the first object G at least twice (720 degrees or more) with the top end of the second part S112, the engagement between the first object G and the first leg S110 can be enhanced.

[0496] [Lid Movement Mechanism]

[0497] The inventors of this application also focused on the following point: by utilizing the cover 170 ( Figure 32A By closing the hole 210 from above, it can help counteract the reaction force received by the first leg S110 and cause the top of the first leg S110 to move downward in a spiral Z2 direction.

[0498] Therefore, the inventors of this application devised a structure in which an inducing protrusion 172 is provided in the cover portion 170, and devised the following structure: by linking the movement of the actuator 420 with the up-and-down movement of the cover portion 170, the cover portion 170 closes the hole portion 210 during the binding action, and after binding, the cover portion 170 rises and the hole portion 210 is opened. A lower surface (bottom surface) is formed in the cover portion 170, which is perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical surface included in the hole portion 210 and faces the hole portion 210. By bringing this lower surface closer to the hole portion 210, the cover portion 170 closes the hole portion 210, and by moving this lower surface away from the hole portion 210, the cover portion 170 opens the hole portion 210.

[0499] It should be noted that the closure includes the case where a portion of the opening of the hole 210 is covered in order to prevent the first leg S110 from moving upward Z1. In addition, the cover 170 is provided above the hole 210 Z1, thus forming a through hole extending in the vertical direction for the insertion of a first object G into the hole 210.

[0500] The following uses Figures 32A to 32D and Figures 33A to 33B The structure that links the movement of the driver 420 with the up-and-down movement of the cover 170 will be described.

[0501] Figure 32A This is a sectional view of the strapping machine 100 from the left side.

[0502] As shown in the figure, the strapping machine 100, as a moving mechanism for the cover 170, has a forward and backward moving member 174 that moves back and forth in conjunction with the drive unit 420. Paths are formed in the forward and backward moving member 174. The paths include a first path R1 extending forward, a second path R2 connected to the front end of the first path R1 and extending in a downward and rearward inclined direction, a third path R3 connected to the rear end of the second path R2 and extending rearward, and a fourth path R4 connected to the rear end of the third path R3 and extending in an upward and forward inclined direction, connecting to the rear end of the first path R1. Each path is defined, for example, by four wall surfaces of a parallelogram-shaped wall portion protruding to the left (Y2).

[0503] However, the four paths may not be formed by two parallel paths that are not opposite each other, or they may be formed by curves. In particular, the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 may not be parallel. By changing the tilt angle of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, the path lengths of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 can be changed. Therefore, by changing the angles of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, the timing of the up-and-down movement of the cover 170 can be changed.

[0504] The cover 170 preferably moves downward in a manner that closes the hole 210 when the top of the first leg S110 reaches the hole 210 or immediately before it.

[0505] Furthermore, the crank holding mechanism 180 is preferably automatically disengaged from the crank portion S111 before the push-out member 250 moves upward Z1 as described later.

[0506] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 are configured to be different from each other, so that when the top of the first leg S110 reaches the hole 210, the cover 170 completes the action of closing the hole 210, and after the engagement with the crank S111 is automatically released, the ejector member 250 described later can move upward Z1 to discharge the spiral part.

[0507] The moving mechanism also has a pin 176 that travels along the path, a link 178 fixed to the pin 176, and two shafts that limit the movement of the link 178 in the forward and backward directions.

[0508] Pin 176, for example, is formed as a cylinder protruding to the left Y2, and is configured to travel along the four wall surfaces of the wall portion formed as a parallelogram.

[0509] The connecting rod 178 extends in the front-to-back direction, engages with a first shaft portion 186 at the front end and a second shaft portion 188 at the rear end. Each shaft portion extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the main body of the strapping machine 100, thus the movement of the connecting rod 178 in the front-to-back direction is restricted by the two shaft portions.

[0510] The moving mechanism also includes a vertically moving member 192 that engages with two shafts and multiple elastic members that are inserted between the vertically moving member 192 and the connecting rod 178. The moving mechanism is configured such that if the connecting rod 178 moves vertically along with the vertical movement of the pin 176, the elastic force generated by the elastic members pushed by the connecting rod 178 changes, thereby causing the vertically moving member 192 to move vertically. A cover 170 is connected to the vertically moving member 192, thus enabling the vertical movement of the pin 176 and the cover 170 to be linked. Furthermore, the vertical movement of the pin 176 is linked to the forward and backward moving member 174, which moves in conjunction with the driver 420. Therefore, the movement of the driver 420 and the vertical movement of the cover 170 can be linked.

[0511] Figure 32A The position of pin 176 in the initial state is shown. In the initial state, pin 176 is located on the second path R2. At this time, the cover portion 170 closes the hole portion 210.

[0512] Figure 32B The position of pin 176 is shown in the forward movement of drive 420 after the initial state. Drive 420 and forward / backward moving part 174 are configured to move in conjunction, more specifically, as drive 420 moves forward, forward / backward moving part 174 moves forward with a time lag, and as drive 420 moves backward, forward / backward moving part 174 moves backward with a lag.

[0513] If the moving part 174 moves forward along with the drive 420, the pin 176 located on the inclined second path R2 moves downward Z2 along the second path R2. If the pin 176 moves downward, the connecting rod 178 also moves downward.

[0514] The first shaft portion 186 engages with the connecting rod 178 and engages with the vertical moving member 192 below the connecting rod 178. In addition, an elastic member, namely a disc spring 194, is inserted between the connecting rod 178 and the vertical moving member 192 so that the first shaft portion 186 passes through it.

[0515] Therefore, such as Figure 32BAs shown, if the connecting rod 178 descends, the disc spring 194 is compressed, resulting in an increased force that presses the vertical moving member 192 downwards (Z2). Therefore, the cover 170, connected to the vertical moving member 192, presses the hole 210 downwards (Z2) with a strong force to close it. The top of the first leg S110, into which the clip S100 is inserted (or to be inserted), is located in the hole 210, thus the cover 170 induces the top of the first leg S110 to move downwards (Z2).

[0516] With this structure, if the actuator 420 moves forward, it can press the cover 170 downward Z2. Thus, as the pin 176 descends along the second path R2, the cover 170 descends, closing the hole 210 with a strong force.

[0517] like Figures 32B to 32C As shown, during the further advancement of the driver 420 and the forward / backward moving member 174, the pin 176 travels along the third path R3. Therefore, the pin 176 is maintained in the downward position. Thus, by configuring the pin 176 to be present on the third path R3 during the execution of the binding action, a mechanism can be realized in which the cover 170 continuously presses downward Z2 against the hole 210 in a manner that closes the hole 210 during the binding action.

[0518] like Figure 32C As shown, when the actuator 420 and the forward / backward moving member 174 are at their forwardmost position, the pin 176 moves from the third path R3 to the fourth path R4. The fourth path R4 extends in a direction inclined upward Z1 and forward X1, thus the connecting rod 178 and the pin 176 move upward by the elastic force of the disc spring 194. It should be noted that, similarly to the disc spring 194, for the second shaft portion 188, the cover portion 170 can also move up and down in a balanced and good manner by inserting an elastic member between the upward connecting rod 178 and the downward moving member 192.

[0519] Figure 32D This shows the status of the time point when the drive 420 completed its forward movement. Figure 33A The diagram illustrates the state of the actuator 420 in reversal. As shown in these figures, if the actuator 420 completes its forward movement and begins to move backward, pin 176 begins to move upward Z1 along the fourth path R4. Accompanying the movement of pin 176 along the fourth path R4, the elastic force based on the compression of disc spring 194 weakens. Therefore, as... Figure 33AAs shown, if pin 176 moves upward Z1, the vertical moving member 192 and cover 170 move upward Z1. Therefore, the cover 170's closure of the hole 210 is released, and the hole 210 is opened. Thus, the first object G engaged by the first leg S110 can be removed from the strapping machine 100. It should be noted that, to facilitate the upward Z1 movement of the vertical moving member 192, it is preferable to insert elastic members for lifting the vertical moving member 192 upward Z1 into the first shaft portion 186 and the second shaft portion 188, respectively. With this structure, the vertical moving member 192 can be smoothly lifted upward Z1 when the elastic force based on the compression of the disc spring 194 weakens. Furthermore, the elastic members for lifting upward Z1 can also be provided in portions other than the first shaft portion 186 and the second shaft portion 188 of the vertical moving member 192.

[0520] Figure 33B The state of the drive 420 immediately preceding the completion of its reversing action is shown. (As...) Figures 33A to 33B As shown, during the rearward movement of the driver 420 and the forward / backward moving part 174, the pin 176 is held above the first path R1. Therefore, a mechanism is achieved in which the cover 170 is lifted upward Z1 during the period when the driver 420 returns to the initial state after binding.

[0521] Subsequently, if pin 176 moves from the first path R1 to the second path R2, the cover 170 descends, closing the hole 210 with a weak force.

[0522] With the above structure, it is possible to realize the structure of the cover 170, which induces the first leg S110 of the tack S100 to move downward Z2 and engage with the first object G by descending during the binding action, and allows the first object G engaged by the first leg S110 of the tack S100 to be removed by rising after binding.

[0523] [Mechanism for holding the first object]

[0524] The following describes the guide holding mechanism 230 for holding the first object G in a state of insertion into the hole 210. It should be noted that the hole 210 is for inserting the first object G, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the insertion part. Figure 34This is a perspective view of the guide holding mechanism 230. As shown in the figure, the guide holding mechanism 230 is plate-shaped and has a through hole extending vertically through the guide holding mechanism 230 and a cut connecting the through hole and the outer periphery of the guide holding mechanism 230. The through hole has an inner diameter that is the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the first object G in order to properly hold the first object G. In addition, the central axis of the through hole and the central axis of the hole portion 210 are preferably arranged to be substantially consistent in plan view. With this structure, when the guide holding mechanism 230 holds the first object G, the first object G can be easily positioned on the central axis of the hole portion 210. The guide holding mechanism 230 can be provided on both the upper and lower parts of the hole portion 210, or only on one side.

[0525] Furthermore, the guide retaining mechanism 230 can also be provided as part of the cover portion 170. By providing the guide retaining mechanism 230 as part of the cover portion 170, the guide retaining mechanism 230 can be moved up and down in conjunction with the movement of the drive 420. In addition, by forming the inner diameter of the through hole of the guide retaining mechanism 230 to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hole portion 210, a portion of the area of ​​the hole portion 210 except for the center can be closed by the guide retaining mechanism 230. The first object G is placed at the center of the hole portion 210, and the second leg S120 travels around the outer periphery of the first object G. Therefore, by using the guide retaining mechanism 230 to close a portion of the area of ​​the hole portion 210 except for the center, the first leg S110 can be pressed downward against the reaction force received by the first leg S110, and the top of the first leg S110 can travel in a spiral shape.

[0526] Furthermore, by providing an induction protrusion 172 on the lower surface of the guide holding mechanism 230, the top of the first leg S110 can be guided to move downwards.

[0527] [Second displacement section]

[0528] The second displacement part 300 has the function of displacing the second leg S120 in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object G.

[0529] The second displacement portion 300 is configured to allow the second leg S120 to be displaced inward toward the latch S100 as the driver 420 moves toward the opening direction. More specifically, it is configured to allow the second leg S120 to be plastically deformed inward toward the latch S100 in an arc-shaped bending manner.

[0530] Specifically, as will be described later Figure 35AAs shown, the second displacement portion includes a first guide wall 312 disposed on the outer side of the second leg S120, which abuts against the second leg S120 of the pin S100 moving in the opening direction D1 (since the front X1 is the same, the opening direction D1 can also be called the front X1. The same applies below) to bend the second leg S120. The first guide wall 312 includes a recess 312A recessed outward (right Y1) of the pin S100. Therefore, the recess 312A has a first recessed region and a second recessed region. The first recessed region is disposed on the outer side of the second leg S120 in the initial state and has a wall surface that increases in distance from the second leg S120 as it moves forward. The second recessed region is connected to the first recessed region and has a wall surface that decreases in distance from the second leg S120 as it moves forward.

[0531] Second displacement part 300 ( Figure 35A (etc.) It also includes a second guide wall 320, which is set in the initial state before the displacement begins, in front of the second leg S120 at X1, and is used to bend the second leg S120 by abutting against the second leg S120 of the pin S100 that moves in the opening direction D1. The second guide wall 320 is set in such a way that it has a wall surface facing rearward X2. The second guide wall 320 includes a protrusion 320A that protrudes rearward X2. The protrusion 320A has a height that is greater from the second guide wall 320 when viewed from above, as it is set in the initial state in front of the second leg S120 in the front-back direction and in the left-right direction. The further it moves to the left Y2 (inside the pin S100), the greater the amount of rearward X2 protrusion.

[0532] The inventors of this application focused on the fact that, compared to the case where the protrusion 320A is not provided, by providing the protrusion 320A, the second leg S120 can be smoothly bent in a manner that moves toward the first leg S110.

[0533] [Bundling method using a strapping machine]

[0534] The following describes the strapping method using the strapping machine 100. It should be noted that the first object G inserted into the hole 210 and the second object P inserted into the recess (second insertion portion) formed in the separating block 118 are omitted from the figures for ease of explanation. Additionally, for ease of explanation, some structures are sometimes omitted from the figures.

[0535] Figures 35A to 35C and Figures 36A to 36D This is a top sectional view showing the process of using a strapping machine 100 to engage the tack S100 with the first object G.

[0536] like Figure 35AAs shown, the drive 420 moves forward, and the pin S100, pushed forward by the drive 420, moves forward. At this time, the crank holding mechanism 180 prevents the crank portion S111 from bending by supporting the pin S100.

[0537] like Figure 35B As shown, a second guide wall 320 is provided in front of the second leg S120 at X1, so the hook S124 of the second leg S120 abuts against the rearward X2 side of the second guide wall 320 and travels along the side 320B of the second guide wall 320.

[0538] The wall surface 320B of the second guide wall 320 has a portion that is formed facing rearward X2 and is approximately parallel to the left-right direction, so the hook S124 cannot move forward X1 (or, the amount of movement of the hook S124 forward X1 is less than the amount of movement of the main body S130 of the pin S100 forward X1). Therefore, the third part S123, which is to move forward X1, bends.

[0539] On the other hand, the first guide wall 312 is disposed on the outside (right Y1) of the second leg S120. The first guide wall 312 has a recess 312A that is formed in such a way that it is recessed outward (right Y1) toward the inside of the pin S100.

[0540] Therefore, such as Figure 35C As shown, the third part S123 abuts against at least a portion of the concave surface 312A1 of the recess 312A and bends outward in a bulging manner.

[0541] Additionally, as the drive 420 moves forward, the pin 176 travels on the third path R3, so the cover 170 closes the hole 210 downwards with a relatively strong force towards Z2.

[0542] like Figure 35A As shown, the second guide wall 320 includes a protrusion 320A that increases in the rearward X2 protrusion as it travels inward (leftward Y2). Therefore, the hook S124... Figure 35B and Figure 35C As shown, it is guided to move backward X2 while abutting against the protrusion 320A. At this time, the driver 420 moves forward further, so the third part S123 further flexes and abuts against the concave surface 312A1 of the recess 312A and bends outward in a large manner according to the shape of the concave surface 312A1.

[0543] like Figure 36A and Figure 36BAs shown, when the hook S124 passes over the second guide wall 320, the hook S124 moves forward X1 by the elasticity of the second leg S120, and the third part S123 of the second leg S120 abuts against the protrusion 320A.

[0544] Through the above process, the second leg S120 is displaced in a manner that bends approximately in a first rotational direction R1, which is equivalent to the clockwise direction of the paper surface.

[0545] By providing the second guide wall 320, the hook portion S124 of the pin S100, which moves forward X1, can be moved inward toward the pin S100. Furthermore, by providing a recess 312A with an outwardly recessed concave surface 312A1 in the first guide wall 312, bending of the second leg S120 can be facilitated.

[0546] Furthermore, by providing the protrusion 320A and making the hook S124 and the third part S123 abut against each other, compared with the case where the protrusion 320A is not provided, the hook S124 can be controlled to move in the direction of the first object G and thus displace it.

[0547] After the hook S124 passes the second guide wall 320, the tip of the first leg S110 begins to enter the hole 210 of the first displacement part 200. By configuring it in this way so that the maximum load applied after the displacement of the second leg S120 achieved by the second displacement part 300 is applied, and the maximum load applied after the displacement of the first leg S110 achieved by the first displacement part 200 is applied, it is possible to suppress the simultaneous application of a large load to the strapping machine 100.

[0548] As described above, the first displacement portion 200 can be, for example, formed by a hole portion 210 in which the tip of the first leg S110 of the pin S100 surrounds the outer periphery of the guide element, i.e., the first object G, or travels in a spiral along the outer periphery of the first object G when the pin S100 is moved in the opening direction D1. The pin S100 is flexible and plastic, so when the pin S100 is moved in the opening direction D1, the tip of the first leg S110 bends in a spiral and travels along the inner wall of the hole portion 210. Therefore, by moving the pin S100 forward with the first object G positioned on the axis of the spiral, the tip of the first leg S110 of the pin S100 can be engaged in a spiral manner surrounding the outer periphery of the first object G.

[0549] At this time, pin 176 travels on the third path R3, so the guiding protrusion 172, which is provided on cover 170 and protrudes downward, penetrates into the interior of hole 210 as cover 170 descends, inducing the first leg S110 to travel downward. Since cover 170 presses the first leg S110 downward, it can counteract the reaction force received by the first leg S110, causing the tip of the first leg S110 to travel in a spiral shape.

[0550] If the actuator 420 further advances the pin S100, the hook S124 abuts against the inclined surface 232A of the guide wall 232 (described later) and moves upward Z1. Then, as... Figure 36C As shown, the hook S124 travels through the area between the first object G inserted into the hole 210 and the second object P inserted into the recess of the separating block 118, to a position where it intersects with the first leg S110 in top view. Since the second leg S120, which includes the hook S124, moves upward Z1 by abutting against the inclined surface 232A, as shown in the figure, the second leg S120 or the main body S130 is displaced upward Z1 of the second guide wall 320.

[0551] Figure 36D The diagram shows the state after the actuator 420 has retracted following the binding. As the actuator 420 retracts, the latch S100 exerts its elastic force in a restoring manner, causing the second leg S120 to displace in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction R1, i.e., the second rotation direction R2, approaching and engaging with the first object G. At this time, to facilitate the upward Z1 movement of the hook S124, the surfaces of the first guide wall 312 and the second guide wall 320 can also be formed.

[0552] By using the above binding method, the first leg S110 and the second leg S120 can be engaged with the first object G by surrounding the second object P with the first leg S110, the second leg S120 and the main body S130. Figure 37 It is a perspective view showing the state in which the clip S100 is engaged with the first object G.

[0553] The second leg of the S100 clip, S120, is in Figures 35A to 35C and Figures 36A to 36DThe object is bent approximately clockwise, in the first rotation direction R1. Viewed from above, it intersects with the first leg S110 while the second object P is surrounded by the clip S100, with the clip S100's opening closed. It then engages with the first object G from the side where the second object P is located. Meanwhile, the first leg S110 bends in the second rotation direction R2 and engages with the first object G from the outside. Therefore, it can engage with the first object G by clamping the first leg S110 and the second leg S120. Furthermore, even if the second object P grows and comes into contact with the second leg S120, causing the second leg S120 to bend, the engagement with the first object G is strengthened, thus preventing the engagement between the first object G and the clip S100 from easily loosening as the second object P grows.

[0554] Furthermore, the tip of the first leg S110 is bent downwards (Z2) away from the plane of the first leg S110, second leg S120, and main body S130 before binding, and engages with the first object G. On the other hand, the tip of the second leg S120 is bent upwards (Z1) away from the plane of the first leg S110, second leg S120, and main body S130 before binding, and engages with the first object G. Therefore, the two ends of the tack S100 can be engaged at different positions on the first object G. Therefore, tension can be easily generated in the area of ​​the first object G from the engagement position with the first leg S110 to the engagement position with the second leg S120. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first object G from deflecting and the tack S100 from falling off.

[0555] In summary, according to the present invention, a strapping machine 100 and a strapping method are provided that can perform strapping that is not easily loosened.

[0556] The following describes the additional structure of the strapping machine 100.

[0557] [Induced Wall Section]

[0558] The strapping machine 100 may also include an induction wall 232 for inducing or guiding the staple S100 to engage with the first object G. Figure 38 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the strapping machine 100, including the portion containing the guide wall 232.

[0559] As shown in the figure, the guide wall portion 232 of this embodiment includes an inclined surface 232A, a first guide wall surface 232B, and a second guide wall surface 232C. The guide wall portion 232 causes the hook portion S124 to stably engage with the first object G by having the pin S100 abut against these three surfaces.

[0560] Inclined surface 232A is a surface used to move the hook portion S124 of the pin S100 upward Z1. Inclined surface 232A includes an inclined surface that is positioned at a height where the hook portion S124 abuts, so that the hook portion S124 is displaced upward Z1 as it moves toward the first leg S110, and that it moves upward Z1 as it moves to the left Y2 where the first displacement portion 200 is provided.

[0561] With such an inclined surface 232A, the hook S124 can engage with the first object G above the second part S112 of the first leg S110 via Z1.

[0562] The first guiding wall surface 232B is a surface used to engage the hook portion S124 of the pin S100 with the first object G by controlling the movement direction of the tip of the hook portion S124. The first guiding wall surface 232B is a wall surface erected from the inclined surface 232A, and is formed at a position X2 rearward and slightly inward towards the rear. Moreover, the first guiding wall surface 232B extends Y2 to the left in a top view and is located at least near the position after the first object G has traveled X2 rearward.

[0563] Through such a first guiding wall 232B, the tip of the hook S124 can be reliably moved to a position beyond the first object G.

[0564] It should be noted that, as shown in the figure, the first guiding wall 232B can also be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the guiding and holding mechanism 230. This structure can improve the positioning accuracy of the guiding wall 232 relative to the first object G.

[0565] The second guide wall surface 232C is a surface used to engage the hook portion S124 of the pin S100 with the first object G by controlling the movement direction of the tip of the hook portion S124. The second guide wall surface 232C is continuously provided with the first guide wall surface 232B, and is formed at a position X2 rearward and inclined outward. Moreover, the second guide wall surface 232C extends in plan view to at least near the position after traveling Y2 to the left from the first object G.

[0566] Through such a second guiding wall 232C, the tip of the hook S124 can be displaced in a manner that allows it to wrap around the first object G from a position away from the outside of the first object G, thereby engaging the hook S124 with the first object G.

[0567] The structure of at least a portion of the above-described induction wall 232 can also be applied within a reasonable range to the strapping machine involved in this embodiment.

[0568] [Inner support member]

[0569] The second displacement part 300 of the strapping machine 100 may also include an inner support member 340 for providing a bending support point when bending the second leg S120 inward toward the tack S100. Figure 39A This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the strapping machine 100, including the inner support member 340. Figure 39B It is a top-down sectional view of the second leg S120 being bent inward toward the clip S100.

[0570] The inner fulcrum member 340 includes a support wall portion 340B that supports the inner side of the third portion S123 of the second leg S120, and a fulcrum portion 340A that corresponds to the front X1 end of the support wall portion 340B and provides a bent fulcrum for the third portion S123. For example... Figure 39B As shown, when the hook portion S124 abuts against the protrusion 320A near its front end, the third portion S123 abuts against the fulcrum portion 340A. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the third portion S123 in the front-rear direction, the radius of the approximate arc of the bent third portion S123 can be adjusted.

[0571] The inner fulcrum member 340 can also be configured to move in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the strapping machine 100 can also include a mechanism for moving the inner fulcrum member 340 after strapping. For example, the inner fulcrum member 340 can be configured to include an elastic member such as a leaf spring or compression spring, and the inner fulcrum member 340 can be linked to the driver 420 such that: if the driver 420 moves forward and the strapping action is completed, the front X1 end of the inner fulcrum member 340 moves upward Z1 with the rear X2 end as a fulcrum; if the driver 420 moves backward, it returns to its initial position.

[0572] [Ejection component]

[0573] The first displacement section 200 of the strapping machine 100 may also include an ejection member 250 that helps to eject the top end of the first leg S110 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "spiral section") that surrounds the outer periphery of the first object G and engages it in a spiral shape. Figure 40 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the strapping machine 100, including the part containing the ejector component 250.

[0574] As shown in the figure, the ejector 250 is inserted from below Z2 into the hole 210 through which the guide retaining mechanism 230 passes in the vertical direction, thereby lifting the second part S112 of the first leg S110, which is spirally engaged with the first object G, from below Z2 to help eject it.

[0575] The ejector member 250 is configured, for example, to be able to move up and down at a position relative to the first object G, either X2 to the rear or Y1 to the right (inner), and overlapping with the hole 210 in a top view. The upper end of the ejector member 250 is preferably formed with an arc or bevel in a manner that does not damage the first object G or the spiral portion.

[0576] In order to enable the ejector member 250 to move up and down, it is preferable to connect it to the up-and-down moving member 192 or the cover 170. With this configuration, when the cover 170 moves upward Z1 and opens, the screw portion can be lifted from below Z2 and discharged.

[0577] In summary, according to the present invention, a strapping machine and strapping method capable of performing strapping that is not easily loosened can be provided.

[0578] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, within the scope of ordinary inventiveness of those skilled in the art, some of the constituent elements of one embodiment can be added to other embodiments. In addition, some of the constituent elements of one embodiment can be substituted for the corresponding constituent elements of other embodiments.

[0579] For example, the first displacement part can also engage the first leg S110 with the first object G by bending the first leg S110 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0580] Alternatively, the first displacement portion can also engage with the first object G by bending the first leg S110. For example, the first leg S110 can be engaged with the first object G by bending the first leg S110 and clamping it in.

[0581] Furthermore, the second leg S120 of the clip can also be made into a structure that extends in a straight line. In this case, the top part of the second leg S120 can be mounted on the wall surface that abuts against and passes through when the second leg is displaced in the first rotational direction. Thus, while bending the second leg S120 in the first rotational direction, its top part is bent in the opposite second rotational direction, thus providing a structure equivalent to the hook S124.

[0582] Similarly, the constituent elements disclosed in this application can be reasonably combined through the ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art.

[0583] In addition to the second embodiment described above, the invention involved in this application can also be implemented as a strapping machine or strapping method as described below.

[0584] That is, this application also discloses the strapping machine shown below.

[0585] (Note 6)

[0586] A strapping machine uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg. An opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg. The strapping machine comprises:

[0587] The moving part includes a driver configured to move the pin forward by moving it forward;

[0588] The first displacement section moves the first leg forward by using the driver to move the pin forward, thereby displacing it in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object; and

[0589] The second displacement part moves the pin forward using the driver, thereby displacing the second object by surrounding it with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and engaging it with the first object.

[0590] (Note 6A)

[0591] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1, and capable of applying this structure.

[0592] The first displacement portion includes a first insertion portion for inserting the first object and the first leg.

[0593] The first insertion portion includes an inner wall that engages with the first object after insertion by bending the tip of the inserted first leg in an arc shape.

[0594] (Note 6A1)

[0595] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 6A, and capable of applying this structure.

[0596] It has a cover portion that guides the pin downwards.

[0597] The cover includes an inducing protrusion that guides the tip of the first leg, which is inserted into the first insertion portion, downward.

[0598] (Note 6A2)

[0599] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 6A1, and capable of applying this structure,

[0600] The inner wall includes a cylindrical surface.

[0601] The cover includes a lower surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical surface and faces the first insertion portion.

[0602] (Note 6B)

[0603] Any strapping machine according to any one of Appendix 6 or Appendix 6A1, described in this application, and capable of applying this structure.

[0604] The main body of the clasp includes a curved portion, and the first leg includes a first portion that bends and extends outward, and a second portion that bends from the first portion and extends toward the opening of the clasp.

[0605] The driver includes a curved portion that abuts against the main body and a shoulder portion that abuts against the first portion.

[0606] (Note 6C)

[0607] According to any of the strapping machines described in this application and capable of using this structure, including any strapping machine according to any one of Appendices 6 to 6B.

[0608] The second displacement portion includes: a first guide wall formed on the outside of the second leg toward the inside of the pin, such that the second leg of the pin, which moves forward by means of the actuator, abuts against the first guide wall and bends; and a second guide wall disposed in front of the first guide wall and formed toward the rear.

[0609] (Note 6C1)

[0610] According to any strapping machine described in this application, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 6C, and capable of applying this structure.

[0611] The first guide wall includes an outwardly recessed portion.

[0612] (Note 6C2)

[0613] According to any strapping machine described in this application and capable of applying this structure, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 6C or Appendix 6C1.

[0614] The second guide wall includes a rearwardly projecting protrusion.

[0615] (Note 7)

[0616] A strapping machine uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object. Each clip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg. An opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg. The strapping machine comprises:

[0617] The first displacement portion includes a movable portion configured to move forward and a wall surface disposed in front of the first leg. The first leg is displaced by abutting against the latch, which moves forward through the movable portion, thereby engaging the first leg with the first object.

[0618] The second displacement portion, having a second guide wall and a first guide wall, displaces the second leg by surrounding the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and engaging with the first object. The second guide wall includes a wall surface disposed in front of the second leg and facing rearward, which abuts the second leg of the latch that moves forward through the moving portion. The first guide wall includes a concave surface disposed on the outside of the second leg and recessed outward toward the inside of the latch, which bends the second leg that abuts the wall surface of the second guide wall.

[0619] (Note 7A)

[0620] According to any strapping machine that includes the strapping machine described in Appendix 2A, is described in this application, and is capable of applying this structure.

[0621] The second displacement portion is configured such that, when viewed from above, the top end of the second leg passes through the gap between the first object and the second object.

[0622] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-117383 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-117401, filed on July 15, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0623] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0624] 10 strapping machines

[0625] 12 handles

[0626] 14. Storage bins

[0627] 16 Putter

[0628] 18 Separation Blocks

[0629] 20 First displacement part

[0630] 22 First Arm

[0631] 22AX First arm rotation axis

[0632] 22C convex part

[0633] 24. Abutment component (claw component)

[0634] 24A recess

[0635] 24B contact surface

[0636] 24C Corner

[0637] 30 Second displacement part

[0638] 32 Second Arm

[0639] 32AX Second arm rotation axis

[0640] 32B rear end

[0641] 32B1 First Rear End Face

[0642] 32B2 Second Rear End Face

[0643] 32C Top Part

[0644] 32C1 Main Body

[0645] 32C2 protrusion

[0646] 42 drives

[0647] 42S front end

[0648] 42B protruding end

[0649] 42C driver protrusion

[0650] 42G1 First Slot

[0651] 42G2 Second Slot

[0652] 42G3 Third Slot

[0653] 44 Slider

[0654] 44A1 First front end

[0655] 44A11 First convex part

[0656] 44A12 Second convex part

[0657] 44A13 protruding end

[0658] 44A2 Second front end

[0659] 44A21 First Surface

[0660] 44A22 Second Surface

[0661] 44A23 Third Surface

[0662] 44B Fixing part

[0663] 46 base

[0664] 46A1 First protrusion

[0665] 46A2 Second protrusion

[0666] 46A3 Third protrusion

[0667] 48 Switching Block

[0668] 48C1 First Claw

[0669] 48C2 Second Claw

[0670] 48C3 Third Claw

[0671] 50 ball screw

[0672] 50AX central axis

[0673] 52 Nut assembly

[0674] 52A Holding Section

[0675] 54 Electric Motors

[0676] 62 First outer wall portion

[0677] 62A First Area

[0678] 62B Second Area

[0679] 64 First inner wall section

[0680] 66 Second inner wall section

[0681] 68 Top support section

[0682] 68A Support Wall

[0683] S-shaped pin

[0684] S1 First Leg Section

[0685] S1A Top Section

[0686] S1B Part 1

[0687] α1 Bending angle

[0688] DS1 First Distance

[0689] S2 Second Leg

[0690] S2A Top Section

[0691] DS2 Second Distance

[0692] S3 Main Body

[0693] G First Object

[0694] P Second object

[0695] PL plane

[0696] X1 Front

[0697] X2 rear

[0698] Y1 Right

[0699] Y2 Left

[0700] Z1 Above

[0701] Z2 below

[0702] D1 Opening direction

[0703] R1 First rotation direction

[0704] R2 Second Rotation Direction

[0705] 100 strapping machines

[0706] 112 handles

[0707] 114 Silo

[0708] 116 Putter

[0709] 118 Separation Block

[0710] 150 ball screw

[0711] 152 Nut assembly

[0712] 154 Electric Motor

[0713] 170 cover

[0714] 174 Forward and backward moving parts

[0715] 176 sales

[0716] 178 connecting rod

[0717] 186 First Shaft

[0718] 188 Second Shaft

[0719] 192 Up and down moving parts

[0720] 194 Disc Spring

[0721] 200 First displacement part

[0722] 210 Hole

[0723] 230 Guiding and Maintaining Organization

[0724] 250 ejected components

[0725] 300 Second displacement section

[0726] 312 First Guide Wall

[0727] 320 Second Guide Wall

[0728] 420 drive

[0729] S100 SIM card

[0730] S110 First Leg Section

[0731] S120 Second Leg

[0732] S130 Main Body

Claims

1. A strapping machine that uses clips to strap together a first object and a second object, said clip comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, wherein an opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg, wherein... The strapping machine has the following features: The first displacement part displaces the first leg in a manner that allows it to engage with the first object; and The second displacement portion displaces the second leg in a manner that surrounds the second object using the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, and is able to engage with the first object. The first displacement portion has a first insertion portion for inserting the first object and the first leg. The first insertion part has an inner wall surface that abuts against the top end of the first leg. By making the top end of the inserted first leg extend along the inner wall towards the first object while being curved in an arc shape, the first leg alone spirally surrounds and engages the outer periphery of the first object.

2. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The second displacement portion is configured to allow the second leg to be displaced to a position where it intersects with the first leg when viewed from above.

3. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, It has a second insertion part for inserting the second object. The second displacement portion displaces the second leg in such a way that it surrounds the second object inserted into the second insertion portion.

4. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, It includes a moving part that moves the pin in the opening direction of the pin. The second displacement portion moves inward toward the opening as the moving portion moves toward the opening, causing the second leg to move inward toward the inside of the locking pin.

5. The strapping machine according to claim 4, wherein, The second displacement portion includes an arm disposed on the outside of the second leg, and the moving portion that moves toward the opening direction abuts against the arm to bend the second leg.

6. The strapping machine according to claim 5, wherein, The arm is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by being pushed by the front end of the moving part that moves forward. The arm has a rotation axis that is tilted so that the arm moves upward the further the front end of the arm rotates in the first rotation direction.

7. The strapping machine according to claim 6, wherein, The arm includes a rear end that extends rearward beyond the rotation axis of the arm in its pre-rotation state. The rear end of the arm includes: The first rear end face is abutted against the first surface of the front end portion of the moving part that moves forward; and The second rear end face, which is formed at a position further forward than the first surface, is abutted by the second surface of the front end of the moving part that moves further forward.

8. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first displacement portion folds back the top part of the first leg in a manner that clamps the first object.

9. The strapping machine according to claim 4, wherein, The first displacement portion includes a first outer wall portion, and when the pin moves forward through the moving portion, the top end portion of the first leg abuts against the first outer wall portion while passing through the first outer wall portion.

10. The strapping machine according to claim 7, wherein, It also includes a wall portion disposed inside the second leg of the clip, the top end of the second leg, which is displaced inward toward the clip by the rotation of the arm, abuts against the wall portion while passing through the wall portion.

11. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first displacement portion includes an abutment member that bends the top end of the first leg in a manner that passes either above or below the first leg.

12. The strapping machine according to claim 4, wherein, The second displacement portion includes a guide wall disposed on the outside of the second leg portion. The second leg portion of the pin, which moves toward the opening direction via the moving portion, abuts against the guide wall, causing the second leg portion to bend.

13. The strapping machine according to claim 12, wherein, The guide wall includes a recess that is recessed outwards from the pin.

14. The strapping machine according to claim 12, wherein, It includes a second guide wall that is positioned forward of the guide wall and faces rearward.

15. The strapping machine according to claim 14, wherein, The second guide wall includes a rearwardly projecting protrusion.

16. The strapping machine according to claim 4, wherein, The main body of the clasp includes a curved portion, and the first leg includes a first portion that bends and extends outward, and a second portion that bends from the first portion and extends toward the opening of the clasp. The movable part includes a curved part that abuts against the main body part and a shoulder part that abuts against the first part.

17. The strapping machine according to claim 2, wherein, The second displacement portion is configured such that, when viewed from above, the top end of the second leg passes through the gap between the first object and the second object, causing the top end of the second leg to engage with the first object.

18. A binding method using clips to bind a first object and a second object, said clip comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, wherein an opening is formed between the first leg and the second leg, wherein... In the aforementioned binding method, The first leg is displaced so that the first object and the first leg engage. The second leg is displaced so that the second object is surrounded by the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, and the first object and the second leg are engaged. The step of displacing the first leg to engage the first object and the first leg includes displacing a portion of the first leg at a distance less than a first distance from the tip of the first leg to engage the first object and the first leg, where the first distance is the radius of the largest circle inscribed in the main body. The step of displacing the second leg to engage the first object and the second leg includes displacing a portion of the second object below a second distance greater than the first distance from the top of the second leg to engage the first object and the second leg, wherein the second distance is twice the radius.

19. The binding method according to claim 18, wherein, The step of displacing the first leg to engage the first object and the first leg includes the step of moving the tip of the first leg either above or below a plane passing through the first leg, the second leg, and the main body. The step of displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and engaging the first object and the second leg includes the step of moving the tip of the second leg in the opposite direction, either above or below, away from the plane.

20. The binding method according to claim 18, wherein, The step of displacing the second leg to surround the second object using the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, and engaging the first object and the second leg, includes: The steps of displacing the second leg in the first rotational direction to a position where it intersects with the first leg in a top view, thereby allowing the tip of the second leg to pass through the gap between the first object and the second object; and The step of displacing the second leg in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction so that the top part of the second leg, which has passed through the gap between the first object and the second object, engages with the first object.

21. The binding method according to claim 20, wherein, The step of displacing the second leg in the first rotation direction to a position where it intersects with the first leg in a top view includes bending the second leg in the first rotation direction while bending the top of the second leg in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

22. The binding method according to claim 20, wherein, The step of displacing the first leg to engage the first object and the first leg includes bending the top part of the first leg in the first rotation direction to engage the first object and the top part of the first leg.

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