Staple

Abstract

To provide a staple capable of holding a stem or branch of a plant to a guide element, which can be spirally deformed.SOLUTION: A staple is made of a wire having flexibility, and has a tip part engageable with an extending subject by being spirally deformed so as to surround the subject, where a deformation accelerating part is formed to an inner peripheral part of the tip part which opposes the subject in a state after deformation, an outer peripheral part of a tip part on the opposite side of the inner peripheral part, or both of the inner peripheral part and the outer peripheral part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a staple. [Background technology]

[0002] Staples are known for holding stems, vines, branches, etc. of plants, trees, etc. to guide elements such as wires, beams, strings, rods, pipes, tree branches, etc.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose such staples and binding machines for binding using staples. The staple described in Patent Document 2 has two legs and a main body (sometimes called a "crown") connecting the legs, and engages with a guide element (sometimes called an "object") by deforming the tip of one of the legs so that the tip advances spirally around the outer periphery of the object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-74007 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-13307 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-13317 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the staple is deformed, the tip portion may not deform into a spiral shape, or a load may be applied to other portions, causing the staple to buckle.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a staple that is easily deformed into a spiral shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present application discloses a staple capable of holding plant stems, branches, etc. on a guide element, the staple being formed from a flexible wire and having a tip portion that can engage with an extending object by being deformed spirally to surround the object, the staple having a deformation-promoting portion formed on the inner periphery of the tip portion that faces the object after deformation, on the outer periphery of the tip portion opposite the inner periphery, or on both the inner periphery and the outer periphery.

[0008] Here, a staple (sometimes called a "linear binding material") is formed from a flexible wire that can be plastically deformed, and includes a member (including those whose surfaces are plated or coated with resin, etc.) that engages with an object by deformation. Staples are also sometimes called wires, clips, wires, binding devices, etc.

[0009] The staple may have any shape including two legs and a connecting portion (sometimes called a crown portion) connecting the two legs. The two legs may be formed as parallel line segments, non-parallel line segments, curved lines, or a combination thereof. The crown portion may be formed linearly or curved. For example, the staple may have an asymmetric shape, as exemplified in this embodiment.

[0010] Binding also includes restraining the relative movement of one object and another object using a staple. For example, binding of objects may be achieved by surrounding one object (which may be called a "second object," such as a plant) with a staple and then engaging, for example, both ends (two tip ends) of the staple with the other object (which may be called a "first object," a "guide," or a "guide element," such as a wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, or tree branch). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1A is a plan view of a staple according to one embodiment in an undeformed state. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an enlarged plan view of a staple tip according to one embodiment in an undeformed state. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is an enlarged side view (right side view) of the distal end of a staple according to one embodiment in an undeformed state. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is an enlarged side view (left side view) of a staple tip according to one embodiment in an undeformed state. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is an enlarged view of the staple tip of FIG. 1B. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a staple according to one embodiment in a deformed state. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an enlarged plan view of the distal end of a staple according to one embodiment in a deformed state. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is an enlarged side view (right side view) of the distal end of the staple according to one embodiment in a deformed state. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the tip of a staple in a deformed state according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a horizontal cross-sectional view (bottom view) of the distal end of the staple according to one embodiment in a deformed state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a staple according to a modified example. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a staple according to a modified example. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a staple according to a modified example. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a staple according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes the configuration of the staple according to this embodiment and the binding machine for binding using this staple. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the staple having the configuration shown in this embodiment. The present invention is widely applicable to staples that engage with an object by deforming in a spiral shape.

[0013] [Configuration of Staple S] 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are a plan view of a staple S in a state before binding (sometimes referred to as "before deformation"; the same applies hereinafter) according to this embodiment, a plan view (enlarged view) of a tip portion ST in the same state as viewed from above, a right side view (enlarged view) of the tip portion ST, and a left side view (enlarged view) of the tip portion ST. Furthermore, FIG. 1E is an enlarged view of the tip portion ST in FIG. 1B (however, for the purpose of explanation, a groove portion GP, ​​which will be described later, is shown larger than in FIG. 1B).

[0014] 2A, 2B, and 2C are respectively an oblique view of staple S in a state after binding (sometimes called "after deformation" or "when engaged," etc.; the same applies hereinafter) according to this embodiment, a plan view (enlarged view) of the tip portion as viewed from above, and a right side view (enlarged view) of the tip portion.

[0015] First, the structure of the staple S before binding will be described.

[0016] The staple S has a first leg S1, a second leg S2, and a main body S3 connecting the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. Before binding, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the staple S are spaced apart, and an opening is provided between the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. In this embodiment, the direction from the main body S3, which is the closed portion, toward the opening (to the left in the plane of the paper in FIG. 1A) may be referred to as an opening direction DR1 (of the staple S). Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the staple S (for example, the opening direction DR1 in the case of the second leg S2 of the staple S in this embodiment) and perpendicular to the stacking direction, which will be described later, may be referred to as a side direction (of that portion of the staple S), and the surface of the staple S facing the side direction may be referred to as a side of the staple S. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the side direction and in which a plurality of staples S are connected is referred to as a stacking direction DR2 or a connecting direction DR2, and in particular, the upward direction on the paper surface in FIG. 1C (the forward direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1A) may be referred to as an upward stacking direction DR21 (of staples S), and the downward direction (the depth direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1A) may be referred to as a downward stacking direction DR22 (FIG. 1C). As will be described later, in this embodiment, the opening direction DR1 of the staples S coincides with the forward X1 (described later), which is the moving direction of the staples S set in the binding machine 10 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the stacking direction DR2 of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 14 of the binding machine 10 coincides with the vertical direction Z (described later), which is the extending direction of the magazine 14.

[0017] The staple S comprises a main body S3 connecting the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 and surrounding a second object P such as a stem; a first leg S1 connected to one end of the main body S3 and including a first portion S11 that bends and extends outward; and a second portion S12 that bends further from the first portion S11 and extends in the opening direction DR1. The second leg S2 is connected to the other end of the main body S3 and includes a third portion S23 that extends in the opening direction DR1 and a fourth portion S24 that bends outward from the tip of the third portion S23. As shown in the figure, the main body S3 is curved in a C-shape or a semicircular arc. The first portion S11 connecting the main body S3 and the second portion S12 is sometimes referred to as a crank portion, and the second portion S12 connected to the first portion S11 and extending linearly in the opening direction DR1 is sometimes referred to as a straight portion. Furthermore, a fourth portion S24, which corresponds to the other tip of the staple S and is bent at an acute angle relative to the third portion S23, is sometimes called a hook portion.

[0018] 2A and other figures showing the state after deformation, the hook portion S24 corresponding to the tip of the second leg portion S2 is engaged by bending the second leg portion S2 in a direction approaching the first object G by the binding machine 10 described below and hooking it onto the first object G. At this time, the opening that was provided between the two legs in the state before deformation is closed in top view, making it possible to surround the second object P using the staple S.

[0019] When the hook portion S24 engages with the first object G, the third portion S23 exerts an elastic force in a direction that widens the opening and returns to its original position. This allows the hook portion S24 to apply tension to the first object G in a direction that widens the opening, i.e., in a direction that moves the hook portion S24 away from the first leg portion S1 and returns to its original position. This makes it possible to prevent the first object G from bending and causing the staple S to fall off, for example.

[0020] [Configuration of deformation promotion part] 2A to 2C, the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 is a portion that engages with the first object G by being deformed into a spiral shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the first object G by the binding machine 10. Therefore, the tip portion ST may be referred to as a spiral forming portion ST.

[0021] Here, the inventors of the present application have noticed that the staple S may not be deformed into the desired shape during the process of deforming the tip ST of the first leg S1 of the staple S into a spiral shape. That is, when a strong load is applied to deform the tip ST of the first leg S1 into a spiral shape, the straight portion S12 formed by extending linearly may buckle. Also, there are cases where the spiral pitch described by the tip ST of the first leg S1 is too wide, resulting in insufficient force for engagement with the first object G, or conversely, where the spiral pitch is too narrow, resulting in the tip S1P of the first leg S1 (sometimes referred to as the "apex of the tip ST") colliding with a part of the succeeding tip ST.

[0022] Therefore, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea of ​​forming a deformation promoting portion FT, as shown in FIGS. 1B to 1D, on the tip portion ST, which is the spiral-forming portion. By forming such a deformation promoting portion FT on the tip portion ST, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned problem. Here, the deformation promoting portion FT refers to a configuration that is relatively more likely to deform into a spiral shape when the same force is applied, compared to when the deformation promoting portion FT is not provided. Therefore, the deformation promoting portion FT is not limited to the configuration shown in the figures, but may also be a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 5A (described below), or a combination of these, or may be realized using other configurations not shown in these figures. The configuration of the deformation promoting portion FT of this embodiment will be described below.

[0023] In this embodiment, the deformation promoting portion FT is formed on an inner peripheral portion (sometimes referred to as an "inner peripheral portion STI" or "contact portion STI") of the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 that faces and comes into contact with the first object G when engaged with the first object G (in a state after being deformed into a spiral), and on an outer peripheral portion (sometimes referred to as an "outer peripheral portion STO") of the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 that is opposite the inner peripheral portion STI when engaged with the first object G (in a state after being deformed into a spiral). Hereinafter, the deformation promoting portion FT formed on the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 will be referred to as an inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI, and the deformation promoting portion FT formed on the outer peripheral portion will be referred to as an outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO. However, the deformation promoting portion FT does not have to include both the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI and the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO; it may include only one of them.

[0024] [Inner periphery deformation promotion section] As shown in FIG. 2B , which shows the state after deformation, the inner circumferential portion STI corresponds to the inner circumferential side of the spirally deformed tip portion ST, and therefore corresponds to the compressed portion. Therefore, a large compressive stress is generated in the inner circumferential portion STI. Therefore, by forming the inner circumferential deformation promoting portion FTI so that the compressive stress is smaller than when the inner circumferential deformation promoting portion FTI is not deformed, it is possible to promote the spiral deformation of the tip portion ST.

[0025] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential deformation promoting portion FTI is composed of a plurality of (for example, five or more) recesses formed at intervals, as shown in Fig. 1C, which is a side view of the staple S. By forming such recesses, the internal stress that acts to prevent compression is reduced compared to when there are no recesses, and it is therefore possible to promote the spiral deformation of the tip portion ST.

[0026] In this embodiment, the inner peripheral portion STI where the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI is formed corresponds to the outer peripheral portion of the straight portion S12 facing outward in the pre-deformation state (FIG. 1A), rather than the inner peripheral portion facing inward opposite to the second leg portion S2. In other words, the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 deforms spirally outward away from the second leg portion S2, rather than in a direction approaching the second leg portion S2, thereby engaging with the first object G located outside the first leg portion S1.

[0027] This configuration prevents the first leg S1 from coming into contact with and damaging the second object P inserted into the staple S, making it possible to insert a larger second object P into the staple S and bind it.

[0028] In this embodiment, each recess is composed of a groove portion GP that extends in a direction inclined rather than perpendicular to the extension direction DR3 of the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 in a side view (Figure 1C) seen from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction DR3 (which corresponds to the extension direction of the line connecting the centers of the cross section of the main portion of the tip portion ST, and in this embodiment is parallel to the opening direction DR1) and the stacking direction DR2 of the first leg portion S1. Here, the portion that extends in an inclined manner is sometimes called an inclined portion IP. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1C, in a side view seen from a direction opposite the tip portion ST, each inclined portion IP intersects the extension direction DR3 of the tip portion ST obliquely rather than perpendicularly.

[0029] More specifically, the inclined portion IP is formed to be inclined so as to approach the tip S1P of the first leg S1 of the staple S as it proceeds downward in the stacking direction DR22, which is a direction perpendicular to the extension direction DR3 in Fig. 1C (in other words, so as to move away from the tip S1P of the first leg S1 of the staple S and approach the main body portion S3 as it proceeds upward in the stacking direction DR21). As will be described later, during deformation, the tip portion ST is deformed into a spiral shape by proceeding in a direction corresponding to the downward stacking direction DR22 as the axial direction of the spiral while proceeding in this direction so as to surround the outer periphery of the first object G extending in the up-and-down direction.

[0030] By providing such an inclined portion IP, the groove portion GP can effectively promote the deformation of the tip portion ST into a spiral shape, as described below. However, the groove portion GP may have a portion other than the inclined portion IP, for example, a groove portion connected to one or both ends of the inclined portion IP and extending in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the stacking direction DR21 upward in a side view. The region forming the deformation promoting portion FT and the angle θ1 of the inclined portion IP (FIG. 1C; sometimes referred to as the "inclination angle θ1") will be described later.

[0031] [Peripheral deformation promotion section] In the deformed state shown in Figure 2B, the outer peripheral portion STO corresponds to the outer peripheral portion of the spirally deformed tip portion ST, and therefore corresponds to the portion that is stretched by tension. Therefore, large tensile stress is generated in the outer peripheral portion STO. Therefore, by forming the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO so that the tensile stress is smaller than when the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO is not deformed, it is possible to promote the spiral deformation of the tip portion ST.

[0032] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO is composed of a plurality of recesses formed at a distance from each other, as shown in Figures 1C and 1D. By forming such recesses, the internal stress that prevents pulling is reduced compared to when there are no recesses, making it possible to promote the spiral deformation of the tip portion ST. Note that in this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion STO corresponds to the inner surface side facing inward, facing the second leg portion S2, in the pre-deformation state (Figure 1A).

[0033] In this embodiment, the grooves and their inclined portions formed in the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO are formed symmetrically with the grooves GP and their inclined portions IP formed in the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI, so the same reference numerals are used and their description is omitted. However, the configuration of the deformation promoting portion formed in the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI may be different from the configuration of the deformation promoting portion formed in the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO. For example, the configurations of each recess formed in the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI and the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO (e.g., the length of the grooves GP, the number of grooves GP, the width or depth of the grooves formed in the grooves GP, the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portions IP, etc.) may be different from each other.

[0034] [Slope angle] The inventors of the present application have focused on the fact that it is possible to promote deformation into a desired spiral shape by forming the grooves GP so that the extension directions of the grooves GP formed in the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO and the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI are substantially parallel to the axial direction of the spiral formed by the tip portion ST in the deformed state, as shown in Fig. 2C. If the extension directions of the grooves GP and the axial direction of the spiral are not substantially parallel in the deformed state, for example, if they become nearly perpendicular, the balance of stress acting on the upper and lower parts of the cross section of the tip portion ST will be greatly disrupted, and it may become impossible to form the desired spiral shape.

[0035] Therefore, it is preferable to set the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portion IP so that the angle formed between the extension direction of the inclined portion IP and the axial direction of the spiral is approximately parallel in side view after the inclined portion IP has been deformed into a spiral. Here, the axial direction of the spiral roughly coincides with the extension direction of the first object G. Therefore, it can be said that it is preferable to set the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portion IP so that the extension direction of the inclined portion IP and the extension direction of the first object G are approximately parallel in side view after the inclined portion IP has been deformed into a spiral.

[0036] As shown below in Figures 2B and 2C, etc., if the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the first object G is D1 and the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the tip portion in the pre-deformation state is D2 (where D2 is between 75% and 125% of D1), it is preferable to set the inclination angle θ1 between the extension direction of the inclined portion IP and the extension direction DR3 of the tip portion ST in a side view in the pre-deformation state to between 55 degrees and 85 degrees, and it will be explained that this configuration makes the extension direction of the inclined portion IP and the axial direction of the spiral (i.e., the extension direction of the first object G) closer to being parallel.

[0037] Here, if the first object G is a guide string or the like made by twisting together thin linear resin materials such as polypropylene, its cross section may not necessarily be circular. In such cases, the diameter of a circle approximating the periphery of the first object G in the cross section is the diameter D1 of the circle approximating the cross section of the first object G. For example, it is possible to calculate the circle approximating the cross section of the first object G using the least squares method based on multiple points that make up the periphery in the cross section of the first object G. In this embodiment, the diameter D1 is, for example, 1.2 mm. Therefore, the staple S is a staple that can be engaged with a first object G having a diameter D1. For example, if a binding machine that uses the staple S to perform binding has specifications that allow both tip ends of the staple S to be engaged with a guide string (an "example of the first object G") having a diameter that includes the diameter D1, the staple S is a staple that can be engaged with a first object G having a diameter D1. However, the staple S may also be capable of being engaged with a first object G having a diameter other than the diameter D1.

[0038] On the other hand, the cross section of the tip portion ST of the staple S may not be a circle. In such a case, the diameter of a circle that similarly approximates the outer periphery of the tip portion ST in the cross section using the least squares method is the diameter D2 of the circle that approximates the cross section of the tip portion ST. In this embodiment, the diameter D2 is, for example, not less than 0.9 mm (75% of the diameter D1) and not more than 1.5 mm (125% of the diameter D1).

[0039] 2C, in a side view in a deformed state, a first object G with a diameter D1 is located at the center, with tip portions ST with diameter D2 provided on both sides thereof, and considering that the height varies by approximately the diameter D2 when tip portions ST go around the first object G, the inclination angle of tip portions ST in a side view is about 8 degrees (when diameter D2 = 75% of diameter D1) to about 10 degrees (when diameter D2 = 125% of diameter D1) with a center of about 9 degrees. Therefore, by providing inclined portions IP so that the inclination angle θ1 with respect to the extension direction of tip portions ST is between about 80 degrees and 82 degrees inclusive in a side view in a state before deformation as shown in FIG. 1C, the extension direction of inclined portions IP and the axial direction of the spiral (i.e., the extension direction of first object G) become approximately parallel in a deformed state.

[0040] Through experiments, the inventors of the present application have found that a good spiral shape can be formed even when the inclination angle θ1 is approximately 80 degrees or less. One reason for this is the springback phenomenon that occurs after deformation into a spiral shape. The springback phenomenon releases at least a portion of the residual stress inside the tip portion ST, causing the spiral-forming portion ST to tighten (contract) upward in the stacking direction DR1 (upward Z1). Therefore, it was confirmed that a particularly good spiral shape can be formed when the inclination angle θ1 is approximately 70 degrees, which is about 10 degrees smaller than the theoretical value. In addition, it was also confirmed that a certain degree of effectiveness can be achieved if the extension direction of the inclined portion IP and the axial direction of the spiral are roughly parallel, or approaching parallel, even if they are not completely parallel after deformation. On the other hand, through experiments, it was also confirmed that when the inclination angle θ1 is less than 55 degrees, the inclination angle θ1 is too small, and therefore the spiral forming portion ST may not engage with the first object G with sufficient force, regardless of the springback phenomenon. As described above, the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portion IP relative to the extension direction DR3 of the tip portion ST in a side view (Figures 1C and 1D) before deformation may be 55 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less, with 70 degrees as the center, and preferably 60 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less.

[0041] [Formation area of ​​deformation promotion part] 1C and 1D, the inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI and the outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO of this embodiment are each composed of 13 recesses (e.g., grooves GP) formed at intervals. Here, L1 is the length along the extension direction DR3 between the tip S1P of the first leg portion S1 and the position where the first groove GP closest to the tip S1P is formed (the position closest to the tip S1P), and L2 is the length along the extension direction DR3 between the position where the first groove GP is formed (the position closest to the tip S1P) and the position where the 13th groove GP farthest from the tip S1P is formed (the position farthest from the tip S1P). L2 corresponds to the length of the region where the 13 grooves GP are formed.

[0042] Below, we will explain that if the diameter of a circle approximating the cross-section of the first object G is D1 and the diameter of a circle approximating the cross-section of the tip portion in the pre-deformation state is D2 (where D2 is between 75% and 125% of D1), then L3 (Figures 1C and 1D), which corresponds to the length along the extension direction DR3 of the area in which multiple recesses are formed, is preferably 7 x D1 or more (L3 ≧ 7 x D1).

[0043] 2B, which is a plan view of the tip portion ST in a deformed state, the inner peripheral portion STI of the tip portion ST contacts and faces the first object G, and therefore the inner peripheral length of the tip portion of the tip portion ST for one spiral revolution is approximated to D1 × π, which is the circumference of a circle with a diameter D1 that approximates the cross section of the first object G. On the other hand, the outer peripheral length of the tip portion of the tip portion ST for one spiral revolution is approximated to (D1 + 2D2) × π, which is the circumference of a circle with a diameter (D1 + 2D2). Considering that the inner peripheral portion STI of the tip portion ST is compressed and the outer peripheral portion STO is stretched, it is possible to form a deformation promoting portion over the length of at least one spiral revolution by forming a plurality of recesses over an area with a length of at least the average length (D1 + D2) × π.

[0044] Since D2 is 125% or less of D1, (D1+D2)×π≦7.06×D1 is satisfied. Therefore, by forming a plurality of recesses (e.g., grooves GP) in the stretching direction DR3 over an area of ​​L2≧7×D1 before deformation of the tip portion ST, it is possible to favorably promote deformation.

[0045] The distance between the groove portions GP can be changed as appropriate. For example, the groove depth and / or width of each groove portion GP can be increased to increase the distance between the groove portions GP (and therefore reduce the total number of groove portions GP), or conversely, the groove depth and / or width of each groove portion GP can be decreased to decrease the distance between the groove portions GP (and therefore increase the total number of groove portions GP).

[0046] Next, it will be explained that at least a part of the recess (groove GP) closest to the tip S1P of the staple S is preferably formed at a position 1.4×D1 or more and 3.5×D1 or less from the tip S1P in the extension direction DR3.

[0047] The inventors of the present application focused on the fact that the shape of the tip portion ST after deformation varies depending on the position of the recess (groove portion GP) closest to the tip S1P. If a recess is formed at a position far away from the tip S1P, the straight portion S12 may buckle, whereas if a recess is formed at a position very close to the tip S1P, deformation may occur at a premature timing.

[0048] As a result of trial and error, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea that when the tip S1P, which initially moves in the forward direction X1, abuts the inner wall surface of the hole portion described below and moves while changing direction in an arc to deform spirally along this inner wall surface, a large bending stress acts on the part where the tip S1P begins to bend between the point where it points in a direction approximately 90 degrees perpendicular to the direction of movement and the point where it points in the backward direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the forward direction X1 (i.e., an arc of diameter (D1+D2) with a central angle of 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less), and therefore, by forming a first deformation-promoting part in this part and providing an opportunity for bending, it is possible to promote the deformation into a spiral shape.

[0049] Here, the length of the arc with a central angle of 90 degrees is roughly approximated to (D1 + D2) × π / 4. Therefore, it is preferable to form at least a part of the first recess (groove portion GP) at a position that satisfies 1.37 × D1 (when D2 is 75% of D1) ≦ L1 from the tip S1P along the extension direction DR3 in the pre-deformation state. Therefore, when D1 is 1.2 mm, L1 is approximately 1.65 mm, so it is preferable to form at least a part of the first recess (for example, groove portion GP) at a position approximately 1.65 mm or more from the tip S1P. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the staple S from curling earlier than expected.

[0050] On the other hand, the length of the arc with a central angle of 180 degrees is roughly approximated to (D1 + D2) × π / 2. Therefore, it is preferable to form at least a part of the first recess (groove portion GP) at a position such that 3.53 × D1 (when D2 is 125% of D1) ≥ L1 from the tip S1P along the extension direction DR3 in the pre-deformation state.

[0051] Therefore, when D1 is 1.2 mm, L1 is approximately 4.24 mm, so it is preferable to form at least a part of the first recess (for example, groove portion GP) at a position approximately 4.24 mm or less from the tip S1P. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the staple S from buckling instead of bending.

[0052] As described above, it is preferable that at least a part of the recess closest to the tip S1P of the staple S in the pre-deformation state is formed at a position not less than 1.4×D1 and not more than 3.5×D1 from the tip S1P.

[0053] However, as described below, it is also possible to adjust the position where curling begins, etc., by using another structure formed in addition to the recess. In such a case, at least a portion of the recess closest to the tip S1P of the staple S in the pre-deformation state does not have to be formed at a position between 1.4 × D1 and 3.5 × D1 from the tip S1P. For example, in FIG. 1B , if the length in the extension direction DR3 of the inclined portion (an example of the "second portion") formed so as to connect the tip S1P to the portion (an example of the "first portion") where the recess (groove portion GP) is formed of the tip ST is relatively long (i.e., if the angle of the tip S1P is relatively small), this inclined portion will exhibit the same effect as the thin-walled portion FT40 described later as a modified example, and it is possible to promote spiral deformation. In such a case, L1 may be greater than 3.5 × D1 from the tip S1P, and the first recess closest to the tip S1P (e.g., groove portion GP) may be formed adjacent to this inclined portion. Here, the first portion where the recess is formed may be expressed as a portion corresponding to the main portion of the tip portion ST (for example, a portion where the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section in the pre-deformation state is approximately constant).

[0054] In the staple S described above, the inventors of the present application also focused on the optimal depth of the recessed portion (groove portion GP). Specifically, they found that if the recessed portion is formed too shallow (the recessed portion is too small), it becomes difficult to sufficiently reduce the compressive stress generated in the inner circumferential portion STI and the tensile stress generated in the outer circumferential portion STO, making it difficult to sufficiently promote the spiral deformation of the tip portion ST. On the other hand, if the recessed portion is formed too deep (the recessed portion is too large), the tensile stress generated in the outer circumferential portion STO causes breakage, and the staple S may not engage with the first object G with sufficient force. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have found an optimal depth GPD (FIG. 1E) of the recess (groove portion GP) through experiments and the like. Specifically, when the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the tip portion ST in the pre-deformation state is D2, the depth GPD is preferably 0.03×D2 or more to promote deformation. Furthermore, the depth GPD is preferably 0.22×D2 or less to suppress breakage. It is even more preferable that the depth GPD is 0.15×D2 or less, and within this range, stable deformation into a spiral shape can be achieved without breakage.

[0055] The inventors of the present application further focused on providing an inclined portion so that the tip S1P is located at a position close to the inner periphery STI and spaced apart from the outer periphery STO, as shown in FIG. 1E. In this way, by providing the tip S1P at a position offset toward the inner circumference STI side from the line connecting the centers of the cross section of the main part of the tip ST, it is possible to induce displacement of the tip ST in the spiral direction. When the inner circumferential portion STI and the outer circumferential portion STO of the tip portion ST each have a side surface that is approximately flat, the position separated from the outer circumferential portion STO and close to the inner circumferential portion STI means that the distance between the side surface of the outer circumferential portion STO and the tip S1P in the normal direction of this side surface (in this embodiment, the left-right direction Y) is greater than the distance between the side surface of the inner portion STI and the tip S1P in the same direction.

[0056] As described above, according to the staple S of this embodiment, among the portions that deform into a spiral shape and engage with the first object G, a deformation promoting portion FT is provided on both the inner circumferential portion STI and the outer circumferential portion STO of the tip portion ST that faces the first object G. As shown in FIG. 2B , in the deformed state, the inner circumferential portion STI is compressed, and the groove of the groove portion GP formed as the inner circumferential deformation promoting portion FTI becomes so small that it cannot be seen. If the deformation promoting portion FT were not provided, this portion would have prevented compression, so it can be understood that the deformation promoting portion FT relatively promotes deformation (curling) into a spiral shape.

[0057] Similarly, after deformation, the outer peripheral portion STO is elongated, and the grooves of the groove portions GP formed as the outer peripheral deformation promoting portions FTO are significantly widened. If the deformation promoting portions FT were not provided, these portions would have prevented the elongation (pulling), so it can be understood that the deformation promoting portions FT relatively promoted the spiral deformation (curling). However, as described above, in the present invention, only one of the inner peripheral deformation promoting portions FTI and the outer peripheral deformation promoting portions FTO may be formed, or both may have deformation promoting portions with different configurations.

[0058] Furthermore, in the staple S of this embodiment, the deformation promoting portion FT is formed only on the tip ST of the first leg S1, and is not formed on the second leg S2 and the main body S3, which are not deformed into a spiral shape. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the strength of the straight portion S12 except for the tip ST, and it is also possible to suppress buckling of the straight portion S12. However, this does not prevent the formation of grooves or the like to promote deformation in the other portions that are to be bent (for example, the portion that serves as the fulcrum for bending the second leg S2).

[0059] [Strapping machine configuration] An example of the configuration of the binding machine 10 for bending the staple S shown in Fig. 1A as shown in Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C etc. will be described below. However, other known configurations may be adopted as means for deforming the tip of the staple into a spiral shape.

[0060] With the exception of some configurations being inverted left to right (i.e., the first displacement section and the second displacement section of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 3 being inverted left to right), the basic configuration of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 3 and the binding machine 10 of this embodiment are the same, so each configuration of the binding machine 10 will be described by appropriately omitting or simplifying it to the extent that a person skilled in the art can implement it based on the description in Patent Document 3, the description in this specification, and the state of the art at the time of filing this application.

[0061] 4 may be referred to as the front X1, and the opposite, leftward direction on the paper surface may be referred to as the rear X2, and both directions may be collectively referred to as the front-rear direction X. As described above, the front X1 corresponds to the direction in which the staples S at the upper ends of the connected staples supported by the magazine 14 move after separating from the other staples S, and also coincides with the opening direction DR1.

[0062] In addition, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in this drawing is referred to as the upward direction Z1, and the opposite direction perpendicular to the paper surface is referred to as the downward direction Z2, and both directions may be collectively referred to as the up-down direction Z. In this embodiment, the up-down direction Z corresponds to the extension direction of the magazine 14 and also coincides with the connecting direction DR2 (stacking direction) of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 14. Furthermore, the upward direction on the paper surface in this drawing is referred to as the leftward direction Y1, and the opposite downward direction on the paper surface is referred to as the rightward direction Y2, and both directions may be collectively referred to as the left-right direction Y. Furthermore, a top view (bottom view) refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 10, etc. is viewed from an upper Z1 (lower Z2) position toward a lower Z2 (upper Z1), a front view (rear view) refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 10, etc. is viewed from a forward X1 (rear X2) position toward a rear X2 (forward X1), and a right side view (left side view) refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 10, etc. is viewed from a left Y1 toward a right Y2 (from a right Y2 toward a left Y1).

[0063] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the binding machine 10, and Fig. 4 is a top view of the binding machine 10 (however, for the purpose of explanation, the housing of the binding machine 10 may be removed). The binding machine 10 binds a first object G and a second object P together using a staple S having an opening formed therein.

[0064] The binding machine 10 includes a first displacement unit 20 that displaces the first leg S1 of the staple S so that it can engage with the first object G, and a second displacement unit 30 that displaces the second leg S2 of the staple S so that it can engage with the first object G. The first displacement unit 20 is provided in front of the first leg S1 and has a hole with an inner wall surface including a cylindrical surface. As will be described later, in the binding machine 10, with the first object G inserted on the central axis of this cylindrical surface, the tip S1P of the first leg S1 of the staple S advancing by the driver 42 abuts (collides) against the inner wall surface, deforming the tip ST into a spiral line so as to surround the first object G, thereby engaging the tip ST with the first object G. On the other hand, the second displacement unit 30 has a wall provided in front of the second leg S2. As will be described later, in the binding machine 10, with the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 of the staple S surrounding the second object P, the driver 42 causes the second leg S2 of the staple S to abut (collide) against a wall surface, bending the hook portion S24 of the second leg S2 so that it engages with the first object G, thereby engaging the hook portion S24 with the first object G. The binding machine 10 is configured to be able to bind the first object G and the second object P together by engaging both ends of the staple S with the first object G with the staple S surrounding the second object P.

[0065] Specifically, the binding machine 10 includes a grip 12 that extends vertically so as to be held by a user and that is provided with a switch for driving the binding machine 10, a magazine 14 that is configured to support (hold) a plurality of staples S stacked vertically, a pusher (not shown) that urges the plurality of staples S stored in the magazine 14 upward Z1, a driver 42 that pushes the staple S located at the top toward the forward X1 that coincides with the opening direction DR1, thereby separating the staple S located at the top from the other staples S and moving it toward the forward X1, a moving mechanism for moving the driver 42, a first displacement section 20 (sometimes referred to as a "clincher section") for bending the first leg S1 of the staple S and deforming it into a spiral, and a second displacement section 30 for deforming the second leg S2 of the staple S by bending or bending it.

[0066] [Driver and driver movement mechanism] As described in the document, the binding machine 10 is configured to be able to move a nut component 52 and a driver 42 fixed thereto forward or backward by rotating a ball screw 50, which is installed extending in the front-to-rear direction through approximately the center of the binding machine 10, in a forward or reverse direction using a built-in motor 54. Because the nut component 52 and the driver 42 are configured to be able to move forward X1 and backward X2, they are sometimes referred to as moving parts. The binding machine 10 further includes a reducer connected to the output shaft of the motor 54 and a printed circuit board on which a CPU corresponding to a control device for the motor 54 is mounted.

[0067] The driver 42 is configured to be able to move forward X1 by separating the uppermost staple S among the plurality of staples S held in the magazine 14 and stacked in the vertical direction from the other staples S while maintaining a front-to-back relationship in which the opening of the staple S is in the front and the main body S3 is in the rear, and move forward X1. The driver 42 is configured to further move the separated staple S forward X1 and bring the first leg S1 into contact with a first displacement portion 20 (described later), thereby plastically deforming the first leg S1, and bring the second leg S2 into contact with a guide wall included in a second displacement portion 30 (described later), thereby plastically deforming the second leg S2.

[0068] [First displacement section] The first displacement unit 20 (an example of a "displacement unit") has a function of displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S, which is moved in the forward direction X1 by the driver 42, into a spiral shape so as to surround the first object G, thereby enabling engagement with the first object G. However, the configuration for spirally deforming the staple S, which is moved in the forward direction X1 by the driver 42, may be realized by another known configuration.

[0069] A detailed description will be omitted because it would be easily implementable by a person skilled in the art based on the state of the art at the time of filing, including the document, but the first displacement section 20 according to this embodiment includes a hole having a cylindrical inner wall surface into which the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 of the first leg S1 of the staple S is inserted as the staple S is advanced by the driver 42, causing the tip ST of the first leg S1 to advance downward Z2 (downward in the stacking direction DR22) while curving in an arc or spiral, and a groove for guiding the tip of the first leg S1 into the hole (e.g., corresponding to the hole 210 and groove 211 in the document). The hole is provided in the front X1 of the first leg S1 such that the axial direction of the cylindrical surface is parallel to the up-down direction Z. Therefore, as the staple S advances, the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the hole, and the tip ST can be displaced so that it advances in a spiral shape in accordance with the shape of the inner wall surface. In addition, in order to encourage the tip ST to move downward Z2, the binding machine 10 may be provided with a lid that closes the top of the hole (the top surface of the cylinder), and the lid may further be formed with a tapered surface that slopes downward Z2 along the circumferential direction to encourage the tip S1P to move downward Z2.

[0070] With this configuration, when the first object G, for example a guide string, is positioned so that it extends in the vertical direction along the central axis of the hole, and the tip S1P of the first leg S1 is inserted into the hole, the tip S1P moves in a spiral along the cylindrical inner wall surface of the hole, so that the tip ST can be deformed spirally around the first object G, thereby engaging the tip ST with the first object G.

[0071] Here, the tip portion ST has an inner peripheral deformation promoting portion FTI and an outer peripheral deformation promoting portion FTO formed over a region of length L2 along the extension direction DR3 from a position of length L1 from the tip S1P, making it possible to promote spiral deformation.

[0072] In order to strengthen the engagement between the first object G and the tip ST of the first leg S1, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the inner wall surface of the hole be less than the sum of twice the diameter D2 of a circle that approximates the cross section of the tip ST and the diameter D1 of a circle that approximates the cross section of the first object G. By setting the inner diameter in this manner, a portion of the first object G or the staple S is crushed, which makes it possible to strengthen the engagement between the staple S and the first object G.

[0073] Fig. 2D is a perspective view showing the deformed state in which the tip portion ST engages with the first object G (however, the second leg portion S2 and the second object P are not shown). Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view (viewed from below) of the tip portion ST in the deformed state, cut along an imaginary plane parallel to the lateral direction.

[0074] 2E, the recesses (groove portions GP) formed as the inner circumferential deformation promoting portions FTI are compressed and deformed to close, so that at least a portion of the first object G enters the interior of the recesses (groove portions GP) and is clamped by the recesses (groove portions GP). Therefore, the inner circumferential deformation promoting portions FTI can further strengthen the engagement between the staple S and the first object G.

[0075] [Second displacement section] The second displacement section 30 (an example of a "displacement section") has a function of displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S moved forward X1 by the driver 42 so that the second leg S2 can engage with the first object G. Although detailed description is omitted here because it would be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art based on the state of the art at the time of filing, including the above-mentioned document, the second displacement section 30 according to this embodiment is configured to displace the second leg S2 inward of the staple S as the driver 42 moves forward X1. Specifically, the second displacement section 30 has a first guide wall that is provided on the outside of the second leg S2 in the initial state before the staple S starts to be displaced, and that is adapted to bend the second leg S2 by contacting the second leg S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1 (forward X1). This first guide wall has a recess that is recessed outward of the staple S.

[0076] Furthermore, the second displacement portion 30 includes a second guide wall that is provided in front X1 of the second leg S2 in an initial state before the staple S starts to be displaced, and that bends the second leg S2 when the second leg S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1 abuts against the second guide wall. The second guide wall has a wall surface facing the rear X2, and further has a convex portion that protrudes rearward X2. In the initial state, the convex portion is provided in front of the second leg S2 in the front-rear direction and inward of the second leg S2 in the left-right direction, and is provided at an inner end of the second guide wall so that the amount of protrusion rearward X2 increases as the convex portion advances inward.

[0077] With this configuration, the second leg S2 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 42, can be brought into contact (collide) with the inner wall surfaces of the first guide wall and the second guide wall, thereby bending the third part S23 of the second leg S2 so that it curves greatly, and therefore the hook part S24 can be displaced in a direction approaching the first object G and hooked onto the first object G.

[0078] As described above, of the staple S advanced by the driver 42, the first leg S1 is deformed spirally by the first displacement portion 20 and engages with the first object G, and the hook portion S24 of the second leg S2 is hooked onto and engaged with the first object G by the second displacement portion 30, making it possible to bind the first object G and the second object P together.

[0079] According to this embodiment, by providing the deformation promoting portion FT, it is possible to provide a staple S that is easily deformed into a spiral shape.

[0080] [First Modification] Modified examples of the staple S of this embodiment will be described below. However, the same components as those of the staple S will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be simplified or omitted, with the differences being mainly described (the same applies to other modified examples).

[0081] 5A is a perspective view of a staple S10 according to a first modified example of the staple S. As shown in the figure, as an example of a recess that is a deformation-promoting portion, a tip portion ST10 of the staple S10 is provided with one or more dimple portions FT10 that are substantially circular (including circular, oval, elliptical, etc.) or rectangular (including rectangular, square, etc.) in side view and are recessed inward (toward the center of the cross section of the tip portion). The tip portion ST10 is provided with the dimple portions FT10 in either or both of a region that becomes the inner periphery and a region that becomes the outer periphery when the tip portion is deformed into a spiral shape.

[0082] Even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a staple in which the distal end portion ST10 is easily curled and deformed into a spiral shape, and therefore it is possible to suppress buckling of other portions under load.

[0083] [Second Modification] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a staple S20 according to a second modified example of the staple S. As shown in the figure, the distal end portion ST20 of the staple S20 has a side surface formed with alternating inclined surfaces facing forward and to the side and inclined surfaces facing backward and to the side, so as to form a triangular waveform in a top view. Therefore, the distal end portion ST20 of the staple S20 of this modified example has one or more valley portions FT20 recessed inward by the connection of two inclined surfaces, as an example of a recess that is a deformation-promoting portion. The distal end portion ST20 has valley portions FT20 recessed inward (toward the center of the cross section of the distal end portion) in either or both of a region that becomes the inner periphery side and a region that becomes the outer periphery side when the distal end portion ST20 is deformed into a spiral shape. Note that instead of a triangular waveform, the side surface of the distal end portion ST20 may be formed to have a curved surface, a sawtooth shape, or the like.

[0084] Even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a staple in which the distal end portion ST20 is easily curled and deformed into a spiral shape, and therefore it is possible to suppress buckling of other portions under load.

[0085] [Third Modification] 5C is a perspective view of a staple S30 according to a third modified example of the staple S. As shown in the drawing, as an example of a recess that is a deformation-promoting portion, the distal end portion ST30 of the staple S30 has one or more constricted portions FT30 formed around the distal end portion ST30 and spaced apart from one another. Each constricted portion FT30 is recessed toward the center of the cross section of the distal end portion ST on the inner surface facing inward opposite the second leg portion S2, the upper surface facing upward in the stacking direction DR21 (FIG. 2C), the outer surface facing outward opposite the inner surface, and the lower surface facing downward in the stacking direction DR22 (FIG. 2C).

[0086] Even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a staple in which the distal end portion ST30 is easily curled and deformed into a spiral shape, and therefore it is possible to suppress buckling of other portions under load.

[0087] [Fourth Modification] 5D is a perspective view of a staple S40 according to a fourth modified example of the staple S. As shown in the drawing, as an example of a recess that is a deformation promoting portion, a tip ST40 of the staple S40 is provided with a thin portion FT40 that is formed thin in the lateral direction over a predetermined distance from the tip so as to recess the outer surface inward.

[0088] This configuration also makes it possible to reduce the rigidity of the tip portion ST40, making it possible to provide a staple that is particularly prone to curling and spiral deformation in the area including the tip portion S1P where the bending begins, thereby suppressing buckling in other portions.

[0089] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, some components of one embodiment can be added to other embodiments within the scope of ordinary creativity of a person skilled in the art. Also, some components of one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding components of other embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Binding machine 12 Grip 14 Magazine 20 First displacement section 30 Second displacement section 42 Drivers 52 Nut parts 54 Motor D1 diameter D2 diameter DR1 opening direction DR2 Stacking direction, connection direction DR3 stretching direction DR21 stacking direction upward DR22 Downward in stacking direction FT deformation promotion part FT10 dimple part FT20 Valley FT30 Neck FT40 thin section FTI inner deformation promotion part FTO outer periphery deformation promotion part G. First Object GP groove IP slope P Second object S, S10, S20, S30, S40 staples S1 1st leg S11 Part 1 S12 Part 2 (straight line part) S1P tip ST tip (helix forming part) STI inner circumference (contact part) STO outer periphery S2 2nd leg S23 Part 3 S24 Part 4 (hook part) S3 main body

Claims

1. It is formed from a flexible wire material, A staple having a tip portion that can be engaged with an object by being deformed spirally so as to surround the object, A deformation promoting portion is formed on an inner periphery of the tip portion that will face the object in the deformed state, on an outer periphery of the tip portion opposite to the inner periphery, or on both the inner periphery and the outer periphery. Staples.

2. The staple according to claim 1 , wherein the deformation promoting portion has a recess.

3. The recess has a groove, 3. The staple according to claim 2, wherein, in the undeformed state, the groove has an inclined portion extending in a direction inclined with respect to the extending direction of the tip portion.

4. In the state before the deformation, the inclined portion is formed to be inclined so as to approach the tip of the staple as it proceeds in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the tip portion, The tip portion is deformed into a spiral shape so as to surround the extending object while advancing in the perpendicular direction. The staple according to claim 3.

5. When viewed from the side in the state before deformation, the angle formed between the extending direction of the inclined portion and the extending direction of the tip portion is 55 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less. The staple according to claim 3.

6. The diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the object is defined as D1, When the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the tip portion in the state before deformation is D2, D2 is 75% or more and 125% or less of D1 The staple according to claim 5.

7. The staple according to claim 2, wherein the distal end portion has a plurality of recesses formed at intervals along the extending direction of the distal end portion.

8. The diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the object is defined as D1, When the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the tip portion in the state before deformation is D2, D2 is 75% or more and 125% or less of D1, In the state before the deformation, the plurality of recesses are formed over an area having a length of 7×D1 or more along the extension direction of the tip portion. The staple according to claim 7.

9. When the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the object is D1, at least a part of the recess closest to the tip of the staple in the state before the deformation is formed at a position not less than 1.4×D1 and not more than 3.5×D1 from the tip of the staple; The staple according to claim 2.

10. The tip portion is a first portion in which the recess is formed; a second portion that is continuous with the first portion and slopes toward a tip end, The recess is formed at a position adjacent to the second portion. The staple according to claim 2 .

11. In the deformed state, at least a portion of the object is sandwiched by at least one of the recesses. The staple according to claim 2.

12. The tip portion is The tip is offset toward the inner periphery from the axial center of the tip portion. The staple according to claim 2.

13. When the diameter of a circle approximating the cross section of the tip portion in the state before deformation is D2, The depth of the recess is equal to or greater than 0.03 × D2 and equal to or less than 0.22 × D2. The staple according to claim 2.

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