End machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a binding machine that can more stably form a spiral shape with a relatively simple configuration. [Solution] The fastening machine comprises a driver configured to move in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a clincher part which, when pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, causes the legs of the staple moving in the first direction to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface and deform into a spiral shape. The clincher part has a guide part provided on the inner circumferential surface that promotes deformation of the legs, and the width of the guide part is smaller than the height of the staple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bundling machine.

Background Art

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

[0003] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose such staples and a bundling machine for bundling using such staples. The staple described in Patent Document 2 includes two legs and a main body portion (sometimes called a "crown") connecting these legs, and by deforming the tip of one leg so that the tip advances spirally along the outer periphery of the object, it engages with a guide element (sometimes called an "object" or "bundling object").

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the fastening machine described in Patent Document 3, the tip of the leg of the staple is inserted into the hole of the first displacement part, causing it to move spirally around the object to be fastened, thereby engaging the staple with the object to be fastened. Furthermore, the fastening machine described in Patent Document 3 is provided with a guide projection, which guides the staple so that the tip of the leg of the staple protrudes downward as it moves in the spiral rotation direction, thereby forming a spiral shape. However, it is thought that the spiral shape may not be formed stably if, for example, the direction of movement of the first and second cycles of the spiral trajectory constituting the spiral shape is misaligned.

[0006] Furthermore, by forming an arc-shaped groove on the inner surface of the hole with a width approximately equal to the height of the staple's leg, the staple's leg can be displaced in an arc shape, allowing for the stable formation of a spiral shape. However, after the staple's leg has deformed into a spiral shape along the groove of the hole, it becomes impossible to move the staple vertically, for example, since the staple's leg is embedded in the groove. Therefore, it is possible that the mechanism of the binding machine may become more complex, such as requiring a separate mechanism to separate the staple from the hole in order to remove the staple from the binding machine before performing the next binding operation.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a binding machine that can form a spiral shape more stably with a relatively simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A fastening machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a driver configured to move in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a clincher portion which, when pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, causes the legs of a staple moving in the first direction to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface and deform into a spiral shape, wherein the clincher portion has a guide portion provided on the inner circumferential surface that promotes deformation of the legs, and the width of the guide portion is smaller than the height of the staple.

[0009] Here, staples (sometimes called "linear fasteners") are made from flexible wires that are plastically deformable and include components (including those with a plated or resin-coated surface) that engage with an object by deforming. Staples are also sometimes called wires, clips, wires, or fasteners.

[0010] The staple may be composed of any shape including two legs and a connecting portion (sometimes called a crown) that connects the two legs. Here, the two legs may be formed as parallel line segments, as non-parallel line segments, curves, or a combination thereof. The crown may be formed as a straight line or as a curve. For example, the staple may have an asymmetrical shape, as illustrated in this embodiment.

[0011] Furthermore, binding includes restraining the relative movement of one object and another object using staples. For example, binding of objects may be achieved by surrounding one object (sometimes called the "second object" or "second object to be bound," for example, a plant) with staples and engaging, for example, both ends (two tips) of the staples with the other object (sometimes called the "first object," "first object to be bound," "guide," or "guide element," for example, a wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, tree branch, etc.).

[0012] The term "top view" refers to a viewpoint taken from a direction perpendicular to the plane through which the first leg, second leg, and main body of the staple pass before fastening, and may also be called a "plan view." [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This disclosure provides a binding machine that can form a spiral shape more stably with a relatively simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1A is a plan view (top view) showing a staple before deformation to be fastened by a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a staple after deformation to be fastened by a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a top view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a top view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to a comparative example. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a side view of a part of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a partial side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a perspective view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a side view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a partial side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 19A] Figure 19A is a partial side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 19B] Figure 19B is a side view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 19C] Figure 19C is a perspective view of a part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart of a bundling method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments only.

[0016] [Staple S configuration] First, the configuration of the staple S according to this embodiment will be described. The staple S is made of a wire that is plastically deformable. The staple S may be called a wire or a clip. The staple S includes, for example, a metal wire or wire (including those whose surface is plated or coated with resin, etc.).

[0017] Figure 1A is a top view plan of the staple S in the state before fastening (sometimes referred to as "before deformation"; the same applies hereafter) according to this embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the staple S in the state after fastening (sometimes referred to as "after deformation," or "when engaged," etc.; the same applies hereafter) according to this embodiment.

[0018] First, let's describe the structure of the staple S before binding. This staple S has a first leg portion S1, a second leg portion S2, and a main body portion S3 that connects the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2. In the state before binding, the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 of the staple S are spaced apart, so an opening is provided between the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2. In this embodiment, the direction from the main body portion S3, which is the closed portion, toward the opening (to the left in Figure 1A) is sometimes called the opening direction DR1 (of the staple S). Also, the direction that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the staple S (for example, the opening direction DR1 for the second leg portion S2 of the staple S in this embodiment) and perpendicular to the stacking direction, which will be described later, is sometimes called the lateral direction (of the part of the staple S), and the surface of the staple S facing the lateral direction is sometimes called the side of the staple S. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, which connects multiple staples S, is called the stacking direction or connecting direction. In particular, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1A is sometimes called the stacking direction upward (of the staples S), and the depth direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1A is sometimes called the stacking direction downward.

[0019] More specifically, the staple S comprises a main body S3 that connects a first leg S1 and a second leg S2 and surrounds a second object P such as a stem; a first leg S1 connected to one end of the main body S3 and having a first part S11 that bends and extends outward and a second part S12 that bends further from the first part S11 and extends in the opening direction DR1; and a second leg S2 connected to the other end of the main body S3 and having a third part S23 that extends in the opening direction DR1 and a fourth part S24 that is bent outward from the tip of the third part S23. As shown in the figure, the main body S3 is formed in a curved shape, from C-shape to semicircular arc shape. The first part S11 that connects the main body S3 and the second part S12 may be called a crank part, and the second part S12 that connects to the first part S11 and extends linearly in the opening direction DR1 may be called a straight part. Furthermore, the fourth part S24, which corresponds to the other end of the staple S and is bent at an acute angle relative to the third part S23, is sometimes called the hook part.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1B, which illustrates the deformed state, the hook portion S24, which corresponds to the tip of the second leg portion S2, engages with the first object G when the second leg portion S2 is bent in a direction approaching the first object G by the fastening machine 100 described later and hooked onto the first object G. At this time, the opening that was provided between the two legs in the state before deformation is closed when viewed from above, so that the second object P can be surrounded using staples S.

[0021] When the hook portion S24 is engaged with the first object G, the third portion S23 exerts an elastic force in the direction that widens the opening and returns it to its original position. As a result, the hook portion S24 can apply tension to the first object G in the direction that widens the opening, that is, in the direction that separates it from the first leg portion S1 and returns it to its original position. This makes it possible to prevent the first object G from bending and the encirclement of the second object P by the staples S from being released.

[0022] [Structure of the strapping machine] The following describes an example of the configuration of a stapling machine 100 for bending the staples S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figure 1B. However, the stapling machine may have other known configurations.

[0023] Except for some aspects where the configuration is reversed left to right (i.e., the first and second displacement parts of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 3, etc. are reversed left to right), the basic configuration of the binding machine 100 of this embodiment is the same as that of the binding machine disclosed in the said document, etc. Therefore, the configurations of the binding machine 100 will be described in an appropriate manner, with omissions and simplifications, so that it can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on the said document, the description in this specification, and the state of the art at the time of filing this application.

[0024] Furthermore, in order to explain the relative directional relationships, for convenience, the direction to the right of the page in Figure 4 (described later) is sometimes called the front X1, the opposite direction to the left of the page is called the rear X2, and both directions are collectively referred to as the front-rear direction X. As mentioned above, the front X1 corresponds to the direction in which the connected upper end staple S supported by the magazine 140 separates from the other staples S and moves, and also coincides with the opening direction DR1 of the staple S (Figure 1A).

[0025] Furthermore, in Figure 4, the direction upwards on the paper is sometimes called upward Z1, and the opposite direction downwards on the paper is sometimes called downward Z2, and both directions are sometimes 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 140 and also coincides with the connection direction DR2 (stacking direction) of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 140. Furthermore, in the same figure, the depth direction perpendicular to the paper is sometimes called leftward Y1, and the opposite direction perpendicular to the paper towards the front is sometimes called rightward Y2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the left-right direction Y. Furthermore, a top view (bottom view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100, etc. is viewed from a position above Z1 (below Z2) looking downward Z2 (above Z1), a front view (rear view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100, etc. is viewed from a position in front X1 (rear X2) looking backward X2 (front X1), and a right side view (left side view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100, etc. is viewed from the left Y1 looking right Y2 (or from the right Y2 looking left Y1).

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the strapping machine 100 from above at Z1. Figure 3 is a top view of the strapping machine 100 from above at Z1 (top view of the strapping machine 100), Figure 4 is a side view of the strapping machine 100 from the Y2 direction, and Figure 5 is a side view of the strapping machine 100 from the Y1 direction.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the stapling machine 100 comprises a grip portion 120 that extends vertically so as to be grasped by the user and is equipped with a switch for driving the stapling machine 100; a magazine 140 configured to support (hold) a plurality of staples S (sometimes referred to as "connected staples S") stacked and connected vertically; and a stapling section configured to fasten two objects, a first object G and a second object P, using a single staple S. Here, the part of the stapling machine 100 excluding the detachably provided magazine 140, including the grip portion 120 and the stapling section, is sometimes referred to as the main body portion 150.

[0028] [Structure of the binding part] The following describes an example of the configuration of the fastening section of a fastening machine 100 for bending the staple S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figure 1B. However, other known configurations may be used as means for deforming the staple.

[0029] The binding machine 100 includes a binding section in addition to the magazine 140 and the like described above. The binding section is the part that bends staples to bind objects together. The binding section of this embodiment includes a first displacement section 200 that displaces the first leg S1 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the first object G, and a second displacement section 300 that displaces the second leg S2 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the first object G.

[0030] The first displacement section 200 is located in front of the first leg section S1 and has a hole with an inner wall surface including a cylindrical surface. With the first object G inserted on the central axis of this cylindrical surface, the stapling machine 100 causes the tip S1P of the first leg section S1 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 142 (see Figure 3, etc.), to come into contact with (collide with) the inner wall surface, deforming the tip ST into a spiral shape 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 section 300 has a wall section located in front of the second leg section S2. The stapling machine 100, with the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 of the staple S surrounding the second object P, uses the driver 142 to advance the staple S, causing the second leg S2 of the staple S to come into contact with (collide with) the wall, 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 stapling machine 100 is configured to fasten the first object G and the second object P together by engaging both ends of the staple S with the first object G while the staple S surrounds the second object P.

[0031] Specifically, the stapling machine 100 includes a driver 142 that pushes the staple S located at the upper end forward X1, coinciding with the opening direction DR1, thereby separating the staple S located at the upper end from other staples S and moving it forward X1; a moving mechanism for moving the driver 142; a first displacement part 200 (sometimes called a "clincher part") for curving and spirally deforming the first leg portion S1 of the staple S; and a second displacement part 300 for deforming the second leg portion S2 of the staple S by curving or bending it.

[0032] [Driver and driver movement mechanism] As described in Patent Document 3 and other documents, the binding machine 100 is configured to move a nut component and a driver 142 fixed thereto forward or backward by rotating a ball screw, which is installed extending in the front-rear direction from approximately the center of the binding machine 100, in the forward or reverse direction using a built-in motor. Since the nut component and the driver 142 are configured to move forward X1 and backward X2, they are sometimes referred to as movable parts. The binding machine 100 may further include a reduction gear connected to the output shaft of the motor and a printed circuit board on which a CPU equivalent to a motor control device is mounted.

[0033] The driver 142 is configured to move forward X1, thereby separating the uppermost staple S from the other staples S among the multiple staples S held in the magazine 140 and stacked vertically, while maintaining a front-to-back relationship where the opening of the staple S is in the front and the main body S3 is in the rear, and then moving forward X1. The driver 142 is configured to move the separated staple S further forward X1, causing the first leg S1 to come into contact with the first displacement part 200, thereby plastically deforming the first leg S1, and causing the second leg S2 to come into contact with the guide wall included in the second displacement part 300, thereby plastically deforming the second leg S2.

[0034] [First displacement section] The first displacement section 200 (an example of a "displacement section") has the function of displacing the first leg portion S1 of the staple S, which is moved forward X1 by the driver 142, in a spiral shape so as to surround the first object G, thereby enabling engagement with the first object G. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first displacement section 200 is located to the left (Y1 direction) of the binding machine 100.

[0035] The first displacement portion 200 according to this embodiment includes a hole with a cylindrical inner wall surface into which the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S is inserted as it moves forward by the driver 142, causing the tip portion ST of the first leg portion S1 to advance downward Z2 (downward in the stacking direction) while curving in an arc or spiral shape, and a groove that guides the tip portion of the first leg portion S1 into the hole. The hole is provided in front of the first leg portion S1 X1 such that the axial direction of the cylindrical surface is parallel to the vertical direction Z, so that as the staple S moves forward, the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the hole, and the tip portion ST is displaced so that it advances spirally according to the shape of the inner wall surface. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the downward movement of the tip ST, the binding machine 100 may be provided with a lid (cover portion 250) that closes the upper part of the hole (the top surface of the cylinder), and the lid portion may have a tapered surface that slopes downward Z2 along the circumferential direction in order to facilitate the downward movement of the tip S1P.

[0036] With this configuration, for example, by positioning the first object G, which is a guide string, so as to extend vertically along the central axis of the hole, and inserting the tip S1P of the first leg S1 into the hole, the tip S1P moves in a spiral motion along the cylindrical inner wall surface of the hole. This causes the tip ST to deform spirally around the first object G, making it possible to engage the tip ST with the first object G. In this embodiment, the hole described here is realized by the clincher portion 210 described later.

[0037] [Second displacement section] The second displacement section 300 (an example of a "displacement section") has the function of displacing the second leg portion S2 of the staple S, which is moved forward X1 by the driver 142, so that it can engage with the first object G. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second displacement section 300 is provided in the Y2 direction of the binding machine 100.

[0038] A detailed explanation will be omitted as it can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art based on the state of the art at the time of this application, including the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, etc. However, the second displacement part 300 according to this embodiment is configured to displace the second leg S2 inward of the staple S as the driver 142 moves forward X1. Specifically, the second displacement part 300 is provided on the outside of the second leg S2 in the initial state before the staple S starts to be displaced, and has a first guide wall that causes the second leg S2 to bend when it comes into contact with 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 toward the outside of the staple S.

[0039] Furthermore, the second displacement section 300 includes a second guide wall provided in front of the second leg portion S2 in the initial state before the staple S begins to move, which causes the second leg portion S2 to bend when it comes into contact with the second leg portion S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1. This second guide wall has a wall surface facing rearward X2 and a protrusion that further protrudes rearward X2. In the initial state, this protrusion is provided in front of the second leg portion S2 in the front-rear direction and inward of the second leg portion S2 in the left-right direction, and is provided at the inner end of the second guide wall such that the amount of protrusion to the rearward X2 increases as it moves inward.

[0040] With this configuration, the second leg portion S2 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 142, comes into contact (collides) with the first guide wall and the inner wall surface of the second guide wall, making it possible to bend the third portion S23 of the second leg portion S2 so that it curves significantly. This makes it possible to displace the hook portion S24 in a direction that approaches the first object G and hook it onto the first object G.

[0041] As described above, of the staples S advanced by the driver 142, the first leg S1 is deformed spirally by the first displacement part 200 and engages with the first object G, and the second leg S2's hook part S24 is hooked onto the first object G by the second displacement part 300 and engages with it, making it possible to fasten the first object G and the second object P together.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the binding machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a discharge unit 400 for discharging the staples S after binding, the first object G (e.g., guide string) and the second object P (e.g., stem) bound by the staples S from the binding machine 100. The binding machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may also include a cover sensor 600 for detecting the opening and closing of the cover (cover unit 250) of the first displacement unit 200, and a cover opening / closing unit 700 (e.g., an operating lever for opening and closing the cover 250) that can operate the opening and closing of the cover.

[0043] The following will provide a detailed description of the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, focusing on the clincher section 210.

[0044] The stapling machine 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a driver 142 configured to move in a first direction X1 and a second direction X2 which is the opposite direction to the first direction X1, and a clincher portion 210 which, when pressed by the driver 142 moving in the first direction X1, causes the legs S1 of the staple S moving in the first direction X1 to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface and deform into a spiral shape. The clincher portion 210 has a guide portion provided on the inner circumferential surface 210c that promotes the deformation of the legs S1, and the width of the guide portion (size in the Z direction) is smaller than the height (size in the Z direction) of the staple S. In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the clincher portion 210 may have a cylindrical shape, in which case the inner circumferential surface of the clincher portion 210 may have a cylindrical surface or a part of a cylindrical surface.

[0045] The binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, with the above configuration, can more stably form a spiral shape with a relatively simple configuration, as will be described below.

[0046] First, with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, a conventional binding machine, such as the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, will be explained. Figure 6A is a plan view from above (Z1 direction) of the vicinity of the first displacement section 800A and the second displacement section 800B of the binding machine 800 described in Patent Document 3 (hereinafter also referred to as the binding machine 800 relating to the comparative example). Figures 6B and 6C are cross-sectional views AA and BB of the vicinity of the clincher section 810 in Figure 6A, respectively. In the conventional binding machine 800, the inner circumferential surface 810c of the clincher section 810 is formed to be a circumferential surface that is relatively close to a mirror surface.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the clincher portion 810 of the first displacement portion 800A of the stapling machine 800 is provided with a guide projection 812. The guide projection 812 has an inclined surface 812r that, after the tip portion ST of the staple S entering the clincher portion 810 by the driver comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 810c of the clincher portion 810, guides the tip portion ST of the staple S downward. Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, the configuration for deforming the staple S by the stapling machine 800 will be described. Similar to Figures 6A to 6C, Figures 7A to 7C are a plan view of the vicinity of the first displacement portion 800A and the second displacement portion 800B of the stapling machine 800 as seen from above (Z1 direction), and cross-sectional views AA and BB of the vicinity of the clincher portion 810 in Figure 7A, respectively, when the staple S is pressed forward X1 by the driver and deformed.

[0048] As shown in the cross-sections in Figures 7B and 7C, in the tying machine 800, the staples S are guided downward by the guide projections 812, thereby forming a spiral shape. At this time, the periodic structure constituting the spiral shape is formed such that the first period (S_c1), the second period (S_c2), and the third period (S_c3) are adjacent to each other in the Z direction in this order. By forming each period adjacent to each other in this way, it becomes possible to tie the objects to be tied relatively firmly.

[0049] However, the inventors' studies have shown that the staple S may not be deformed into the desired helical shape. For example, after the portion S_c1 constituting the first period is formed, the tip ST of the staple S may curve downward in the Z direction (Z2 direction), preventing the formation of the portion S_c2 constituting the second period. Also, for example, after the portion S_c1 constituting the first period is formed, the tip ST of the staple S may curve upward in the Z direction (Z1 direction), causing the tip ST of the staple S to collide with a part of the portion S_c1 constituting the first period.

[0050] Therefore, the inventors found that, as a result of their investigation, a groove portion 830 (groove portion 830_1 and groove portion 830_2) having a width exceeding the height of the staple S (size in the Z direction) or the height of the staple S, as shown in the cross section in Figure 8, can be provided on the inner circumferential surface 810c of the clincher portion 810, and by guiding the staple S, a desired spiral shape can be formed. However, for example, before starting the next binding operation, when the object to be bound (such as the guide string G mentioned above) is bound by the spiral shape of the staple S and the object to be bound and the staple S are removed from the binding machine body, it is necessary to move the clincher portion 810 horizontally away from the staple S.

[0051] In other words, in the stapling machine 800 shown in Figures 7B and 7C, once stapling is complete, the cover portion 850 is moved upward, and the staple S, which has been deformed into a spiral shape upward (in the Z1 direction) by an ejector (not shown), is moved upward and removed from the body of the stapling machine 800. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, if a groove portion 830 having a width greater than or equal to the height of the staple S is provided on the inner circumferential surface 810c of the clincher portion 810, the staple S is engaged with the groove portion 830, and therefore the staple S cannot be moved in the Z direction by the ejector. Accordingly, in this case, before moving the staple S in the Z direction by the ejector, it is necessary to separate the clincher portion 810 and the staple S horizontally to a position where the staple S does not engage with the groove portion 830. At this time, for example, a separate mechanical configuration is needed to separate the clincher portion 810 and the staple S.

[0052] As a result of further diligent study, the present inventors have found that the above problem can be solved by configuring the clincher portion 210, as in the stapling machine 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, to have a guide portion 230 provided on the inner circumferential surface 210c that promotes deformation of the leg portion S1, and by making the width (size in the Z direction) of the guide portion 230 smaller than the height (size in the Z direction) of the staple S.

[0053] In other words, the inventors were able to stably form the spiral shape of the staple S by configuring a relatively small guide portion 230 on the inner circumferential surface 210c, such that the width of the guide portion 230 (size in the Z direction) is smaller than the height of the staple S (size in the Z direction). Furthermore, the staple S, which had been deformed into a spiral shape, could be moved relatively easily in the vertical direction (Z direction) without interfering with the guide portion 230.

[0054] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the guide portion 230 may have, for example, a groove. Figure 9A shows an example of a guide portion 230 having one groove 232. As shown in Figure 9A, the guide portion 230 may have, for example, a groove 232 provided parallel to the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) along the inner circumferential surface 210c.

[0055] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 is part of a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the guide portion 232 may be formed in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 210c.

[0056] Figure 9A also shows the helical shape of the staple S formed by the stapling machine 100, indicated by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 9A, in the stapling machine 100, the groove 232 may be formed, for example, in the portion of the helical shape that constitutes the first period. That is, the guide portion 230 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 210c at a height such that the tip (tip portion ST) of the leg portion (first leg portion S1) of the staple S moves and contacts the driver 142 in the first direction (X1 direction). This allows, for example, the tip portion ST of the staple S to be guided toward the clincher portion 210, and the first coil constituting the helical shape to be formed stably.

[0057] In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the guide portion 230 may also be formed on the inner circumferential surface 210c at a position where the tip (tip portion ST) of the leg portion (first leg portion S1) of the staple S moves and contacts the driver 142 in a first direction (X1 direction). This makes it possible to guide the tip portion ST of the staple S immediately after it contacts the clincher portion 210. Therefore, it becomes possible to form the first coil constituting the helical shape more stably.

[0058] Furthermore, the guide portion 230 may be formed at the intersection of the extension direction of the guide portion that guides the forward (X1 direction) movement of the leg portion (first leg portion S1) of the staple S and the clincher portion 210. In this case, for example, the stapling machine 100 may further include a guide portion 144 (see Figure 2) that extends in the first direction (X1 direction) and guides the movement of the leg portion S1 of the staple S in the first direction (X1 direction), and the guide portion 230 may be provided at a location where it intersects with the inner circumferential surface 210c when the guide portion 144 is extended in the first direction (X1 direction). With this configuration as well, it becomes possible to guide the leg portion S1 of the staple S, which is guided by the guide portion 144, with the guide portion 230 immediately after it comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210, thereby forming a spiral shape more stably. In addition, the guide portion 144 may be formed in the frame member 170 shown in Figures 19A and 19B described later, at a position corresponding to the gap c24 formed between the central frame portion 172 and the first frame portion 174.

[0059] Furthermore, the staple S may be configured to abut the portion of the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 that is adjacent to the groove portion 232. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210, a portion of the groove portion 232, and a portion of the staple S that abuts the inner circumferential surface 210c. As shown in Figure 10, the inner circumferential surface 210c has a first inner circumferential surface portion 210c1 to which a part of the surface S1c of the leg portion S1 of the staple S abuts, and a second inner circumferential surface portion 210c2 formed at a position advanced in the axial direction (Z direction) of the spiral relative to the first inner circumferential surface portion 210c1, to which the other part of the surface S1c of the leg portion S1 abuts when a part of the surface S1c of the leg portion S1 abuts against the first inner circumferential surface portion 210c1, and the guide portion 230 may be configured to be formed between the first inner circumferential surface portion 210c1 and the second inner circumferential surface portion 210c2. In this case, the clincher portion 210 may be configured to deform the staple S by bringing it into contact with a part of the upper side of the guide portion 230 (first inner surface portion 210c1) and a part of the lower side of the guide portion 230 (second inner surface portion 210c2) in the axial direction (Z direction) of the spiral shape of the inner surface 210c.

[0060] In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, at this time, a part of the staple S may be deformed while contacting the guide portion 230. Furthermore, at this time, a part of the staple S may be deformed while contacting a part of the guide portion 230, or while contacting the entire guide portion 230. When a part of the staple S is deformed while contacting a part of the guide portion 230 including the groove portion 232, for example, as shown in Figure 10, a part of the staple S may be deformed into a helical shape while contacting the edges 232e1 and 232e2 of the groove portion 232 located above (in the Z1 direction) and / or below (in the Z2 direction) in a cross-sectional view of the guide portion 230.

[0061] In the examples shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the groove 232 of the guide portion 230 is formed in the portion constituting the first period of the helical shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, the guide portion 230 may be formed at the starting point of the second helical period. Figures 11A and 11B show a cross-sectional view of a part of the clincher portion 210 in this case. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the guide portion 230 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 210c at the position where the second period (S_c2) of the helical shape begins. By forming the guide portion 230 at the position where the second period begins, a helical shape can be formed in which the portion constituting the second period is formed adjacent to the portion constituting the first period. Note that the guide portion 230 may be provided not only in the portion constituting the first period and the portion constituting the second period, but in both.

[0062] The above explanation described an example in which a single guide portion 230 is provided in the axial direction (Z direction) of the helical shape, but multiple guide portions 230 may be provided in the Z direction. Figures 12A and 12B show a cross-sectional view of a part of the clincher portion 210 in this case. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the guide portion 230 may include multiple guide portions 230 (grooves 232_1, 232_2, and 232_3) provided along the axial direction (Z direction). Figure 12C shows a perspective view of a helical shape formed using a clincher portion 210 provided with multiple guide portions 230 (grooves 232_1, 232_2, and 232_3). As shown in Figure 12C, by providing multiple guide portions 230 (grooves 232_1, 232_2, and 232_3), the portions constituting the first period and the second period of the helical shape can be easily formed adjacent to each other in the Z direction, compared to the case where only one groove 232 is provided. In this way, by using a clincher portion 210 provided with multiple guide portions 230, the helical shape of the staple S can be formed more stably.

[0063] The groove 232 of the guide section 230 shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B has a trapezoidal cross-section, but is not limited to this. The groove 232 may be formed in a rectangular, triangular, or semicircular shape in cross-section, for example.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, the clincher portion 210P according to this embodiment may have three rectangular grooves 232p_1, 232p_2, and 232p_3 in cross-sectional view. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the clincher portion 210Q according to this embodiment may have three triangular grooves 232q_1, 232q_2, and 232q_3 in cross-sectional view. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the clincher portion 210R according to this embodiment may have three semicircular grooves 232r_1, 232r_2, and 232r_3 in cross-sectional view.

[0065] In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the guide portion 230 is formed in the circumferential direction of the clincher portion 210, and the total length in the circumferential direction may be 1 / 4 or more of the circumference of the clincher portion 210. For example, in the clincher portion 210 shown in Figure 16, one guide portion 230 groove portion 232 is formed along the circumferential direction. In this case, the length of the groove portion 232 may be 1 / 4 or more of the circumference of the clincher portion 210.

[0066] Furthermore, multiple guide sections 230 may be configured in the circumferential direction of the clincher section 210. As shown in Figure 17, for example, the guide section 230 may be provided with two grooves 232h_1 and 232h_2 formed along the circumferential direction of the clincher section 210. In this case, the sum of the circumferential lengths of the multiple sections (the sum of the circumferential lengths of grooves 232h_1 and 232h_2) may be 1 / 4 or more of the circumference of the clincher section 210.

[0067] In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the width (size in the Z direction) of the guide portion 230 may be less than or equal to the distance between the corners of the staple. As shown in Figure 10 above, the staple S may be, for example, rectangular (rounded rectangle) in cross-section, or it may be a rectangle in cross-section that includes four arc-shaped corners C1, C2, C3, and C4 and four straight sections connecting the four corners C1, C2, C3, and C4 (straight section L12 connecting corners C1 and C2, straight section L23 connecting corners C2 and C3, straight section L34 connecting corners C31 and C4, and straight section L41 connecting corners C4 and C1). In this case, the size of the groove portion 232 of the guide portion 230 in the axial direction (axial direction of the spiral shape (Z direction)) may be less than or equal to the length of the straight section in the axial direction (Z direction) (length of the straight section L12).

[0068] Furthermore, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the depth of the groove 232 may be less than or equal to the distance between the corners in the cross-sectional view of the staple. That is, for example, in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 10, the leg portion (first leg portion S1) of the staple S is a rectangle in cross-sectional view that includes four arc-shaped corners (corners C1, C2, C3, and C4) and four straight portions (L12, L23, L34, and L41) connecting the four corners (corners C1, C2, C3, and C4), and the radial depth (depth d32 (Figure 10)) of the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 of the groove 232 may be less than or equal to the length in the axial direction (Z direction) of the straight portion (straight portion L12).

[0069] Furthermore, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the width of the groove 232 (size in the Z direction) may be 50% or less of the height (size in the Z direction) of the leg portion (first leg portion S1) of the staple S. The size of the groove 232 in the axial direction (axial direction of the spiral shape (Z direction)) may further be 15% or less of the size of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S in the axial direction (Z direction).

[0070] Furthermore, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the depth of the groove 232 (depth in the radial direction (X direction in Figure 10)) may be 50% or less of the height (size in the Z direction) of the first leg S1 of the staple S. The depth of the groove 232 may further be 15% or less of the height (size in the Z direction) of the first leg S1 of the staple S.

[0071] Here, when the first leg portion S1 of the staple S is deformed along the groove portion 232, if the portion of the staple S that enters the groove portion 232 becomes larger, the load when pushing out the staple S after deforming the staple S and fastening the objects to be fastened may increase, or it may become impossible to push out the staple S. If the pushing load of the staple S increases in this way, for example, it may take longer to remove the staple S that have completed fastening from the fastening machine 100, which may reduce work efficiency. Alternatively, it may put a load on the staple S and the mechanism components for pushing them out (for example, the ejector mentioned above), which may lead to deformation or damage to the helical portion formed by the staple S or the pushing mechanism components. In addition, it may become impossible to push out the staple S, and in this case, it may become impossible to discharge the helical portion formed by the staple S from the fastening machine. Thus, from the viewpoint of the extrusion load of the staple S, as described above, the size of the groove 232 (width and depth of the groove 230) is preferably 50% or less of the height of the first leg S1 of the staple S, and more preferably 15% or less.

[0072] In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the width (size in the Z direction) of the groove 232 is preferably 0.5% or more of the height of the staple S. By making the width of the groove 232 0.5% or more of the height of the staple S, the shape of the groove 232 can be formed stably. Furthermore, the depth of the groove 232 is also preferably 0.5% or more of the height of the staple S, and with this configuration, the shape of the groove 232 can be formed even more stably.

[0073] In the embodiments described above, the case in which a groove portion 232 is provided as the guide portion 230 has been explained as an example, but it is not limited to this. Instead of the groove portion 232, a convex guide portion 230S may be provided as the guide portion 230, for example, as shown in the clincher portion 210S in Figure 18. In this case, one convex guide portion 230S may be provided on the inner circumferential surface 210Sc of the clincher portion 210S, or multiple convex guide portions 230S (guide portions 230s_1, 230s_2, and 230s_3) may be provided, as shown in Figure 18. Furthermore, it is not limited to these, and in this embodiment, for example, a configuration in which both a groove-shaped guide portion 232 and a convex guide portion 230S are provided may also be possible.

[0074] In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment described above (for example, in Figures 9A, 9B, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13, 14, 15, and 18, etc.), the guide portion 230 was described as being provided in an annular shape, but the guide portion 230 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the guide portion 230 (for example, a groove portion 232 or a convex guide portion 230S) may be formed spirally along the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 or the inner circumferential surface 210Sc of the clincher portion 210S. By forming the guide portion 230 spirally, it becomes possible to more accurately form the spiral shape formed by the leg portion S1 of the staple S, for example.

[0075] Furthermore, when the convex guide portion 230S described above is provided with reference to Figure 18, it may have the same height and width as the guide portion 230 including the groove portion 232. For example, the width (size in the Z direction) of the convex guide portion 230S may be 50% or less of the height (size in the Z direction) of the leg portion (first leg portion S1) of the staple S. Also, the size of the guide portion 230S in the axial direction (axial direction of the spiral shape (Z direction)) may be 15% or less of the size of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S in the axial direction (Z direction). Also, the height of the guide portion 230S (protrusion height from the inner circumferential surface 210Sc in the radial direction (X direction in Figure 18)) may be 50% or less of the height (size in the Z direction) of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S, and may be 15% or less of the height (size in the Z direction) of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S. Even when a convex guide portion 230S is provided, by keeping the size relationship with the first leg portion S1 of the staple S within the above range, it becomes possible to form a spiral shape with the staple S more stably, similar to when a groove portion 232 is provided.

[0076] Furthermore, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the clincher portion 210 may be configured to be detachable. Figures 19A and 19B show perspective views of a frame member 170, which is part of the components constituting the first displacement portion 200 and the second displacement portion 300 of the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 19B shows a perspective view of the frame member 170 of Figure 19A with the clincher portion 210 removed, and Figure 19C shows a perspective view of only the clincher portion 210 removed from the frame member 170.

[0077] As shown in Figure 19A, the frame member 170 has a central frame portion 172, a first frame portion 174 positioned to the left (Y1 direction) of the central frame portion 172, and a second frame portion 176 positioned to the right (Y2 direction) of the central frame portion 172. The first frame portion 172 and the second frame portion 176 constitute a part of the first displacement portion 200 and the second displacement portion 300, respectively. The staple S, which is moved forward (X1 direction) by the driver 142 described above, is moved so that its main body portion S3 passes over the central frame portion 172. The first leg portion S1 of the staple S comes into contact with the clincher portion 210 and is deformed into a helical shape as the staple S is moved forward (X1 direction). The second leg portion S2 of the staple S is bent as the staple S is moved forward (X1 direction) and is configured to fasten the objects to be fastened.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19B, a recess 178 is provided in front of the first frame portion 174 (in the X1 direction), and the members constituting the clincher portion 210 shown in Figure 19C can be fitted into the recess 178. A hole 178a is provided in front of the recess 178, and a hole 210a is provided on the side of the clincher portion 210. When the clincher portion 210 is fitted into the recess 178 of the frame member 170, the hole 178a of the recess 178 and the hole 210a of the clincher portion 210 overlap, and the clincher portion 210 may be fixed to the recess 178 using, for example, a screw 178s (Figure 19A).

[0079] As described above, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the clincher section 210 may be configured to be detachable from the strapping machine 100.

[0080] Referring to Figure 20, the method for bundling objects according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 20 is a flowchart of the method for bundling objects according to this embodiment.

[0081] The fastening method according to this embodiment is a fastening method for fastening an object G to be fastened by deforming the legs (first legs S1) of a staple S into a spiral shape using a fastening machine 100, comprising the steps of pressing the staple S in a first direction (X1 direction) to bring the legs (first legs S1) of the staple S into contact with the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 of the fastening machine 100, and further pressing the staple S in the first direction (X1 direction). The method includes the step of moving the leg portion (first leg portion) of the staple S along a guide portion 230 provided on the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 at a position corresponding to at least a part of the helical shape, thereby deforming at least a part of the surface of the leg portion (first leg portion S1) that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210) by the guide portion 230, thereby deforming the leg portion (first leg portion S1) into a helical shape.

[0082] In other words, as shown in Figure 20, in the binding method according to this embodiment (the binding process performed by the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment described above), first, the legs (first legs S1) of the staple S are brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface 210c of the clincher portion 210 (S2002).

[0083] Next, the legs of the staple S (first legs S1) are moved along the guide section 230, and at least a portion of the surface of the legs S1 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 210c is deformed by the guide section 230, thereby deforming the legs S1 into a spiral shape (S2004).

[0084] The binding process performed by the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment is now complete.

[0085] In the binding method according to this embodiment, the binding machine 100 may have a groove 232 formed in the circumferential direction intersecting the axial direction (Z direction) of the spiral shape, as described above, and the deformation step may include a step of engaging at least a portion of the surface of the leg portion (first leg portion S1 of the staple S) that abuts the inner circumferential surface 210c with the groove 232.

[0086] The present invention is subject to various modifications without departing from its essence. For example, within the ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art, some components of one embodiment can be added to other embodiments. Also, some components of one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding components of other embodiments.

[0087] [Note 1] A fastening method in which objects to be fastened are fastened by deforming the legs of staples into a spiral shape using a fastening machine, The steps include pressing the staple in a first direction to bring the legs of the staple into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the clincher portion of the fastening machine, The steps of further pressing the staple in the first direction to move the legs of the staple along guide portions provided on the inner circumferential surface of the clincher portion at positions corresponding to at least a part of the helical shape, and deforming at least a part of the surface of the legs that abuts the inner circumferential surface by the guide portions, thereby deforming the legs into the helical shape, A method of binding, including a binding method.

[0088] [Note 2] The guide portion has grooves formed in the circumferential direction intersecting the axial direction of the helical shape, The deformation step includes a step of causing at least a portion of the surface of the leg that contacts the inner circumferential surface to bite into the groove. The binding method described in Appendix 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Binding Machine 120 Grip section 140 Magazine 142 drivers 144 Guide section 150 Main body 200 First displacement section 210 Clincher section 210c inner circumferential surface 210c1 First inner peripheral face 210c2 Second inner peripheral face 230 Guidance Department 232 ditch part Corners C1, C2, C3, C4 L12, L23, L34, L41 Straight sections S ステープル S1 First foot (foot)

Claims

1. A driver configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, A clincher portion which, when pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, causes the legs of the staple moving in the first direction to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface and deform into a spiral shape, Equipped with, The clincher portion has a guide portion provided on the inner circumferential surface that promotes deformation of the leg portion, The width of the guide portion is smaller than the height of the staple. Binding machine.

2. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion has a groove.

3. The aforementioned inner circumferential surface is A first inner circumferential surface portion that abuts against a part of the surface of the leg portion, It has a second inner circumferential surface portion formed at a position advanced in the axial direction of the spiral shape relative to the first inner circumferential surface portion, and when a part of the surface is in contact with the first inner circumferential surface portion, the other part of the surface of the leg portion is in contact with it, The guide portion is formed between the first inner circumferential surface portion and the second inner circumferential surface portion. The binding machine according to claim 1.

4. The inner circumferential surface has a cylindrical surface, The guiding portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface, as described in claim 1.

5. The guiding portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface at a height such that the tip of the leg portion of the staple is pressed by the driver and moves in the first direction to make contact with it, as described in claim 1.

6. The guiding portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface at a position where the tip of the leg portion of the staple is pressed by the driver and moves in the first direction to come into contact with it, as described in claim 5.

7. The present invention further comprises a guide portion that extends in the first direction and guides the movement of the leg portion of the staple in the first direction, The guiding portion is provided at a point where it intersects with the inner circumferential surface when the guide portion is extended in the first direction. The binding machine according to claim 4.

8. The guide portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface at the position where the second cycle of the helical shape begins. The binding machine according to claim 1.

9. The guide portion includes a plurality of guide portions provided along the axial direction of the helical shape, The binding machine according to claim 1.

10. The groove portion is provided in a spiral shape. The binding machine according to claim 2.

11. The guiding portion includes a plurality of guiding portions formed in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface, The sum of the lengths of the plurality of guide portions in the circumferential direction is 1 / 4 or more of the circumference length defined by the inner circumferential surface. The binding machine according to claim 1.

12. The legs of the staple are rectangular in cross-section, including four arc-shaped corners and four straight sections connecting the four corners. The axial size of the helical shape of the groove is less than or equal to the axial length of the straight section. The binding machine according to claim 2.

13. The legs of the staple are rectangular in cross-section, including four arc-shaped corners and four straight sections connecting the four corners. The radial depth of the inner circumferential surface of the groove is less than or equal to the axial length of the helical shape of the straight section. The binding machine according to claim 2.

14. The binding machine according to claim 2, wherein the axial size of the helical shape of the groove is 50% or less of the axial size of the leg.

15. The binding machine according to claim 14, wherein the size of the groove in the axial direction is 15% or less of the size of the leg in the axial direction.

16. The binding machine according to claim 2, wherein the radial depth of the inner circumferential surface of the groove is 50% or less of the axial size of the helical shape of the leg.

17. The binding machine according to claim 16, wherein the radial depth of the inner circumferential surface of the groove is 15% or less of the axial size of the leg.

18. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the clincher portion is configured to be detachable.

19. The groove portion is formed in a trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, or semicircular shape in cross-section. The binding machine according to claim 2.

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