End machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a binding machine capable of detecting the open / closed state of the cover. [Solution] The binding machine comprises a driver configured to move in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a clincher section which, when pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, deforms the staple moving in the first direction to engage with an object; a cover section which, when the staple is engaged with the object, is positioned opposite the staple in the axial direction in which the guide string extends, and is configured to move between a closed position close to the clincher section and an open position separated from it in the axial direction; a cover detection section which detects when the cover section is in the closed position; and a control section which controls the driving of the driver based on the detection result of the cover detection section.

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 target 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] For example, in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3 above, after the objects to be bound are bound with staples, the cover (lid) is raised and the staples and objects to be bound are removed from the binding machine. If, after the staples and objects to be bound have been removed, the cover remains open due to, for example, foreign matter, and the next binding operation is attempted, the tips of the staple legs cannot be deformed, and there is a possibility that the sharp tips of the staples may protrude outside the binding machine.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a binding machine capable of detecting the open / closed state of the cover portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A binding machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a driver configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a clincher portion that deforms a staple moving in the first direction, which is pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, so as to engage with an object; a cover portion that is positioned opposite to the staple in the axial direction in which the object extends when the staple is engaged with the object, and is configured to be movable in the axial direction between a closed position close to the clincher portion and an open position further away from the clincher portion; a cover detection portion that detects when the cover portion is in the closed position; and a control portion that controls the driving of the driver based on the detection result of the cover detection portion.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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," "guide string," or "guide element," for example, a wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, tree branch, etc.).

[0011] 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]

[0012] This disclosure provides a binding machine capable of detecting the open / closed state of the cover portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a plan view (top view) showing staples before deformation, which are bound by a binding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing deformed staples being fastened by a fastening machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one 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 5A] FIG. 5A is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a side view of a binding machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a side view of the binding machine 800. [Figure 12C]Figure 12C is a perspective view of the strapping machine 800. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the main part of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] 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.

[0015] [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.).

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] [Strapping machine configuration] The following describes an example of the configuration of a stapling machine 100 for bending staples S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figure 1B. However, the stapling machine may have other known configurations.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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).

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the strapping machine 100 from above Z1. Figure 3 is a top view of the strapping machine 100 from above Z1 (top view of the strapping machine 100), Figure 4 is a side view of the strapping machine 100 from the Y2 direction, Figure 5A is a side view of the strapping machine 100 from the Y1 direction, and Figure 5B is a perspective view of a part of the strapping machine 100 from above Z1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 5A, and 5B, 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.

[0027] [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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] [Driver and driver movement mechanism] As described in Patent Document 3 and other documents mentioned above, 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. The nut component and the driver 142 are configured to move forward X1 and backward X2, and are therefore 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 corresponding to a motor control device (also referred to as a "control unit" in this embodiment) is mounted.

[0032] 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.

[0033] [First displacement section] The first displacement unit 200 (an example of a "displacement unit") 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. Therefore, the displacement unit according to this embodiment may include, for example, the driver 142 and a drive unit that operates the driver (for example, the motor described above). As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first displacement unit 200 is provided to the left (Y1 direction) of the binding machine 100.

[0034] 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 portion ST, the stapling machine 100 may be provided with a lid portion (cover portion 250 shown in Figure 5B) that closes the upper part of the hole (the top surface of the cylinder), and the lid portion (cover portion 250) may have a tapered surface that slopes downward Z2 along the circumferential direction in order to facilitate the downward movement of the tip portion S1P of the staple S downward Z2.

[0035] 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.

[0036] [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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 5A, 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 bound items G (e.g., guide strings) and the second bound items P (e.g., stems) 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 of the first displacement unit 200 (cover unit 250 described later) 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.

[0042] The following describes the bundling machine 100 according to this embodiment in detail, focusing on the cover sensor 600.

[0043] The binding machine 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a driver 142 configured to move in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) opposite to the first direction (X1 direction); a clincher part 210 that is pressed by the driver 142 moving in the first direction (X1 direction) and deforms the staple S moving in the first direction (X1 direction) to engage with an object (guide string G); a cover part 250 that is positioned opposite to the staple S in the axial direction (Z direction) in which the object (guide string G) extends when the staple S is engaged with the object (guide string G), and is configured to move between a closed position close to the clincher part 210 and an open position separated from it in the axial direction (Z direction); a cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) that detects when the cover part 250 is in the closed position; and a control unit that controls the driving of the driver 142 based on the detection result of the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600).

[0044] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the cover portion 250 is configured to be further apart from the clincher portion 210 when it is in the open position compared to when it is in the closed position. Therefore, the distance between the cover portion 250 and the clincher portion 210 (distance in the Z direction) is greater when the cover portion 250 is in the open position than when it is in the closed position.

[0045] The binding machine 100 according to this embodiment can detect the open / closed state of the cover portion 250, as described below, with the above configuration. As mentioned above, in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, if the cover portion remains open after the binding operation is completed and the staples and objects to be bound have been removed, for example due to foreign matter, and an attempt is made to perform the next binding operation, the tips of the staple legs cannot be deformed, and the sharp tips of the staples may protrude outside the binding machine. Therefore, for example, it is considered that the user may injure their hand on the protruding tips of the staples. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the open / closed state of the cover portion can be detected, and it is possible to prevent the next binding operation from being performed with the cover portion open, thereby suppressing the occurrence of user injury.

[0046] First, with reference to Figures 6A to 8B, the operation of the lifter section 215, which is provided with a lift guide section 216 and a cover section 250, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment will be explained. In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the cover section 250 is connected to the lifter section 215, and the strapping machine 100 is equipped with a lift guide section 216 for moving the lifter section 215 up and down. In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the lifter section 215 is a member that moves the cover section 250 in the vertical direction (Z direction). Therefore, by moving the lifter section 215 up and down, the cover section 250 is configured to be able to move between an open position and a closed position.

[0047] Figures 6A to 8B are side views of a part of the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, viewed from the Y1 direction. As will be explained below, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the movement of the driver 142 and the movement of the lift guide section 216 are linked. Furthermore, by linking the movement of the driver 142 and the movement of the lift guide section 216, the vertical movement of the cover section 250 is also linked. Figure 6A shows the state before the first object G and the second object P are inserted into the stapling machine 100, and Figure 6B shows the state after the stapling of the first object G and the second object P with staples S is completed. Figure 7A shows the state after the cover section 250 has finished rising, and Figure 7B shows the state after the discharge section 400 has been rotated. Also, Figure 8A shows the state after the discharge of staples S is completed, and Figure 8B shows the state after the cover section 250 has finished moving downward (in the Z2 direction).

[0048] As shown in Figures 6A to 8B, the strapping machine 100 has a process plate 146, which is a component that moves in the forward / backward direction (X direction) in conjunction with the driver 142. As will be described below, the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment may also include a lid (cover portion 250) disposed above the clincher portion 210 in the axial direction (Z direction), a pin (pin 218) connected to the lid (cover portion 250), and a plate (process plate 146 (also called the lift guide moving portion)). Furthermore, the pin 218 may be provided with a roller 217 that is rotatably arranged on the pin 218 (hereinafter, the pin 218 and roller 217 will also be referred to as the engaging portion 219). In this embodiment, by further providing the roller 217, for example, the lifter portion 215 can be linked to the process plate 146 while engaging the roller 217 with the process plate 146, thereby enabling the lifter portion 215 to operate more accurately.

[0049] The process plate 146 may have a third path R3 connected to the driver 142 and engaging with the roller 217 when the driver 142 is moving in a first direction (X1 direction), a first path R1 provided above the third path R3 in the axial direction (Z direction) and engaging with the roller 217 when the driver 142 is moving in a second direction (X2 direction), a fourth path R4 connecting the third path R3 and the first path R1, and a second path R2 connecting the first path R1 and the third path R3. Furthermore, the binding machine 100 may also have a disc spring 228 provided between the lift guide section 216 and the lifter section 215. This disc spring is positioned to suppress the lifting of the cover section 250, which may occur due to the force in the Z1 direction generated when the staple S is engaged with the guide string G, by applying a force downward (Z2 direction) in the axial direction (Z direction) to the cover section 250 when the roller 217 is in the third path R3.

[0050] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, a path R is formed in the process plate 146. As described above, the path R includes a first path R1 extending forward (in the X1 direction), a second path R2 connected to the front end of the first path R1 and extending in a direction inclined downward (in the Z2 direction) and backward (in the X2 direction), a third path R3 connected to the rear end of the second path R2 and extending backward (in the X2 direction), and a fourth path R4 connected to the rear end of the third path R3 and extending in a direction inclined upward (in the Z1 direction) and forward (in the X1 direction) and connected to the rear end of the first path R1. Each path R1 to R4 is defined, for example, by four wall surfaces of a wall portion formed in the shape of a parallelogram that protrudes to the left (in the Y1 direction).

[0051] However, these four paths do not necessarily have to be formed parallel to each other, nor do they necessarily have to be formed in a straight line; they may be formed in a curved shape. In particular, the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 do not have to be parallel. By changing the inclination angle of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, it is possible to change the path length of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4. Therefore, by changing the angles of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, it is possible to change, for example, the timing of moving the cover portion 250 up and down.

[0052] In this embodiment, the lift guide section 216 is provided with a pin 218 and a roller 217 rotatably mounted on the pin 218. The roller 217 is configured to engage with the path R and move along the path R. The binding machine 100 may also be provided with two shaft sections (a first shaft section 222 and a second shaft section 224 (Figure 6A, etc.)) that restrict the movement of the lifter section 215 in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0053] The pin 218 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, projecting to the left (Y1 direction), and a rotatably positioned roller 217 is provided to the right (Y2 direction). The roller 217 is configured to move along the four wall surfaces of the parallelogram-shaped wall portion of the process plate 146.

[0054] The lift guide section 216 extends in the front-rear direction (X direction) and engages with one first shaft section 222 at a hole located in the front X direction and with the other second shaft section 224 at another hole located in the rear X2 direction. Since each shaft section extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the main body of the binding machine 100, the movement of the lift guide section 216 in the front-rear direction is restricted by the two shaft sections.

[0055] A cover portion 250 is fixed to the upper part Z1 of the lifter portion 215. In addition, the two shaft portions (first shaft portion 222 and second shaft portion 224) are provided with multiple elastic members inserted into the inner circumference side where the two shaft portions engage with each other. The lifter portion 215 moves up and down based on the fluctuation of the elastic force generated by the elastic members pressed by the lift guide portion 216 as the roller 217 moves up and down along the path R, thereby causing the cover portion 250 fixed above the lifter portion 215 to move up and down. With this configuration, it is possible to link the up and down movement of the roller 217 with the up and down movement of the cover portion 250. Furthermore, the up and down movement of the roller 217 is linked to the process plate 146 which moves in conjunction with the driver 142. Therefore, it is possible to link the movement of the driver 142 with the up and down movement of the cover portion 250.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6A, which represents the state before the insertion of the first object G and the second object P, the pin 218 and roller 217 are located on the second path R2 in this initial state.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6B, which depicts the state after the first object G and the second object P have been fastened together with staples S, when the driver 142 moves in the X1 direction and fastens together with staples S, the roller 217, which is initially located in the second path R2, moves relatively along the third path R3 in the X2 direction. As a result, after moving to the furthest rear of the third path R3, it is biased by the lower compression spring and moves to the fourth path R4.

[0058] In detail, as the driver 142 moves forward, the process plate 146 moves forward, and the pins 218 and rollers 217 located in the inclined second path R2 move downward (in the Z2 direction) along the second path R2. As the pins 218 and rollers 217 move downward, the lift guide portion 216 also moves downward.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6A, etc., an elastic disc spring 228 is inserted between the lift guide portion 216 and the process plate 146, with the first shaft portion 222 passing through its inner circumference.

[0060] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6B, when the lift guide portion 216 descends, the disc spring 228 is compressed, resulting in an increased downward force (in the Z2 direction) pushing down the process plate 146. Consequently, the cover portion 250 connected to the process plate 146 presses down (in the Z2 direction) with strong force near the clincher portion 210, thereby guiding the staple S inserted into the clincher portion 210 so that the tip of the first leg portion S10 of the staple S advances downward (in the Z2 direction) and forms a spiral coil shape.

[0061] Furthermore, while the driver 142 and process plate 146 are moving forward, the roller 217 moves along the third path R3. As a result, the roller 217 is maintained in a relatively low position Z2. Therefore, by configuring the roller 217 to be on the third path R3 during the binding operation, it becomes possible to realize a mechanism that continues to apply downward pressure (in the Z2 direction) by the cover portion 250 during the binding operation.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6B, when the driver 142 and process plate 146 are at their furthest forward position, the roller 217 moves from the third path R3 to the fourth path R4. Since the fourth path R4 extends in an upward (Z1 direction) and forward (X1 direction) inclined direction, the lift guide portion 216, the pin 218, and the roller 217 move upward Z1 due to the elastic force of the lower compression spring.

[0063] That is, at this time, from the state shown in Figure 6B, the roller 217 rises along the fourth path R4. Consequently, as the roller 217 moves upward (in the Z1 direction), the lift guide section 216 rises, which in turn raises the lifter section 215. As a result, the cover fixing section 215c rises, and the cover section 250 rises, completing the raising of the cover section 250 as shown in Figure 7A. The roller 217 is located between the first path R1 and the fourth path R4.

[0064] In other words, after the driver 142 completes its forward movement, when the driver 142 begins to move backward X2, the roller 217 begins to move upward (in the Z1 direction) according to the fourth path R4. As the roller 217 moves along the fourth path R4, the elastic force due to the compression of the disc spring 228 causes the roller 217 to move upward (in the Z1 direction), and the lift guide portion 216 moves upward Z1, thereby raising the lifter portion 215 and moving the cover portion 250 upward (in the Z1 direction). As a result, the blockage near the clincher portion 210 by the cover portion 250 is released, and the area near the clincher portion 210 is opened. In this way, the first object G, which has the first leg portion S10 of the staple S engaged, can be removed from the stapling machine 100.

[0065] Furthermore, elastic members for pushing upward (in the Z1 direction) may be provided in portions other than the first shaft portion 222 and the second shaft portion 224.

[0066] When the cover portion 250 completes its upward (Z1 direction) movement (Figure 7A), the driver 142 and process plate 146 move backward, and the roller 217 engages with the first path R1 and moves relatively forward X1, so the roller 217 is maintained at the position above Z1 where the first path R1 is provided. Therefore, the vertical (Z direction) position of the lift guide portion 216 is maintained above Z1, and the vertical (Z direction) position of the lifter portion 215 is maintained above Z1. Thus, it is possible to realize a mechanism in which the cover portion 250 is lifted upward (Z1 direction) while the driver 142 returns to its initial state after binding.

[0067] With the above configuration, the cover portion 250 moves up and down during the binding operation by the driver 142. At the same time, the discharge portion 400 provided on the lifter portion 215 also moves up and down in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the driver 142. Therefore, in the state shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the discharge portion 400 is located relatively below (in the Z2 direction) relative to the process plate 146, and in the state shown in Figure 7A, the discharge portion 400 is located relatively above (in the Z1 direction) relative to the process plate 146.

[0068] Furthermore, the movement of the driver 142 in the X direction (movement in the X1 direction and movement in the X2 direction) described above may be configured to be started and controlled by the control unit when the trigger unit 168 is pressed. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit may be provided, for example, in the main body unit 150. More specifically, the control unit may be provided, for example, in the part where the lower Z2 portion of the grip unit 120 and the lower Z2 portion of the magazine 140 are connected, as shown in Figure 2.

[0069] With the cover portion 250 moved upward Z1, the discharge portion 400 is rotated (Figure 7B). At this time, the end portion 420 of the discharge portion 400 comes into contact with the operating portion 144 and the end portion 430 of the discharge portion 400 moves in the Y2 direction. Consequently, the other end portion 430 of the discharge portion 400 comes into contact with, for example, the coil portion of the staple S, causing the staple S to be discharged from the binding machine 100, and as shown in Figure 8A, the first object G and the second object P bound together by the staple S are discharged from the binding machine 100.

[0070] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 8B, the roller 217 returns to the second path R2, and as the roller 217 moves downward (in the Z2 direction) along the second path R2, the lift guide section 216 descends. As a result, the lifter section 215 is biased by the upper compression spring and descends, closing the cover section 250.

[0071] With the above configuration, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the vertical movement of the cover portion 250 can be synchronized with the movement of the driver 142 in the front-rear direction (X direction) by the engagement of the path R of the process plate 146 with the roller 217.

[0072] Here, with reference to Figures 9A to 12C, the occurrence of staple ejection that may occur in the conventional binding machine 800 described in Patent Document 3, etc., will be explained. In the binding machine 800, as explained with reference to Figures 6A to 8B, the pins 918 and rollers 917 provided on the lifter section 915 engage with the path R8 of the process plate 846, thereby enabling the lifter section 915 to move up and down in conjunction with the driver 842.

[0073] Figure 9A is a side view of the strapping machine 800 as seen from the left (Y1 direction). Figure 9B is a magnified view of the side view of the strapping machine 800 as seen from the Y1 direction in Figure 9A, showing the area around the process plate 846. Figure 9C is a perspective view of the strapping machine 800 as seen from the front at an angle (X1 and Y2 directions). Similarly, Figures 10A, 11A, and 12A are side views of the strapping machine 800, Figures 10B, 11B, and 12B are magnified side views of a part of the strapping machine 100, and Figures 10C, 11C, and 12C are perspective views of the strapping machine 900 as seen from the front at an angle. Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C show the cover portion 950 in the properly closed state. Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C show the cover portion 950 not being properly closed, Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C show the tip portion ST of the staple S sticking out, and Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C show other states in which the cover portion 950 is not properly closed.

[0074] In the conventional strapping machine 800, as described above for the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the lifter section 915 is configured to move relative to the lift guide section 916, and therefore, the cover section 950 provided on the lifter section 915 is also configured to move relative to it. That is, in the strapping machine 800 as well, as the driver 842 moves in the forward / backward direction X, the roller 917 moves along path R8 including the first path R81, the second path R82, the third path R83, and the fourth path R84 (for example, in Figures 9B and 10B, etc.), causing the lift guide section 916 to move in the vertical direction Z. As the lift guide section 216 moves in the vertical direction Z, the lifter section 915 moves in the vertical direction Z, and the cover section 950 opens and closes (for example, in Figures 9C and 10C, etc.). When the cover portion 950 is in the closed position, it closes the area Z1 above the clincher portion 910, and when the cover portion 950 is in the open position, it opens the area Z1 above the clincher portion 910. In the strapping machine 800, the lifter portion 915 is biased downward Z2 relative to the lift guide portion 916 by a lower compression spring or the like. Therefore, by applying an external load to the cover portion 950 (for example, a load in the opposite direction to the downward biasing force Z2 by the lower compression spring), the cover portion 950 can be opened.

[0075] In such a binding machine 800, for example, when the guide string G is inserted into the binding machine 800, the guide string G may get caught on the cover part 950, causing the cover part 950 to be lifted up. At this time, as shown in Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, if the cover part 950 is open and lifted to its highest position (in the Z1 direction), the roller 917 will be at the same height as the first path R81 of path R8, for example, as shown in Figure 10B.

[0076] In this state, when the stapling operation with staples S is started and the driver 842 is moved forward (in the X1 direction), the roller 917 moves along the first path R81 instead of the second path R82 and the third path R83. As a result, the lifter section 915 is in a higher position than when the stapling operation is performed normally, and the driver 842 moves forward with the cover section 950 open. At this time, the cover section 950 does not block the top of the clincher section 910, and the staples S pressed by the driver 842 are not restricted by the cover section 950 from the Z1 direction. Therefore, if the tip ST of the staple S moves to a position higher than the clincher section 910, it cannot come into contact with the clincher section 910, and as shown in Figures 11A and 11C, the tip ST of the staple S cannot form a spiral coil and may fly out of the stapling machine 800. In this case, for example, it is possible that the user's hand may be injured.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11B, the pin 918 and roller 917 move along the first path R81, then along the fourth path R84, and the lifter section 915 is lowered. However, there is a possibility that the tip ST of the staple S, which has been extended while the roller 917 is moving along the first path R81, may not return to a position facing the clincher section 910. Also, there is a possibility that the cover section 950 will be closed with the tip ST of the staple S still extended.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, if, after the binding operation is completed, fragments of staples S or debris are present between the cover portion 950 and the vicinity of the clincher portion 910, the cover portion 950 may not close properly and may remain open (Figures 12A and 12C). In this case, as shown in Figure 12B, the roller 917 may be located between the first path R81 and the second path R82. If the next binding operation is started in this state, it is possible that the roller 917 may collide with the wall portion constituting path R8, causing damage.

[0079] In the description of a conventional stapling machine 800, a lift guide section 916 guides the vertical movement Z of a lifter section 915, which is provided as a separate component from the lift guide section 916. However, even when the lifter section 915 and the lift guide section 916 are provided as a single component, if the engagement between the path R8 and the roller 917 becomes disengaged, the coil portion formed by the tip ST of the staple S may not be formed, similar to the above, and the desired stapling operation may not be possible.

[0080] In the strapping machine 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) is provided which is configured to detect when the cover portion 250 is in the closed position, and the drive of the driver 142 is controlled based on the detection result of the cover sensor 600. Therefore, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the driver 142 can be driven after the cover sensor 600 confirms that the cover portion 250 is in the closed position. As a result, the occurrence of malfunctions and injuries as described above can be suppressed by referring to Figures 9A to 12C.

[0081] In the strapping machine 100 of this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to control the driver 142 based on the state of the trigger unit 168 and the cover sensor 600. That is, the strapping machine 100 may include a trigger unit 168 that can be pressed by the user, and the control unit may be configured to control the driver 142 based on the pressed state of the trigger unit 168 and the detection result of the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600).

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to move the driver 142 in the first direction (X1 direction) when the trigger unit 168 is pressed and the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) detects that the cover unit 250 is in the closed position.

[0083] With this configuration, for example, even if the user presses the trigger unit 168, if the cover sensor 600 detects that the cover unit 250 is not in the closed position, the binding operation will not start and the driver 142 will not move, thereby suppressing malfunctions in the binding machine 100.

[0084] Furthermore, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the cover portion 250 may be configured to move in conjunction with the driver 142. That is, as described above with reference to Figures 6A to 8B, the cover portion 250 may be configured to move to a closed position and an open position in conjunction with the movement of the driver 142 in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction).

[0085] Furthermore, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the cover sensor 600 may be configured to detect the opening and closing of the cover portion 250 based on the position of the lifter portion 215. That is, the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment has a lift guide portion 216 connected to the cover portion 250 and configured to move axially (Z direction) in conjunction with the movement of the driver 142 in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction), and a lifter portion (lifter portion 215) whose vertical movement is guided by the lift guide portion 216, and the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) may be configured to detect the position of the cover portion 250 based on the position of the lifter portion 215.

[0086] In this case, the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) may include a microswitch configured to be in contact with the lifter unit 215. The strapping machine 100 in this case will be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. Figures 13A and 13B are side views of the strapping machine 100 as seen from the left (Y1 direction), where Figure 13A shows the case where the cover unit 250 is in the closed position, and Figure 13B shows the case where the cover unit 250 is in the open position.

[0087] As shown in Figure 13A, the cover sensor 600 includes a microswitch having a lever member 612 with one end (the upper end (Z1 direction)) fixed, a plunger 614 that the lever member 612 can contact by rotating around the fixed end, and a housing 616 that houses other components such as a leaf spring to which power is transmitted by the plunger 614. As shown in Figure 13A, the microswitch of the cover sensor 600 is located near the lower right end (the end in the X2 and Z2 directions) of the lifter portion 215.

[0088] As shown in Figure 13A, when the cover portion 250 is in the closed position, the lifter portion 215 is lowered in the Z2 direction, and the lower right end of the lifter portion 215 in Figure 13A contacts the lever member 612 of the cover sensor 600 from the front (X1 direction), and the lever member 612 pushes the plunger 614 from the X1 direction. When the plunger 614 is pushed in the X1 direction, the microswitch turns ON. Also, as shown in Figure 13B, when the cover portion 250 is in the open position, the lifter portion 215 is raised in the Z1 direction, and the lower right end of the lifter portion 215 in Figure 13B moves away from the lever member 612 of the cover sensor 600 from the front (X1 direction). At this time, the lever member 612 moves away from the plunger 614, and the microswitch turns OFF.

[0089] As described above, the cover sensor 600 of the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment can detect whether the cover portion 250 is in the open position or the closed position using a microswitch.

[0090] The cover sensor 600 of the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to a microswitch, but may include other sensors, for example. The cover sensor 600 may include, for example, an optical sensor. That is, the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) of the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment may include an optical sensor configured to detect the position of the lifter unit 215.

[0091] Referring to Figures 14A to 15B, a strapping machine 100A according to this embodiment, which includes a photosensor as an optical sensor, will be described. Figures 14A and 15A are side views of the strapping machine 100A as seen from the left (Y1 direction), and Figures 14B and 15B are enlarged perspective views of a part of the strapping machine 100A (a part near the photosensor 620). Figures 14A and 14B show the case where the cover portion 250 is in the closed position, and Figures 15A and 15B show the case where the cover portion 250 is in the open position.

[0092] The bundling machine 100A includes, for example, a transmissive photosensor 620. As shown in Figure 14B, the photosensor 620 includes a pair of housing sections (first housing section 622 and second housing section 624) that are rectangular parallelepiped shapes parallel to the X1 direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. One of the first housing section 622 and the second housing section 624 is provided with a light-emitting element, and the other is provided with a light-receiving element. The photosensor 620 is also positioned between the first housing section 622 and the second housing section 624 so that a part of the lifter section 215 can be inserted through it.

[0093] For example, when the cover portion 250 is in the closed position, a part of the lifter portion 215 is located between the first housing portion 622 and the second housing portion 624 of the photosensor 620 (Figures 14A and 14B), so the light from the light-emitting element is blocked and the photosensor turns ON. Also, when the cover portion 250 is in the open position, a part of the lifter portion 215 is not located between the first housing portion 622 and the second housing portion 624 of the photosensor 620 (Figures 15A and 15B), so the light from the light-emitting element is blocked and the photosensor turns OFF.

[0094] Although the explanation used a transmissive type photosensor as the photosensor 620 as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, a reflective type photosensor may also be used.

[0095] In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the cover portion 250 may be provided at a position opposite the clincher portion 210 in the axial direction (Z direction). Also, when the cover portion 250 is in the closed position, the cover portion 250 may be configured to be in contact with the upper end surface (upper Z1 end surface) of the clincher portion 210.

[0096] Furthermore, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) may be configured to determine that the cover unit 250 is in a closed position when the distance between the cover unit 250 and the clincher unit 210 in the axial direction (Z direction) (the distance between the cover unit 250 and the upper end surface (upper Z1 end surface) of the clincher unit 210) is less than or equal to the diameter of the staple S. This allows the cover sensor 600 to detect and continue the stapling operation if, for example, there is a small foreign object, such as a part of a plant leaf, between the cover unit 250 and the lifter unit 215, but the detection result is turned ON. Conversely, if there is a foreign object, such as a fragment of the staple S, that is not removed before performing the stapling operation, the cover sensor 600 detects and turns OFF, preventing the stapling operation from continuing.

[0097] Furthermore, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) may be configured to determine that the cover unit 250 is in the closed position when the distance between the cover unit 250 and the clincher unit 210 in the axial direction (Z direction) (the distance between the cover unit 250 and the upper end surface (upper Z1 end surface) of the clincher unit 210) is 0.7 times or less the diameter of the staple S. As a result, if there is a foreign object larger than 0.7 times the diameter of the staple S, the stapling operation will not continue, which can more reliably suppress the occurrence of malfunctions in the stapling operation compared to when the stapling operation is not continued when there is a foreign object larger than the diameter of the staple S. In addition, the occurrence of the tip ST of the staple S sticking out as described above can be more reliably suppressed.

[0098] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, staples S with a diameter of 1.0 mm may be used as staples S. In this case, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the cover detection unit (cover sensor 600) may be configured to determine that the cover portion 250 is in the closed position when the distance between the cover portion 250 and the clincher portion 210 in the axial direction (Z direction) (the distance between the cover portion 250 and the upper end surface (upper Z1 end surface) of the clincher portion 210) is 0.7 mm or less.

[0099] [Second Embodiment] The following describes the strapping machine 100B according to the second embodiment. Parts that are identical or similar in function or configuration to those of the strapping machines 100 and 100A according to the first embodiment will be understood by those skilled in the art, and will be given the same or similar names, with explanations omitted or simplified as appropriate. The explanation will focus on the differences.

[0100] In the fastening machine 100 according to the first embodiment, when forming staples into a spiral coil shape, as shown in Figure 6B, the lift guide portion 216 descends and compresses the biasing portion such as the disc spring 228, resulting in the cover portion 250, which is fixed to or connected to the lifter portion 215, pressing downward (in the Z2 direction) near the clincher portion 210. With this configuration, it is possible to induce the tip of the first leg portion S10 of the staple S inserted into the clincher portion 210 to advance downward (in the Z2 direction) and form a helical coil shape. However, if there is a large variation in the dimensions of the components that make up the binding machine, the amount of deflection of the biasing part such as the disc spring 228 will vary from machine to machine, and consequently, the biasing load that the cover part 250 uses to press downwards in the area near the clincher part 210 will vary. If the amount of deflection of the disc spring 228 is too large, the disc spring 228 may reach its stress limit, which may significantly reduce the durability of the disc spring 228 or damage other parts. On the other hand, if the amount of deflection of the disc spring 228 is too small, the cover part 250 may not be able to be strongly biased downwards, and the cover part 250 may open during coil formation.

[0101] Therefore, in this embodiment, a binding machine 100B is disclosed that can suppress variations in the amount of deflection (amount of change from natural length) of a biasing part such as a disc spring 228. Specifically, the binding machine 100B in this embodiment is equipped with an adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of deflection of a biasing part such as a disc spring.

[0102] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the main part of the stapling machine 100B according to this embodiment. The stapling machine 100B includes a driver 142B configured to move in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) opposite to the first direction (X1 direction), a clincher part 210B which is pressed by the driver 142B moving in the first direction and deforms the staple S moving in the first direction (X1 direction) so as to engage with an object (e.g., guide string G), and a closed position which is positioned in the axial direction (Z direction) of the object (guide string G) when the staple S is engaged with the object (guide string G), and is close to the clincher part 210B in the axial direction (Z direction). The device comprises a cover portion 250B configured to be movable between an open position and a separated position, a lifter portion 215B connected to the cover portion 250B and configured to be movable in the axial direction (Z direction) in conjunction with the movement of the driver 142B in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction), a lift guide portion 216B configured to be movable in the axial direction (Z direction) in conjunction with the movement of the driver in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction), a biasing portion inserted between the lift guide portion 216B and the lifter portion 215B to bias the lifter portion 215B in the axial direction (Z direction), and an adjustment portion 230B for adjusting the amount of deflection of the biasing portion.

[0103] The binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, with the above configuration, makes it possible to adjust the variation in the amount of deflection of the biasing part. For example, before or after the shipment of the binding machine 100B, the downward Z2 load acting from the cover part 250B to the clincher part 210B can be measured, and the amount of deflection of the biasing part can be adjusted using the adjustment part 230B so that the load is within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to solve the above-mentioned problems associated with variations in the amount of deflection of the biasing part.

[0104] In this embodiment, the biasing part whose deflection amount is adjusted by the adjustment unit 230B is the disc spring 228B. In this embodiment, the disc spring 228B is the component with the largest spring constant among the biasing parts that apply a biasing force to the lifter part 215B. Therefore, by adjusting the amount of deflection of the disc spring 228B with the adjustment part 230B, it becomes possible to suitably adjust the downward Z2 load acting from the cover part 250B to the clincher part 210B. However, if the binding machine is equipped with a biasing part with a spring constant greater than that of the disc spring 228B, the binding machine may be configured so that the adjustment unit 230B adjusts the amount of deflection of the other biasing parts. Alternatively, the binding machine may adjust the amount of deflection of other biasing parts with a spring constant less than that of the disc spring 228B. Furthermore, the binding machine may be equipped with multiple adjustment units 230B that adjust the amount of deflection of multiple biasing parts. In this embodiment, the biasing section is composed of multiple disc springs 228B, comprising a first disc spring 228B that surrounds the bolt section 232B and is positioned relatively above (Z1 direction) in the axial direction (Z direction), and a second disc spring 228B that surrounds the bolt section 232B and is positioned in series with the first disc spring 228B, below (Z2 direction) the first disc spring 228B in the axial direction (Z direction). However, the biasing section may also be composed of a single disc spring 228B.

[0105] The lift guide portion 216B of the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment is provided with a threaded portion having an internal thread as an engaged portion for engaging with the adjustment portion 230B. On the other hand, the adjustment portion 230B has a bolt portion 232B (sometimes called an "adjusting bolt") which supports the biasing disc spring 228B and has an internal thread that screws into the threaded portion formed on the lift guide portion 216B, a nut portion 234B which screws into the bolt portion 232B and fixes the axial (Z direction) position of the bolt portion 232B relative to the lift guide portion 216B, and a flange portion 236B formed on the bolt portion 232B which fixes the axial (Z direction) height of the biasing disc spring 228B. With this configuration, since the lift guide portion 216B and the bolt portion 232B are screwed together, the axial position of the bolt portion 232B relative to the lift guide portion 216B can be adjusted by rotating the bolt portion 232B. Furthermore, since the flange portion 236B is formed on the bolt portion 232B, moving the axial position of the bolt portion 232B relative to the lift guide portion 216B downward (in the Z2 direction) causes the flange portion 236B to come into contact with the disc spring 228B, making it possible to push the disc spring 228 downward (in the Z2 direction). Accordingly, it becomes possible to adjust (change) the axial height (in the Z direction) of the disc spring 228B supported by the bolt portion 232B. Furthermore, since the bolt portion 232B and the nut portion 234B are screwed together, once the axial position of the bolt portion 232B relative to the lift guide portion 216B has been adjusted, the nut portion 234B can be used to fix the bolt portion 232B so that it does not rotate relative to the lift guide portion 216B, thereby fixing the axial (Z-direction) position of the disc spring 228B. In this configuration, the lift guide portion 216B may have a through hole formed below the threaded portion for inserting the bolt portion 232B. Furthermore, a slot may be formed on the bottom surface (downward-facing surface) of the shaft portion where the male thread of the bolt portion 232B is formed. With this configuration, the shaft portion of the bolt portion 232B can be inserted through the through hole formed in the lift guide portion 216B, thereby suppressing the possibility that the bolt portion 232B may tilt relative to the lift guide portion 216B when the axial position of the bolt portion 232B relative to the lift guide portion 216B is changed. Furthermore, since a slot is formed on the bottom surface of the bolt portion 232B that is exposed downwards, the bolt portion 232B can be easily rotated by engaging a screwdriver or the like with this slot.

[0106] The binding machine 100B according to this embodiment includes a process plate 146B connected to a driver 142B and configured to move in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) in conjunction with the movement of the driver 142B in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction), and a lift guide section 216B having a roller 217B engaged with the process plate 146B and configured to move in the axial direction (Z direction) in conjunction with the movement of the process plate 146B in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) via the roller 217B, and may be configured to convert the movement of the driver 142B in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) into axial direction (Z direction) movement of the lift guide section 216B. With this configuration, the movement of the driver 142B in the first direction (X1 direction) and the second direction (X2 direction) can be converted into axial movement (Z direction) of the lift guide section 216B, so that the cover section 250B connected to the lift guide section 216B can be moved up and down in conjunction with the movement of the driver 142B in the first and second directions.

[0107] The following describes a specific example of an adjustment method for adjusting the amount of deflection of the disc spring 228B in a binding machine 100B having the above configuration, by changing the height of the disc spring 228B in the axial (Z-direction) direction. First, the bolt section 232B is rotated while measuring the load pressing the cover section 250B downward (Z2) using a force gauge. As the bolt section 232B rotates, the axial position (Z direction) of the bolt section 232B relative to the lift guide section 216B changes, so the flange section 236B formed on the bolt section 232B presses against the disc spring 228B, making it possible to change the axial height (Z direction) of the disc spring 228B. As a result, the amount of deflection of the disc spring 228B increases. When the load value indicated by the force gauge reaches a predetermined range, the nut portion 234B, which is screwed onto the bolt portion 232B, is tightened to completely fix the bolt portion 232B and the lift guide portion 216B. According to the above method, the amount of deflection of the disc spring 228B in the binding machine 100B can be adjusted, so that the cover portion 250B is closed during the binding operation, and stable binding operation is achieved. Other binding machines disclosed in this application are noted below.

[0108] (Note 1) A driver configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, A clincher portion that deforms a staple moving in the first direction by being pressed by the driver moving in the first direction so as to engage with an object, When the staple is engaged with the object, a cover portion is provided which is positioned opposite to the staple in the axial direction of the object's extension, and which is configured to be movable in the axial direction between a closed position close to the clincher portion and an open position separated from it. A lifter portion is connected to the cover portion and configured to move in the axial direction in conjunction with the movement of the driver in the first and second directions, A lift guide portion configured to be movable in the axial direction in conjunction with the movement of the driver in the first and second directions, A biasing portion is inserted between the lift guide portion and the lifter portion and biases the lifter portion in the axial direction, An adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of deflection of the biasing unit, A binding machine equipped with a strapping mechanism.

[0109] (Note 2) The biasing part is a disc spring. The binding machine described in Appendix 1.

[0110] (Note 3) The adjustment portion has a bolt portion that supports the biasing portion and screws into a threaded portion formed on the lift guide portion, a nut portion that screws into the bolt portion and fixes the axial position of the bolt portion with respect to the lift guide portion, and a flange portion formed on the bolt portion and fixing the axial height of the biasing portion. The binding machine described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0111] (Note 4) A process plate connected to the driver and configured to move in the first and second directions in conjunction with the movement of the driver in the first and second directions, The lift guide portion comprises a roller engaged with the process plate and configured to move in the axial direction in conjunction with the movement of the process plate in the first and second directions via the roller, The movement of the driver in the first and second directions is converted into movement of the lift guide portion in the aforementioned axial direction. The binding machine described in Appendix 1.

[0112] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100, 100A, 100B binding machine 120 Grip section 140 Magazine 142, 142B drivers 144 Operating part 146, 146B process plate 168 Trigger section 210, 210B clincher section 215, 215B Lifter section 216, 216B Lift guide section 217, 217B Laura 218 pins 220 links 228, 228B Disc springs 230B Adjustment part 232B Bolt section 234B Nut section 236B Flange section 250, 250B Cover Section 400 Discharge section 600 Cover Sensor (Cover Detection Unit) 612 Lever member 614 Plunger 616 cabinets 620 Photosensor G Guide string (object) S staples

Claims

1. A driver configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, A clincher portion that deforms the staple, which is moving in the first direction, by being pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, so as to engage with the object, When the staple is engaged with the object, a cover portion is provided which is positioned opposite to the staple in the axial direction in which the object extends, and which is configured to be movable in the axial direction between a closed position close to the clincher portion and an open position separated from it. The cover portion includes a cover detection unit that detects that it is in the closed position, A control unit controls the operation of the driver based on the detection result of the cover detection unit, A binding machine equipped with a strapping mechanism.

2. It further includes a trigger section that can be pressed by the user, The control unit controls the driver based on the pressed state of the trigger unit and the detection result of the cover detection unit. The binding machine according to claim 1.

3. The control unit moves the driver in the first direction when the trigger unit is pressed and the cover detection unit detects that the cover unit is in the closed position. The binding machine according to claim 2.

4. The cover portion moves to the closed position and the open position in conjunction with the movement of the driver in the first and second directions. The binding machine according to claim 1.

5. It has a lifter portion connected to the cover portion and configured to be movable in the axial direction in conjunction with the movement of the driver in the first and second directions, The cover detection unit detects the position of the cover based on the position of the lifter unit. The binding machine according to claim 1.

6. The cover detection unit includes a microswitch configured to be in contact with the lifter unit. The binding machine according to claim 5.

7. The cover detection unit includes an optical sensor configured to detect the position of the lifter unit. The binding machine according to claim 5.

8. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion is provided at a position opposite to the clincher portion in the axial direction.

9. The cover detection unit is configured to determine that the cover is in the closed position when the distance between the cover and the clincher in the axial direction is less than or equal to the diameter of the staple. The binding machine according to claim 5.

10. The cover detection unit is configured to determine that the cover is in the closed position when the distance between the cover and the clincher in the axial direction is 0.7 times or less the diameter of the staple. The binding machine according to claim 9.

11. The cover detection unit is configured to determine that the cover is in the closed position when the distance between the cover and the clincher in the axial direction is 0.7 mm or less. The binding machine according to claim 5.

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