End machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a binding machine equipped with a guide section that facilitates the insertion of the guide into a predetermined position, offers excellent visibility, and improves work efficiency when binding the guide and the object using a binding device. [Solution] The fastener comprises a clincher portion that engages with a guide by deforming the fastener, and a guide portion configured to guide the insertion of the guide to an engagement position where the guide and the fastener can be engaged, wherein the guide portion has a first member including a projection that protrudes above the engagement position. Furthermore, for example, the guide portion preferably has a base portion that is below the engagement position and extends forward from the engagement position side, and the projection portion is configured to be provided at the front end of the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tying machine, and more particularly to a tying machine suitable for guiding work when growing plants.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers whose fruits grow larger as they grow cannot support their own weight with their stems, so a so-called guiding operation of fixing their stems and leaves to guides such as strings and supports is required. As a method therefor, a technique of using a linear fastener (tying material) such as a staple to tie an object such as a plant stem or leaf to a guide is known. The applicant of the present application has proposed a tying machine configured to engage one end of a fastener with a guide, displace the other end of the fastener, surround the object with the fastener, and then engage the other end with the guide to tie the two together as a device suitable for such guiding (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional binding machine configuration described above, the user (operator) needs to insert the guide and the object to be bound into their respective designated positions in the binding machine before performing the binding operation with the binding tool. At that time, the user wants to improve work efficiency by properly separating the guide and the object to be bound and inserting them into their respective designated positions as quickly as possible. For this reason, conventional binding machines have guide sections to facilitate the insertion of the guide and the object to be bound into their designated positions. For example, if the guide is a string or wire and the object to be bound is a plant stem that has grown to a certain extent, the guide will be a thinner material than the object to be bound, so the guide section of the guide tends to be relatively small in shape, and the path for guiding it also tends to be relatively narrow.

[0005] However, if the guide (string, etc.) and the object (stem, etc.) are close together, or if the relative positions of the guide and the object are reversed from their intended positions, the user may have difficulty inserting the guide into its designated position, and may need to adjust the relative positions of the two. For example, when a user moves the guide from right to left and the object from left to right, they often end up in close proximity to the guide and the object because they grasp both with one hand and reverse their positions. Therefore, the visibility of the guide and the ease of inserting the guide into its designated position become even more important. In addition, if the user is in a position where they are viewing the guide and the object from behind the binding machine, it may be difficult to see the insertion path of the guide or the tip of the guide section, which may require time for confirmation or result in poor binding.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a binding machine equipped with a guide section that makes it easy to insert the guide into a predetermined position, has excellent visibility, and improves work efficiency when binding the guide and the object with a binding device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an example of a binding machine according to the present disclosure binds a guide and an object using a binding tool, and comprises a clincher part that engages with the guide by deforming the binding tool, and a guide part configured to guide the insertion of the guide to an engagement position in which the guide and the binding tool can be engaged, wherein the guide part has a first member including a projection that protrudes above the upper end position of the engagement position. In this configuration, since the first member of the guide part is configured to include a projection that protrudes above the upper end level of the engagement position, it becomes easier to insert the guide between the guide and the object even when they are in close proximity. In addition, the projection is easily visible from the rear of the binding machine, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0008] [2] In the above configuration, a cover that closes the clincher portion from above may be further provided, and the protruding portion may be configured to protrude above the upper end surface of the cover. This makes the protruding portion easier to see from the rear of the strapping machine.

[0009] [3] In the above configuration, the guide portion may further have a base portion that is below the upper end position of the engagement position and extends forward from the engagement position side, and a projection portion may be provided at the front end of the base portion. With this configuration, the guide portion does not simply protrude upward, but the projection portion is connected to the front of the base portion that extends forward from the engagement position, so that the guide portion does not become an obstacle when fastening or when removing the fastener after fastening.

[0010] [4] Specifically, the fastening device has a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The fastening device may also be equipped with a drive unit that deforms and moves the fastening device so that the first leg portion and the second leg portion surround the object and engage the first leg portion and the second leg portion with the guide. In this way, the fastening device surrounds the object, and both ends of the fastening device are engaged with the guide, so that the guide and the object can be securely fastened together.

[0011] [5] In addition, in the above configuration, the guide portion may further include a second member which is positioned above and opposite to the first member and extends forward from the engagement position side. This allows the guide to be guided to the engagement position by being surrounded by both the first member and the second member, making it easier and more reliable to insert the guide into the engagement position.

[0012] [6] More specifically, the second member is movable in the vertical direction so as to close the clincher portion from above before fastening with the fastener and to open the top of the clincher portion after fastening with the fastener, and the upper end of the protrusion on the first member may be positioned above the upper surface of the second member in the state before fastening and below the upper surface of the second member in the state after fastening when it has moved upward. With this configuration, the protrusion of the guide portion becomes easier to see from the rear, and the fastener after fastening is easier to discharge from the side by pushing it out.

[0013] [7] In addition, in the above configuration, the first member and the second member may define a guide insertion path having a portion that widens toward the front from the engagement position side. In the guide insertion path defined in this way, the width narrows toward the engagement position side (rearward), so the guide can be guided to the engagement position more reliably and quickly.

[0014] [8] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the guide portion may further include a third member that is positioned to overlap the base of the first member and extends forward from the engagement position side, and the first member may be configured to protrude forward of the third member. In this case, the third member extends shorter forward than the first member and is positioned above the base of the first member, so that the guide is guided more easily in the part of the guide insertion path close to the engagement position without obstructing the guidance of the guide or the visibility of the guide portion.

[0015] [9] The third member may also be configured to move vertically together with the second member. This prevents the third member from interfering when the binding device is discharged by pushing it out from the side after binding.

[0016]

[10] Furthermore, in the above configuration, at least the protruding portion of the first member may be made of a soft material. This can prevent the protruding portion of the first member from damaging the object, such as a plant stem.

[0017]

[11] Furthermore, in the above configuration, at least the protruding portion of the first member may have a different color from at least one of the guide, the object, and the second member. This is preferable because it can further enhance the visibility of the protruding portion.

[0018] In this disclosure, "binding the guide and the object" means restricting the movement of the object relative to the guide. Here, the binding device does not necessarily need to be in contact with the guide or the object. For example, even if the binding device is not in contact with the object, it is possible to restrict the movement of the object relative to the guide by engaging with the guide while the binding device surrounds the object. Furthermore, even if the binding device is not always in contact with the object, if the object is deformed or comes into contact with it after a small amount of movement, it is possible to restrict further deformation or movement. Therefore, "binding the guide and the object" is a concept that includes such conditions. In addition, the "object" is not particularly limited as long as it has a part that can be surrounded by the binding device, for example, the trunk, branches, stems, leaves, etc. of plants (including trees), and the "guide" is not particularly limited as long as it includes a part that the binding device can engage with, for example, wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, trunk or branches of plants (including trees), etc.

[0019] In addition, in the present disclosure, "bending" includes bending or folding and curving. Further, "bending" or "folding" means being locally bent. Therefore, when bent, the portions other than the locally bent portion substantially retain their original shapes. For example, when bending a linearly extending member, the portions other than the locally bent portion substantially retain the linearly extended shape. Also, "curving" means being bent in an arc shape over a predetermined range.

[0020] In addition, in the present disclosure, the functions of one "part", "machine (device)", "apparatus", and their components and elements may be realized by two or more physical means, apparatuses, etc., or the functions of two or more "parts", "machines (devices)", "apparatuses", and their components and elements may be realized by one physical means, apparatus, etc. Further, "part", "machine (device)", and "apparatus" are concepts that can be equivalently expressed as, for example, "means" or "system".

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present disclosure, when binding a guide and an object with a fastener, it is possible to realize a binding machine provided with a guide portion that is easy to insert the guide into a predetermined position, excellent in visibility and operability, and does not interfere with the work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1A] It is a top view showing the state before binding of the fastener used in the binding machine according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] It is a perspective view showing the state after binding of the fastener used in the binding machine according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] It is a perspective view schematically showing the state of being spirally wound when the fastener engages with the guide. It is a perspective view showing the state where the fastener engages with the guide. ​​​​It is a perspective view of the bundling machine in a standby state without a guide inserted, seen from the front and above, leaning to the left. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the bundling machine with a guide inserted, seen from the front and above, leaning to the left. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the front part of the bundling machine seen from above, and (A) to (E) show the state where the bundling operation of the guide and the object is being performed in the bundling machine. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the front part of the bundling machine seen from the rear and above, leaning to the left ((A) to (E) are the same as in FIG. 4). [Figure 6] It is a perspective view seen from a lower state in the same direction as FIG. 5 ((A) to (E) are the same as in FIG. 4). [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the front part of the bundling machine seen from the front and above, leaning to the left ((A) to (E) are the same as in FIG. 4). [Figure 8] It is a front view of the front part of the bundling machine seen from the front ((A) to (E) are the same as in FIG. 4). [Figure 9] It is a left side view of the front part of the bundling machine seen from the left ((A) to (E) are the same as in FIG. 4). [Figure 10] It is a right side view of the front part of the bundling machine seen from the right ((A) to (E) are the same as in FIG. 4). [Figure 11A] It is a perspective view of the front part of the bundling machine in a standby state before the guide and the object are inserted, seen from the front and above, leaning to the left. [Figure 11B] It is a perspective view of the front part of the bundling machine in a state where bundling is completed, seen from the front and slightly above, leaning to the right. [Figure 12] It is a plan view (top view) of the front part of the first displacement part of the bundling machine with a guide inserted, showing only the clincher part. [Figure 13A] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the central part of the guide when the staple is engaged with the guide, seen from the front. [Figure 13B]This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state when the cover is raised from the state shown in Figure 13A. [Figure 14] This is a plan view showing the guide insertion path defined to guide the guide to the engagement position in the clincher section shown in Figure 12. [Figure 15] This is a schematic right-side view (viewed from Y2 on the right side of the line XV-XV in Figure 14) showing the area around the clincher opening when the tip of the strapping machine is tilted vertically downward. [Figure 16A] This is a plan view (top view) showing the base portion on which the cover and guide section of the binding machine according to this disclosure are provided. [Figure 16B] This is an enlarged view showing the area around the clincher portion 210 in Figure 16A. [Figure 17A] Figures 16A and 16B show a partial cross-sectional view along the line A-A' (cross-section at the position of the clincher opening 210E), indicating that the tip of the strapping machine is tilted vertically downward. [Figure 17B] Figures 16A and 16B show a partial cross-sectional view along the line A-A' (cross-section at the position of the clincher opening 210E), schematically illustrating the area around the cylindrical part of the clincher when the tip of the strapping machine is not tilted vertically downward. [Figure 18A] Figures 16A and 16B show a partial cross-sectional view along the line B-B' (a cross-section including the engagement position CP), illustrating the state in which the tip of the strapping machine is tilted vertically downward. [Figure 18B] Figures 16A and 16B show a partial cross-sectional view along the line B-B' (a cross-section including the engagement position CP), schematically illustrating the area around the cylindrical part of the clincher when the tip of the strapping machine is not tilted vertically downward. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the cover and part of the base, seen from the front right. [Figure 20] Figure 16A is a plan view (top view) corresponding to a part of the binding machine, and is a plan view of the front part of the binding machine viewed from above. (A) to (E) show the movement trajectory and operation process (operation sequence) of the guide and staples that bind the object in the binding machine. [Figure 21]This is a right side view corresponding to Figure 20 ((A) through (E) are the same as in Figure 4). [Figure 22] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the front portion as seen from the rear and above (Figures (A) through (E) are the same as in Figure 4). [Figure 23] These are perspective views corresponding to state (D) in Figures 20 to 22, where (A) is a perspective view from the front and above, slightly to the left; (B) is a perspective view from the rear and above, slightly to the left; and (C) is a perspective view from the left and above, slightly to the top. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to an example of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated below. That is, an example of this disclosure can be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. In addition, in the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and the drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions or proportions. Furthermore, there may be parts in the drawings where the relationships between dimensions or proportions differ. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure, not all embodiments. Furthermore, any other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain based on the embodiments of this disclosure without requiring any creative work are all included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0024] <First Embodiment> [Composition of fastening device] Figure 1A is a top view showing the state of the fastener used in the fastening machine according to this disclosure before fastening, and Figure 1B is a perspective view showing the state of the fastener used in the fastening machine according to this disclosure after fastening. Furthermore, Figure 1C is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the fastener is spirally wound when it engages with the guide, and Figure 1D is a perspective view showing the state in which the fastener is engaged with the guide.

[0025] A staple S (corresponding to an example of a "fastening device" in this disclosure) is made of a plastically deformable wire, such as a metal wire or wire (including those whose surface is plated or coated with resin, etc.), and may be called a wire or clip. As shown in Figure 1A, etc., the staple S includes 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. As shown in Figure 1A, in the state before fastening, the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 are spaced apart, and an opening is formed between the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 by the main body portion S3 which is curved in a C-shape or arc shape. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B, in the bound state, the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 engage with the guide G, making it possible to place the object P in the area surrounded (closed) by the first leg portion S1, the second leg portion S2, and the main body portion S3.

[0026] Furthermore, the direction from the center of the main body S3 (the portion extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 extend) toward the opening is called the opening direction DR1. When set in the binding machine 100 described later, the opening direction DR1 of the staple S coincides with the front X1 of the binding machine 100 described later, and also coincides with the direction of movement of the staple S.

[0027] Furthermore, the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 are parts that engage with the guide G. Of these, the first leg portion S1 is connected to one end of the main body portion S3 and comprises a first portion S11 that is bent and extends outward, and a second portion S12 that is further bent from the first portion S11 and extends in the opening direction DR1 (Figure 1A). Due to this shape, the first portion S11 is sometimes called the crank portion. The second portion S12 is a part in which the tip portion ST is spirally curved and engages with the guide G by winding around it, as shown in Figures 1C and 1D. The second leg portion S2 is connected to the other end of the main body portion S3 and comprises a third portion S23 that extends in the opening direction DR1, and a fourth portion S24 that is greatly bent outward from the tip portion S23. Due to this shape, the fourth portion S24 is sometimes called the hook portion.

[0028] Furthermore, the third part S23 extends in the opening direction DR1, that is, substantially parallel to the second part S12, in the state before bending (before displacement) during binding (Figure 1A), and closes the opening in the state after bending (after displacement) (Figure 1B). Therefore, it is preferable that the third part S23 is formed to be longer than the width of the opening formed by the main body part S3, that is, the distance between one end and the other end of the main body part S3, and also longer than the second part S12. However, if the outer diameter of the guide G is large, or if it is desired to increase the number of turns of the second part S12, the second part S12 may be formed to be longer than the third part S23.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B, the fourth part S24 is a portion that engages with the guide G by hooking onto it. Since the third part S23 is elastic in the direction of widening the closed opening and returning to its original position, the fourth part S24 can apply tension to the guide G in the direction of widening the opening, that is, in the direction away from the first leg S1.

[0030] [Overall configuration of the binding machine] The following describes an example of the configuration of a binding machine 100 for bending staples S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figures 1B to 1D. Except for some parts being reversed left and right (i.e., the first and second displacement parts of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 are reversed left and right), the basic configuration of the binding machine 100 of this embodiment is the same as that disclosed in the same document. Therefore, the configurations of the binding machine 100 will be described in an appropriate manner, with omissions and simplifications, to the extent 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. Furthermore, in order to explain the relative directional relationship, for convenience, the direction in which the tip of the stapler 100 held by the user points (in Figure 4 described later, the direction on the paper is called forward X1, the opposite direction is called backward X2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the forward-backward direction X. As mentioned above, forward X1 corresponds to the direction in which the connected upper end staple S supported by the magazine 130 separates from the other staples S and moves, and also coincides with the opening direction DR1 of the staple S (Figure 1A).

[0031] Furthermore, the direction in which the upper surface of the binding machine 100 held by the user faces (the direction perpendicular to the paper in Figure 4, towards the user) is called upward Z1, and the opposite direction, towards the back of the paper, is 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 130, and also coincides with the connection direction (stacking direction) of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 130, and further corresponds to the vertical direction of the binding machine 100. Also, the left direction of the paper in Figure 4 is called leftward Y1, and the opposite right direction of the paper is called rightward Y2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the left-right direction Y. In this embodiment, the left-right direction Y coincides with the planar direction of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 130, and further corresponds to the horizontal direction of the binding machine 100.

[0032] In addition, a top view (bottom view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100 is viewed from an upward Z1 (downward Z2) position looking downward Z2 (upward Z1), a front view (rear view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100 is viewed from a forward X1 (rearward X2) position looking rearward X2 (forward X1), and a right side view (left side view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100 is viewed from the left Y1 looking right Y2 (or from the right Y2 looking left Y1).

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the stapling machine 100 from above Z1 in a standby state with the guide G not inserted. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the stapling machine 100 from above with the guide G inserted at the engagement position CP with the staple S described later (the object P is not shown). As shown in these figures, the stapling machine 100 includes a grip portion 120 that extends vertically so that a user can grasp it and is provided with a trigger TR for starting the drive of the stapling machine 100, a magazine 130 configured to support (hold) a plurality of staples S (sometimes called "connected staples S") stacked and connected vertically, a driver 140 (corresponding to an example of a "drive unit" in this disclosure) that separates one staple S from the connected staples S and moves it forward X1, and a first displacement portion 200 and a second displacement portion 300 for displacing the one staple S to fasten the guide G and the object P. For convenience, the part of the strapping machine 100 excluding the detachably mounted magazine 130 is referred to here as the main body 150. A control unit 160, which serves as a calculation control device for controlling the drive of the driver 140, is provided at an appropriate position on this main body 150. The strapping machine 100 also further includes a magazine mounting section 170 configured to allow the magazine 130 to be detachably attached to the main body 150.

[0034] [Drive unit] A conventionally known configuration can be used for the drive unit. For example, as described in Patent Document 1 above, a driver 140 (corresponding to an example of the "drive unit" in this disclosure) fixed to a nut component is driven to move forward or backward by rotating a ball screw installed extending in the front-rear direction from approximately the center of the binding machine 100 in the forward-reverse direction with a built-in motor. The binding machine 100 may also further include a reduction gear connected to the output shaft of the built-in motor, and a control circuit equipped with a CPU or the like for controlling the built-in motor may be included as part of the control unit 160, or as a separate control unit.

[0035] Furthermore, the driver 140 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 130 and stacked vertically, while maintaining a front-to-back relationship in which the opening of the staple S faces forward X1 and the main body S3 faces rearward X2, and then moving forward X1. In addition, the driver 140 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.

[0036] [First displacement section and second displacement section] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first displacement section 200 and the second displacement section 300 are located in front of the driver 140 X1 and are the parts that bend a staple S to fasten the guide G and the object P together. In this embodiment, the driver 140 and the first displacement section 200 displace the first leg S1 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the guide G, and the driver 140 and the second displacement section 300 displace the second leg S2 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the guide G.

[0037] The first displacement portion 200 is provided in front of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S by X1 and has a clincher portion 210 (corresponding to an example of the "clincher portion" in this disclosure) which is provided with a cylindrical portion H. Here, Figure 12 is a plan view (top view) of the front portion of the first displacement portion 200 of the binding machine 100 as seen from above Z1, and shows the configuration when the illustration of members other than the clincher portion 210 is omitted (i.e., the clincher portion 210 alone). Also in Figure 12, the state in which the guide G is inserted is shown. Furthermore, Figure 13A is a schematic cross-sectional view (front view) of the center of the guide G as seen from the front X1 in the state in which the staple S is engaged with the guide G.

[0038] The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210, preferably approximately in the center, corresponds to an example of the "engagement position with the fastener" in this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "engagement position CP"). In other words, in the top view shown in Figure 12, the engagement position CP is the virtual black dot and the surrounding area (an area separated from the inner wall surface 210n), and in the front view shown in Figure 13A, it is roughly the area enclosed by the dashed-dotted line frame, that is, the area within the cylindrical portion H between the upper end surface level L21U of the clincher portion 210 (corresponding to an example of the "upper end position of the engagement position" in this disclosure) and the lower end surface level L21L, and does not include the clincher portion 210 itself.

[0039] Then, with the guide G securely inserted into the engagement position CP, the fastening machine 100 engages the staple S with the guide G using the driver 140 and the first displacement part 200. More specifically, the fastening machine 100, driven by the driver 140, pushes the staple S located at the upper end of the connecting staple S forward X1, coinciding with the opening direction DR1. As a result, the upper end of the staple S separates from the connecting staple S and moves forward, the tip S1P of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S comes into contact with (collides with) the inner wall surface 210n of the clincher portion 210. Then, as the tip S1P moves along the inner wall surface, it deforms into a spiral shape so as to wrap around the guide G, and the tip portion ST of the staple S engages with the guide G (Figure 13A).

[0040] On the other hand, the second displacement section 300 has a wall section provided in front of the second leg section S2 of the staple S by X1. With the object P surrounded by the first leg section S1, the second leg section S2, and the main body section S3 of the staple S, the fastening machine 100 causes the second leg section S2 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 140, to come into contact with (collide with) the wall surface of the second displacement section 300. Then, as the hook section S24 of the second leg section S2 moves along the inner wall surface, it bends so as to catch on the guide G, and the hook section S24 engages with the guide G. In this way, the fastening machine 100 is configured to fasten the guide G and the object P by engaging both ends of the staple S with the guide G while the staple S is surrounding the object P.

[0041] Furthermore, conventionally known configurations can be used for the driver and the driver's movement mechanism. For example, as described in Patent Document 1 above, the binding machine 100 is configured to move the nut component and the driver 140 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 140 can move forward X1 and backward X2, they are sometimes referred to as movable parts. The binding machine 100 may also further include a reduction gear connected to the output shaft of the motor and a circuit board on which a CPU equivalent to a motor control device is mounted.

[0042] [Operation of the guide unit and the binding machine] Next, (A) to (E) in Figures 4 to 10, respectively, are diagrams showing the state (operation sequence) of the binding operation of the guide G and the object P in the binding machine 100. Of these, Figure 4 is a plan view (top view) of the front part of the binding machine 100 viewed from above Z1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front part of the binding machine 100 viewed from the left rear X2 and above Z1, and Figure 6 is a perspective view from the same direction as Figure 5 but from an even lower position. Furthermore, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the front part of the binding machine 100 viewed from the left front X1 and above Z1, and Figure 8 is a front view (front view) of the front part of the binding machine 100 viewed from the front X1. Finally, Figure 9 is a left side view of the front part of the binding machine 100 viewed from the left Y1, and Figure 10 is a right side view of the front part of the binding machine 100 viewed from the right Y2, the opposite of Figure 9.

[0043] Furthermore, in each figure, (A) shows the standby state before the guide G and object P are inserted, (B) shows the state after the guide G and object P have been inserted into their predetermined positions, (C) shows the state after the guide G and object P have been fastened together with the staples S, (D) shows the state after the cover 2, which will be described later, has been moved upward, and (E) shows the state after the fastened guide G and object P have been removed (discharged) from the fastening machine 100 together with the staples S. In addition, Figure 11A is a perspective view of the front part of the fastening machine 100 in the standby state before the guide G and object P are inserted, viewed from the front X1 and above Z1 slightly to the left, similar to Figure 7(A), and Figure 11B is a perspective view of the front part of the fastening machine 100 in the state after the fastening shown in (C) is completed, viewed from the front X1 and above Z1 slightly to the right.

[0044] First, as shown in Figures 4, 11A, and 11B, a cover 2 is provided above Z1 of the clincher portion 210 on the first displacement portion 200, and is movable in the vertical direction Z to close (block) the top surface of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210. Also, above Z1 of the clincher portion 210, an upper guide portion 3 is provided integrally with the cover 2 so as to surround the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 in a top view, in order to guide the insertion of the guide G into the cylindrical portion H. Furthermore, a lower guide portion 1 is provided on the front X1 side of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 to guide the insertion of the guide G into the cylindrical portion H. Of these, the lower guide portion 1 corresponds to an example of the "first member" in this disclosure, the cover 2 corresponds to an example of the "second member" in this disclosure, and the upper guide portion 3 corresponds to an example of the "third member" in this disclosure. Furthermore, the guide section 10 (corresponding to an example of a "guide section" in this disclosure) is composed of at least the lower guide section 1, the cover 2, and the upper guide section 3. In this way, the guide section 10 has a shape that guides the guide G to approximately the center of the cylindrical section H of the clincher section 210 (i.e., the engagement position CP).

[0045] More specifically, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the lower guide portion 1 is composed of a base portion 1h and a projection portion 1v. The base portion 1h is located below Z2 from the upper end surface level L21U (see Figure 13A), which corresponds to the upper end position of the engagement position CP, preferably below Z2 from the lower end surface level L21L (see Figure 13A), and extends forward X1 from the engagement position CP side. The projection portion 1v is connected to the front end of the base portion 1h and protrudes upward from there above the upper end surface level L21U (see Figure 13A), which corresponds to the upper end position of the engagement position CP (see also Figure 8). The cover 2 also extends tapering toward forward X1 in a top view, and the lower guide portion 1 and the cover 2 are arranged so that their side wall surfaces 2s face each other and gradually move apart toward forward X1.

[0046] Furthermore, the upper guide portion 3, which is provided so as to overlap the base portion 1h of the lower guide portion 1 above Z1, also extends forward X1 from the engagement position CP side, and the lower guide portion 1 protrudes further forward X1 than the upper guide portion 3. The upper guide portion 3 and the side wall surface 2s of the cover 2 are also positioned to face each other and to gradually separate toward the front X1. With this configuration, a guide insertion path SK1 is defined that gradually widens toward the front X1 from the engagement position CP side, sandwiched between the lower guide portion 1, the upper guide portion 3 and the cover 2. In addition, an object insertion path SK2 is defined by the first displacement portion 200 and the second displacement portion 300 which are positioned to face each other. Furthermore, at least the protruding portion 1v of the lower guide portion 1 in the guide guide portion 10 may be made of a soft material (soft resin, rubber, elastomer, etc.) that has a hardness that does not damage the object P. In addition, at least the protruding portion 1v of the lower guide portion 1 in the guide guide portion 10 may be formed from a material of a different color from at least one of the guide G, the object P, and the cover 2, for example, a brighter color that is more conspicuous than the guide G, the object P, or the cover 2, or may be painted with such a color.

[0047] Furthermore, as described above, the cover 2, which is movable in the vertical direction Z, closes the top surface of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 before fastening with staples S as shown in (A) of each figure. Then, after fastening with staples S as shown in (C) of each figure, the cover 2 moves upward Z1 as shown in (D) of each figure, preparing to discharge the staples S outward. Here, Figure 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state when the cover 2 rises from the state shown in Figure 13A. When the cover 2 rises from the state shown in Figure 13A, the top surface of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 is opened. At that time or afterward, the deformed tip portion ST of the staples S is pushed out from the engagement position CP to above Z1 above the clincher portion 210 by an appropriate pushing mechanism, as shown in Figure 13B.

[0048] Furthermore, an ejector 250 is provided horizontally rotatable on the left side Y1 of the clincher section 210 to eject the staples S after fastening by pushing them to the right side Y2. In all figures except Figure 11B, for convenience, the housing portion in which the ejector is housed is indicated by the reference numeral "ejector 250". As shown in (D) of each figure and in Figure 11B, this ejector 250 rotates to push the spirally displaced tip ST of the staple S engaged with the guide G to the right side Y2.

[0049] In the binding machine 100 equipped with the guide section 10 configured in this way, when work is started, the guide G is inserted into the cylindrical section H of the clincher section 210 through the guide insertion path SK1 defined in the guide section 10, starting from the standby state (initial state) shown in Figure (A) and Figure 11A, and positioned at the engagement position CP with the staple S. At the same time, the object P, which is positioned next to the guide G, is also positioned at a predetermined location through the object insertion path SK2 defined between the first displacement section 200 and the second displacement section 300. At this time, the user can guide the guide G and the object P into the guide insertion path SK1 and the object insertion path SK2, respectively, by inserting the lower guide section 1 into the gap between the guide G and the object P (Figure (B)).

[0050] Next, after the user confirms that the guide G has reached the engagement position CP, they press the trigger TR (ON), which drives the driver 140, deforming the staple S to surround the object P, and the first and second legs of the staple S engage with the guide G, completing the fastening of the guide G and the object P (Figure (C)). Here, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, before the cover 2 rises, that is, before the guide G and the object P are fastened (and immediately after fastening), the position level L1 of the upper end of the protrusion 1v of the lower guide 1 is above the position level L2a of the upper surface of the cover 2. Subsequently, the cover 2 rises, preparing to discharge the staple S outward (Figure (D) and Figure 11B). At that time, or thereafter, the tip ST of the deformed staple S is pushed out Z1 above the clincher 210 by an appropriate push mechanism. When the cover 2 is raised, that is, after the guide G and the object P are bound together, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the position level L1 of the upper end of the protrusion 1v of the lower guide 1 is below the position level L2b of the upper surface of the cover 2.

[0051] Next, with the cover 2 and the tip ST of the staple S moved upward in this manner, the ejector 250 is rotated horizontally to the right Y2, and the end of the ejector 250 comes into contact with, for example, the tip ST of the staple S, thereby ejecting the staple S from the stapling machine 100, and the user can remove the stapled guide G and object P from the stapling machine 100 (Figure (E)). Then, the ejector 250 returns to its original position, the cover 2 descends, and the stapling machine 100 returns to the standby state (initial state).

[0052] In the binding machine 100 according to the first embodiment configured in this way, the guide insertion path SK1 is defined by the guide guide section 10, and the object insertion path SK2 is defined by the lower guide section 1 such that the space between the first displacement section 200 and the second displacement section 300 is separated from the guide insertion path SK1. Therefore, even if the guide G and the object P are in close proximity, the lower guide section 1 can be inserted between the guide G and the object P to easily and reliably guide (insert) them into their respective predetermined positions.

[0053] Furthermore, in the state before the guide G and object P are bound together, the position level L1 of the upper end of the protrusion 1v of the lower guide 1 in the guide guide section 10 is above the position level L2a of the upper surface of the cover 2. Therefore, when the user views the guide G and object P from the rear X2 of the binding machine 100, the lower guide 1 can be easily and reliably seen, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Moreover, by inserting the guide G between the protrusion 1v and the side wall surface 2s of the cover 2, the guide G can be inserted through the guide insertion path SK1 to the engagement position CP even when the lower guide 1 is not visible. As a result, the workability of the binding operation by the binding machine 100 and the operability of the binding machine 100 itself can be improved. Furthermore, the base 1h located proximal to the engagement position CP side of the lower guide 1 does not protrude upward, and only the portion of the protrusion 1v that extends forward X1 and is located distal to the engagement position CP protrudes upward. Therefore, the guide section 10 can be prevented from becoming an obstacle during the binding process or when removing the staples S after binding.

[0054] Furthermore, since the object P is surrounded by staples S and, after fastening, the second part S12 of the first leg S1 and the fourth part S24 of the second leg S2 engage with the guide G, a strong fastening can be achieved that prevents the guide G from bending and the staples S from falling out. In addition, since the guide guide portion 10 has a guide insertion path SK1 defined by the mutually opposing lower guide portion 1 and cover 2, the guide G can be inserted into the engagement position CP more easily and reliably. Moreover, since the upper guide portion 3 extends shorter forward than the lower guide portion 1 and is positioned to overlap the base portion 1h of the lower guide portion 1, the guide G can be guided more easily in the part close to the engagement position of the guide insertion path SK1 without obstructing the guidance of the guide G or the visibility of the guide guide portion 10. In addition, as the cover 2 moves up and down, it closes the cylindrical part H of the clincher part 210 from above before fastening with staples S, and opens the top of the cylindrical part H of the clincher part 210 after fastening with staples S. This makes it easier to push out the staples S after fastening and discharge them from the side, thereby further improving work efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, the guide insertion path SK1, defined by the lower guide section 1, the cover 2, and the upper guide section 3, opens forward X1 from the engagement position CP side, and its width gradually increases; in other words, its width gradually narrows toward the engagement position CP side (towards the rear X2), so that the guide G can be guided to the engagement position CP more reliably and quickly. This effect is similarly achieved even when the guide insertion path SK1 is defined by the lower guide section 1 and the cover 2.

[0056] Furthermore, in the conventional stapler's guide section described above, one might think of making the guide section itself protrude from the top surface of the stapler to improve visibility from the rear. However, in such a configuration, the guide section may interfere with the stapler after it has been stapled, becoming an obstruction. In contrast, the stapler 100 is provided with a protrusion 1v on the lower guide section 1, and the upper guide section 3 is configured to move vertically together with the cover 2. Therefore, while improving the visibility of the guide section 10 from the rear, it is also possible to prevent the upper guide section 3 from interfering with the vicinity of the third part S23 of the stapler S after it has been stapled when the ejector 250 pushes the stapler S out from the right Y2 (see Figures 6(D) and 8(D), etc.). Moreover, if at least the portion of the protrusion 1v on the lower guide section 1 is made of a soft material, it is possible to suppress damage to the object P by the protrusion 1v on the lower guide section 1 when the object P is a plant stem or the like. In addition, if at least the protruding portion 1v of the lower guide portion 1 is formed from a material of a different color from at least one of the guide G, the object P, and the cover 2, for example, a brighter color that is more noticeable than the guide G, the object P, or the cover 2, or is painted with such a color, the visibility of the protruding portion 1v can be further enhanced.

[0057] <Second Embodiment> Here, Figure 14 is a plan view showing a guide insertion path SK1 defined to guide the guide G to the engagement position CP in the clincher section 210 shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the clincher section 210 has a certain height in order to form the staple S into a coil shape. Also, when inserting the guide G into the engagement position CP, the user tends to tilt the tip of the stapling machine 100 vertically downward to ensure visibility. Figure 15 is a schematic right side view (viewed from the right Y2 along the XV-XV line in Figure 14) showing the area around the clincher opening 210E when the tip of the stapling machine 100 is tilted vertically downward in this manner. The clincher section 210 here consists of a lower member 21 which is part of the base section 180 described later and has a first cylindrical section 21H, and an upper member 22 which is part of the cover 2 and has a second cylindrical section 22H (the same applies hereafter).

[0058] In this state, as shown in Figure 14, the guide insertion path SK1 extends in the left-right direction Y near the entrance of the engagement position CP. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the guide G, which normally extends vertically, is prone to getting caught in the clincher opening 210E, which can hinder the process of inserting the guide G into the engagement position CP and reduce work efficiency. In this case, it is conceivable to address this by widening the opening width of the clincher opening 210E. However, with such a configuration, it may not be possible to accurately position the guide G at the engagement position CP, and the fastening of the guide G and the object P with staples S may become difficult. Therefore, the fastening machine 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a configuration that allows the guide G, which extends vertically, to be easily and reliably guided to the engagement position CP even when its tip is tilted downward Z2, thereby ensuring that the fastening of the guide G and the object P with staples S is reliably carried out.

[0059] Figure 16A is a plan view (top view) of the cover 2 and the base portion 180 on which the lower guide portion 1 of the guide guide portion 10 is provided, which are part of the strapping machine according to this disclosure, and Figure 16B is an enlarged view showing the area around the clincher portion 210 in Figure 16A. The base portion 180 is a member on which the driver 140 slides along its upper surface. Figures 17A and 17B are partial cross-sectional views (cross-section of the position of the clincher opening 210E) along the line A-A' in Figures 16A and 16B, respectively, with Figure 17A schematically showing the area around the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 when the tip of the strapping machine 100 is tilted vertically downward, and Figure 17B schematically showing the area around the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 when the tip of the strapping machine 100 is not tilted vertically downward. Furthermore, Figures 18A and 18B are partial cross-sectional views (cross-sections including engagement position CP) along the line B-B' in Figures 16A and 16B. Figure 18A schematically shows the state in which the tip of the strapping machine 100 is tilted vertically downward, and Figure 18B schematically shows the area around the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 in the state in which the tip of the strapping machine 100 is not tilted vertically downward. Furthermore, Figure 19 is a perspective view of a part of the cover 2 and base portion 180 as seen from the front right side.

[0060] As shown in Figures 17A and 18A, the cylindrical portion H of this embodiment is composed of a first cylindrical portion 21H of the lower member 21 and a second cylindrical portion 22H of the upper member 22, and as a whole it opens to the upper surface 22U of the upper member 22 and the lower surface 21L of the lower member 21 (i.e. it opens along the vertical direction Z of the binding machine 100). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the cylindrical portion H has a clincher opening 210E (entrance opening) that opens to the right Y2 (at least one side of the left-right direction Y), and the guide insertion path SK1 is configured to communicate with the cylindrical portion H from the left-right direction Y (right Y2) via the clincher opening 210E.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, of the inner wall surface 21n in the clincher opening 210E of the lower member 21, a portion of the front surface 21F in the vertical direction Z is formed as a "first inclined surface" that is inclined so that the lower end side (lower surface 21L side) expands in diameter toward the front X1. In other words, a portion of the front surface 21F in the vertical direction Z is inclined toward the front X1 so that it gradually moves away from the vertical axis (vertical Z axis) toward the lower end side (lower surface 21L side). On the other hand, of the inner wall surface 22n in the clincher opening 210E of the upper member 22, almost the entire portion of the rear surface 22B in the vertical direction Z is formed as a "second inclined surface" that is inclined so that the upper end side (upper surface 22U side) expands in diameter toward the rear X2. In other words, almost the entire vertical Z-axis of the rear surface 22B is inclined towards the rear X2, gradually moving away from the vertical axis (vertical Z-axis) toward the upper end side (upper surface 22U side).

[0062] In this embodiment, of the inner wall surface 21n of the clincher opening 210E of the lower member 21, substantially the entire length of the rear surface 21B in the vertical direction Z is formed to extend substantially parallel to the vertical axis (vertical Z-axis) (i.e., without inclination). On the other hand, of the inner wall surface 22n of the clincher opening 210E of the upper member 22, substantially the entire length of the front surface 22F in the vertical direction Z is inclined such that the upper end side (upper surface 22U side) expands toward the front X1. In other words, substantially the entire length of the front surface 22F is inclined toward the front X1 so as to gradually move away from the vertical axis (vertical Z-axis) toward the upper end side (upper surface 22U side).

[0063] According to the strapping machine 100 configured in this way, even when the tip of the strapping machine 100 is tilted downward Z2, the tip of the guide G is guided forward X1 by the front surface 21F (first inclined surface) of the inner wall surface 21n of the clincher opening 210E of the lower member 21, while being pressed backward X2 by the rear surface 22B (second inclined surface) of the inner wall surface 22n of the clincher opening 210E of the upper member 22. Therefore, when this condition occurs, the orientation of the guide G is automatically corrected with respect to the opening position of the clincher opening 210E. As a result, even if the guide insertion path SK1 extends in the left-right direction Y, the guide G can be easily and smoothly inserted into the engagement position CP, preventing it from getting stuck in the clincher opening 210E. Consequently, even when the user uses the strapping machine 100 with the tip tilted downward Z2, the guide G can be easily and reliably guided to the engagement position CP, effectively preventing a decrease in work efficiency. Furthermore, since there is no need to excessively widen the clincher opening 210E, the guide G can be accurately positioned at the engagement position CP, enabling secure fastening of the guide G and the object P with staples S.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 18A and 18B, of the inner wall surface 21n (inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 21H) of the lower member 21, a portion of the front surface 21F in the vertical direction Z is formed as a "third inclined surface" that is inclined so that the lower end side (lower surface 21L side) expands in diameter toward the front X1. In other words, a portion of the front surface 21F in the vertical direction Z is inclined toward the front X1 so that it gradually moves away from the vertical axis (vertical Z axis) toward the lower end side (lower surface 21L side). On the other hand, of the inner wall surface 22n (inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 22H) of the upper member 22, almost the entire portion of the rear surface 22B in the vertical direction Z is formed as a "fourth inclined surface" that is inclined so that the upper end side (upper surface 22U side) expands in diameter toward the rear X2. In other words, almost the entire vertical Z-axis of the rear surface 22B is inclined towards the rear X2 so as to gradually move away from the vertical axis (vertical Z-axis) toward the upper end side (upper surface 22U side). Thus, the "third inclined surface" is formed in the same way as the "first inclined surface" and the "fourth inclined surface" is formed in the same way as the "second inclined surface". In this respect, the inner wall surfaces 21n and 22n at the clincher opening 210E and the engagement position CP each have a similar surface structure.

[0065] In this embodiment, of the inner wall surface 21n of the lower member 21 at the engagement position CP, substantially the entire length of the rear surface 21B in the vertical direction Z is formed to extend substantially parallel to the vertical axis (vertical Z-axis) (i.e., without inclination). On the other hand, of the inner wall surface 22n of the upper member 22 at the engagement position CP, substantially the entire length of the front surface 22F in the vertical direction Z is inclined such that the upper end side (upper surface 22U side) expands toward the front X1. In other words, substantially the entire length of the front surface 22F is inclined toward the front X1 so as to gradually move away from the vertical axis (vertical Z-axis) toward the upper end side (upper surface 22U side). In this respect as well, the clincher opening 210E and the inner wall surfaces 21n and 22n at the engagement position CP each have similar surface structures.

[0066] With this configuration, even after the guide G passes through the clincher opening 210E and enters the cylindrical portion H, the front surface 21F (third inclined surface) on the inner wall surface 21n of the lower member 21 and the rear surface 22B (fourth inclined surface) on the inner wall surface 22n of the upper member 22 automatically correct the position of the tip of the guide G toward the engagement position CP. As a result, the guide G is stably guided along the inner wall surfaces 21n and 22n of the engagement position CP, suppressing tilting and deviation of the guide G and allowing it to smoothly reach the engagement position CP. Consequently, the guide G can be reliably aligned with the engagement position CP, suppressing variations in the position of the guide G during the binding operation, and enabling more reliable binding of the guide G and the object P with staples S. Therefore, the guide G is always guided in a stable posture throughout the series of insertion operations from the clincher opening 210E to the engagement position CP, improving both the operability and binding quality of the binding machine 100.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, inclinations are formed on a portion of the lower surface 21L side (first and third inclined surfaces) of the front surface 21F of the inner wall surface 21n of the lower member 21, and on a portion of the upper surface 22U side (second and fourth inclined surfaces) of the rear surface 22B of the inner wall surface 22n of the upper member 22. As a result, the attitude of the guide G is corrected in stages as it moves from the clincher opening 210E to the engagement position CP, and the guide G can be held in the vertical direction Z of the stapling machine 100 within the height range of the engagement position CP. Therefore, the guide G can be naturally guided to the engagement position CP without applying excessive force, and at the engagement position CP, the guide G can be positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel of the staple S (from rear X2 to front X1), making the stapling operation even more reliable. However, these inclinations may be provided over the entire vertical direction Z instead of just a portion. In this case, since a guiding effect towards the center of the cylindrical portion H is obtained along the entire length of the guide G, the attitude stability of the guide G is further enhanced, which has the advantage of further improving the positioning accuracy at the engagement position CP and the repeatability of the binding position.

[0068] The configuration of the second embodiment described above can also be expressed as follows. (Note 2-1) A binding machine that uses binding tools to bind a guide and an object, A clincher portion that engages with the guide by deforming the fastening device, A guide insertion path is defined to guide the guide to an engagement position where the guide and the fastener can be engaged, Equipped with, The clincher portion comprises a lower member provided with a first cylindrical portion and an upper member provided with a second cylindrical portion communicating with the first cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion, composed of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, has a clincher opening that opens in the vertical direction of the binding machine and in at least one of the left-right directions. The guide insertion path communicates with the cylindrical portion from the left and right directions at the clincher opening, The inner wall surface of the lower member 21 in the clincher opening has a first inclined portion formed such that its lower end widens toward the front of the binding machine. The inner wall surface of the upper member 22 in the clincher opening has a second inclined portion formed such that its upper end widens toward the rear of the binding machine. Binding machine.

[0069] (Note 2-2) The inner wall surface of the lower member 21 at the engagement position has a third inclined portion formed such that its lower end widens toward the front of the binding machine. The inner wall surface of the upper member 22 at the engagement position has a fourth inclined portion formed such that its upper end widens toward the rear of the binding machine. The binding machine described in Appendix 2-1.

[0070] (Appendix 2-3) The binding machine according to Appendix 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, the third inclined surface, and the fourth inclined surface are formed over a portion (a portion on the lower end side) or the entire area of ​​the inner wall surface in the vertical direction.

[0071] <Third Embodiment> As described in the first embodiment, in the stapling machine 100, the driver 140 is driven, the staple S is deformed to surround the object P, and the first leg S1 and second leg of the staple S engage with the guide G to fasten the guide G and the object P (see Figures 5(C), 6(C), 7(C), and 11B). During this fastening process, the second leg S2 of the staple S gradually deforms as it moves along the wall surface of the second displacement section 300. At that time, the fourth section S24 (hereinafter referred to as the "hook section S24") located at the tip of the staple S is displaced to cross the upper guide section 3 (which functions as a guide wall and is therefore referred to as the "guide wall 3") to the left Y1 side. After that, the middle section of the main body S3 of the staple S is guided forward X1 while sliding along the upper surface (inclined surface) of the guide wall 3. Then, when the middle section of the main body S3 passes the top (predetermined position) of the guide wall 3, the elastic force stored in the staple S causes the hook section S24 to spring forward X1, thereby fastening the staple S to the guide G and the object P.

[0072] However, due to variations in the dimensions and shape (individual differences) of the staple S and guide wall 3, there is a risk that the hook portion S24 may detach from the guide wall 3 before reaching a predetermined position, or conversely, detach after passing the predetermined position, or remain stuck on the guide wall 3 without detaching. Therefore, the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a structure that stabilizes the release position by reliably and reproducibly releasing the staple S in the forward X1 direction at the moment the staple S reaches a predetermined position on the guide wall 3.

[0073] Figures 20 to 22, respectively, (A) to (E), show the movement trajectory and operation process (operation sequence) of the staples S used to fasten the guide G and the object P in the fastening machine 100. Of these, Figure 20 is a plan view (top view) corresponding to a part of the fastening machine 100 shown in Figure 16A, and Figure 21 is a right side view corresponding to Figure 20. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the front part in Figure 20, viewed from the rear X2 and above Z1. Furthermore, Figure 23 is a perspective view corresponding to state (D) in Figures 20 to 22, where (A) is a perspective view from the front X1 and above Z1 slightly to the left, (B) is a perspective view from the rear X2 and above Z1 slightly to the left, and (C) is a perspective view from the left Y1 and above Z1 slightly to the top.

[0074] As shown in Figures 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 19, and 20 to 22, the rear wall of the upper guide portion 3 is provided in the vicinity rear X2 of the clincher portion 210 where the guide G is guided to the engagement position CP. As mentioned above, this functions as a guide wall 3 that guides the movement of the hook portion S24 of the staple S. Furthermore, a guide portion 25 is provided protruding from the rear and left side Y1 of the guide wall 3 in the cover 2, which contacts the hook portion S24, the tip of the staple S, during the deformation process of the staple S by the driver 140.

[0075] The installation position of the guide section 25 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is positioned in the middle of the movement trajectory of the hook section S24 during the deformation process of the staple S. More specifically, the guide section 25 is positioned near the final position where the movement of the hook section S24 in the left-right direction Y stops or nearly stops (the movement trajectory of the hook section S24 will be described later). Furthermore, the portion of the guide section 25 that contacts the bent end S24T of the hook section S24 is an inclined surface 25SL having a straight cross-section or a curved (arc) cross-section, formed at a position opposite the top 3T of the guide wall 3. In addition, the height of the guide section 25 is set to be equal to or greater than the height of the top 3T of the guide wall 3, for example.

[0076] In the stapling machine 100 equipped with the guide section 25 configured in this way, when the user starts work and presses the trigger TR, the driver 140 is driven, and as the staple S moves forward in the direction X1, the staple S gradually deforms to surround the object P. The movement trajectory of the hook section S24 will be described below with reference to Figures 20 to 22. As the deformation of the staple S progresses and the staple S approaches the closed state, the hook section S24 reaches the back of the guide wall 3, as shown in Figure (A).

[0077] Subsequently, as the main body S3 of the staple S moves further forward, as shown in Figure (B), the tip of the hook portion S24 moves to the left Y1 along the back of the guide wall 3, the loop of the staple S narrows, and the bent end S24T comes into contact with the lower part of the inclined surface 25SL of the guide portion 25. Next, as shown in Figure (C), when the tip of the hook portion S24 crosses the back of the guide wall 3 to the left Y1, the middle part of the main body S3 comes into contact with the back of the guide wall 3 while the bent end S24T is in contact with the inclined surface 25SL. Subsequently, as the main body S3 moves forward, the movement of the hook portion S24 in the left-right direction Y (movement from (A) through (B) to (C)) stops or almost stops, and at the same time, the hook portion S24 begins to move in the rearward direction X2.

[0078] Next, the hook portion S24 follows the further forward movement of the main body portion 3S, with the bent end portion S24T sliding along the inclined surface 25SL of the guide portion 25 and rising upward Z1, reaching the state shown in Figure (D) (see also Figures 23(A) to (C)). At this time, the middle section of the main body portion S3 of the staple S is also gradually guided forward X1 while sliding along the upper surface of the guide wall 3. As mentioned above, since the guide portion 25 is formed higher than the top portion 3T of the guide wall 3, when the bent end portion S24T (hook portion S24) moves a predetermined distance to the left Y1, it moves to a height that exceeds the guide wall 3 due to the inclined surface 25SL. Then, due to the elastic force stored in the staple S, the hook portion S24 is released by bouncing forward X1. As a result, the binding of the guide G and the object P by the staple S is completed, as shown in Figure (D).

[0079] According to the stapling machine 100 of the third embodiment configured as described above, as the main body S3 of the staple S moves forward X1, the hook portion S24 of the staple S is guided upward by the guide portion 25 to a position beyond the guide wall 3. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the middle part of the main body S3 of the staple S contacts the guide wall 3 and pushes it up, this embodiment, which directly pushes up the hook portion S24 at the tip, can more stably secure the upward movement distance Z1 of the hook portion S24. As a result, the hook portion S24 is always reliably released at a predetermined height position, which significantly reduces variations in the release position of the staple S during stapling. This reduces the risk of the hook portion S24 unexpectedly detaching prematurely and causing stapling defects, or conversely, bouncing back with a delay, so that the stapling operation of the staple S on the guide G and the object P can always be performed stably and reproducibly, contributing to uniformity of work quality.

[0080] Furthermore, the guide section 25 is positioned along the movement trajectory of the hook section S24 during the deformation process of the staple S, more specifically, near the final position where the movement of the hook section S24 in the left-right direction Y stops or nearly stops. Therefore, the upward action of the guide section 25 is initiated at the optimal timing when the movement of the hook section S24 is nearly completed on the guide wall 3, thereby allowing for optimal control of the movement behavior of the hook section S24. As a result, even if there are dimensional differences in individual staples S or combination errors with the guide wall 3, the hook section S24 is always guided and released at a predetermined position, thereby improving the accuracy of reproducibility of the binding position and the deformation stability of the staple S. Moreover, since the deformation, guidance, and release operation of the staple S is further stabilized, deterioration of binding accuracy during long-term use can be effectively prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, since the guide section 25 faces the top 3T of the guide wall 3 and has an inclined surface 25SL with a straight or curved cross-section that contacts the bent end S24T of the hook section S24, the staple S moves smoothly. That is, as the staple S deforms, the bent end S24T of the hook section S24 is pressed against the inclined surface 25SL, causing the hook section S24 to slide along the inclined surface 25SL and move upward Z. As a result, the staple S displaces without resistance while undergoing elastic deformation, preventing metal fatigue and plastic deformation, and increasing the durability of the entire mechanism, including the stapling machine 100 and the staple S. In addition, since the impact during sliding of the staple S can be mitigated, the upward bouncing behavior of the hook section S24 can be controlled, reducing excessive rebound and collision noise during stapling.

[0082] In addition, since the guide section 25 has a height equal to or greater than the height of the top 3T of the guide wall 3, the hook section S24 can be moved upward to a height where it can be reliably detached from the guide wall 3. Therefore, the elastic force stored in the staple S reliably acts as a release movement in the forward X1 direction, and the release position of the staple S during fastening can always be reproduced at a constant height. As a result, the staple S reliably engages with the guide G and reliably surrounds and fixes the object P, further improving both fastening strength and positioning accuracy. Furthermore, impacts and uneven loads that occur during the release process are suppressed, resulting in an improved reliability and durability of the fastening machine 100.

[0083] The configuration of the third embodiment described above can also be expressed as follows. (Note 3-1) A binding machine that uses binding tools to bind a guide and an object, A clincher portion that engages with the guide by deforming the fastening device, A guide wall provided near the clincher portion, During the deformation process of the fastening device, the guide portion, which is the tip of the fastening device, comes into contact with the hook portion, Equipped with, The guide portion guides the hook portion upward to a position where it crosses the guide wall as the main body of the fastening device moves forward. Binding machine.

[0084] (Appendix 3-2) The guiding section is positioned in the middle of the movement trajectory of the hook section during the deformation process of the fastening device, as described in Appendix 3-1 of the fastening machine.

[0085] (Appendix 3-3) The binding machine as described in Appendix 3-2, wherein the guide portion is provided near the final position where the lateral movement of the hook portion stops or nearly stops.

[0086] (Appendix 3-4) The binding machine according to Appendix 3-1, wherein the guide portion has an inclined surface with a straight or curved cross-section that faces the top of the guide wall and into contact with the bent end of the hook portion.

[0087] (Appendix 3-5) The guiding section has a height equal to or greater than the height of the guide wall, as described in Appendix 3-1 of the binding machine.

[0088] The embodiments have been described above with reference to specific examples, but these are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit its interpretation. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples, and designs modified by those skilled in the art are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure, as long as they retain the features of this disclosure. Furthermore, the elements, arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, dimensions, scales, etc., of each of the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to those exemplified unless otherwise specified, and can be modified as appropriate. Moreover, the elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in different ways as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0089] That is, for example, the shape of the staple S is not limited to that shown in Figure 1A, etc. For example, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 do not necessarily have to be parallel, the opening width may narrow towards the tip, or conversely, the opening width may widen towards the tip. Also, the tip of the second leg S2 is not bent in advance like the fourth part S24, and may be deformed into a shape that hooks onto the guide G before engaging with the guide G. Furthermore, the main body S3 of the staple S may have various shapes such as rectangles and parallelograms to match the shape of the object P, as long as an opening is provided for placing the object P inside. In addition, various sensors for detecting the position of the guide G inserted into the engagement position CP may be provided, and the control unit 160 may control the operation of the driver 140 based on the detection signals from the sensors. Furthermore, the upper guide part 3 is not required, the upper guide part 3 may be provided separately from the cover 2, and the cover 2 may not also serve as the "second member" but be a separate member. Furthermore, the cover 2 may be moved manually or may be configured to be movable using an electric motor or the like. In addition, other known means for deforming the staple S may be used instead of the first displacement part 200 and the second displacement part 300.

[0090] Furthermore, the non-inclined portions of the rear surface 21B of the lower member 21 and the front surface 22F of the upper member 22, as shown in Figures 17B and 18B, may be inclined in the same way as the inclined portions. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the lower guide portion 1 does not need to be provided. Furthermore, the contact portion of the staple S in the guide portion 25 does not need to be an inclined surface 25SL, and its installation position is not limited to what is shown. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Lower guide section (first member), 1h...Base, 1v...Protruding part, 2...Cover (second member), 2s...Side wall surface, 3...Upper guide section (third member), guide wall, 3S...Main body, 3T...Top, 10...Guide guide section (guide section), 21...Lower member, 21B...Rear surface, 21F...Front surface (first inclined surface, third inclined surface), 21H...First cylindrical part, 21L...Bottom surface, 21n, 22n...Inner wall surface, 22...Upper Side member, 22B...Rear surface (second inclined surface, fourth inclined surface), 22F...Front surface, 22H...Second cylindrical part, 22U...Top surface, 25...Guiding part, 25SL...Inclined surface, 100...Binding machine, 120...Grip part, 130...Magazine, 140...Driver (drive part), 150...Main body part, 160...Control unit, 170...Magazine mounting part, 180...Base part, 200...First displacement part, 210...Clinch 210E...Clincher opening, 210n...Inner wall surface, 250...Ejector, 300...Second displacement part, CP...Engagement position, DR1...Opening direction, G...Guide, H...Cylindrical part, L1...Position level, L2a,L2b...Position level, L21L...Lower end surface level, L21U...Upper end surface level (upper end position of engagement position), P...Object, S...Staple (fastener), S1...First leg part, S 1P...Tip, S2...Second leg, S3...Main body, S11...First part, S12...Second part, S23...Third part, S24...Fourth part, hook part, S24T...Bent end, SK1...Guide insertion path, SK2...Object insertion path, ST...Tip, TR...Trigger, X...Front / back direction, X1...Forward, X2...Backward, Y...Left / right direction, Y1...Left, Y2...Right, Z...Up / down direction, Z1...Up, Z2...Down

Claims

1. A binding machine that uses binding tools to bind a guide and an object, A clincher portion that engages with the guide by deforming the fastening device, A guide portion configured to guide the insertion of the guide to an engagement position where the guide and the fastener can be engaged, Equipped with, The guide portion has a first member including a projection that protrudes above the upper end position of the engagement position. Binding machine.

2. The clincher portion is further provided with a cover that closes it from above. The aforementioned protrusion is positioned above the upper end surface of the cover. The binding machine according to claim 1.

3. The guide portion further has a base portion that is below the upper end position of the engagement position and extends forward from the engagement position side, The aforementioned protrusion is provided at the front end of the base, The binding machine according to claim 1.

4. The fastening device has a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The fastening device comprises a drive unit that deforms and moves the fastening device so that the first leg portion, the second leg portion, and the main body portion surround the object, and the first leg portion and the second leg portion engage with the guide, A binding machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The guide portion further comprises a second member positioned above and opposite to the first member, and extending forward from the engagement position side. A binding machine according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second member is movable in the vertical direction so as to close the clincher portion from above before fastening with the fastener, and to open the top of the clincher portion after fastening with the fastener. The upper end of the protrusion on the first member is located above the upper surface of the second member in the state before binding, and below the upper surface of the second member in the state after it has moved upward after binding. The binding machine according to claim 5.

7. The first member and the second member define a guide insertion path having a portion that widens toward the front from the engagement position side. The binding machine according to claim 5.

8. The guide portion is positioned so as to overlap the base portion of the first member and further includes a third member that extends forward from the engagement position side. The first member is provided to protrude forward of the third member. A binding machine according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The third member is movable vertically together with the second member. The binding machine according to claim 7.

10. At least the protruding portion of the first member is made of a soft material. A binding machine according to claim 1 or 2.

11. At least the protruding portion of the first member has a different color from at least one of the guide, the object, and the second member. The binding machine according to claim 5.

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