End Machine

Abstract

To provide a tying machine and a tying method that enable binding to be hard to unbind.SOLUTION: The tying machine ties a first object and a second object together by using a staple comprising a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the staple having an opening formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The tying machine comprises: a first displacement unit that displaces the first leg portion to be engageable with the first object; and a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg portion, the second leg portion and the body portion and displaces the second leg portion to be engageable with the first object. The second displacement unit may be configured to be able to displace the second leg portion to a position intersecting the first leg portion in a top view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bundling machine and a bundling method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART It is known to bind plants or the like to wires or the like using binding tools such as staples.

[0003] An example of such a staple is described in Patent Document 1. This staple has a pair of left and right arms and a convex protrusion provided between the arms.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an electric binding machine that includes a rechargeable power supply that is detachably connected to a mounting shell. The binding machine described in Patent Document 2 can bind using the staples described in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1839482 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN111903423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The staples described in Patent Document 1 restrict the relative movement of two objects, a first object and a second object, and therefore correspond to a fastening device (staple) that fastens the first object and the second object together.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses a binding machine that uses the staples described in Patent Document 1, but does not disclose a binding method that makes the binding less likely to come off the object. In order to bind growing objects such as plants, the two objects must be bound together in a way that makes them less likely to come off both before and after growth. If the two objects are bound together too tightly before growth, the growth of the objects will be hindered. On the other hand, if the two objects are bound together loosely, as the stems of the objects grow thicker or the weight of the fruits increases, the ends of the binding device will open and the binding device will easily come off.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a binding machine and a binding method that enable binding that is difficult to come off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present application discloses a binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, with an opening formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The binding machine includes a first displacement unit that displaces the first leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object, and a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg portion, the second leg portion, and the main body portion and displaces the second leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object.

[0010] The second displacement portion may be configured to be able to displace the second leg portion to a position where the second displacement portion intersects with the first leg portion in a top view.

[0011] The binding machine may include a first insertion section into which a first object is inserted and a second insertion section into which the second object is inserted. Furthermore, the first displacement section may displace a tip end of the first leg section so as to engage with the first object inserted in the first insertion section, and the second displacement section may displace the second leg section so as to surround the second object inserted in the second insertion section.

[0012] The binding machine may include a moving unit that moves the staple in an opening direction of the staple. Furthermore, the second displacement unit may displace the second leg portion inward of the staple as the moving unit moves in the opening direction.

[0013] The moving section may include a drive driver that is movable in the opening direction.

[0014] The second displacement portion may be configured to bend the second leg portion inwardly of the staple as the moving portion moves toward the opening.

[0015] The second displacement portion may be provided on the outside of the second leg portion and may include a guide wall that abuts against the second leg portion of the staple that is moved in the opening direction by the moving portion, thereby bending the second leg portion.

[0016] The guide wall may include a recess recessed outwardly of the staple.

[0017] The second displacement portion may be configured to bend the second leg portion inwardly of the staple as a slider of the moving portion moves in the opening direction.

[0018] The first displacement portion may be configured to engage with the first object by bending the tip of the first leg in an arc shape as the moving portion moves toward the opening.

[0019] The first displacement portion may include a first insertion portion into which the first object and the first leg portion are inserted.

[0020] The first insertion portion may include an inner wall that engages with the inserted first object by curving the tip end of the inserted first leg portion in an arc shape.

[0021] The first displacement portion may be configured to fold back a tip end portion of the first leg portion so as to sandwich the first object.

[0022] The present application discloses a binding method for binding a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, with an opening formed between the first leg and the second leg. The method comprises displacing the first leg to engage the first object with the first leg, and displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, thereby engaging the first object with the second leg.

[0023] Displacing the first leg to engage the first object may include advancing the tip of the first leg upward or downward away from a plane passing through the first leg, the second leg, and the main body.

[0024] Displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body to engage the first object with the second leg may include advancing the tip of the second leg upward, away from the plane.

[0025] Displacing the first leg to engage the first object may include displacing a portion of the first leg from the tip end a first distance or less to engage the first object with the first leg.

[0026] Displacing the second leg to engage the second leg with the first object may include displacing a portion of the second leg from the tip a second distance greater than the first distance to engage the second leg with the first object.

[0027] Displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body to engage the first object with the second leg may include displacing the second leg in a first rotational direction to a position where it intersects with the first leg in a top view, so that the tip of the second leg passes through the gap between the first object and the second object, and displacing the second leg in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, so that the tip of the second leg that has passed through the gap between the first object and the second object engages with the first object.

[0028] When viewed from above, displacing the second leg in a first rotational direction to a position where it intersects with the first leg and passing the tip of the second leg through the gap between the first object and the second object may include bending the second leg in the first rotational direction while bending the tip of the second leg in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0029] Displacing the first leg to engage the first object with the first leg may include bending a tip of the first leg in the first rotation direction to engage the tip of the first leg with the first object.

[0030] The top view refers to a viewpoint seen from a direction perpendicular to a plane that passes through the first leg portion, the second leg portion, and the main body portion before binding, and may also be called a plan view.

[0031] In the present invention, "binding a first object and a second object" refers to restricting movement of the second object relative to the first object. Here, the staples used for binding do not necessarily need to abut against the first object or the second object. For example, even if the staples do not abut against the second object, the staples can engage with the first object while surrounding the second object, thereby restricting movement of the second object relative to the first object. Therefore, "binding a first object and a second object" includes such a state.

[0032] In the present invention, "bending" or "folding" refers to bending locally. Therefore, when bent, the parts other than the locally bent parts substantially maintain their original shape. For example, when a linearly extending member is bent, the parts other than the locally bent parts substantially maintain their linearly extended shape.

[0033] In the present invention, "to bend" means to bend in an arch shape over a predetermined range. Therefore, when bent, the curved member deforms smoothly over a predetermined range.

[0034] In the present invention, "bending" includes bending and curving. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a staple before binding as seen from above. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a staple after binding as seen from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the binding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine according to one embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a crank holding mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view through the second holding mechanism of the crank holding mechanism according to one embodiment as seen from the front. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hole according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the guide protrusion being inserted into the hole in one embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the guide protrusion being inserted into the hole in one embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the movement of the driver and the up and down movement of the lid are linked in one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the movement of the driver and the up and down movement of the lid are linked in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a guide holding mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view from above illustrating a process of engaging staples with a first object using a strapping machine in one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view from above illustrating the process of engaging staples with a strapping machine in one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a staple engaging a first object in one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a guide wall portion of the binding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is an enlarged perspective view showing an inner fulcrum member of the binding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a portion including an inner fulcrum member of the binding machine according to one embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing a push-out member of the binding machine according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments.

[0037] [Staple Configuration] First, the configuration of the staple S0 according to this embodiment will be described. The staple S0 is made of a wire material having plasticity that allows it to be plastically deformed. The staple S0 may also be called a wire or a clip. The staple S0 includes, for example, a metal wire material or a metal staple (including those whose surfaces are plated or coated with resin or the like).

[0038] The staple S0 includes a first leg S10, a second leg S20, and a main body S30 that connects the first leg S10 and the second leg S20. Before binding, the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 of the staple S0 are spaced apart from each other, so that an opening is provided between the first leg S10 and the second leg S20.

[0039] Furthermore, the direction from the closed portion of the main body S30 (the portion extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 in order to connect the first leg S10 and the second leg S20) toward the opening is referred to as the opening direction D1. When set in the binding machine 100, the opening direction D1 of the staple S0 coincides with the forward direction X1 and also coincides with the moving direction of the staple S0.

[0040] The main body S30 is a part that connects the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 and surrounds a second object P such as a stem. As shown in FIG. 1B, in the bound state, the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 engage with the first object G, which is the same guide element, so that the second object P can be placed in the area surrounded by the main body S30, the first leg S10, and the second leg S20.

[0041] As long as an opening for placing the second object P therein is provided, the main body S30 can be formed into various shapes, such as a rectangle or a parallelogram, to match the shape of the second object P. As shown in Fig. 1A, the main body S30 in this embodiment is formed to be curved in a C-shape or an arc shape so as to open to the left side of the page.

[0042] The first leg S10 and the second leg S20 are portions for engaging with the first object G. As shown in Fig. 1A, the first leg S10 includes a first portion S101 that connects to one end of the main body S30 and bends to extend outward, and a second portion S102 that further bends from the first portion S101 and extends in the opening direction D1. The first portion S101 that connects the main body S30 and the second portion S102 is sometimes referred to as a crank portion.

[0043] The second leg S20 is connected to the other end of the main body S30 and includes a third portion S203 extending in the opening direction D1, and a fourth portion S204 bent outward from the tip of the third portion S203. The fourth portion S204 may be referred to as a hook portion or tip portion.

[0044] 1B, the third portion S203 is a portion that closes the opening formed by the main body portion S30 when bent. Before being bent, the third portion S203 extends in the opening direction D1, i.e., extends substantially parallel to the second portion S102. Therefore, the third portion S203 is preferably formed longer than the width of the opening formed by the main body portion, i.e., the distance between one end and the other end of the main body portion S30, and longer than the second portion S102. However, if the outer diameter of the first object G is large or if the number of turns when the tip of the first leg portion S10 is curved spirally (described later) is desired to be increased, the second portion S102 may be formed longer than the third portion S203.

[0045] The fourth part S204 is a part that engages with the first object G, which is a guide element. The fourth part S204 is bent outward from the tip of the third part S203. The third part S203 has elasticity in a direction that widens the closed opening and returns to its original position, so the fourth part S204 can apply tension to the first object G in the direction that widens the opening, i.e., in the direction away from the first leg part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first object G from bending and causing the staple S0 to fall off, etc.

[0046] 1B, the portion of the first leg S10 that displaces to engage with the first object G may be, for example, a portion that is less than the distance from the tip of the first leg S10 to the radius (an example of a "first distance") of the largest circle inscribed in the main body S30 (corresponding to the radius of the second object P in the same figure). The portion of the second leg S20 that displaces to engage with the first object G may be, for example, a portion that is less than twice the distance from the tip of the second leg S20 to the radius (an example of a "second distance") of the largest circle inscribed in the main body S30. This configuration makes it possible to use the second leg S20 to close an opening.

[0047] 1A. For example, the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 do not necessarily have to be parallel, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the staple S0 can be bent so as to achieve at least a portion of the above-described technical effects even if the opening width narrows toward the tip or if the opening width widens toward the tip. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that even if the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 are the same length, the staple S0 can be bent so as to achieve at least a portion of the above-described technical effects, although the tip of the first leg S10 is left over.

[0048] Furthermore, the tip of the second leg S20 does not have to be pre-bent like the fourth part S204. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that even if the tip of the second leg S20 is not pre-bent, the second leg S20 can be displaced by the second displacement part 300 so as to be able to engage with the first object G, and therefore at least a part of the above-described technical effects can be achieved.

[0049] An example of the configuration of the binding machine 100 for bending the staple S0 shown in FIG. 1A as shown in FIG. 1B will be described below.

[0050] [Strapping machine configuration] The binding machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0051] 2 may be referred to as the forward X1, the rightward X2, the upward Z1, the downward Z2, the forward direction perpendicular to the paper surface as the rightward Y1, and the depth direction perpendicular to the paper surface as the leftward Y2. A top view refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 100, etc. is viewed from the upward Z1 position toward the downward Z2, a front view refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 100, etc. is viewed from the forward X1 position toward the backward X2, and a side view refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 100, etc. is viewed toward the rightward Y1 or leftward Y2.

[0052] Furthermore, when the staple S0 is set in the binding machine 100, the direction from the area surrounded by the staple S0 (the area where the second object P described later is inserted) toward the outside of the staple S0 is sometimes referred to as the outward direction, and the direction from the outside of the staple S0 toward the area surrounded by the staple S0 is sometimes referred to as the inward direction.

[0053] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine 100 as seen from the right side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view (plan view) of the binding machine 100 as seen from above in the initial state (standby state) (however, for convenience, the figure has been rotated 90 degrees. In the following descriptions, the figure may be similarly rotated for convenience reasons. Note that in the following drawings, some components may be omitted to make the explanation easier to understand).

[0054] [Configuration overview of binding machine 100] The binding machine 100 binds a first object G and a second object P together using a staple S0 having an opening formed therein.

[0055] The first object G is, for example, a wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, tree branch, etc. The first object G is sometimes called a guide element. The second object P is, for example, a stem, vine, branch, fruit, etc. of plants or trees. The second object P includes objects that grow or deform. The binding machine 100 restricts movement of the second object P relative to the first object G and binds the first object G and the second object P together by displacing the first leg S10 of the staple S to engage with the first object G and displacing the second leg S2 to engage with the first object G so that the staple S0 surrounds the second object P.

[0056] The binding machine 100 includes a first displacement unit 200 that displaces the first leg S10 of the staple S0 so that it can engage with the first object G, and a second displacement unit 300 that displaces the second leg S20 of the staple S0 so that it can engage with the first object G. The second displacement unit 300 is configured to be able to bind the first object G and the second object P by engaging the tip S204 of the second leg S20 with the first object G in a state in which the second object P is surrounded by the first leg S10, the second leg S20, and the main body S30 of the staple S0.

[0057] More specifically, the binding machine 100 includes a grip 12 extending in the vertical direction so as to be held by a user and provided with a switch for driving the binding machine 100, a magazine 14 (FIG. 2) configured to accommodate a plurality of staples S stacked in the vertical direction, a pusher 16 that urges the plurality of staples S0 accommodated in the magazine 14 upward Z1, a driver 420 (FIG. 3) that pushes the staple S0 located at the top end toward the forward X1 that coincides with the opening direction D1, thereby separating the staple S0 located at the top end from the other staples S0 and moving it toward the forward X1, a moving mechanism for moving the driver 420, a first displacement unit 200 (FIG. 3; may be referred to as a clincher unit) for displacing the first leg S10 of the staple S0 by curving or bending it, and a second displacement unit 300 (FIG. 3) for displacing the second leg S20 of the staple S0 by curving or bending it. The cover portion 170 moves up and down in response to the forward and backward movement of the driver 420, thereby assisting the first displacement portion 200 in plastically deforming the first leg portion S10.

[0058] [Driver and driver movement mechanism] The driver 420 of the binding machine 100 has a function of moving the staple S0 forward by moving in the forward direction X1. The driver 420 is configured to be able to separate the staple S0 at the upper end connected to other staples S0 from the other staples S0 by moving the staple S0 forward. The driver 420 is configured to move the separated staple S0 further forward X1 to bring the first leg portion S10 into contact with the first displacement section 200, thereby plastically deforming the first leg portion S10, and to bring the second leg portion S20 into contact with the first guide wall 312 and the second guide wall 320 (FIG. 9) included in the second displacement section 300, thereby plastically deforming the second leg portion S20.

[0059] The nut component 52 (FIG. 3) of the binding machine 100 has the function of moving the driver 420 forward X1 and backward X2. The nut component 52 according to this embodiment has a female thread formed therein that is engaged with the male thread of the ball screw 50 via a ball member (not shown). Therefore, when the ball screw 50 rotates in the forward direction, the nut component 52 moves forward X1, and when the ball screw 50 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut component 52 moves backward X2. The nut component 52 is fixed to the driver 420.

[0060] The nut part 52 and the driver 420 are configured to be movable forward X1 and backward X2, and are therefore sometimes referred to as a moving part.

[0061] The motor 54 (FIG. 3) rotates the ball screw 50. The motor 54 is provided at the rear end of the binding machine 100. The binding machine 100 may be provided with a detachable battery, and the motor 54 may be configured to be rotatably driven by the battery power. The binding machine 100 according to this embodiment further includes a reducer 55 that engages with the output shaft of the motor 54, and the motor 54 increases the torque via the reducer 55 to rotate the ball screw 50. Furthermore, a printed circuit board on which a CPU equivalent to a control device for controlling the motor 54 is mounted is provided at the rear end of the binding machine 100.

[0062] The ball screw 50 (FIG. 3) is provided extending in the front-rear direction substantially through the center of the binding machine 100. As described above, the ball screw 50 has a male thread formed thereon that is threadedly engaged with the female thread of the nut part 52 via a ball member (not shown).

[0063] The base supports the driver 420. The base has a support surface that abuts against or faces the bottom surface of the driver 420 to support the driver 420 from below Z2, and a wall portion that extends in the front-rear direction to abut against or face the side surface of the left end of the driver 420 to support the driver 420 from the left side Y2. Furthermore, the base 46 has a wall portion that extends in the front-rear direction to abut against or face the right end of the driver 420 to support the driver 420 from the right side Y1. With this configuration, the base 46 guides the driver 420 so that it moves in the front-rear direction.

[0064] The separation block 18 (FIG. 3) separates the staples S at the upper end from the staples S located at the lower Z2. The separation block 18 is provided inside the staples S located at the lower Z2, and is configured to prevent the staples S at the lower Z2 from moving forward X1. A recess for inserting a second object P is formed in the front end surface of the separation block 18. Therefore, the separation block 18 also functions as a second insertion section into which the second object P is inserted.

[0065] According to the above-described configuration, when the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the forward direction, the nut part 52 and the driver 420 fixed to the nut part 52 move forward to X1, and when the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, the nut part 52 and the driver 420 fixed to the nut part 52 move backward to X2.

[0066] In addition, the binding machine 100 may further be equipped with a Hall sensor or other sensor for obtaining the amount of rotation of the motor 54 in order to control the amount of movement of the driver 420, and may further be equipped with a magnet attached to the nut part 52 in order to detect and control the forward / backward position of the nut part 52, and a Hall sensor or other sensor for obtaining the position of the magnet attached to the nut part 52, and the control device is configured to be able to control the motor 54 based on the information obtained from these sensors.

[0067] The driver 420 (FIG. 3) is formed in a plate shape and includes a front end portion having a front end surface that abuts against the main body portion S30 of the staple S0.

[0068] The front end surface of the driver 420 includes a flat surface extending in the left-right direction in a top view according to the shape of the crank portion S101 of the staple S0, a curved surface that is connected to the flat surface and curves so as to be recessed rearward in a top view according to the shape of the main body portion S30 of the staple S0, and a ceiling surface that covers the upper surfaces of the main body portion S30 and the crank portion S101 of the staple S0. When the driver 420 advances, not only does the curved surface abut against the main body portion S30, but also the flat surface abuts against the crank portion S101, thereby preventing the crank portion S101 from bending. The portion where the flat surface abutting against the crank portion S101 is provided is sometimes called a shoulder portion of the driver 420, and the portion where the curved surface abutting against the main body portion S30 is provided is sometimes called a curved portion of the driver 420.

[0069] As described above, the binding machine 100 includes the motor 54, the control device for controlling the motor 54, the reducer 55 for increasing the torque of the motor 54, the ball screw 50 connected to the reducer 55, and the nut component 52 configured to be movable in the forward and backward directions, which are the central axis directions of the ball screw 50, as the ball screw 50 rotates forward or backward, and the driver 420 is fixed to the nut component 52 by means of, for example, a bolt. Therefore, the driver 420 is configured to be movable in the forward and backward directions integrally with the nut component 52.

[0070] [Crank retention mechanism] The binding machine 100 may further include a crank holding mechanism 180 for preventing the crank portion S101 of the staple S0 from bending. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the crank holding mechanism 180, and Fig. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view passing through a second holding portion 184 of the crank holding mechanism 180 as seen from the front.

[0071] The crank holding mechanism 180 includes a first holding portion 182 that supports the crank portion S101 of the staple S0 from the inside (front X1) of the staple S0, and a second holding portion 184 that supports the main body portion S30 connected to the crank portion S101 from the inside (right Y1) of the staple S0. The rearward facing surface of the first holding portion 182 abuts against the front surface of the crank portion S101 to support the crank portion S101. Since the rear surface of the crank portion S101 abuts against the flat surface of the driver 420 that faces forward, it becomes possible to sandwich and support the crank portion S101 of the staple S0 from the outside and inside (front and rear directions) of the staple S0.

[0072] On the other hand, the surface of the second holding portion 184 facing outward (leftward Y2) abuts against the inner surface of the main body portion S30 of the staple S0 to support the main body portion S30. Since the outer surface of the main body portion S30 abuts against the curved surface of the driver 420, it becomes possible to sandwich and support the main body portion S30 from the outside and the inside of the staple S0. In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, it becomes possible to support the staple S0 from the top and bottom directions by the ceiling surface of the driver 420 and the upper surface of the separation block 18. Therefore, it becomes possible to support the staple S0 from four directions, namely, up, down, left, and right. Therefore, it becomes possible to advance the staple S0 while maintaining the shapes of the curved main body portion S30 and the crank portion S101, which easily bends when bent.

[0073] The crank holding mechanism 180 may be entirely or at least partially made of a biasing member. For example, by making the crank holding mechanism 180 out of an elastic member and making it biased rearward, it becomes possible to press the first holding part 182 against the front surface of the crank part S101 and support it.

[0074] Furthermore, the binding machine 100 may be provided with a mechanism for moving the crank holding mechanism 180 after binding. For example, a mechanism may be provided in which the crank holding mechanism 180 is biased backward and the upper surface of the separation block 18, with which the bottom surface of the crank holding mechanism 180 abuts, is tilted upward, so that the advancing crank holding mechanism 180 moves upward along the inclined surface, thereby automatically releasing the engagement of the staple S0 with the crank portion S101.

[0075] The crank holding mechanism 180 may include only one of the first holding portion 182 and the second holding portion 184.

[0076] [First displacement section] The first displacement portion 200 has a function of displacing the first leg portion S10 so as to be engageable with the first object G.

[0077] The first displacement section 200 according to the present embodiment includes a hole 210 having a cylindrical inner wall surface formed therein, into which the tip of the second portion S102 of the first leg S10 of the staple S0 is inserted as the staple S0 is advanced by the driver 420, causing the tip of the first leg S10 to advance downward while curving in an arc or spiral, and a groove 211 that guides the tip of the first leg S10 into the hole 210. Because the hole 210 is provided at the front X1 of the first leg S10, the advancement of the staple S0 causes the tip of the second portion S102 to abut against the inner wall surface of the hole 210, and the tip of the second portion S102 can be displaced in accordance with the shape of the inner wall surface.

[0078] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of hole 210, and Figs. 5B and 5C are vertical cross-sectional views showing the state in which guide protrusion 172 is inserted into hole 210 and proceeds. Hole 210 is provided so as to penetrate vertically through a base in which groove 211, which is the proceeding path of first leg S10, is formed. Note that first object G is omitted from Fig. 5A etc. to make the shape of staple S0 easier to understand.

[0079] In order to allow the tip of the second part S102 of the first leg S10, which moves forward when pushed forward by the driver 420, to smoothly come into contact with the cylindrical inner wall surface of the hole 210 from the groove 211, a groove 211 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the surface of the base so that the first leg S10 can move forward, and the hole 210 is formed so that the outer surface of the groove 211 smoothly connects with the cylindrical inner wall surface (so that the tangent to the inner wall surface at the connection point between the inner wall surface and the groove coincides with the outer surface of the groove when viewed from above).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5A, the base is formed with a guide introduction section 190 that penetrates the base in the vertical direction and communicates with the hole 210 from the top to the bottom. When a first object G (see FIG. 11, etc.), which serves as a guide element, such as a guide string, is placed along the central axis of the hole 210 from this guide introduction section 190, the tip of the second section S102 of the first leg S10 is inserted into the hole 210, and the tip of the second section S102 advances in a spiral shape to surround the first object G. This allows the first leg S10 to engage with the first object G. Since the first object G is inserted into the hole 210, the hole 210 also functions as a first insertion section. The inventors of the present application have noticed that by inserting a guide protrusion 172 into the hole 210 to guide the movement of the tip of the first leg portion S10 downward Z2, the movement of the second portion S102 downward Z2 can be promoted.

[0081] The guide protrusion 172 is inserted into the hole 210 adjacent to the first object G so that the tip of the first leg portion S10 abuts against the guide protrusion 172. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the guide protrusion 172 has an inclined surface that protrudes downward as the tip of the second portion S102 progresses in the rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 5A). With this configuration, the tip of the second portion S102 abuts against the inclined surface of the guide protrusion 172 and is guided to move downward.

[0082] In order to strengthen the engagement between the first object G and the first leg S10, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the inner wall surface of the hole 210 is less than the sum of twice the wire diameter of the staple S0 and the outer diameter of the first object G. By setting the inner diameter in this manner, a portion of the first object G or the staple S0 is crushed, thereby making it possible to strengthen the engagement between the staple S0 and the first object G.

[0083] The inner wall surface formed in hole 210 does not have to be a cylindrical surface. For example, hole 210 may be configured so that the engagement between the first object G and first leg S10 is strengthened in the lower Z2 of hole 210 by forming the inner wall surface of hole 210 to have a circular cross section that becomes smaller in diameter as it progresses downward Z2. Alternatively, the inner wall surface formed in hole 210 may be a curved surface formed in an arc-shaped groove for displacing first leg S10 in an arc-like shape.

[0084] 5C, it is preferable to adjust the movement amount of the driver 420 and the formation position of the hole 210 so that the tip of the second part S102 surrounds the first object G over at least two revolutions (720 degrees or more). By having the tip of the second part S102 surround the first object G over at least two revolutions (720 degrees or more), it is possible to strengthen the engagement between the first object G and the first leg part S10.

[0085] [Lid movement mechanism] The inventors of the present application further noted that by blocking the hole 210 from above with the lid portion 170 (Figure 6), it is possible to promote the spiral advance of the tip of the first leg portion S10 downward Z2 against the reaction force received by the first leg portion S10.

[0086] Therefore, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea of ​​providing guide protrusions 172 on lid portion 170, and further came up with the idea of ​​linking the movement of driver 420 with the up and down movement of lid portion 170, so that hole 210 is closed by lid portion 170 during the bundling operation, and after bundling, lid portion 170 rises to open hole 210. Lid portion 170 has a lower surface (bottom surface) that is perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical surface that hole 210 includes and faces hole 210, and by bringing this lower surface close to hole 210, lid portion 170 closes hole 210, and by moving this lower surface away from hole 210, lid portion 170 opens hole 210.

[0087] Note that "closing" includes covering a part of the opening of the hole 210 to prevent the first leg S10 from moving upward Z2. Furthermore, since the lid 170 is provided above the hole 210 Z1, a through-hole extending in the vertical direction is formed for inserting the first object G inserted into the hole 210.

[0088] Hereinafter, a configuration for linking the movement of driver 420 with the up and down movement of lid portion 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D and FIGS. 7A to 7B.

[0089] FIG. 6(A) is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine 100 as seen from the left side.

[0090] As shown in the figure, the binding machine 100 has a front-rear moving part 174 that moves back and forth in conjunction with a driver 420 as a movement mechanism for the lid part 170. Paths are formed in the front-rear moving part 174. The paths include a first path R1 extending forward, a second path R2 that connects to the front end of the first path R1 and extends in a direction sloping downward and rearward, a third path R3 that connects to the rear end of the second path R2 and extends rearward, and a fourth path R4 that connects to the rear end of the third path R3 and extends in a direction sloping upward and forward to connect to the rear end of the first path R1. Each path is defined by, for example, four wall surfaces of a wall portion formed in the shape of a parallelogram protruding to the left Y2.

[0091] However, among these four paths, two opposing paths do not necessarily have to be parallel, or may be curved. In particular, the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 do not have to be parallel. By changing the inclination angles of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, it is possible to change the path lengths 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 the timing for raising and lowering the lid portion 170.

[0092] It is preferable that the lid portion 170 moves downward so as to close the hole 210 when or just before the tip of the first leg portion S10 reaches the hole 210.

[0093] It is also preferable that the crank holding mechanism 180 automatically disengages from the crank portion S101 before the push-out member 250, which will be described later, moves upward in the Z1 direction.

[0094] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 are configured to be different from each other so that when the tip of the first leg S10 reaches the hole 210, the operation of the lid portion 170 to close the hole 210 is completed and the engagement with the crank portion S101 is automatically released, after which the extrusion member 250 described later can move upward Z1 and eject the spiral portion.

[0095] Furthermore, the movement mechanism has a pin 176 that moves along a path, a link 178 fixed to the pin 176, and two shafts that restrict movement of the link 178 in the forward and backward directions.

[0096] The pin 176 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape that protrudes to the left Y2, and is configured to move along the four wall surfaces of the wall portion that is formed in the shape of a parallelogram.

[0097] Link 178 is provided extending in the front-to-rear direction, and its front end engages with one first shaft portion 186, and its rear end engages with the other second shaft portion 188. Each shaft portion extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the main body of binding machine 100, so that movement of link 178 in the front-to-rear direction is restricted by the two shaft portions.

[0098] The movement mechanism further includes a vertically moving part 192 that engages with the two shafts, and multiple elastic members that are inserted between the vertically moving part 192 and the link 178. The movement mechanism is configured to move the vertically moving part 192 up and down based on the variation of the elastic force generated by the elastic members that are pressed by the link 178 when the link 178 moves up and down as the pin 176 moves up and down. Because the lid 170 is connected to the vertically moving part 192, it is possible to link the vertical movement of the pin 176 with the vertical movement of the lid 170. Furthermore, the vertical movement of the pin 176 is linked to the front-to-back moving part 174, which moves in conjunction with the driver 420. This makes it possible to link the movement of the driver 420 with the vertical movement of the lid 170.

[0099] 6A shows the position of the pin 176 in the initial state. In the initial state, the pin 176 is located on the second path R2. At this time, the lid portion 170 closes the hole portion 210.

[0100] 6(B) shows the position of the pin 176 when the driver 420 is moving forward after the initial state. The driver 420 and the front-rear moving part 174 are configured to move in conjunction with each other, and more specifically, as the driver 420 moves forward, the front-rear moving part 174 moves forward with a time lag, and as the driver 420 moves backward, the front-rear moving part 174 moves backward with a time lag.

[0101] When the forward / backward moving part 174 moves forward as the driver 420 moves forward, the pin 176 located on the second path R2 formed at an angle moves downward Z2 along the second path R2. When the pin 176 moves downward, the link 178 also moves downward.

[0102] The first shaft portion 186 engages with the link 178 and a vertically moving part 192 below the link 178. In addition, a disc spring 194, which is an elastic member, is inserted between the link 178 and the vertically moving part 192 so that the first shaft portion 186 passes through it.

[0103] 6(B), when the link 178 descends, the disc spring 194 is compressed, and as a result, the force pressing the vertically moving part 192 downward Z2 increases. Therefore, the lid part 170 connected to the vertically moving part 192 presses the hole part 210 downward Z2 with a strong force so as to close the hole part 210. Because the tip of the first leg part S10 of the staple S0 is inserted (or is about to be inserted) into the hole part 210, the lid part 170 guides the tip of the first leg part S10 to move downward Z2.

[0104] With the above configuration, when the driver 420 advances, it is possible to push the lid portion 170 downward Z2. Therefore, while the pin 176 is descending on the second path R2, the lid portion 170 descends, making it possible to close the hole 210 with a strong force.

[0105] 6(B) and 6(C), while the driver 420 and the forward / backward moving part 174 are further advanced, the pin 176 advances on the third path R3. Therefore, the pin 176 is maintained in a downward position. Therefore, by configuring the pin 176 to be present on the third path R3 during the bundling operation, it is possible to realize a mechanism in which the lid part 170 continues to press the hole part 210 downward Z2 so as to close the hole part 210 during the bundling operation.

[0106] 6(C), when the driver 420 and the forward / backward moving part 174 are moved to their most advanced positions, the pin 176 transitions from the third path R3 to the fourth path R4. Because the fourth path R4 extends in a direction inclined upward Z1 and forward X1, the link 178 and the pin 176 move upward due to the elastic force of the disc spring 194. As with the disc spring 194, by inserting an elastic member between the upper link 178 and the lower vertically moving part 192 in the second shaft part 188, the lid part 170 can be moved up and down in a balanced manner.

[0107] FIG. 6(D) shows the state when the driver 420 has completed its forward movement, and FIG. 7(A) shows the state when the driver 420 is retracting. As shown in these drawings, when the driver 420 completes its forward movement and begins to move backward, the pin 176 begins to move upward Z1 along the fourth path R4. As the pin 176 moves along the fourth path R4, the elastic force due to compression of the disc spring 194 weakens. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(A), when the pin 176 moves upward Z1, the vertically moving part 192 and the lid portion 170 also move upward Z1. As a result, the closure of the hole 210 by the lid portion 170 is released, and the hole 210 is opened. Therefore, the first object G engaged by the first leg portion S10 can be removed from the binding machine 100. In order to promote movement of the vertically moving part 192 in the upward direction Z1, it is preferable that an elastic member for pushing the vertically moving part 192 upward in the upward direction Z1 be inserted into each of the first shaft part 186 and the second shaft part 188. With this configuration, it becomes possible to smoothly push the vertically moving part 192 upward in the upward direction Z1 when the elastic force caused by the compression of the disc spring 194 weakens. Furthermore, an elastic member for pushing the vertically moving part 192 upward in the upward direction Z1 may be provided on a part other than the first shaft part 186 and the second shaft part 188 of the vertically moving part 192.

[0108] 7(B) shows the state immediately before the driver 420 has completely retracted. While the driver 420 and the forward / backward moving part 174 are moving rearward as shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(B), the pin 176 is maintained in an upper position where the first path R1 is provided. Therefore, it is possible to realize a mechanism in which the lid part 170 is lifted upward Z1 while the driver 420 is returning to its initial state after binding.

[0109] Thereafter, when the pin 176 moves from the first path R1 to the second path R2, the lid portion 170 descends and closes the hole 210 with a weak force.

[0110] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration of the lid portion 170 that descends during the binding operation, thereby inducing the first leg S10 of the staple S0 to displace downward Z2 and engage with the first object G, and that rises after binding is completed, thereby enabling the first object G with which the first leg S10 of the staple S0 has engaged to be removed.

[0111] [First object holding mechanism] The following describes the guide holding mechanism 230 for holding the first object G inserted into the hole 210. The hole 210 is sometimes referred to as the insertion portion because the first object G is inserted into it. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the guide holding mechanism 230. As shown in the figure, the guide holding mechanism 230 is formed in a plate shape and has a through-hole that passes through the guide holding mechanism 230 from top to bottom and a notch that connects the through-hole to the outer periphery of the guide holding mechanism 230. The through-hole has an inner diameter that is the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the first object G to suitably hold the first object G. It is also preferable that the central axis of the through-hole and the central axis of the hole 210 be approximately aligned in a top view. With this configuration, when the first object G is held by the guide holding mechanism 230, the first object G can be easily positioned along the central axis of the hole 210. The guide holding mechanism 230 may be provided above and below the hole 210, or may be provided only on one side.

[0112] Furthermore, the guide holding mechanism 230 may be provided as part of the lid 170. By providing the guide holding mechanism 230 as part of the lid 170, it becomes possible to move the guide holding mechanism 230 up and down in conjunction with the movement of the driver 420. Furthermore, by forming the inner diameter of the through hole of the guide holding mechanism 230 smaller than the inner diameter of the hole 210, it becomes possible for the guide holding mechanism 230 to block a portion of the area of ​​the hole 210 excluding the center. Since the first object G is placed at the center of the hole 210 and the second leg S20 moves around the periphery of the first object G, by blocking a portion of the area of ​​the hole 210 excluding the center with the guide holding mechanism 230, the first leg S10 is pressed downward against the reaction force received by the first leg S10, and the tip of the first leg S10 can be moved in a spiral manner.

[0113] Furthermore, by providing a guide protrusion 172 on the underside of the guide holding mechanism 230, it becomes possible to guide the downward movement of the tip of the first leg S10.

[0114] [Second displacement section] The second displacement portion 300 has a function of displacing the second leg portion S20 so as to be engageable with the first object G.

[0115] The second displacement portion 300 is configured to be able to displace the second leg portion S20 inward of the staple S0 as the driver 420 moves in the opening direction, and more specifically, is configured to be able to plastically deform so as to bend the second leg portion S20 in an arc shape inward of the staple S0.

[0116] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(A) described later, the second displacement portion includes a first guide wall 312 that is provided on the outer side of the second leg S20 and that is brought into contact with the second leg S20 of the staple S0 moving in the opening direction D1 (which coincides with the forward direction X1, so the opening direction D1 may also be referred to as the forward direction X1; the same applies hereinafter) to bend the second leg S20. The first guide wall 312 includes a recess 312A that is recessed outward (to the right Y1) of the staple S0. Therefore, the recess 312A is provided on the outer side of the second leg S20 in an initial state, and includes a first recess region having a wall surface whose distance from the second leg S20 increases as the staple S0 moves forward, and a second recess region that is connected to the first recess region and has a wall surface whose distance from the second leg S20 decreases as the staple S0 moves forward.

[0117] Furthermore, the second displacement portion 300 (FIG. 9(A) etc.) includes a second guide wall 320 that is provided in front X1 of the second leg S20 in an initial state before displacement starts, and that comes into contact with the second leg S20 of the staple S0 moving in the opening direction D1 to bend the second leg S20. The second guide wall 320 is provided with a wall surface facing rear X2. The second guide wall 320 includes a convex portion 320A that protrudes rearward X2. In the initial state, the convex portion 320A is provided in front of the second leg S20 in the front-rear direction and inward of the second leg S20 in the left-right direction, and the convex portion 320A has such a structure that the amount of protrusion toward the rear X2 increases as it moves toward the left Y2 (inward with respect to the staple S0), i.e., the height of the convex portion 320 from the second guide wall 320 in a top view increases.

[0118] The inventors of the present application have noticed that providing this convex portion 320A makes it possible to smoothly curve the second leg portion S20 so that it moves toward the first leg portion S10, compared to when the convex portion 320A is not provided.

[0119] [Binding method using a binding machine] The following describes a bundling method using the bundling machine 100. For ease of explanation, the first object G to be inserted into the hole 210 and the second object P to be inserted into the recess (second insertion portion) formed in the separation block 18 are omitted from the drawings. Also, for ease of explanation, some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0120] 9(A) to 9(C) and 10(A) to 9(D) are cross-sectional views from above showing the process of engaging the staple S0 with the first object G using the binding machine 100.

[0121] 9(A), as the driver 420 moves forward, the staple S0, which is pushed forward by the driver 420, moves forward. At this time, the crank holding mechanism 180 supports the crank portion S101 of the staple S0, thereby preventing the crank portion S101 from bending.

[0122] As shown in Figure 9(B), a second guide wall 320 is provided at the front X1 of the second leg S20, so that the hook portion S204 of the second leg S20 abuts against the wall surface facing the rear X2 of the second guide wall 320 and moves along the wall surface 320B of the second guide wall 320.

[0123] Since the wall surface 320B of the second guide wall 320 has a portion that faces the rear X2 and is formed generally parallel to the left-right direction, the hook portion S204 cannot move forward X1 (or the amount of movement of the hook portion 240 forward X1 is smaller than the amount of movement of the main body S30 of the staple S0 forward X1). Therefore, the third portion S203 that attempts to move forward X1 is curved.

[0124] On the other hand, the first guide wall 312 is disposed outward (to the right Y1) of the second leg portion S20. The first guide wall 312 has a recess 312A including a concave surface 312A1 formed to face inward of the staple S0 and recess outward (to the right Y1).

[0125] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(C), the third portion S203 comes into contact with at least a part of the concave surface 312A1 of the recess 312A and curves to bulge outward.

[0126] Furthermore, while the driver 420 is moving forward, the pin 176 moves along the third path R3, so that the cover portion 170 closes the hole portion 210 downward Z2 with a relatively strong force.

[0127] 9(A), the second guide wall 320 includes a protrusion 320A that protrudes more toward the rear X2 as it advances inward (leftward Y2). Therefore, the hook portion S204 is guided to advance toward the rear X2 while contacting the protrusion 320A, as shown in FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C). At this time, because the driver 420 continues to advance, the third portion S203 further contacts the concave surface 312A1 of the bending recess 312A and curves to bulge outward significantly according to the shape of the concave surface 312A1.

[0128] As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), when the hook portion S204 climbs over the second guide wall 320, the elasticity of the second leg portion S2 causes the hook portion S204 to move forward X1, and the third portion S203 of the second leg portion S2 abuts against the convex portion 320A.

[0129] Through the above process, the second leg portion S2 is displaced so as to be curved in the first rotation direction R1, which corresponds to the clockwise direction on the paper surface.

[0130] By providing the second guide wall 320, it becomes possible to move the hook portions S204 of the staple S0 moving in the forward direction X1 in a direction toward the inside of the staple S0. In addition, by providing the recessed portion 312A having the concave surface 312A1 recessed outward in the first guide wall 312, it becomes possible to promote bending of the second leg portion S20.

[0131] Furthermore, by providing a convex portion 320A and abutting the hook portion S204 and the third portion S203, it is possible to control and displace the hook portion S204 in the direction toward the first object G compared to when the convex portion 320A is not provided.

[0132] After the hook portion S204 climbs over the second guide wall 320, the tip of the first leg portion S10 begins to enter the hole portion 210 of the first displacement portion 200. By configuring the maximum load associated with the displacement of the first leg portion S10 by the first displacement portion 200 to be applied after the maximum load associated with the displacement of the second leg portion S20 by the second displacement portion 300 is applied in this way, it is possible to simultaneously prevent a large load from being applied to the binding machine 100.

[0133] As described above, the first displacement portion 200 can be configured with a hole 210 that is formed so that, for example, when the staple S0 is moved in the opening direction D1, the tip of the first leg S10 of the staple S0 surrounds the outer periphery of the first object G, which is a guide element, or advances in a spiral around the outer periphery of the first object G. Because the staple S0 is flexible and plastic, when the staple S0 moves in the opening direction D1, the tip of the first leg S10 advances along the inner wall of the hole 210 while curving in a spiral. Therefore, by moving the staple S0 forward with the first object G positioned on the axis of the spiral, it is possible to engage the tip of the first leg S10 of the staple S0 in a spiral that surrounds the outer periphery of the first object G with the first object G as the axis.

[0134] At this time, because pin 176 is moving along third path R3, guide protrusion 172 provided on lid portion 170 and protruding downward enters hole 210 as lid portion 170 descends, and guides the downward movement of first leg S10. Because lid portion 170 presses first leg S10 downward, the tip of first leg S10 can move in a spiral shape against the reaction force received by first leg S10.

[0135] When the driver 420 further advances the staple S0, the hook portion S204 abuts against the inclined surface 232A of the guide wall portion 232, which will be described later, and moves upward Z1. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the hook portion S204 passes through the area between the first object G inserted into the hole 210 and the second object P inserted into the recess of the separation block 18, and advances to a position where it intersects with the first leg portion S10 in a top view. Because the second leg portion S20 including the hook portion S204 abuts against the inclined surface 232A and moves upward Z1, the second leg portion S20 or the main body portion S30 is displaced upward Z1 of the second guide wall 320, as shown in the same figure.

[0136] 10(D) shows a state in which the driver 420 is retracted after bundling. As the driver 420 retracts, the staple S0 exerts an elastic force to restore its original shape, so that the second leg portion S20 is displaced in a second rotation direction R2, which is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction R1, and approaches and engages with the first object G. At this time, the wall surfaces of the first guide wall 312 and the second guide wall 320 may be formed to promote the movement of the hook portion S204 upward Z1.

[0137] By using the binding method described above, it is possible to engage the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 with the first object G so that the second object P is surrounded by the first leg S10, the second leg S20, and the main body S30. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the staple S0 engaged with the first object G.

[0138] The second leg S20 of the staple S0 is bent in a first rotation direction R1, which is generally clockwise in FIGS. 9 and 10 , and intersects with the first leg S10 to close the opening of the staple S0 while surrounding the second object P in a top view. The second leg S20 then engages with the first object G from the side on which the second object P is provided. Meanwhile, the first leg S10 is curved in a second rotation direction R2 to engage with the first object G from the outside. This allows the first leg S10 and the second leg S20 to engage with the first object G by sandwiching it between them. Furthermore, even if the second object P grows and abuts against the second leg S20, causing the second leg S20 to bend, the engagement with the first object G becomes stronger, and therefore the engagement between the first object G and the staple S is prevented from easily disengaging as the second object P grows.

[0139] Furthermore, the tip of the first leg S10 is bent downward Z2 away from a plane penetrating the first leg S10, the second leg S20, and the main body S30 before bundling, and engages with the first object G. On the other hand, the tip of the second leg S20 is bent upward Z1 away from a plane penetrating the first leg S10, the second leg S20, and the main body S30 before bundling, and engages with the first object G. This makes it possible to engage both ends of the staple S0 at different positions on the first object G. This makes it easier to generate tension in the region from the engagement position with the first leg S10 to the engagement position with the second leg S20 of the first object G. This makes it possible to prevent the first object G from bending and causing the staple S to fall off.

[0140] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a binding machine 100 and a binding method that enable binding that is difficult to come undone.

[0141] Further configurations of the binding machine 100 will be described below.

[0142] [Guidance wall] The binding machine 100 may include a guide wall portion 232 for guiding or guiding the staple S0 so that the staple S engages with the first object G. Figure 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the binding machine 100 including the guide wall portion 232.

[0143] As shown in the figure, the guide wall portion 232 according to this embodiment includes an inclined surface 232A, a first guide wall surface 232B, and a second guide wall surface 232C. The guide wall portion 232 causes the staple S0 to abut against these three surfaces, thereby stably engaging the hook portion S204 with the first object G.

[0144] The inclined surface 232A is a surface for moving the hook portion S204 of the staple S0 upward Z1. The inclined surface 232A is provided at a height at which the hook portion S204 abuts at a position X2 rearward of the first object G in order to displace the hook portion S204 upward Z as it proceeds toward the first leg S10, and includes an inclined surface that proceeds upward Z1 as it proceeds to the left Y2 where the first displacement portion 200 is provided.

[0145] Such an inclined surface 232A makes it possible for the hook portion S204 to engage with the first object G above Z1 the second portion S102 of the first leg portion S10.

[0146] The first guide wall surface 232B is a surface for controlling the moving direction of the tip of the hook portion S204 of the staple S0 to engage the hook portion S204 of the staple S0 with the first object G. The first guide wall surface 232B is a wall surface erected from the inclined surface 232A, and is formed so as to be inclined rearward X2 and slightly inward at a position rearward X2 from the first object G. Furthermore, the first guide wall surface 232B is provided so as to extend to the left Y2 at least to the vicinity of a position advanced rearward X2 from the first object G in a top view.

[0147] Such a first guide wall surface 232B makes it possible to reliably move the tip of the hook portion S204 to a position beyond the first object G.

[0148] As shown in the figure, the first guide wall surface 232B may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the guide holding mechanism 230. With such a configuration, the positioning accuracy of the guide wall portion 232 with respect to the first object G can be improved.

[0149] The second guide wall surface 232C is a surface for controlling the moving direction of the tip of the hook portion S204 of the staple S0 to engage the hook portion S204 of the staple S0 with the first object G. The second guide wall surface 232C is provided continuously with the first guide wall surface 232B, and is formed so as to incline rearward (X2) and outward at a position rearward (X2) from the first object G. Furthermore, the second guide wall surface 232C is provided so as to extend at least to the vicinity of a position advanced to the leftward (Y2) from the first object G in a top view.

[0150] Such second guide wall surface 232C makes it possible to displace the tip of the hook portion S204 so as to wrap around from a position away from the outside of the first object G, thereby allowing the hook portion S204 to engage with the first object G.

[0151] The configuration of at least a part of the guide wall portion 232 as described above may be applied to the binding machine according to this embodiment within a reasonable range.

[0152] [Inner support member] The second displacement unit 300 of the binding machine 100 may include an inner fulcrum member 340 for providing a fulcrum for bending when the second leg portion S20 is bent inwardly of the staple S0. Fig. 13A is a partially enlarged perspective view of the binding machine 100 including the inner fulcrum member 340, and Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view as viewed from above when the second leg portion S20 is bent inwardly of the staple S0.

[0153] The inner fulcrum member 340 includes a support wall portion 340B that supports the inner surface of the third portion S203 of the second leg portion S20, and a fulcrum portion 340A that corresponds to the front X1 end of the support wall portion 340B and provides a fulcrum for bending the third portion S203. As shown in Fig. 13B, when the vicinity of the front end of the hook portion S204 abuts against the protrusion 320A, the third portion S203 abuts against the fulcrum portion 340A. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the third portion S203 in the front-rear direction, it is possible to adjust the radius of the arc that approximates the bent third portion S203.

[0154] The inner fulcrum member 340 may be provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the binding machine 100 may be provided with a mechanism for moving the inner fulcrum member 340 after binding. For example, the inner fulcrum member 340 may be configured to include an elastic member such as a leaf spring or a compression spring, and may be configured to be linked to the driver 420 so that when the driver 420 moves forward and the binding operation is completed, the front X1 end of the inner fulcrum member 340 moves upward Z1 with the rear X2 end as a fulcrum, and returns to its initial position when the driver 420 moves backward.

[0155] [Extrusion parts] The first displacement unit 200 of the binding machine 100 may include a push-out member 250 that assists in ejecting the tip end portion (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "spiral portion") of the first leg portion S10 that is spirally engaged around the outer periphery of the first object G. Fig. 14 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the binding machine 100 including the push-out member 250.

[0156] As shown in the same figure, the extrusion member 250 is inserted from below Z2 into the hole 210 that penetrates the guide holding mechanism 230 in the vertical direction, thereby pushing up the second part 102 of the first leg S10, which is spirally engaged with the first object G, from below Z2 to assist in ejection.

[0157] The pusher member 250 is configured to be movable up and down to a position that is, for example, rearward X2 or rightward Y1 (inward) with respect to the first object G and overlaps with the hole portion 210 in a top view. It is preferable to form an arc or a slope on the upper end of the pusher member 250 so as not to damage the first object G and the spiral portion.

[0158] In order to configure the extrusion member 250 so that it can move up and down, it is preferable to connect it to, for example, the vertically moving part 192 or the lid part 170. By configuring it in this way, when the lid part 170 moves upward Z1 and opens, the spiral part can be pushed up from the downward Z2 and ejected.

[0159] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a binding machine and a binding method that enable binding that is difficult to come undone.

[0160] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, some components of one embodiment can be added to other embodiments within the scope of ordinary creativity of a person skilled in the art. Also, some components of one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding components of other embodiments.

[0161] For example, the first displacement portion may engage the first leg portion S10 with the first object G by bending the first leg portion S10 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0162] Furthermore, the first displacement portion may bend the first leg S10 to engage the first leg S10 with the first object G. For example, the first leg S10 may be bent to sandwich the first object G between the first leg S10, thereby engaging the first leg S10 with the first object G.

[0163] Furthermore, the second leg S20 of the staple may be configured to extend linearly. In this case, when the second leg S20 is displaced in the first rotation direction, a wall surface against which the tip of the second leg S20 passes while abutting may be mounted on the binding machine, so that the second leg S20 is bent in the first rotation direction while its tip is bent in the opposite second rotation direction, thereby providing a structure corresponding to the hook S204.

[0164] Similarly, the components disclosed in the present application can be reasonably combined by the exercise of ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art.

[0165] The invention according to the present application can be implemented as an invention including the above-described embodiments, as well as as a binding machine or a binding method described in the following appendix.

[0166] That is, the present application further discloses a binding machine as shown below.

[0167] (Appendix 1) A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, a moving section including a driver configured to be able to move the staple forward by moving forward; a first displacement unit that displaces the first leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object by moving the staple forward with the driver; a second displacement unit that displaces the second leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object by surrounding the second object with the first leg portion, the second leg portion, and the main body portion by moving the staple forward with the driver; A binding machine comprising:

[0168] (Appendix 1A) the first displacement unit includes a first insertion unit into which the first object and the first leg unit are inserted, The first insertion portion includes an inner wall that engages with the inserted first object by bending the tip end of the inserted first leg portion in an arc shape. Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 1.

[0169] (Appendix 1A1) a lid portion that guides the staple downward, The cover portion includes a guide protrusion that guides downward the tip end portion of the first leg portion inserted into the first insertion portion. Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1A.

[0170] (Appendix 1A2) the inner wall includes a cylindrical surface; The cover portion includes a lower surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical surface and faces the first insertion portion. Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1A1.

[0171] (Appendix 1B) The main body portion of the staple includes a curved portion, and the first leg portion includes a first portion that bends and extends outward, and a second portion that bends from the first portion and extends in an opening direction of the staple, The driver includes a curved portion that contacts the body portion and a shoulder that contacts the first portion. Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in any one of Appendix 1 or Appendix 1A1.

[0172] (Appendix 1C) the second displacement portion includes a first guide wall formed on the outer side of the second leg portion facing inward of the staple so that the second leg portion of the staple moving forward comes into contact with and curves when the staple is moved forward by the driver, and a second guide wall provided forward of the first guide wall and facing rearward. Any binding machine described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in any one of Appendices 1 to 1B.

[0173] (Appendix 1C1) the first guide wall includes an outwardly recessed recess; Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1C.

[0174] (Appendix 1C2) The second guide wall includes a protrusion that protrudes rearward. Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 1C or Appendix 1C1.

[0175] (Appendix 2) A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, a moving unit configured to be movable forward; a first displacement unit including a wall surface disposed in front of the first leg portion, the first leg portion of the staple being moved forward by the moving unit being brought into contact with and displaced by the first displacement unit, thereby engaging the first leg portion with the first object; a second guide wall that is disposed in front of the second leg and includes a wall surface facing rearward, against which the second leg of the staple moved forward by the moving section abuts; and a first guide wall that is disposed outside the second leg and includes a concave surface that faces inward of the staple and is recessed outward, bending the second leg that abuts against the wall surface of the second guide wall, thereby surrounding the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body section and displacing the second leg so that it can engage with the first object; A binding machine comprising:

[0176] (Appendix 2A)

[0177] the second displacement unit is configured to allow the tip portion of the second leg portion to pass through the gap between the first object and the second object in a top view. Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 2A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 12 Grip 14 Magazine 16 Pusher 18 Separation Block 50 ball screw 52 Nut parts 54 Motor 100 Binding Machine 170 Lid 174 Front and rear moving parts 176 pins 178 Links 186 First shaft 188 Second shaft 192 Up and down moving parts 194 Disc spring 200 First displacement section 210 Hole 230 Guide holding mechanism 250 Extrusion members 300 Second displacement section 312 First Guide Wall 320 Second Guide Wall 420 Driver S0 Staple S10 1st leg S20 2nd leg S30 main body G. First Object P Second object X1 forward X2 rear Y1 Right Y2 left Z1 upper Z2 downward D1 Opening direction

Claims

1. A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, a first displacement unit that displaces a tip end of the first leg unit so as to spirally surround an outer periphery of the first object around the first object as an axis, so as to be engageable with the first object; a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and displaces the second leg so as to be engageable with the first object; A binding machine comprising:

2. The second displacement portion is configured to be able to displace the second leg portion to a position where the second displacement portion intersects with the first leg portion in a top view. The binding machine according to claim 1 .

3. a first insertion portion into which the first object is inserted; a second insertion portion into which the second object is inserted; Equipped with the first displacement portion displaces a tip end portion of the first leg portion so as to engage with the first object inserted into the first insertion portion; The second displacement unit displaces the second leg unit so as to surround the second object inserted into the second insertion unit. The binding machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a moving unit that moves the staple in an opening direction of the staple, The second displacement portion displaces the second leg portion inward of the staple as the moving portion moves in the opening direction. The binding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second displacement portion is provided in front of the second leg portion and includes a second guide wall having a wall surface facing rearward, The second guide wall abuts against the second leg portion that is moved in the opening direction of the staple by the moving portion, thereby bending the second leg portion inward of the staple as the moving portion moves in the opening direction. The binding machine according to claim 4.

6. The second displacement portion includes a first guide wall that is provided on the outer side of the second leg portion and that comes into contact with the second leg portion of the staple that is moved in the opening direction by the moving portion to bend the second leg portion. The binding machine according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The first guide wall includes a recess recessed outwardly of the staple. The binding machine according to claim 6.

8. The first displacement portion engages with the first object by bending the tip of the first leg portion in an arc shape as the moving portion moves toward the opening.

8. The binding machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. the first displacement unit includes a first insertion unit into which the first object and the first leg unit are inserted, The first insertion portion includes an inner wall that engages with the inserted first object by bending the tip end of the inserted first leg portion in an arc shape. The binding machine according to claim 8.

10. a second guide wall provided forward of the first guide wall and facing rearward, The binding machine according to claim 6, which relies on claim 4.

11. the second guide wall includes a protrusion protruding rearward; The binding machine according to claim 10.

12. the main body of the staple includes a curved portion, and the first leg includes a first portion that bends and extends outward, and a second portion that bends from the first portion and extends in an opening direction of the staple; The moving portion includes a curved portion that contacts the main body portion and a shoulder portion that contacts the first portion.

12. The binding machine according to any one of claims 4 to 11.

13. The second displacement portion is configured to pass a tip portion of the second leg through a gap between the first object and the second object in a top view, thereby engaging the tip portion of the second leg with the first object. The binding machine according to claim 2 .

14. The inner wall of the first insertion portion is provided in front of the first leg portion, and is configured to bend the tip end of the first leg into an arc by abutting the tip end of the first leg of the staple moved forward by the moving portion. The binding machine according to claim 9.

15. A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, a first displacement portion that displaces the first leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object; a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and displaces the second leg so as to be engageable with the first object; Equipped with The second displacement unit is configured to displace the second leg to a position where the second leg intersects with the first leg in a top view, and to pass a tip end of the second leg through a gap between the first object and the second object, thereby engaging the tip end of the second leg with the first object. Binding machine.

16. a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion; A binding method for binding a first object and a second object using a staple having an opening formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, comprising: displacing the tip of the first leg so as to spirally surround the outer periphery of the first object using the first object as an axis to engage the first object with the first leg; The second leg is displaced to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, thereby engaging the first object with the second leg. Binding method.

17. displacing the first leg to engage the first leg with the first object includes moving a tip end of the first leg either upward or downward away from a plane passing through the first leg, the second leg, and the main body; Displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body to engage the first object with the second leg includes moving the tip of the second leg either upward or downward away from the plane.

17. The bundling method of claim 16.

18. displacing the first leg to engage with the first object includes displacing a portion of the first leg from a tip end thereof by a first distance or less to engage with the first object, Displacing the second leg to engage the first object includes displacing a portion of the second leg from the tip end thereof by a second distance greater than the first distance to engage the second leg with the first object.

18. The bundling method according to claim 16 or 17.

19. Displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body to engage the first object with the second leg, displacing the second leg in a first rotation direction to a position where the second leg intersects with the first leg in a top view, and causing a tip end of the second leg to pass through a gap between the first object and the second object; displacing the second leg in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and engaging the tip of the second leg, which has passed through the gap between the first object and the second object, with the first object.

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18.

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