Binding machine

Abstract

A binding machine according to the present disclosure comprises a coil formation section including: a clincher section configured to deform a first leg section of a staple so as to surround a bound object by guiding the staple by means of an upper guide section, a lower guide section, and a front guide section; and a rear space formation section that is arranged at a position facing the rear with respect to the clincher section and has a space formation surface configured to form a space behind the staple when deforming the staple.

Description

Binding machine

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a strapping machine.

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

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

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-74007 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-13307 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-13317

[0005] However, for example, in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, it is considered that after binding objects with staples, it may not be possible to easily remove the staples and the objects from the binding machine. For example, if the spiral shape of the legs of the staples cannot be stably formed, it is considered that there is a possibility that a part of the push-out member that moves the staples above the binding machine after binding is completed will be pinched by the spiral shape of the staple, making it impossible to remove the staples.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a binding machine that allows for relatively easy removal of staples after binding.

[0007] A binding machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and is a binding machine that binds objects to be bound using staples that open forward, and is equipped with a coil forming portion that includes an upper guide portion that guides the staple from above, a lower guide portion that guides the staple from below, and a front guide portion that includes an inner surface that guides the staple from the front, and that is configured to deform the first leg portion of the staple to surround the object to be bound by guiding the staple with the upper guide portion, the lower guide portion, and the front guide portion, and a rear space forming portion that is positioned rearwardly opposite the clincher portion and has a space forming surface that is configured to form a space behind the staple when the staple is deformed.

[0008] Another aspect of the binding machine of the present disclosure is a binding machine that has a first leg, a second leg, and a main body that connects the first leg and the second leg, and that binds objects to be bound using staples that open forward, and is equipped with a clincher section that deforms the first leg of the staple so that it surrounds the object to be bound, and a separation section that separates the first leg deformed by the clincher section from the clincher section.

[0009] Here, a staple (sometimes called a "linear binding material") is formed from a flexible wire that can be plastically deformed, and includes a member (including those whose surfaces are plated or coated with resin, etc.) that engages with an object by deformation. Staples are also sometimes called wires, clips, wires, binding devices, etc.

[0010] The staple may have any shape including two legs and a connecting portion (sometimes called a crown portion) connecting the two legs. The two legs may be formed as parallel line segments, non-parallel line segments, curved lines, or a combination thereof. The crown portion may be formed linearly or curved. For example, the staple may have an asymmetric shape, as exemplified in this embodiment.

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

[0012] The top view refers to a viewpoint seen from a direction perpendicular to a plane passing through the first leg, the second leg and the main body of the staple before binding, and may also be called a plan view.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a strapping machine that allows for relatively easy removal of staples after strapping.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a plan view (top view) showing staples before deformation to be bound by a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing staples after deformation to be bound by a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clincher unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 7A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 8A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 9A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 12A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 12B is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 13A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 14A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 14C is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 15A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 16A is a top view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 16C is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a binding machine according to one embodiment. Figures 18, 19A, 19B are cross-sectional and side views of a portion of a strapping machine according to an embodiment.Figure 19C is a side view of a portion of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 19D is a top view of a portion of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 20A is a top view of a portion of a clincher unit according to one embodiment. Figure 20B is a perspective view of a portion of a clincher unit according to one embodiment. Figure 20C is a perspective view of a portion of a clincher unit according to one embodiment. Figure 21A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a clincher unit according to one embodiment. Figure 21B is a perspective view of a portion of a clincher unit according to one embodiment. Figure 22 is a perspective view of an upper cover unit according to one embodiment. Figure 23 is a side view of a portion of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 24 is a side view of a portion of a strapping machine according to one embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to only these embodiments.

[0016] [Configuration of Staple S] First, the configuration of the staple S according to this embodiment will be described. The staple S is made of a wire material having plasticity that allows for plastic deformation. The staple S may also be called a wire or a clip. The staple S includes, for example, a metal wire material or a metal wire (including those whose surfaces are plated or coated with resin or the like).

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

[0018] First, the configuration of the staple S before binding will be described. This staple S has a first leg S1, a second leg S2, and a main body S3 connecting the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. Before binding, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the staple S are spaced apart, so that an opening is provided between the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. In this embodiment, the direction from the main body S3, which is the closed portion, toward the opening (to the left in the plane of the paper in FIG. 1A ) may be referred to as the opening direction DR1 (of the staple S). Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the staple S (for example, the opening direction DR1 in the case of the second leg S2 of the staple S in this embodiment) and perpendicular to the stacking direction, which will be described later, may be referred to as the side direction (of that portion of the staple S), and the surface of the staple S facing the side direction may be referred to as the side of the staple S. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the side direction and in which a plurality of staples S are connected is called a stacking direction or a connecting direction, and in particular, the front direction perpendicular to the paper surface in Fig. 1A may be called the upper stacking direction (of the staples S), and the depth direction perpendicular to the paper surface in Fig. 1A may be called the lower stacking direction. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the opening direction DR1 of the staples S coincides with the forward direction X1 which is the moving direction of the staples S set in the binding machine 100.

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

[0020] 1B, which shows the state after deformation, the hook portion S24 corresponding to the tip of the second leg portion S2 is engaged by bending the second leg portion S2 in a direction approaching the first object G by the binding machine 100 described below and hooking it onto the first object G. At this time, the opening that was provided between the two legs in the state before deformation is closed in top view, making it possible to surround the second object P using the staple S.

[0021] When the hook portion S24 engages with the first object G, the third portion S23 exerts an elastic force in a direction that widens the opening and returns to its original position. This allows the hook portion S24 to apply tension to the first object G in the direction that widens the opening, i.e., in the direction that moves the hook portion S24 away from the first leg portion S1 and returns to its original position. This makes it possible to prevent the first object G from bending and causing the staple S to come undone from enclosing the second object P.

[0022] [Structure of Binding Machine] An example of the structure of a binding machine 100 for bending the staple S shown in Fig. 1A as shown in Fig. 1B will be described below. However, the binding machine may have other known structures.

[0023] With the exception of some configurations being inverted left to right (i.e., the first displacement section and second displacement section of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 3, etc. being inverted left to right), the basic configuration of the binding machine disclosed in the above patent documents, etc. is the same as that of the binding machine 100 of this embodiment, and therefore each configuration of the binding machine 100 will be described by appropriately omitting or simplifying it to the extent that a person skilled in the art can implement it based on the above patent documents, the description of this specification, and the state of the art at the time of filing this application.

[0024] 4 (described later), the left side of the paper surface is referred to as the forward direction X1, and the opposite right side of the paper surface is referred to as the rearward direction X2, and both directions may be collectively referred to as the forward and rearward direction X. As described above, the forward direction X1 corresponds to the direction in which the staples S at the upper ends of the connected staples supported by the magazine 140 move after separating from the other staples S, and also coincides with the opening direction DR1 of the staples S (FIG. 1A).

[0025] 4 is referred to as the upward direction Z1, and the opposite downward direction Z2, and both directions may be collectively referred to as the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the vertical direction Z corresponds to the extension direction of the magazine 140 and also coincides with the connecting direction (stacking direction) of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 140. Furthermore, the forward direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the same figure is referred to as the leftward direction Y1, and the opposite depth direction perpendicular to the paper surface is referred to as the rightward direction Y2, and both directions may be collectively referred to as the leftward direction Y. Furthermore, a top view (bottom view) refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 100, etc. is viewed from an upper Z1 (lower Z2) position toward a lower Z2 (upper Z1), a front view (rear view) refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 100, etc. is viewed from a forward X1 (rear X2) position toward a rear X2 (forward X1), and a left side view (right side view) refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 100, etc. is viewed from the left Y1 toward the right Y2 (from the right Y2 toward the left Y1).

[0026] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the binding machine 100 as seen from above Z1. Fig. 3 is a top view of the binding machine 100 as seen from above Z1 (top view of the binding machine 100), and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine 100 cut along an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the left-right direction Y and passes through the center of the binding machine 100 in the left-right direction Y.

[0027] 2 and other drawings, the binding machine 100 includes a grip 120 that extends vertically so as to be grasped by a user and that is provided with a switch for driving the binding machine 100, a magazine 140 that is configured to support (hold) a plurality of staples S that are stacked and connected vertically (sometimes referred to as "connected staples S"), and a binding unit that is configured to bind two objects, a first object G and a second object P, using one staple S. Here, the portion of the binding machine 100 that includes the grip 120 and the binding unit, excluding the detachably provided magazine 140, may be referred to as a main body 150. The binding machine 100 further includes a magazine attachment unit 160 that is configured to detachably attach the magazine 140 to the main body 150.

[0028] [Structure of Binding Section] An example of the structure of the binding section of the binding machine 100 for bending the staple S shown in Fig. 1A to Fig. 1B will be described below. However, other known structures may be adopted as means for deforming the staple.

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

[0030] The first displacement unit 200 is provided in front of the first leg S1 and has a hole with an inner wall surface including a cylindrical surface. With the first object G inserted on the central axis of this cylindrical surface, the binding machine 100 causes the tip S1P of the first leg S1 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 142, to abut (collide) against the inner wall surface, thereby deforming the tip ST into a spiral shape so as to surround the first object G, thereby engaging the tip ST with the first object G. Meanwhile, the second displacement unit 300 has a wall provided in front of the second leg S2. In the binding machine 100, with the first leg S1, the second leg S2, and the main body S3 of the staple S surrounding the second object P, the driver 142 causes the second leg S2 of the staple S to abut (collide) against a wall surface, bending the hook portion S24 of the second leg S2 so that it engages with the first object G, thereby engaging the hook portion S24 with the first object G. The binding machine 100 is configured to be able to bind the first object G and the second object P by engaging both ends of the staple S with the first object G with the staple S surrounding the second object P.

[0031] Specifically, the binding machine 100 includes a driver 142 that separates the staple S located at the top end from the other staples S by pushing the staple S located at the top end forward X1, which coincides with the opening direction DR1, and moves the staple S located at the top end forward X1, a moving mechanism for moving the driver 142, a first displacement unit 200 (sometimes referred to as a "clincher unit") for bending the first leg S1 of the staple S and deforming it into a spiral shape, and a second displacement unit 300 for deforming the second leg S2 of the staple S by bending or bending it.

[0032] [Driver and Driver Movement Mechanism] As described in Patent Document 3 and other documents, the binding machine 100 is configured to move the nut component 152 and the driver 142 fixed thereto forward or backward by rotating a ball screw 180, which is installed extending in the front-to-rear direction approximately through the center of the binding machine 100, in a forward or reverse direction using a built-in motor 154. Because the nut component 152 and the driver 142 are configured to be movable forward X1 and backward X2, they are sometimes referred to as moving units. The binding machine 100 further includes a reducer connected to the output shaft of the motor 154 and a printed circuit board on which a CPU corresponding to a control device for the motor 154 is mounted.

[0033] The driver 142 is configured to be able to move forward X1 by moving forward X1 to separate the uppermost staple S of the plurality of staples S held in the magazine 140 and stacked in the vertical direction from the other staples S while maintaining a front-to-back relationship in which the opening of the staple S is in the front and the main body S3 is in the rear. The driver 142 is configured to move the separated staple S further forward X1 to bring the first leg S1 into contact with the first displacement portion 200, thereby plastically deforming the first leg S1, and bring the second leg S2 into contact with a guide wall included in the second displacement portion 300, thereby plastically deforming the second leg S2.

[0034] [First displacement section] The first displacement section 200 (an example of a "displacement section") has the function of displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S, which is moved forward X1 by the driver 142, into a spiral shape to surround the first object G, thereby enabling it to engage with the first object G.

[0035] The first displacement portion 200 according to the present embodiment includes a hole having a cylindrical inner wall surface formed therein, into which the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 of the first leg S1 of the staple S is inserted as the staple S is advanced by the driver 142, causing the tip ST of the first leg S1 to advance downward Z2 (downward in the stacking direction) while curving in an arc or spiral, and a groove portion for guiding the tip of the first leg S1 into the hole. The hole is provided in the front X1 of the first leg S1 such that the axial direction of the cylindrical surface is parallel to the up-down direction Z. Therefore, as the staple S advances, the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the hole, and the tip ST can be displaced so that it advances in a spiral shape in accordance with the shape of the inner wall surface. In addition, in order to encourage the tip ST to move downward Z2, the binding machine 100 may be provided with a lid that closes the top of the hole (the top surface of the cylinder), and the lid may further be formed with a tapered surface that slopes downward Z2 along the circumferential direction to encourage the tip S1P to move downward Z2.

[0036] According to this configuration, when the first object G, such as a guide string, is positioned so as to extend vertically along the central axis of the hole, and the tip S1P of the first leg S1 is inserted into the hole, the tip S1P advances in a spiral along the cylindrical inner wall surface of the hole, so that the tip ST is deformed in a spiral shape around the first object G, making it possible to engage the tip ST with the first object G. In this embodiment, the hole described here is realized by the clincher portion 210, which will be described later.

[0037] [Second Displacement Section] The second displacement section 300 (an example of a "displacement section") has a function of displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S moved forward X1 by the driver 142 so that the second leg S2 can engage with the first object G. Since a person skilled in the art could easily implement this based on the state of the art at the time of filing, including Patent Document 3 and the like, detailed description will be omitted. However, the second displacement section 300 according to this embodiment is configured to displace the second leg S2 inward of the staple S as the driver 142 moves forward X1. Specifically, the second displacement section 300 has a first guide wall that is provided on the outside of the second leg S2 in the initial state before the staple S starts to be displaced, and that is adapted to bend the second leg S2 by contacting the second leg S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1 (forward X1). This first guide wall has a recess that is recessed outward of the staple S.

[0038] Furthermore, the second displacement portion 300 includes a second guide wall that is provided in front of the second leg S2 (X1) in the initial state before the staple S starts to be displaced, and that bends the second leg S2 when the second leg S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1 abuts against the second guide wall. The second guide wall has a wall surface facing the rear X2, and further has a convex portion that protrudes toward the rear X2. The convex portion is provided in front of the second leg S2 in the front-rear direction and inward of the second leg S2 in the left-right direction in the initial state, and is provided at an inner end of the second guide wall so that the amount of protrusion toward the rear X2 increases as the convex portion advances inward.

[0039] With this configuration, the second leg S2 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 142, can be brought into contact (collided) with the inner wall surfaces of the first guide wall and the second guide wall, thereby bending the third part S23 of the second leg S2 so that it curves greatly, and therefore the hook part S24 can be displaced in a direction approaching the first object G and hooked onto the first object G.

[0040] As described above, of the staple S advanced by the driver 142, the first leg S1 is deformed spirally by the first displacement portion 200 and engages with the first object G, and the hook portion S24 of the second leg S2 is hooked onto and engaged with the first object G by the second displacement portion 300, making it possible to bind the first object G and the second object P together.

[0041] The binding machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below, focusing on the first displacement unit 200.

[0042] The binding machine 100 according to this embodiment includes a separating unit (separating unit 220, described later) that separates the leg (first leg S1) of the staple S from the clincher unit 210. That is, the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment includes the first leg S1, the second leg S2, and a main body S3 that connects the first leg S1 and the second leg S2, and binds an object G (first object G) to be bound using a staple that opens in the forward direction X1, and includes the clincher unit 210 that deforms the first leg S1 of the staple S to surround the object G to be bound, and the separating unit 220 that separates the first leg S1 deformed by the clincher unit 210 from the clincher unit 210.

[0043] With the above-described configuration, the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment can relatively easily remove the staple S from the binding machine 100 after binding the objects to be bound, as will be described below. That is, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the separating unit 220 is configured to separate the deformed first leg S1 from the clincher unit 210 after the clincher unit 210 has deformed the first leg S1 to complete binding of the objects to be bound G (first objects to be bound G). Therefore, the deformed staple S can be relatively easily discharged from the binding machine 100 after binding is completed.

[0044] In the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, after binding objects with staples, the staples and the objects to be bound may not be easily removed from the binding machine. For example, in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, the legs of the staples are deformed into a spiral shape, and the spirally deformed legs of the staples are pushed upward by a pusher or the like, and the staples are discharged from the binding machine. At this time, if the spiral shape cannot be stably formed, for example, it is thought that there is a possibility that a part of the pusher, which moves the staples toward the upper part of the binding machine after binding is completed, will be pinched by the spiral shape of the staple, making it impossible to remove the staples.

[0045] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the separating unit 220 separates the first leg S1, which has been deformed into a spiral shape or the like, from the clincher unit 210. Therefore, for example, the staple S including the deformed first leg S1 can be ejected from the space formed by the separating unit 220 between the first leg S1 and the clincher unit 210. Furthermore, for example, since the staple S can be ejected without using a push-out member, it is also possible to prevent a part of the push-out member from being pinched by the spiral shape formed in the first leg S1 as described above.

[0046] The binding machine 100 according to this embodiment is configured to bind the first object G by, for example, deforming the first leg S1 of the staple S into a spiral shape using the clincher unit 210. At this time, a groove (groove 212, described below) is provided in the portion of the clincher unit 210 with which the first leg S1 abuts, for example, so that the first leg S1 can be stably deformed into a spiral shape. In binding machines such as the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, for example, the tip of the first leg of the staple that is being deformed into a spiral shape may come into contact with another portion of the first leg (e.g., a part of the straight portion), making it impossible to form a spiral shape. It is also conceivable that the tip may deviate from the desired spiral path.

[0047] The first leg S1 is biased forward X1 by the driver while abutting against the groove 212 of the clincher portion 210, and is thereby deformed along the groove 212 to form a spiral shape. This reduces the possibility that the tip of the staple will come into contact with other parts of the staple, preventing the formation of a spiral shape, or that the tip will deviate from the desired spiral path, as described above. However, at this time, the spiral portion of the first leg S1 may become engaged with the groove 212, making it difficult to eject the staple S after binding with the staple S. For example, if the spiral portion of the first leg S1 is engaged with the groove 212 of the clincher portion 210 in the front-to-rear direction X immediately after binding, it may become difficult to eject the first leg S1 in the up-and-down direction Z from the clincher portion 210. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the first leg S1 and the clincher 210 are separated by the separating unit 220 after binding is completed, thereby disengaging the spiral portion of the first leg S1 from the groove 212 of the clincher 210. This allows the staple S to be ejected from the binding machine 100 relatively easily.

[0048] As will be described later, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the helical shape of the first leg S1 can be stably formed by providing a groove 212 in the clincher unit 210 and deforming the first leg S1 into a spiral shape along the groove 212. At this time, by separating the spiral portion of the first leg S1 from the groove 212 of the clincher unit 210, the staple S can be easily discharged while the helical shape of the first leg S1 is stably formed.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the clincher portion 210. As shown in Fig. 5, the clincher portion 210 has a groove 212. The groove 212 is configured to deform the first leg S1 of the staple S.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5 , the groove 212 is formed on a surface of the clincher portion 210 extending in the up-down direction Z (the curved surface 210s in FIG. 5 ) along the curved surface 210s so as to be oblique with respect to the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z. That is, the groove 212 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the up-down direction (Z direction). Therefore, when the first leg S1 abuts against the clincher portion 210 while being biased forward X1, the tip S1P ( FIG. 1A ) of the first leg S1 moves along the groove 212. As the tip S1P moves along the groove 212, the first leg S1 moves counterclockwise in a top view (from the right to the left on the paper in FIG. 5 ) and obliquely from top to bottom in a cross-sectional view (from the upper right to the lower left in FIG. 5 ). That is, because the groove 212 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the up-down direction (Z direction), the tip S1P of the first leg S1 is deformed into a spiral shape by being pressed while abutting against the inclined inner surface of the groove 212. As a result, the first leg S1 is deformed into a spiral shape. Furthermore, by using the clincher part 210 provided with the groove 212, the spacing (pitch) of the spiral shape can also be stabilized.

[0051] 5, the groove 212 has a first displacement guide portion 212a and a second displacement guide portion 212b. That is, in this embodiment, the groove 212 has the first displacement guide portion 212a that guides the horizontal displacement of the first leg S1 and the second displacement guide portion 212b that guides the up-down displacement of the first leg S1, and the second displacement guide portion 212b is configured to be able to guide the first leg S1 while deforming it so that the multiple periodic structures that make up the spiral shape of the first leg S1 are misaligned with each other in the up-down direction Z.

[0052] 5, the first displacement guide portion 212a is a portion of the groove portion 212 that is parallel to the curved surface 210s, and the second displacement guide portion 212b is a portion of the first displacement guide portion 212a in the up-down direction Z in the groove portion 212. The second displacement guide portion 212b includes an upper second displacement guide portion 212b1 and a lower second displacement guide portion 212b2 that are provided on the upper direction Z1 and the lower direction Z2 of the first displacement guide portion 212a, respectively.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first displacement guide portion 212a is provided so as to be positioned opposite the tip S1P of the first leg S1 when deformation of the first leg S1 is initiated by the clincher portion 210. This makes it possible for deformation of the first leg S1 by the clincher portion 210 to be initiated along the groove portion 212. In this embodiment, the tip S1P of the first leg S1 is configured to face a position shifted in either the left-right direction (Y direction) from the center of the groove portion 212 (near the center in the left-right direction (Y direction)). Furthermore, when the staple S moves forward (in the X1 direction) relative to the clincher portion 210 and the first leg S1 abuts at a position shifted in either the left-right direction from the center of the groove portion 212, and the staple S further moves forward, the first leg S1 is guided by the groove portion 212 to form a spiral shape.

[0054] In this way, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the clincher unit 210 may be configured to be positioned opposite the tip S1P of the leg (first leg S1) of the staple S, and to bind the objects G by bringing the clincher unit 210 and the first leg S1 close to each other and pressing them together. That is, in this embodiment, the clincher unit 210 may be configured to be positioned opposite the tip S1P of the first leg S1 of the staple S, and to bind the objects G by bringing the tip S1P of the first leg S1 close to the clincher unit 210 and pressing the first leg S1 of the staple S against the clincher unit 210 to deform the first leg S1.

[0055] Furthermore, the spacing portion 220 causes the first leg S1 of the staple S after displacement to recede to a position where it does not interfere with the second displacement guide portion 212b2 of the clincher portion 210 in a top view. That is, in this embodiment, the spacing portion 220 is configured to move the first leg S1 to a position where it does not interfere with the second displacement guide portion 212b2 in a top view (as viewed from above Z1) after the first leg S1 is deformed by the clincher portion 210. This causes the engagement of the first leg S1 with the clincher portion 210 to be released, as will be described later, so that the staple S can be put into a state where it can be easily discharged in, for example, the up-and-down direction Z.

[0056] 5, the clincher 210 has a hole 210h that penetrates the clincher 210 in the horizontal direction (for example, the front-rear direction X). The clincher 210 is fixed to the binding machine 100 by inserting a screw 290 (see FIG. 3) into the hole 210h.

[0057] In this embodiment, the clincher unit 210 may be detachable from the binding machine 100. For example, when the clincher unit 210 wears out due to repeated binding operations, it can be replaced. Note that the clincher unit 210 may be configured to be detachable from above (Z1 direction) or below (Z2 direction), for example.

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 6 to 18, the configuration of the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, in which the first displacement unit 200 binds the objects to be bound using the first leg S1 of the staple S, will be described in further detail.

[0059] FIG. 6 is an enlarged top view showing a portion of the front X1 of the binding machine 100. Note that FIG. 6 shows a state before the staples S are loaded. As shown in FIG. 6, the first displacement section 200 is provided with a holder section 222 in addition to the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. In this embodiment, the holder section 222 functions as the separation section 220. The holder section 222 is configured to be movable in the front X1 and rear X2 directions in the binding machine 100. In this embodiment, the holder section 222 is configured to be movable in conjunction with the driver 142. Therefore, by rotating the ball screw 180 in the forward or reverse direction, the holder section 222 is configured to be movable in the front X1 and rear X2 directions.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the spacing portion 220 may separate the first leg S1 of the staple S from the clincher portion 210 by the holder portion 222 moving the staple S. That is, in the present embodiment, the spacing portion 220 may have a holder portion 222 that engages with the staple S from the opening direction DR1 (forward X1) of the staple S, and may be configured to separate the first leg S1 from the clincher portion 210 by moving the holder portion 222 backward X2.

[0061] 7A to 9C are diagrams illustrating the operation of separating the staple S from the clincher portion 210 by the holder portion 222 in this embodiment. FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A are top views of the binding machine 100, and FIGS. 7B, 8B, and 9B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the binding machine 100. FIG. 7C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the front of the binding machine 100. FIG. 8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the front of the binding machine 100. Also, FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show a state in which the binding machine 100 is binding objects G, FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show a state after the binding machine 100 has completed binding the objects G, and FIGS. 9A and 9B show a state in which the binding machine 100 can further discharge the staple S after completing binding the objects G.

[0062] 7A, 7B, and 7C, the holder portion 222 has a first holding portion 222a provided on the front X1 side and a second holding portion 222b provided on the right Y2 side. During binding of the object G by the binding machine 100, the holder portion 222 supports the crank portion S11 of the staple S from the inside (front X1) of the staple S by the first holding portion 222a, and also supports the crank portion S11 from the inside (right Y2) of the staple S by the second holding portion 222b. Therefore, the surface of the first holding portion 222a facing the rear X2 abuts against the front surface of the crank portion S11 and supports the crank portion S11. In addition, the rear surface of the crank portion S11 abuts against a flat surface facing the front X1 of the driver 142, making it possible to clamp and support the crank portion S11 of the staple S from the outside and inside (from the front-to-back direction) of the staple S.

[0063] On the other hand, the surface of the second holding portion 222b facing outward (to the left Y1) abuts against the inner surface of the main body portion S3 of the staple S to support the main body portion S3. Since the outer surface of the main body portion S3 abuts against the curved surface of the driver 142, it becomes possible to support the main body portion S3 by sandwiching it from the outside and the inside of the staple S. In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, it becomes possible to support the staple S from the top and bottom directions by the ceiling surface of the driver 142, etc. Therefore, it becomes possible to support the staple S from four directions, namely, top, bottom, left and right. Therefore, it becomes possible to advance the staple S while maintaining the shapes of the curved main body portion S3 and the crank portion S11 which easily bends when bent.

[0064] The holder portion 222 may be entirely or at least partially composed of a biasing member. For example, by configuring the holder portion 222 from an elastic member and biasing it rearward, the first holding portion 222a can be pressed against the front surface of the crank portion S11 to support it. The holder portion 222 may include only either the first holding portion 222a or the second holding portion 222b. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the holder portion 222 is formed of a metal member held in a cantilevered beam shape, and thus may be configured to be elastically deformable. Only the rear X2 end of the holder portion 222 may be fixed to the driver 142, and the front X1 end may not be fixed to any member. In this case, the holder portion 222 is configured to be movable, for example, in the vertical direction Z, around the fixed end.

[0065] 8A, 8B, and 8C, after bundling is completed by the bundling machine 100, the holder portion 222 moves rearward X2 while holding the crank portion S11 of the staple S. As a result, as shown in Fig. 8A, the first leg portion S1 of the staple S moves away from the clincher portion 210. Therefore, as the holder portion 222 moves rearward X2, the engagement between the first leg portion S1 and the clincher portion 210 is released.

[0066] 8B and 8C , as the holder portion 222 moves rearward X2, it abuts against the timing plate 228 (also referred to as the "release portion" in this embodiment) located rearward X2 of the holder portion 222 in the state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B . Also, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C , at this time, a rear inclined surface 222r2 formed on the lower Z2 and rearward X2 side of the holder portion 222 abuts against a front inclined surface 228r1 formed on the upper Z1 and front X1 side of the timing plate 228. With the rear inclined surface 222r2 of the holder portion 222 abutting against the front inclined surface 228r1 of the timing plate 228, the holder portion 222 moves further rearward X2, whereby the holder portion 222 moves upward Z1 along the front inclined surface 228r1. Thereafter, the holder portion 222 is further moved rearward X2, whereby the holder portion 222 is disengaged from the crank portion S11. In this manner, in the present embodiment, the holder portion 222 disengages from the staple S after moving rearward X2 a predetermined distance while still engaged with the staple S.

[0067] In the present embodiment, as described above, the timing plate 228 functioning as a releasing portion is configured to release the engagement of the holder portion 222 with the staples S by retracting the holder portion 222 upward Z1, but the releasing portion may be configured to release the engagement of the holder portion 222 with the staples S by retracting the holder portion 222 downward Z2. In other words, the binding machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a releasing portion (timing plate 228) that releases the engagement of the holder portion 222 with the staples S, and the releasing portion (timing plate 228) may release the engagement of the holder portion 222 with the staples S by retracting the holder portion 222 upward Z1 or downward Z2.

[0068] 9A and 9B, from the state described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the driver 142 moves rearward X2, causing the holder portion 222 to move further rearward X2, disengaging not only the crank portion S11 of the staple S that had been held by the holder portion 222, but also the main body portion S3 that had been urged forward X1 by the driver 142 to engage. Although not shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, at this time, binding of the second leg portion S2 by the second displacement portion 300, which will be described later, has also been completed, and the second leg portion S2 has also been disengaged from any of the components of the binding machine 100. In this way, the staple S becomes ready to be discharged from the binding machine 100.

[0069] 9B, at this time, holder portion 222 has moved further rearward X2 from timing plate 228. By further moving rearward X2 from the state shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, holder portion 222 moves rearward X2 while front inclined surface 222r1 of holder portion 222 abuts rearward inclined surface 228r2 of timing plate 228, and is moved downward Z2 along rearward inclined surface 228r2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9B, holder portion 222 returns to approximately the same height in the up-down direction Z as in the state shown in FIG. 7B.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the binding machine 100 after the binding machine 100 has completed binding. Fig. 10 also shows the object G bound with the staple S. As shown in Fig. 10, the holder portion 222 is retracted to the rear X2. That is, in the state shown in Fig. 10, the staple S is bound to the first object G by the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 and can be discharged.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the holder portion 222 supports the crank portion S11 of the staple S during the binding operation, and after binding is completed, the engagement between the first leg portion S1 and the clincher portion 210 is released, thereby making the staple S ready to be discharged.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first leg S1 and the clincher 210 may be separated by moving the clincher 210 in the forward direction X1. FIG. 11 is a top view of the binding machine 100A in this case. As shown in FIG. 11 , the binding machine 100A has a first link 229a and a second link 229b. One end (the end in the rear X2 direction) of the first link 229a is coupled to the driver 142, and the other end (the end in the front X1 direction) is coupled to the second link 229b. One end of the second link 229b is coupled to the first link 229a, and the other end is coupled to the clincher 210. With this configuration, the clincher 210 is movable in the forward and backward directions X via the first link 229a and the second link 229b in conjunction with the operation of the driver 142.

[0073] Fig. 12A is a top view showing a state during bundling using staples S by bundling machine 100A. Fig. 12B is a top view showing a state after bundling by bundling machine 100A is completed. As shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, the first leg S1 and the clincher portion 210, which are engaged with each other during bundling, are separated after bundling is completed by moving the clincher portion 210 forward X1 relative to the first leg S1 by the first link 229a and the second link 229b. This allows the staple S to be discharged, as shown in Fig. 12B.

[0074] 13A to 18 , other configurations for separating the first leg S1 and the clincher unit 210 in this embodiment will be described. As described below, the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment may include a string guide unit 224 (binding object guide unit 224). That is, in the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the separating unit 220 may include a binding object guide unit 224 that holds the binding object G (first binding object G) at the binding position while binding the binding object G with the staples S, and may be configured to separate the first leg S1 and the clincher unit 210 by moving the binding object guide unit 224 rearward X2.

[0075] 13A to 16D are diagrams illustrating the operation of separating the staple S from the clincher unit 210 by the binding target guide unit 224 in this embodiment. FIGS. 13A, 14A, 15A, and 16A are enlarged top views showing the vicinity of the first displacement unit 200 of the binding machine 100B, and FIGS. 13B, 14B, 15B, 16B, 13C, 14C, 15C, and 16C are enlarged perspective views showing the vicinity of the first displacement unit 200 of the binding machine 100B. FIGS. 13B, 14B, 15B, and 16B show a state in which a portion of the staple guide unit 230 (described later) is covered from the outside by a cover member 292. FIGS. 13C, 14C, 15C, and 16C show a state in which the cover member 292 is removed. 15D and 16D are enlarged cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the first displacement portion 200 of the binding machine 100B. Also, FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show the state immediately after the binding machine 100B has completed binding of the previous object G, discharged the staples S, and engaged the next object G to be bound. FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C show the state immediately before the binding machine 100B starts binding the object G. FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D show the state immediately after the binding machine 100B has completed binding the object G. FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D show the state immediately after the binding machine 100B has completed binding the object G. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D show a state in which the staples S can be discharged after the binding machine 100B has completed binding of the objects G to be bound.

[0076] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the binding machine 100B has a string guide section 224 that functions as a spacing section 220, and the string guide section 224 has a string holding section 224a (binding object holding section 224a) and a guide section 224b.

[0077] The string holding portion 224a (binding object holding portion 224a) is provided on the string guide portion 224 in the forward direction X1. The binding object holding portion 224a is configured to restrict movement of the binding object G held at the binding position by the binding object guide portion 224. The binding object holding portion 224a restricts movement of the binding object G, for example, toward the forward direction X1, during a binding operation using the binding machine 100B, thereby restricting movement of the binding object G so that the binding object G is positioned near the central axis of the spiral shape formed by the first leg portion S1. This makes it possible to suppress damage, for example, to the binding object G that may occur due to contact with the first leg portion S1 during the binding operation.

[0078] The guide portion 224b is provided at the rear X2 of the string guide portion 224. The guide portion 224b is configured to guide the binding object G to the binding position. The guide portion 224b includes a first guide surface 224b1, a second guide surface 224b2, and a third guide surface 224b3. The first guide surface 224b1, the second guide surface 224b2, and the third guide surface 224b3 are provided so as to be connected to one another in this order from the binding object insertion opening 224s of the binding object guide portion 224 to the innermost binding position 224t of the binding object guide portion 224. Therefore, the binding object G inserted into the binding object guide section 224 through the binding object insertion port 224s is moved along the first guide surface 224b1, the second guide surface 224b2, and the third guide surface 224b3 by the guide section 224b having the first guide surface 224b1, the second guide surface 224b2, and the third guide surface 224b3, and is guided to the binding position 224t.

[0079] In the binding machine 100B, the clincher unit 210 is disposed below the string guide unit 224 at Z2.

[0080] 13C, the binding machine 100B also includes a staple guide unit 230. The staple guide unit 230 is configured to guide the staples S while the first leg unit S1 binds the object to be bound G. The staple guide unit 230 has an oval hole 230c when viewed from the right side Y2, and the staple guide position restricting members 190a and 190b engage with the hole 230c to thereby engage with the main body unit 150. The staple guide unit 230 is also configured to operate in conjunction with the driver 142, and is moved forward X1 and backward X2 as the driver moves the staple guide in the front-to-rear direction X by engaging the hole 230c with the staple guide position restricting members 190a and 190b.

[0081] 14A , 14B, and 14C , immediately before the binding operation of the binding object G using the first leg S1 by the binding machine 100B is started, the staple guide portion 230 is moved obliquely upward (upward Z1 and forward X1) from the state shown in FIGS. 13A , 13B, and 13C . At this time, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C , the staple guide portion 230 may be configured to be moved until its upper surface (upward Z1 surface) abuts against the lower surface (lower Z2 surface) of the binding object guide portion 224. The staple guide portion 230 is configured to restrict movement of the staple S to the right Y2 during the binding operation, thereby guiding the movement of the staple S in the left-right direction Y during the binding operation. Therefore, the staple guide portion 230 is moved until its upper surface abuts the lower surface of the binding object guide portion 224, for example, before the binding operation is started, thereby preventing the staple S from being biased by the clincher portion 210, etc., during the binding operation and from moving to the right Y2.

[0082] 13A to 14C, the binding machine 100B may further include a binding object regulating section 226 (string regulating section 226) in front of the string guide section 224 (binding object guide section 224) in the front-rear direction X1. The binding object regulating section 226 is configured to be movable, for example, in the front-rear direction. For example, the binding object regulating section 226 moves from the front X1 to the rear X2 during the transition from the state shown in FIG. 13A to the state shown in FIG. 14A.

[0083] 13A , the object restriction portion 226 retracts to the front X1 when the object G is engaged with the object guide portion 224. Then, immediately before the start of binding as shown in FIG. 14A , the object restriction portion 226 moves to the rear X2 so that a part of the object restriction portion 226 (the rear X2 end portion 226e) is positioned in the Y2 direction of the object G. Therefore, the object G can be bound while the object restriction portion 226 restricts movement of the object G in the Y2 direction. In the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the object restriction portion 226 restricts movement of the object G in this manner, and thus can function as the object holding portion of this embodiment, similar to the object holding portion 224a.

[0084] Immediately after the binding machine 100B has completed binding of the objects G using the first leg portion S1, as shown in Figures 15A, 15B, and 15C, the upper surface of the staple guide portion 230 is in contact with the lower surface of the object guide portion 224, similar to the state described above with reference to Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C. At this time, the first leg portion S1 has been deformed to form a spiral shape with the object G as its central axis, and the second leg portion S2 has been deformed by the above-mentioned second displacement portion 300, and the hook portion S24 is engaged with the object G. Also, as shown in Figure 15D, in this state, a portion of the spiral shape formed by the first leg portion S1 overlaps with and engages with the clincher portion 210 in a top view.

[0085] After the binding machine 100B has completed binding the objects G using the first leg S1, as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, the binding object guide 224 is moved rearward X2 from the state described above with reference to FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C. The binding object guide 224 is moved rearward X2, for example, in conjunction with the driver 142. As the binding object guide 224 is moved rearward X2, the first leg S1 and the clincher 210, which were engaged with each other in the state shown in FIG. 15D, are separated from each other, as can be seen from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16D. In this way, in the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the binding object guide 224 functions as the separating unit 220.

[0086] In the binding machine 100B, the first leg S1 and the clincher unit 210 can be separated from each other by moving the binding object guide unit 224 backward X2 and moving the binding object G, such as a guide string, backward X2. In the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, this configuration allows the staple S to be easily removed from the clincher unit 210 by separating it from the clincher unit 210, even in an abnormality, such as when the first leg S1 does not form a spiral shape along the groove 212 of the clincher unit 210 during a binding operation. Furthermore, even when no abnormality occurs, the binding machine 100B's configuration allows the staple S to be easily discharged from the clincher unit. For example, the staple S can be relatively easily discharged from the binding machine 100B without the push-out member used in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3.

[0087] When binding is performed by deforming the first leg S1 of the staple S into a spiral shape with the binding object G as the central axis, if the clincher 210 is provided with a groove 212 so as to stably deform the first leg S1 into a spiral shape, the first leg S1 engages with the groove 212 of the clincher 210 during the binding operation. The groove 212 has second displacement guide portions 212b1 and 212b2 in the upper and lower directions, respectively, and therefore it may be difficult to eject the first leg S1 engaged with the groove 212 in the upper and lower direction Z during the binding operation. As with binding machine 100, in binding machine 100B, as the first leg S1 and the clincher portion 210 separate after binding is completed, the binding object guide portion 224 can be moved rearward X2 to a position where the engagement between the first leg S1 and the clincher portion 210 is released, thereby making it possible to relatively easily eject the staple S.

[0088] 16A, 16B, and 16C, the staple guide portion 230 is moved rearward X2 from the state immediately after completion of binding described above with reference to FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C. The staple guide portion 230 is configured to move in conjunction with the binding object guide portion 224, and is moved rearward X2 in conjunction with the movement of the binding object guide portion 224 rearward X2. Note that the staple guide portion 230 is moved in oblique directions with respect to the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z (from the lower left to the upper right and from the upper right to the lower left on the plane of the drawing in FIG. 16C) relative to the main body portion 150 by engaging the holes 230c with the staple guide position restricting members 190a and 190b. With this configuration, the staple guide portion 230 transitions from the state shown in Fig. 15C to the state shown in Fig. 16C in conjunction with the movement of the binding object guide portion 224 toward the rear X2, and moves downward (diagonally from the upper right to the lower left of the page in Fig. 16C), thereby exposing the first leg S1 of the staple S. At this time, the first leg S1 is exposed to the right (Y2) as shown in Fig. 16C.

[0089] 16B and 16C, the straight portion S12 (FIG. 1A) of the first leg S1, which is located to the left Y1 of the staple guide portion 230 in the state shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C and whose movement in the left-right direction Y is restricted by the staple guide portion 230, becomes exposed to the right Y2 as the staple guide portion 230 moves downward. With this configuration, in the binding machine 100B, the staples S can be relatively easily discharged to the right Y2 after binding is completed. As shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, for example, the staples S can be discharged together with the binding object G by moving the binding object G from the binding position 224t of the binding object guide portion 224 toward the binding object insertion opening 224s along the guide portion 224b.

[0090] As described above, the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment has a first leg S1, a second leg S2, and a main body S3 connecting the first leg S1 and the second leg S2, and binds an object to be bound (first object G) by surrounding it with the first leg S1 using a staple S that opens forward X1. The binding machine 100B includes a clincher unit 210, a staple pressing unit (driver 142), a staple guide unit 230, and a guide moving unit 240. The clincher unit 210 is configured to deform the first leg S1 of the staple S when pressed against it. The staple pressing unit (driver 142) is configured to press the first leg S1 against the clincher unit 210. The staple guide unit 230 is configured to guide the staple S while the first leg S1 is being deformed. The guide moving portion 240 is configured to move the staple guide portion 230 to a guide release position where the guiding of the staples S by the staple guide portion 230 is released after the first leg portion S1 is deformed.

[0091] 15A to 15D and 16A to 16D, etc., the staple guide portion 230 is configured to expose the right side Y2 of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S by moving downward after the binding operation of the object to be bound G is completed, thereby releasing the guiding of the staple S by the staple guide portion 230. Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide release position of the staple guide portion 230 may be, for example, the position when the staple guide portion 230 has moved downward (FIGS. 16B and 16C).

[0092] With this configuration, the binding machine 100B can easily discharge the staples S that have bound the objects G after the binding operation is completed. For example, in a binding machine such as the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, if the first leg S1 is not deformed into the desired spiral shape, it is possible that the push-up member will not be able to push up the staples S, and the staples S will not be able to be pushed up. In addition, at this time, it is possible that the push-up member will become caught in part of the spiral shape of the first leg S1, causing a jam.

[0093] In the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the above-described configuration allows the staples S to be released inward (inward in the binding machine 100B, to the right Y2 in FIGS. 16B and 16C ), so that the staples S can be easily removed, for example, to the right Y2. Even if the tip S1P of the first leg S1 of the staple S does not move along the groove 212 of the clincher section 210 and the formed spiral shape is distorted, the staples S are exposed, so that the staples S can be easily removed. To remove the staples S, the staples G can be moved along the guide portion 224b of the binding object guide section 224 to the binding object insertion opening 224s, so that the staples S can be removed to the outside of the binding machine 100B. Therefore, the staples S can be removed relatively easily without using a push-up member for pushing up the staples, which is used in binding machines such as the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 3.

[0094] The guide moving unit 240 that moves the staple guide unit 230 will be described below with reference to Figures 17A, 17B, and 18. Figure 17A is a vertical cross-sectional view parallel to the up-down direction Z and the front-to-back direction X of a portion of the upper Z1 of the binding machine 100B in a state in which the binding object guide unit 224 has been moved rearward X2 and the staple guide unit 230 has been moved rearward X2 in conjunction with the movement of the binding object guide unit 224 rearward X2. Figure 17B is a perspective view of the binding machine 100B in a state in which the staple guide unit 230 has been moved rearward X2. Figure 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the binding machine 100B in a state in which the binding object guide unit 224 has been moved forward X1 and the staple guide unit 230 has been moved forward X1 in conjunction with the movement of the binding object guide unit 224 forward X1.

[0095] 17A and 17B, in the binding machine 100B, a link arm 162 and a process plate 164 are provided on the left side Y1. The process plate 164 is provided on the left side (Y2) of a plate support member 170 provided on the main body 150. The process plate 164 is configured to move in conjunction with the driver 142, and the process plate 164 moves in the front-to-back direction (X direction) relative to the plate support member 170 in conjunction with movement of the driver 142 in the front-to-back direction (X direction).

[0096] The process plate 164 has a hole 164h extending in the front-rear direction X. The hole 164h includes a first horizontal portion 164h1 provided on the front X1 side, a second horizontal portion 164h2 provided on the rear X2 side, and an inclined portion 164h3 provided between the first horizontal portion 164h1 and the second horizontal portion 164h2. The first horizontal portion 164h1 and the second horizontal portion 164h2 are provided to extend in the front-rear direction X. The first horizontal portion 164h1 is located below the second horizontal portion 164h2 in the Z direction (Z2). Therefore, the first horizontal portion 164h1 is located diagonally below the second horizontal portion 164h2 (from the upper right to the lower left of the page in FIG. 17A ). The inclined portion 164h3 connects the first horizontal portion 164h1 and the second horizontal portion 164h2, and is provided so as to extend obliquely with respect to the Z direction (from the upper right to the lower left of the paper in FIG. 17A).

[0097] One end (lower Z2 end (first end 162e1)) of the link arm 162 is configured to engage with a hole 164h of the process plate 164. The other end (upper Z1 end) of the link arm 162 is connected to a rod 242 (connected to the upper part (upper Z1 end (second end 162e2)) of the binding object guide section 224) which is connected to the binding object guide section 224. At the front X1 end near the center (near the center in the up-down direction (near the center in the Z direction)), an engaging member 172a engages with an elongated hole 162h provided in the link arm 162 and extending in the up-down direction (Z direction). At the rear X2 end, the link arm 162 is connected by a connecting member 172b so as to be rotatable relative to the driver support member 170. The rod 242 is configured to move in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) in conjunction with the rotation of the link arm 162 about the connecting member 172b. As the rod 242 moves in the front-to-rear direction (X direction), the object guide part 224 moves in the front-to-rear direction (X direction).

[0098] With this configuration, in the binding machine 100B, as the driver 142 moves from the rear X2 to the front X1, the process plate 164 moves from the rear X2 to the front X1, transitioning from the state shown in Fig. 17A to the state shown in Fig. 18. Because the link arm 162 is engaged with the hole 164h of the process plate 164, when the process plate 164 moves forward X1, the first end 162e1 moves along the hole 164h. The first end 162e1 moves backward X2 relative to the process plate 164. The hole portion 164h has a first horizontal portion 164h1, a second horizontal portion 164h2, and an inclined portion 164h3, so that as the process plate 164 moves forward X1, the first end portion 162e1 of the link arm 162 moves along the first horizontal portion 164h1, the inclined portion 164h3, and the second horizontal portion 164h2 in that order.

[0099] When the first end 162e1 transitions from a state in which it is engaged with the first horizontal portion 164h1 to a state in which it is engaged with the inclined portion 164h3, the link arm 162 rotates in the forward direction X1 (counterclockwise in FIG. 17A ) around the connecting member 172b. The link arm 162 continues to rotate around the connecting member 172b while the first end 162e1 moves along the inclined portion 164h3. At this time, the elongated hole 162h provided in the link arm 162 so as to extend in the up-down direction Z in the forward direction X1 is engaged with the engaging member 172a, so that the rotation of the link arm 162 around the connecting member 172b is restricted by the elongated hole 162h.

[0100] Thereafter, when the first end 162e1 transitions from engaging with the inclined portion 164h3 to engaging with the second horizontal portion 164h2, the link arm 162 stops pivoting. While the first end 162e1 moves along the second horizontal portion 164h2, the link arm 162 can maintain its pivoted state while transitioning from engaging with the first horizontal portion 164h2 to engaging with the inclined portion 164h3. As shown in FIG. 18 , the first end 162e1 moves along the second horizontal portion 164h2 toward the rear end (rear X2 end) of the hole 164h. As described above, during this time, the link arm 162 maintains its counterclockwise pivoted state relative to the state shown in FIG. 17A .

[0101] Since the second end 162e2 of the link arm 162 is connected to the rod 242, when the link arm 162 rotates forward (counterclockwise in FIGS. 17A and 18), the rod 242 is moved forward in the X1 direction. The movement of the rod 242 forward in the X1 direction causes the binding object guide part 224, which is connected to the front X1 direction of the rod 242, to move forward in the X1 direction. At this time, as described above with reference to FIGS. 15C and 16C etc., the staple guide part 230 is configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the binding object guide part 224 in the front-rear direction X, and therefore the staple guide part 230 is moved forward in the X1 direction.

[0102] When the driver 242 moves from the forward direction X1 to the backward direction X2, from the state shown in FIG. 18 to the state shown in FIG. 17, the process plate 164 moves backward direction X2 in conjunction with the driver 242. When the process plate 164 moves backward direction X2, the first end 162e1 of the link arm 162 moves forward direction X1 relative to the process plate 164 along the hole 164h of the process plate 164. When the first end 162e1 moves along the second horizontal portion 164h2, the inclined portion 164h3, and the first horizontal portion 164h1 of the hole 164h in this order, the link arm 162 rotates backward direction X2 (clockwise in FIGS. 17A and 18) around the connecting member 172b.

[0103] When the link arm 162 rotates rearward X2, the second end 162e2 of the link arm 162 moves rearward X2, and therefore the rod 242 connected to the second end 162e2 moves rearward X2. As the rod 242 moves rearward X2, the binding object guide 224 moves rearward X2. At this time, the staple guide 230 moves rearward X2 in conjunction with the movement of the binding object guide 224 rearward X2. As described above with reference to Figures 15C and 16C, etc., at this time, the staple guide 230 moves obliquely rearward along the hole 230c provided at an angle in the Z direction.

[0104] 17A and 18 , in the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, a spring 244 may be provided on the rod 242 to bias the binding object guide portion 224 in the front-to-rear direction X. The spring 242 can, for example, stabilize the movement of the binding object guide portion 224 toward the rear X2. The spring 242 can also suppress rattle of the binding object guide portion 224 when the binding object guide portion 224 moves in the front-to-rear direction X.

[0105] As explained with reference to Figures 17A, 17B, and 18, the guide movement section 240 may be realized by the link arm 162, the process plate 164, the driver 142, the binding object guide section 224, the spring 242, etc.

[0106] In the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the moving unit 240 (guide moving unit 240) may be configured to move the staple guide unit 230 to the guide position before the leg (first leg S1) starts to be pressed against the clincher unit 210. That is, in the binding machine 100B, the guide moving unit 240 may be configured to move the staple guide unit 230 to the staple guide position where the staple guide unit 230 guides the staple S before the first leg S1 starts to be pressed against the clincher unit 210. Note that, as described above with reference to Figures 14A, 14B, 14C, etc., the staple guide unit 230 may be configured to guide the movement of the first leg S1 of the staple S during the binding operation, for example, at a position where the upper surface thereof approaches or contacts the lower surface of the binding object guide unit 224.

[0107] Furthermore, in the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the guide moving unit 240 may be configured to move (return) the staple guide unit 230 from the release position to the guide position when the binding operation is started. That is, in the binding machine 100B, as described above with reference to Figures 13B, 13C, 14B, 14C, etc., the guide moving unit 240 may be configured to move the staple guide unit 230 from the guide release position (Figures 13B and 13C) to the staple guide position (Figures 14B and 14C) when the binding operation by the binding machine 100B is started.

[0108] In this embodiment, one bundling operation is started, for example, when the user of the bundling machine 100B pulls the trigger 168 of the bundling machine 100B and the power of the motor 154 is turned on. Alternatively, the bundling operation of the bundling machine 100B is started, for example, when the driver 142 starts to move. The bundling operation may also be ended, for example, when bundling of the objects G to be bound using the staples S is completed, or when bundling is completed and the staples S can be discharged.

[0109] Furthermore, in the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the guide moving unit 240 may be configured to be able to move the staple guide unit 230 upward Z1 or downward Z2. That is, in the binding machine 100B, as described above with reference to Figures 13B, 13C, 14B, and 14C, the guide moving unit 240 may be configured to move the staple guide unit 230 in the up-down direction Z, which is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, which is the extension direction of the first leg S1.

[0110] Furthermore, in the binding machine 100B according to this embodiment, the staple guide unit 230 may be configured to guide the surface of the first leg S1 opposite to the displacement direction. That is, in the binding machine 100B, as described above with reference to Figures 13B, 13C, 14B, and 14C, the object to be bound G is disposed in the first direction (leftward Y1) relative to the first leg S1, and the first leg S1 is deformed by the clincher unit 210 so that the first leg S1 forms a spiral shape in the first direction (leftward Y1), whereby the object to be bound G is bound by the staples S so that it is surrounded by the first leg S1 at the spiral center axis of the spiral shape formed by the first leg S1, and the staple guide unit 230 may be configured to guide the first leg S1 from the direction opposite to the first direction (leftward Y1).

[0111] In the binding machine 100B, when the first leg S1 is deformed, a load may be applied to the straight portion S12 of the first leg S1, which is a portion of the first leg S1 closer to the main body S3 than the tip S1P, in the opposite direction to the direction in which the spiral shape is formed. By configuring the staple guide portion 230 to guide from the right side Y2, which is the opposite direction to the displacement direction of the first leg S1, deformation of the straight portion S12 can be suppressed even when a load is applied to the straight portion S12.

[0112] In the embodiment described above, the binding target G is located to the left Y1 of the first leg S1, and the first leg S1 is deformed to form a spiral shape to the left Y1 as viewed from the straight portion S12. However, this is not limiting. For example, the spiral shape may be formed to the right Y2 as viewed from the straight portion S12. In this case, the first leg S1 may be deformed into a clockwise spiral shape as viewed from above.

[0113] Furthermore, similarly to the binding machine 100A, the binding machine 100B may be configured such that instead of or in addition to moving the binding object guide portion 224 backward X2, the clincher portion 210 is moved forward X1 to separate the first leg S1 from the clincher portion 210. In this case, as described above with reference to Figures 11 to 12B, the clincher portion 210 may be configured to be moved forward X1 by the first link 229a or the second link 229b.

[0114] Another embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A binding machine 100C according to another embodiment differs from the binding machines 100 ( FIG. 1 , etc.), 100A ( FIG. 11 , etc.), and 100B ( FIG. 13A , etc.) in that it includes a clincher unit 210C including an upper guide unit 254 and a lower guide unit 214, and a coil forming unit 202 having a rear space forming unit 260. In the following description, descriptions of components similar to those of the binding machine 100 ( FIG. 1 , etc.) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0115] The configuration of the coil forming unit 202 and other components of a binding machine 100C according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19A to 19D. Figure 19A is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the front X1 of the binding machine 100C (such as the upper cover unit 250 and a frame member 180 (described later)). Figure 19B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front X1 portion of the binding machine 100C in a side view in which the binding machine 100C is cut along the A-A section in Figure 19A. Figure 19C is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front X1 portion of the binding machine 100C in a rear view in which the binding machine 100C is cut along the B-B section in Figure 19A. Figure 19D is a partially enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the coil forming unit 202 at the front X1 of the binding machine 100C with the upper cover unit 250 removed.

[0116] The binding machine 100C according to this embodiment has a first leg S1, a second leg S2, and a main body S3 connecting the first leg S1 and the second leg S2, and binds an object to be bound G using staples S that open in the front X1. The binding machine 100C according to this embodiment also has an upper guide section (upper guide section 254 described later) that guides the staples S from above Z1, a lower guide section (lower guide section 216 described later) that guides the staples S from below Z2, and a front guide section (front guide section 214 described later) that includes an inner circumferential surface 210Cs that guides the staples from the front, and a clincher section (clincher section 210C described later) that is configured to deform the first leg S1 of the staple S so as to surround the object to be bound G by guiding the staples S with the upper guide section 254, the lower guide section 216, and the front guide section 214. ), and a rear space forming portion (rear space forming portion 260 described later) having a space forming surface (space forming surface 260s described later) that is arranged at a position facing the rear X2 of the clincher portion 210C and is configured to form a space (space 268 described later) at the rear X2 of the staple S when the staple S is deformed, wherein the distance (distance L26 described later) between the space forming surface 260s and the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 in the direction from the front X1 to the rear X2 (front-rear direction X) is greater than the inner diameter (inner diameter D21 described later) of the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214.

[0117] With the above-described configuration, the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment can easily remove the staples S from the binding machine 100C after binding the objects G, as described below. That is, in the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, after the clincher portion 210C deforms the first leg portion S1 to complete binding of the objects G (first objects G), when the deformed first leg portion S1 is pushed out by a push-out member (a push-out member 270 described below) in a direction, for example, from downward Z2 toward upward Z1, the rear space forming portion 260 forms a space 268 behind the staples S at X2, allowing the staples S to retreat to the rear X2. Therefore, the deformed staples S can be separated from the clincher portion 210C, and the deformed staples S can be relatively easily discharged from the binding machine 100C after binding is completed.

[0118] For example, in the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, as will be described later, the spiral shape of the staple S formed by deforming the staple S may engage with the upper guide portion 254 of the clincher unit 210C, the lower guide portion 216, and the front guide portion 214. However, in the binding machine 100C, after the staple S is deformed, the staple S can be retracted into the space 268 at the rear X2 formed by the rear space forming portion 260, so that the engagement of the spiral shape formed by the first leg portion S1 of the staple S with at least the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214 can be released. In this state, the staple S can be pushed upward Z1, thereby allowing the staple S to be relatively easily discharged from the binding machine 100C.

[0119] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19A, in the binding machine 100C of this embodiment, an upper cover portion 250 is provided above Z1 the clincher portion (the clincher portion 210C described later), and the clincher portion 210C is provided to the left Y1 of the string guide portion 224 (the binding object guide portion 224).

[0120] 19B and 19C show cross-sectional views of the front X1 of the binding machine 100C when the upper cover portion 250 is closed, as viewed from the right Y2 and rear X2, respectively, and Fig. 19D shows a plan view of the binding machine 100C when the upper cover portion 250 is closed, as viewed from above Z1 of the front X1. Note that Fig. 19D shows a state in which a portion of the clincher portion 210C (the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214) and the rear space forming portion 260 are disposed in a first frame portion 184, which is a part of a frame member 180 described below. In the states shown in Figs. 19B, 19C, and 19D, the binding machine 100C is in a state in which the staples S are being deformed or in a state immediately after the deformation of the staples S is completed. As shown in Figures 19B and 19D, a coil forming section 202 is provided at the front X1 of the binding machine 100C, which includes a clincher section 210C having an upper guide section 254 (upper guide section 254 of the upper cover section 250), a lower guide section 216, and a front guide section 214, and a rear space forming section 260.

[0121] 19B and 19C, the upper guide portion 254 is provided, for example, on the lower Z2 side of the upper cover portion 250. The front guide portion 214 is a member disposed in a position facing the lower surface (the lower Z2 surface) of the upper cover portion 250. The lower guide portion 216 is provided, for example, to extend rearward X2 from the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214. Figure 19D also shows a side guide portion 262 provided on the rear space forming portion 260. The side guide portion 262 will be described later.

[0122] The upper guide portion 254 is configured to guide the staple S from above Z1 when the staple S is being deformed. The lower guide portion 216 is configured to guide the staple S from below Z2 when the staple S is being deformed. The front guide portion 214 is configured to guide the staple S from the front X1 when the staple S is being deformed. In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, the clincher unit 210C is configured to include the upper guide portion 254, the lower guide portion 216, and the front guide portion 214. In the clincher unit 210C, the staple S is guided by the upper guide portion 254, the lower guide portion 216, and the front guide portion 214, thereby deforming the first leg S1 of the staple S so as to surround an object to be bound (e.g., a guide string G).

[0123] 19B and 19D , the rear space forming portion 260 is provided below the upper cover portion 250 (Z2) and behind the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214 (X2). Therefore, the rear space forming portion 260 is disposed so as to face the clincher portion 210C in the rear X2 direction. The rear space forming portion 260 has a space forming surface 260s. In the present embodiment, the space forming surface 260s is the front X1 surface of the rear space forming portion 260. The space forming surface 260s is configured to form a space 268 behind the deformed portion X2 of the staple S when the staple S is deformed. As shown by the dashed line in FIGS. 19B and 19D , the space 268 is formed between the space forming surface 260s and the outer peripheral surface of the staple S deformed into a coil shape (the outer peripheral surface Sc2 of the staple S shown in FIGS. 19B and 19D ). In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, a distance L26 in the front-rear direction X between the space forming surface 260s and the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 is greater than an inner diameter D21 of the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the clincher portion 210C with which the first leg portion S1 abuts when the staple S is deformed. Therefore, as shown in Figures 19B and 19D, in the binding machine 100C, when the staple S is deformed, a space 268 is formed between the outer peripheral surface Sc2 of the deformed staple S (deformed into a coil shape) and the space forming surface 260s.

[0124] In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, the coil forming unit 202 is configured to include a clincher unit 210C and a rear space forming unit 260. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 19B, the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment may be provided with a push-out member 270. In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, by providing the coil forming unit 202, the clincher unit 210C can form the coil shape of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S, and after the staple S is deformed, the first leg portion S1 of the staple S that has been deformed into the coil shape can be retracted into a space 268 formed behind the staple S by the rear space forming unit 260 at the rear X2 of the staple S. Therefore, when the staples S are pushed from the downward direction Z2 to the upward direction Z1 by the push-out member 270 when the staples S are removed from the binding machine 100C, it is possible to prevent the staples S from engaging with, for example, a part of the clincher portion 210C (for example, the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214). Therefore, it is possible to remove the staples S from the binding machine 100C relatively easily.

[0125] 19D , in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 of the clincher portion 210C may be, for example, a part of a cylindrical surface, i.e., the inner circumferential surface 210Cs may be a part of a circle when viewed from above. In this case, the inner diameter D21 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the clincher portion 210C may be the diameter of the circle of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs when viewed from above (or the diameter of an imaginary circle when an imaginary cylindrical surface including the partial cylindrical surface of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs is viewed from above Z1).

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance (distance L26) in the direction from the front X1 to the rear X2 (front-to-rear direction X) between the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 and the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 may be, for example, the distance between the front end 210e1 (Figure 19D) of the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and the rear end 260e2 (Figure 19D) of the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260. Even in this case, as shown in Figure 19D, for example, the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 may be arranged so that the distance (L26) between the front end 210e1 of the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and the rear end 260e2 of the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 is larger than the inner diameter D21 of the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214.

[0127] 19D , in this embodiment, the front end 210e1 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 may be, for example, the end of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs that is located most forward (X1) in a top view. Also, the rear end 260e2 of the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 may be, for example, the end of the space forming surface 260s that is located most rearward (X2) in a top view.

[0128] In the present embodiment, for example, the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 includes a partial cylindrical surface, and the imaginary cylindrical surface including the partial cylindrical surface included in the front guide portion 214 is a virtual circle C21 that is circular and has a center at a center point Ce21 in a top view ( FIG. 19D ). As shown in FIG. 19D , the distance between the front end 210e1 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and the rear end 260e2 of the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 may be the sum of the distance between the center point Ce21 and the front end 210e1 (i.e., the radius of the virtual circle C21) and the distance between the center point Ce21 and the rear end 260e2. Also, as shown in Figure 19D, in this embodiment, the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 may be arranged so that the distance between the center point Ce21 and the rear end 260e2 is greater than the radius of the virtual circle C21.

[0129] The shape of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 of the clincher portion 210C is not limited to this. The shape of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 may be, for example, a shape other than a part of a circle when viewed from above. The shape of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs may be, for example, a part of a shape that approximates a circle when viewed from above, or may be, for example, a part of an ellipse or a part of a polygon when viewed from above.

[0130] When the shape of the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 of the clincher portion 210C is a part of a circle in a top view, the inner peripheral surface 210Cs may be a curved surface including a partial cylindrical surface, for example. In this case, the rear space forming portion 260 may be arranged so that the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 is outside a virtual cylindrical surface including the partial cylindrical surface included in the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 does not have to be a partial cylindrical surface. For example, the inner circumferential surface 210Cs may be a curved surface that approximates a partial cylindrical surface. Even in this case, the rear space forming portion 260 may be disposed so that the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 is outside a virtual cylindrical surface that approximates the partial cylindrical surface included in the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214.

[0132] The lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 of the clincher portion 210C will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C. Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C are a top view, a perspective view from the rear X2, and a perspective view from the front X1 of the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260, which are part of the coil forming portion 202. Note that Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C illustrate an example in which the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 are integrally configured. The example in which the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 are integrally configured will be described in detail later. As shown in the above-mentioned Figures 19B and 19D, in this embodiment, the clincher portion 210C is positioned in front X1 of the coil forming portion 202, but as shown in Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C, the rear space forming portion 260 is positioned in rear X2 of the coil forming portion 202, and the lower guide portion 216 may be provided, for example, on the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 so as to extend rearward X2.

[0133] 21A and 21B, a protrusion 216p is provided on the lower guide portion 216. The protrusion 216p may be configured to protrude rearward X2 from the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214.

[0134] 21A shows a cross-sectional view of the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 of the clincher portion 210C as viewed from the rear X2. As shown in FIG. 21A, the protrusion 216p may include an upward protruding surface 216s1 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the clincher portion 210C in the upward Z1 direction, and a downward protruding surface 216s2 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the clincher portion 210C in the downward Z2 direction.

[0135] FIG. 21B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the protrusion 216p. In this embodiment, the downward protruding surface 216s2 may have an inclined surface that slopes upward Z1 and backward X2 from the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214. As shown in FIG. 21B , in this embodiment, the downward protruding surface 216s2 is an inclined surface that slopes upward Z1 and backward X2. In this case, the angle (angle θ in FIG. 21B ) formed between the inclined surface that is the downward protruding surface 216s2 and the central axis of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 (the central axis extending in the up-down direction Z of the partial cylindrical surface formed by the inner circumferential surface 210Cs) may be 45° or less.

[0136] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 216p is provided so that the angle θ formed by the inclined surface that is the downward protruding surface 216s2 and the axis extending in the up-down direction Z is 45° or less, so that, for example, the deformed staples S can be relatively easily pushed out upward Z1 by the push-out member 270. Note that, by forming the protruding portion 216p so that the angle θ is 30° or less, the deformed staples S can be pushed out even more easily.

[0137] 21A, the protrusion 216p is provided so as to incline from the upper right (upper Z1 and right Y2) to the lower left (lower Z2 and left Y1) on the plane of the drawing in FIG. 21A. The upper guide portion 254 is also shown in FIG. 21A. As shown in FIG. 21A, in this embodiment, the upper guide portion 254 is also provided so as to incline from the upper right to the lower left on the plane of the drawing in FIG. 21A. Therefore, the upper guide portion 254 and the lower guide portion 216 have a spiral shape.

[0138] As described above, the first leg S1 of the staple S is advanced forward in the direction X1 by the driver 142 and comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 of the clincher portion 210C. At this time, the tip of the first leg S1 comes into contact with the upper right portion of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs in FIG. 21A , and as the staple S is further advanced, it is deformed along the inner circumferential surface 210Cs. Since the upper guide portion 254 and the lower guide portion 216 have a spiral shape and the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 has a partially cylindrical surface, the first leg S1 of the staple S is guided by the upper guide portion 254, the lower guide portion 216, and the front guide portion 214 and is thereby deformed into a coil shape.

[0139] 21B , the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 of the clincher portion 210C has a first inner circumferential surface portion 216Cs1 provided above the protrusion 216p and a second inner circumferential surface portion 216Cs2 provided below the protrusion 216p, and the distance Lf1 between the first inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs1 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and an end 216s1e of the upper protrusion surface 216s1 on the rear X2 side may be smaller than the distance Lf2 between the second inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs2 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and an end 216s2e of the lower protrusion surface 216s2 on the rear X2 side.

[0140] The coil shape of the staple S is formed, for example, so that the first turn S_c1 and the second turn S_c2 have approximately the same radius. At this time, as described above, the protrusion 216p is provided so that the relationship between the distance Lf1 and the distance Lf2 satisfies the relationship Lf1 < Lf2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21B , a space 218 is formed between the second turn S_c2 of the coil shape and the inner circumferential surface 210Cs (between the second turn S_c2 of the coil and the second inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs2 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs). Therefore, contact between the second turn S_c2 of the coil shape and the second inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs2 of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs can be suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce contact resistance that may occur between the coil shape and the inner circumferential surface 210Cs when the staple S, which has been deformed into a coil shape, is pushed upward Z1 by the push-out member 270. Therefore, with this configuration, the staples S can be more easily removed from the binding machine 100C.

[0141] Furthermore, by providing the protrusion 216p so that the relationship between the distance Lf1 and the distance Lf2 satisfies the relationship Lf1 < Lf2 as described above, it is also possible to reduce the load when the first leg S1 is deformed to form the coil shape. When the second turn S_c2 is formed after the first leg S1 is deformed to form the first turn S_c1 of the coil shape, the first turn S_c1 and the second turn S_c2 of the coil shape formed by the first leg S1 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214. Therefore, for example, during the formation of the first turn S_c1 in a coil shape, in addition to the contact resistance between the first turn S_c1 and the inner circumferential surface 210Cs (first inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs1), contact resistance may also occur between the second turn S_c2 and the inner circumferential surface 210Cs (second inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs2), potentially resulting in approximately double the contact resistance during the formation of the second turn S_c2. By providing the protrusion 216p so that the relationship Lf1 < Lf2 is satisfied, contact between the second turn S_c2, which has already been formed into a coil shape, and the inner circumferential surface 210Cs (second inner circumferential surface portion 210Cs2) can be suppressed during the formation of the second turn S_c2. This makes it even easier to deform the first leg S1 into a coil shape.

[0142] 21B shows a case in which the rear X2 end 216s1e of the upper protruding surface 216s1 of the protruding portion 216p is spaced apart from the rear X2 end 216s2e of the lower protruding surface 216s2. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, the rear X2 end 216s1e of the upper protruding surface 216s1 of the protruding portion 216p may coincide with the rear X2 end 216s2e of the lower protruding surface 216s2. That is, in this case, the upper protruding surface 216s1 and the lower protruding surface 216s2 of the protruding portion 216p may be arranged to intersect with each other at the rear X2. In this case, the protruding portion 216p may be arranged so that the relationship between the distance Lf1 and the distance Lf2 satisfies the relationship Lf1 < Lf2, as described above. Even in this case, the distance Lf1 is the distance between the end 216s1e at the rear X2 of the protrusion 216p and the first inner surface portion 210Cs1 of the inner surface 210Cs, and the distance Lf2 is the distance between the end 216s2e at the rear X2 of the protrusion 216p and the second inner surface portion 210Cs2 of the inner surface 210Cs, but since the end 216s1e and the end 216s2e are coincident with each other, the distance Lf2 may also be the distance between the end 216s1e and the second inner surface portion 210Cs2.

[0143] Furthermore, in the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the coil and the space forming surface 260s of the coil forming portion 202 may be equal to or greater than the amount of projection upward Z1 of the lower guide portion 216. That is, the distance (Lf1 shown in FIG. 21B ) in the direction from the front X1 to the rear X2 (front-rear direction X) between the end 216s1e of the rear X2 of the projection 216p and the inner peripheral surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 may be configured to be smaller than the distance (distance L262 shown in FIG. 19B ) between the outer peripheral surface of the coil shape of the staple S when it is deformed (outer peripheral surface Sc2 of the staple S shown in FIG. 19B ) and the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260. By providing the protruding portion 216p and the space forming surface 262 so that Lf1<L262, when the first leg S1 of the staple S is deformed into a coil shape and then the coil-shaped first leg S1 is pushed out by the push-out member 270, it becomes possible to retract the coil-shaped first leg S1 rearward X2 by an amount equal to or greater than the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 216. Therefore, with this configuration, it becomes even easier to push out the first leg S1 deformed into a coil shape in the up-down direction Z.

[0144] In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, the space forming surface 260s may include a portion of a cylindrical surface. In this embodiment, the space forming surface 260s may include a partial cylindrical surface, and the inner diameter of the partial cylindrical surface of the space forming surface 260s (diameter D26 of imaginary circle C26 shown in FIG. 20A ) may be larger than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 (diameter D21 of imaginary circle C21 shown in FIG. 20A ).

[0145] The shape of the space forming surface 260s of the rear space forming portion 260 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a shape other than a part of a circle when viewed from above. The shape of the space forming surface 260s may be, for example, a part of a shape that approximates a circle when viewed from above, or may be, for example, a part of an ellipse or a part of a polygon when viewed from above.

[0146] The upper cover portion 250 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the upper cover portion 250 as viewed from below Z2. The upper cover 250 may be provided so as to be separable from the lower guide portion 216, for example, in the vertical direction Z. The upper cover 250 may also be provided so as to be separable from the front guide portion 214, for example, in the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 22, an upper guide portion 254 is provided on the lower Z2 side of the upper cover portion 250. The surface 254Ls on the lower Z2 side of the upper guide portion 254 has a spiral shape formed so as to be inclined with respect to the Z direction, as described above with reference to Figure 21A. Therefore, when the staple S is moved to the coil forming section 202, the first leg S1 of the staple S is guided from above Z1, the first leg S1 of the staple S is guided downward Z2 by the above-mentioned lower guide section 214, and the first leg S1 of the staple S is also guided from the front by the inner surface 210Cs of the front guide section 214, thereby deforming the first leg S1 into a spiral coil shape.

[0147] Referring to the above-mentioned Figures 19A, 19B, and 19C, and Figures 23 and 24, the configuration for removing the staple S deformed by the coil forming section 202 from the binding machine 100C in the binding machine 100C of this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0148] Fig. 23 shows a portion of the binding machine 100C in a state in which the upper cover part 250 is slightly opened upward Z1 after the staples S have been deformed. Fig. 24 also shows a portion of the binding machine 100C in a state in which the upper cover part 250 has moved upward Z1 and is fully opened. Similar to Fig. 19B, Figs. 23 and 24 are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the front X1 part of the binding machine 100C in a side view in which the binding machine 100C is cut along the A-A cross section in Fig. 19A.

[0149] 19B and 19C, immediately after the staple S is deformed, the upper cover part 250 is in a position where the lower surface of the upper cover part 250 contacts the upper surface of the front guide part 214. Also, at this time, the push-out member 270 is in a position Z2 below the coil shape of the first leg part S1.

[0150] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 23, the upper cover portion 250 moves upward Z1 to open the upper Z1 portion of the front guide portion 214. At this time, the push-out member 270 is raised upward Z1, comes into contact with the first leg portion S1 of the staple S deformed into a coil shape, and pushes the first leg portion S1 upward Z1 from the contact point. When the first leg portion S1 is pushed upward Z1, a portion of the coil shape in the front X1 and downward Z2 (in Fig. 23, a portion S_f2 in the front X1 of the second turn of the coil shape formed by the first leg portion S1) is moved obliquely upward Z1 and backward X2 along the downward protruding surface 216s2 of the protruding portion 216p. 19B , a portion S_b1 of the first turn (upper Z1) of the coil shape of the first leg S1 at the rear X2 and a portion S_b2 of the second turn (lower Z2) of the coil shape of the first leg S1 are moved rearward X2. At this time, in the binding machine 100C according to the present embodiment, the rear space forming portion 260 forms a space 268 at the rear X2, so that the portions S_b1 and S_b2 of the rear X2 of the coil shape of the first leg S1 can be easily moved rearward X2. This makes it possible to release the engagement of the first leg S1, which has been deformed into a coil shape, with the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214.

[0151] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 24 , the upper cover portion 250 further moves upward Z1, and the front guide portion 214 and the upper cover portion 250 are further separated in the vertical direction Z. As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 24 , the upper cover portion 250 is completely open. In this state, the push-out member 270 is further raised upward Z1, and raises the first leg portion S1 of the staple S, which has been deformed into a coil shape. As described above with reference to FIG. 23 , the first leg portion S1, which has been deformed into a coil shape, has already been released from engagement with the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214, so the first leg portion S1 can be easily raised upward Z1 by the push-out member 270. The first leg portion S1 is pushed out by the push-out member 270, for example, to the Z1 above the front guide portion 214, as shown in FIG. 24 .

[0152] In the binding machine 100C of this embodiment, as described above, the first leg S1 of the staple S can be deformed into a coil shape to bind the object to be bound G (e.g., guide string G), making it possible to remove it from the binding machine 100C.

[0153] In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, at least a portion of the clincher unit 210C may be configured to be detachable from the binding machine 100C. For example, the front guide unit 214 of the clincher unit 210C may be configured to be detachable from the binding machine 100C.

[0154] Continuing bundling operations using the bundling machine 100C may cause, for example, the first leg S1 of the staple S to repeatedly abut against the inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential surface 210Cs) of the front guide portion 214, which may result in wear of the front guide portion 214. Using a worn front guide portion 214 may make it difficult to deform the first leg S1 into a desired spiral shape. In the bundling machine 100C according to this embodiment, the front guide portion 214 is configured to be detachable, so that worn front guide portions 214 can be replaced as needed. Therefore, even when bundling operations are repeated, it is relatively easy to continue deforming the first leg S1 into a desired spiral shape.

[0155] Furthermore, like the front guide portion 214, it is considered that the lower guide portion 216 may also wear out as a result of continuing bundling operations using the bundling machine 100C. Therefore, the lower guide portion 216 may also be replaceable. Note that in the bundling machine 100C according to this embodiment, for example, the lower guide portion 216 is provided on the inner peripheral surface portion 210Cs of the front guide portion 214. In this case, the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214 may be configured as an integral unit, or the lower guide portion 216 and the front guide portion 214 may be configured to be replaceable as an integral unit for the bundling machine 100C.

[0156] In this embodiment, the rear space forming part 260 may also be configured to be detachable from the binding machine 100C. It is considered that the rear space forming part 260 may also wear out due to, for example, contact with the first leg part S1 deformed into a coil shape as a result of repeated binding operations using the binding machine 100C. Therefore, by configuring the rear space forming part 260 to be detachable from the binding machine 100C, even if the rear space forming part 260 wears out, it is possible to continue forming the spiral shape of the first leg part S1 relatively easily by replacing the rear space forming part 260.

[0157] In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20A , 20B, and 20C , the rear forming space portion 260 may be provided with a lateral guide portion 262 that is a guide portion that guides the first leg S1 of the staple S from the side (right direction Y2) during binding with the staple S. During a binding operation using the binding machine 100C, the first leg S1 of the staple S is moved forward X1. The first leg S1 passes through the left side Y1 of the lateral guide portion 262 of the rear space forming portion 260. At this time, the first leg S1 is moved forward X1 while being guided from the right direction Y2 by the lateral guide portion 262. When the first leg S1 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214 and a load is further applied to the first leg S1 in the forward direction X1, the first leg S1 is deformed into a coil shape along the inner circumferential surface 210Cs. At this time, due to the reaction force of the deformation of the first leg S1 into a coil shape, it is thought that a load is applied in a direction toward the right (Y2) to the portion of the first leg S1 that has not yet reached the inner circumferential surface 210Cs and has not been deformed into a coil shape. The portion of the first leg S1 that is subjected to this load toward the right (Y2) is guided from the right (Y2) by the lateral guide portion 262, and can therefore continue to move in the predetermined direction (forward (X1)) to form the coil shape.

[0158] At this time, a load is applied to the side guide portion 262 in the right direction Y2 due to the load applied when forming the coil shape, which is thought to be a possibility of causing wear to the side guide portion 262. In the binding machine 100C according to this embodiment, the rear space forming portion 260 in which the right guide portion 262, which may be subject to wear, is provided is configured to be detachable from the binding machine 100C, so that the rear space forming portion 260 can be replaced in response to wear of the side guide portion 262. Therefore, for this reason as well, in the binding machine 100C, it is relatively easy to maintain the spiral shape of the first leg portion S1.

[0159] 20A , 20B , and 20C , the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 may be integrally configured, and the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 (e.g., the rear space forming portion 260 including the lateral guide portion 262) may be detachable from the binding machine 100C. With this configuration, for example, when the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 become worn, the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 can be simultaneously replaced in a single operation. Therefore, even when two or more of the lower guide portion 216, the inner circumferential surface 210Cs of the front guide portion 214, and the lateral guide portion 262 need to be replaced due to wear or the like, they can be replaced in a single operation.

[0160] Referring to Figures 19A, 19B, and 19D, we will explain the configuration of the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260, which can be attached and detached from the binding machine 100C when the above-mentioned lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 are integrally configured.

[0161] As shown in Figure 19A, the frame member 180 has a central frame portion 182, a first frame portion 184 arranged to the left (Y1 direction) of the central frame portion 182, and a second frame portion 186 arranged to the right (Y2 direction) of the central frame portion 182.

[0162] Also, as shown in Figures 19B and 19D, a recess 188 is provided at the front X1 of the first frame portion 184, and is configured so that a part of the clincher portion 210C (lower guide portion 216, front guide portion 214) shown in Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C, and the members that constitute the rear space forming portion 260 can be fitted into the recess 188. In addition, a hole is provided in front of the recess 188, and a hole 210Ca (e.g., Figure 20C) is provided on the side of the clincher portion 210C, and when a part of the clincher portion 210C (lower guide portion 216, front guide portion 214) and the rear space forming portion 260 are fitted into the recess 188 of the frame member 180, the hole in the recess 188 and the hole 210Ca in the clincher portion 210C overlap in the fore-and-aft direction X, and the clincher portion 210C may be fixed to the recess 188 using, for example, a screw 188s or the like (Figures 19B and 19D).

[0163] With the above configuration, the integrally configured lower guide portion 21, front guide portion 214, and rear space forming portion 260 can be configured to be detachable from the binding machine 100C.

[0164] The above describes a configuration that can be attached and detached from the binding machine 100C when the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 are configured as a single unit, but a similar configuration can also be used to make the configuration detachable from the binding machine 100C when the lower guide portion 216, the front guide portion 214, and the rear space forming portion 260 are configured as separate components.

[0165] The present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, some components in one embodiment can be added to other embodiments within the scope of ordinary creativity of a person skilled in the art. Also, some components in one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding components in other embodiments.

[0166] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0167] This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on March 18, 2024 (Patent Application No. 2024-042611) and a Japanese patent application filed on November 29, 2024 (Patent Application No. 2024-208566), the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0168] The present disclosure provides a strapping machine that allows for relatively easy removal of staples after strapping.

[0169] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C Binding machine 202 Coil forming section 210, 210C Clincher section 210Cs Inner peripheral surface 210Cs1 First inner peripheral surface section 210Cs2 Second inner peripheral surface section 212 Groove section 212a First displacement guide section 212b Second displacement guide section 214 Front guide section 216 Lower guide section 216p Protruding section 216s1 Upper protruding surface 216s2 Lower protruding surface 220 Separating section 222 Holder section 224 Object to be bound guide section 224a Object to be bound holding section 224b Guiding section 230 Staple guide section 240 Guide moving section (moving section) 250 Upper cover section 254 Upper guide section 260 Rear space forming section 260s Space forming surface 268 Space G Object to be bound D21, D26 Inner diameter L26, L262, Lf1, Lf2 Distance S Staple S1 First leg S2 Second leg S3 Main body

Claims

1. A binding machine having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and which binds objects to be bound using staples that open forward, comprising: a clincher portion having an upper guide portion that guides the staple from above, a lower guide portion that guides the staple from below, and a front guide portion including an inner circumferential surface that guides the staple from the front, and configured to deform the first leg portion of the staple so as to surround the object to be bound by guiding the staple with the upper guide portion, the lower guide portion, and the front guide portion; and a coil forming portion including: a rear space forming portion that is positioned rearwardly opposite the clincher portion and has a space forming surface configured to form a space behind the staple when the staple is deformed.

2. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the distance in the direction from the front to the rear between the space forming surface and the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion is greater than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion.

3. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper guide portion is configured to be able to move away from the lower guide portion.

4. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the lower guide portion and the front guide portion are integrally formed.

5. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the front end of the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion and the rear end of the space forming surface of the rear space forming portion is greater than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion.

6. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the space forming surface includes a partial cylindrical surface, and the inner diameter of the partial cylindrical surface of the space forming surface is larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion.

7. A binding machine as described in claim 1, wherein the clincher portion is arranged in front of the coil forming portion, the rear space forming portion is arranged in rear of the coil forming portion, and the lower guide portion is provided on the inner surface of the front guide portion.

8. The binding machine according to claim 7, wherein the lower guide portion includes a protrusion configured to protrude rearward from the inner circumferential surface of the clincher portion.

9. A binding machine as described in claim 8, wherein the protrusion includes an upward protruding surface that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the clincher portion at the upper side and a downward protruding surface that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the clincher portion at the lower side, the downward protruding surface having an inclined surface that inclines upward and rearward from the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion, and the angle formed by the central axis of the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion and the inclined surface is 45° or less.

10. The binding machine of claim 8, wherein the upper guide portion and the lower guide portion have a spiral shape, the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion includes a partial cylindrical surface connected to the upper guide portion and the lower guide portion, and the first leg portion of the staple is deformed into a coil shape by being guided by the upper guide portion, the lower guide portion, and the partial cylindrical surface of the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion.

11. A binding machine as described in claim 10, wherein the distance in the direction from the front to the rear between the rear end of the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion is smaller than the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the coil shape when the staple is deformed and the space forming surface of the rear space forming portion.

12. A binding machine as described in claim 8, wherein the inner surface of the front guide portion has a first inner surface portion provided above the protrusion and a second inner surface portion provided below the protrusion and forward of the first inner surface portion, and the distance between the first inner surface portion of the inner surface of the front guide portion and the rear end of the protrusion is smaller than the distance between the second inner surface portion of the inner surface of the front guide portion and the rear end of the protrusion.

13. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the front guide portion is detachable from the binding machine.

14. The binding machine according to claim 13, wherein the lower guide portion and the front guide portion are integrally configured, and the lower guide portion and the front guide portion are detachably mounted integrally on the binding machine.

15. The binding machine according to claim 14, wherein the lower guide portion, the front guide portion, and the rear space forming portion are integrally configured, and the lower guide portion, the front guide portion, and the rear space forming portion are detachably attached to the binding machine as a whole.

16. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion has a curved surface including a partial cylindrical surface against which the first leg portion abuts when the staple is deformed, and the space-forming surface is provided opposite the inner peripheral surface of the front guide portion and is positioned so as to be located outside an imaginary cylindrical surface that includes the partial cylindrical surface.

17. A binding machine that has a first leg, a second leg, and a main body that connects the first leg and the second leg, and that binds objects to be bound using a staple that opens forward, comprising: a clincher that deforms the first leg of the staple so that it surrounds the object to be bound; and a separating unit that separates the first leg that has been deformed by the clincher from the clincher.

18. The binding machine according to claim 17, wherein the spacing portion has a holder portion that engages with the staple from the opening direction of the staple, and the first leg portion and the clincher portion are spaced apart by moving the holder portion rearward.

19. The binding machine according to claim 18, wherein the holder portion disengages from the staple after moving rearward a predetermined distance while engaged with the staple.

20. A binding machine as described in claim 19, further comprising a release section that releases the engagement of the holder section with the staple, wherein the release section releases the engagement of the holder section with the staple by retracting the holder section upward or downward.

21. The binding machine according to claim 17, wherein the spacing unit has a binding object guide unit that holds the binding object in the binding position while binding the binding object with the staple, and the binding object guide unit is moved rearward to separate the first leg unit from the clincher unit.

22. The binding machine according to claim 17, wherein the clincher portion is positioned opposite the tip of the first leg of the staple, and the object to be bound is bound by bringing the tip of the first leg close to the clincher portion and pressing it against the clincher portion to deform the first leg.

23. The binding machine according to claim 21, wherein the binding object guide section includes a binding object holding section that restricts movement of the binding object held at the binding position by the binding object guide section.

24. The binding machine according to claim 21, wherein the object guide section has a guide section that guides the object to be bound to the binding position.

25. The binding machine according to claim 17, wherein the spacing unit separates the first leg and the clincher unit by moving the clincher unit forward.

26. The binding machine according to claim 17, wherein the clincher portion has a groove portion that deforms the first leg portion.

27. The binding machine according to claim 26, wherein the groove causes the first leg to deform in a spiral shape.

28. The binding machine of claim 27, wherein the groove portion has a first displacement guide portion that guides horizontal displacement of the first leg and a second displacement guide portion that guides vertical displacement of the first leg, and the second displacement guide portion guides the first leg so that, when the first leg is deformed into a spiral shape, the first leg deforms in such a way that multiple periodic structures that make up the spiral shape of the first leg are displaced from each other in the vertical direction.

29. The binding machine according to claim 27, wherein the groove is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

30. A binding machine as described in claim 28, wherein the first displacement guide portion is positioned so as to face the tip of the first leg when the clincher portion starts to deform the first leg.

31. The binding machine according to claim 28, wherein the spacing section moves the first leg section to a position where the first leg section does not interfere with the second displacement guide section in a top view after the first leg section has been deformed by the clincher section.

32. The binding machine according to claim 17, wherein the clincher unit is detachable from the binding machine.

Images