Binding machine

Abstract

This binding machine for binding a guide and an object by using a binding tool comprises: a clincher part that deforms the binding tool to cause the binding tool to engage with the guide; a detection unit that detects that the guide is at an engagement position with the binding tool; and a drive part that, on the basis of a detection result obtained by the detection unit, deforms and moves the binding tool so as to bind the guide and the object.

Description

Binder

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

[0002] Generally, plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers, whose fruits grow larger as they grow, can no longer support their own weight with their stems, so a so-called guiding operation is required to fix their stems and leaves to guides such as strings and supports. As a method therefor, a technique is known in which a linear binding tool (binding material) such as a staple is used to bind the stems and leaves of a plant to a guide. The applicant of the present application has proposed a binder configured to engage one end of a binding tool with a guide, displace the other end of the binding tool, surround the stem of the plant with the main body portion of the binding tool, and then engage the other end with the guide to bind the two (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-13317

[0004] By the way, according to the above conventional binder, although it is possible to achieve a strong binding that is difficult to come off, for example, when the binder tilts with respect to the original posture with respect to the guide, contrary to the intention of the user, the guide may come off from the binder or deviate from the original binding position. When the binding operation is performed in this state, there is a risk that binding defects such as the binding tool making an idle stroke and not engaging with the guide, the end of the binding tool damaging the guide, or the guide being damaged when it is made of a material such as a string or a tape may occur. In addition, in a binder that performs a binding operation when the user operates a trigger or the like, after removing the guide from the binder after the binding operation, there may be a case where the user needs to operate the trigger again to return to the initial state. However, due to the difficulty of confirming the relative positional relationship between the guide and the binder, the trigger may be accidentally operated in a state where the guide is not detached.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a binder that can suppress the idle stroke and binding defects of the binding tool and prevent accidental operation of the binder when binding a guide and an object with the binding tool.

[0006] [1] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an example of a binding machine according to the present disclosure is a binding machine that binds a guide and an object using a binding tool, comprising: a clincher part that engages with the guide by deforming the binding tool; a detection part that detects whether the guide is in the engagement position with the binding tool; and a drive part that deforms and moves the binding tool to bind the guide and the object based on the detection result by the detection part. With such a configuration, the binding operation can be performed after detecting whether the guide is in the engagement position with the binding tool, so that the binding operation is prevented even if the guide is not in the engagement position or is shifted from the engagement position. In addition, since it is possible to detect whether or not the guide is in the engagement position, the relative positional relationship between the guide and the binding machine can be grasped, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the binding machine.

[0007] [2] Specifically, the fastening device may have a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and the drive unit may deform and move the fastening device so as to surround the object with the first leg portion, the second leg portion and the main body portion, and engage the first leg portion and the second leg portion with the guide. In this way, the object is surrounded by the fastening device and both ends of the fastening device are engaged with the guide, so the guide and the object can be securely fastened together.

[0008] [3] In addition, the above configuration may further include a control unit that operates the drive unit when the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener. In this way, the control unit can determine the detection result from the detection unit and operate the drive unit in a timely and reliable manner. Furthermore, since the control unit can command the operation of the drive unit after it has been determined that the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener, it may be possible to operate a trigger or the like that which serves as the trigger for driving the drive unit based on the detection result, or it may be possible to perform the fastening operation automatically after detection is complete without waiting for the user to operate a trigger or the like.

[0009] [4] Furthermore, the above configuration may further include a trigger that can be pressed by the user, and the control unit may be configured to activate the drive unit when the trigger is pressed while the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener. In such a configuration, the drive unit is activated only when the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener and the trigger is pressed. Therefore, malfunctions of the fastening machine can be prevented even more effectively.

[0010] [5] In this case, it is preferable that the trigger be configured to be pressable by the user when the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener, in other words, the trigger may be configured not to be pressable when the guide is not in the engagement position with the fastener.

[0011] [6] The system may also include a notification unit configured to inform the user when the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener. This eliminates the need to directly visually confirm that the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener. As a result, the user can quickly drive the drive unit and fasten the guide and the object quickly, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0012] [7] Specifically, the detection unit may also have a sensor that detects the position of the guide.

[0013] [8] Examples of such sensors include at least one of mechanical sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, image sensors, and electromagnetic sensors.

[0014] [9] More specifically, an example of a mechanical sensor is one which is biased to push the guide outward from the engagement position and has a lever that moves so that the guide is positioned in the engagement position when the guide is pressed against it.

[0015]

[10] Furthermore, the sensor may be provided in a position in the extension direction of the guide that does not interfere with the engagement position between the guide and the fastener. In this way, the sensor detects the part of the guide that is not in the engagement position, so the sensor does not interfere with the fastening operation between the guide and the object, nor does it hinder the operation when the guide is brought into the engagement position. Thus, the operability of the fastening machine is improved.

[0016]

[11] The drive unit may also operate only when the guide is in the engaged position.

[0017]

[12] The trigger may also be configured to be pressable by the user only when the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener.

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

[0019] Furthermore, in this disclosure, “bending” includes flexing or folding, and curving. Moreover, “flexing” or “folding” means bending locally. Therefore, when bent, the portion other than the locally bent portion substantially retains its original shape. For example, when a linearly extending member is bent, the portion other than the locally bent portion substantially retains its linearly extended shape. Also, “curving” means bending in an arc shape over a predetermined range.

[0020] In addition, in this disclosure, the functions of one "part," "machine," "apparatus," and its components and elements may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more "parts," "machines," "apparatus," and their components and elements may be realized by one physical means or device. Furthermore, "part," "machine," and "apparatus" are concepts that can also be rephrased as, for example, "means" or "system."

[0021] According to this disclosure, when fastening objects together with a fastening device, it is possible to prevent fastening operations from being performed even if the guide is not in the engagement position with the fastening device or is shifted from that engagement position, and to prevent malfunctions of the fastening machine.

[0022] This is a top view showing the state of the fastening tool used in the fastening machine according to this disclosure before fastening. This is a perspective view showing the state of the fastening tool used in the fastening machine according to this disclosure after fastening. This is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the fastening tool is wound in a spiral shape when it engages with the guide. This is a perspective view showing the state in which the fastening tool is engaged with the guide. This is a perspective view from above of the fastening machine of the first embodiment in a standby state in which the guide is not inserted. This is a plan view (top view) of the front part of the fastening machine of the first embodiment in a standby state in which the guide is not inserted, viewed from above. This is a plan view (top view) showing the configuration when the cover, upper guide part and lower guide part are omitted from the state shown in Figure 3A. This is a side view (left side view) of the front part of the fastening machine of the first embodiment in a standby state in which the guide is not inserted, viewed from the left. This is a perspective view of the front part of the fastening machine of the first embodiment in a standby state in which the guide is not inserted, viewed from the lower right. This is a perspective view of the front part of the fastening machine of the first embodiment in a standby state in which the guide is not inserted, viewed from the lower left (a diagram in which the display of some parts is omitted). This is a perspective view from above of the strapping machine of the first embodiment with the guide inserted. This is a top view (top perspective) of the front part of the strapping machine of the first embodiment in a standby state with the guide inserted. This is a side view (left side perspective) of the front part of the strapping machine of the first embodiment with the guide inserted, viewed from the left. This is a perspective view of the front part of the strapping machine of the first embodiment with the guide inserted, viewed from the lower right. This is a perspective view of the front part of the strapping machine of the first embodiment with the guide inserted, viewed from the lower left (some parts are omitted). This is a plan view showing the state in which the guide is being inserted into the engagement position in the cylindrical part of the clincher. This is a plan view showing the state in which the guide is being inserted into the engagement position in the cylindrical part of the clincher. This is a plan view showing the state in which the guide G is inserted into the engagement position in the cylindrical part of the clincher. This is a perspective view showing the strapping machine of the first embodiment performing a strapping operation (standby state before the guide and object are inserted). This is a perspective view showing the binding operation in the binding machine of the first embodiment (with the guide insertion completed).This is a perspective view showing the binding operation in the binding machine of the first embodiment (the binding of the guide G and the object P is complete). This is a perspective view showing the binding operation in the binding machine of the first embodiment (the cover has been raised). This is a perspective view showing the binding operation in the binding machine of the first embodiment (the staples have been discharged from the binding machine, and the bound guide and object have been removed from the binding machine). This is a perspective view showing the binding operation in the binding machine of the first embodiment (the cover has been lowered and is in standby mode). This is a perspective view of the binding machine of the second embodiment from above in a standby state with no guide inserted. This is a perspective view of the front part of the binding machine of the third embodiment from the lower right in a standby state with no guide inserted. This is a perspective view of the front part of the binding machine of the third embodiment from the lower left in a standby state with no guide inserted. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center of the guide when the staples are engaged with the guide and viewed from the front. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state when the cover is raised from the state shown in Figure 11A.

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

[0024] [Structure of the fastening device] Figure 1A is a top view showing the state of the fastening device used in the fastening machine according to this disclosure before fastening, and Figure 1B is a perspective view showing the state of the fastening device used in the fastening machine according to this disclosure after fastening. Figure 1C is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the fastening device is wound in a spiral shape when it engages with the guide, and Figure 1D is a perspective view showing the state in which the fastening device is engaged with the guide.

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] (First Embodiment) [Overall Configuration of the Binding Machine] Below, an example of the configuration of the binding machine 100 according to the first embodiment for bending staples S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figures 1B to 1D will be described. Except for some parts of the configuration being reversed left and right (i.e., the first displacement part and the second displacement part of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 are reversed left and right), the basic configuration of the binding machine disclosed in that document and the binding machine 100 of this embodiment are common. Therefore, the configurations of the binding machine 100 will be described in an appropriate manner, with omissions and simplifications, so that they can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on that document, the description in this specification and the state of the art at the time of filing. Furthermore, in order to explain the relative directional relationship, for convenience, the direction in which the tip of the stapler 100 held by the user points (in Figure 3A described later, the direction on the plane of the paper is called forward X1, the opposite direction is called backward X2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the front-rear direction X. As mentioned above, forward X1 corresponds to the direction in which the connected upper end staple S supported by the magazine 130 separates from the other staples S and moves, and also coincides with the opening direction DR1 of the staple S (Figure 1A).

[0031] Furthermore, the direction in which the upper surface of the stapling machine 100 held by the user faces (the upward direction in Figure 3C) is called upward Z1, the opposite direction is called downward Z2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the up-down direction Z. In this embodiment, the up-down direction Z corresponds to the extension direction of the magazine 130, coincides with the connection direction (stacking direction) of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 130, and also corresponds to the vertical direction of the stapling machine 100. Also, the forward direction perpendicular to the paper in Figure 3C is called left Y1, and the opposite depth direction perpendicular to the paper is called right Y2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the left-right direction Y. In this embodiment, the left-right direction Y coincides with the planar direction of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 130, and also corresponds to the horizontal direction of the stapling machine 100.

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

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above Z1 of the stapling machine 100 according to the first embodiment in a standby state with the guide G not inserted. The stapling machine 100 includes a grip portion 120 that extends vertically so that a user can grasp it and is provided with a trigger TR for starting the drive of the stapling machine 100, a magazine 130 configured to support (hold) a plurality of staples S (sometimes called "connecting staples S") stacked and connected vertically, a driver 140 (corresponding to an example of a "drive unit" in this disclosure) that separates one staple S from the connecting staples S and moves it forward X1, and a first displacement unit 200 and a second displacement unit 300 for displacing the one staple S to fasten the guide G and the object P. Here, for convenience, the part of the stapling machine 100 excluding the detachably provided magazine 130 is called the main body 150. A control unit 160, which is a calculation control device for controlling the drive of the driver 140, is provided at an appropriate position on this main body 150.

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

[0035] Furthermore, the driver 140 is configured to move forward X1, thereby separating the uppermost staple S from the other staples S among the multiple staples S held in the magazine 130 and stacked vertically, while maintaining a front-to-back relationship in which the opening of the staple S faces forward X1 and the main body S3 faces rearward X2, and making it possible to move forward X1. In addition, the driver 140 is configured to move the separated staple S further forward X1, causing the first leg S1 to come into contact with the first displacement part 200, thereby plastically deforming the first leg S1, and causing the second leg S2 to come into contact with the guide wall included in the second displacement part 300, thereby plastically deforming the second leg S2.

[0036] [First and Second Displacement Sections] The first displacement section 200 and the second displacement section 300 are the parts that bend a staple S to fasten the guide G and the object P together. In this embodiment, the driver 140 and the first displacement section 200 displace the first leg S1 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the guide G, and the driver 140 and the second displacement section 300 displace the second leg S2 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the guide G.

[0037] Here, Figure 3A is a plan view (top view) of the front portion F of the stapling machine 100 according to the first embodiment, viewed from above Z1 in a standby state in which the guide G is not inserted. Figure 3B is a plan view (top view) showing the configuration when the cover 220, upper guide portion 230, and lower guide portion 240, which will be described later, are omitted from the state shown in Figure 3A. Note that in Figure 3B, the state in which the guide G is inserted is shown. Furthermore, Figure 11A is a schematic cross-sectional view (front view) of the center of the guide G when viewed from the front X1 with the staple S engaged with the guide G.

[0038] The first displacement portion 200 is provided in front of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S and has a clincher portion 210 (corresponding to an example of the "clincher portion" in this disclosure) which is provided with a cylindrical portion H. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion H of this clincher portion 210, preferably approximately in the center, corresponds to an example of the "engagement position with the fastener" in this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "engagement position CP"). In other words, in the top view shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the engagement position CP is the virtual black dot and the surrounding area (an area separated from the inner wall surface 210n), and in the front view shown in Figure 11A, it corresponds to the area enclosed by the dashed-dotted line frame, that is, the area within the cylindrical portion H between the upper end surface level L21U and the lower end surface level L21L of the clincher portion, and does not include the clincher portion 210 itself.

[0039] Then, with the guide G securely inserted into the engagement position CP, the fastening machine 100 engages the staple S with the guide G using the driver 140 and the first displacement unit 200. More specifically, the fastening machine 100, driven by the driver 140, pushes the staple S located at the upper end of the connecting staple S forward X1, coinciding with the opening direction DR1. As a result, the upper end staple S separates from the connecting staple S and moves forward, the tip S1P of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S comes into contact with (collides with) the inner wall surface 210n of the clincher portion 210. Then, as the tip S1P moves along the inner wall surface 210n, it deforms into a spiral shape so as to wrap around the guide G, and the tip portion ST of the staple S engages with the guide G (Figure 11A).

[0040] Furthermore, a cover 220 is provided above Z1 of the clincher portion 210 so as to be vertically movable, which closes (blocks) the top surface of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210. Also above Z1 of the clincher portion 210, an upper guide portion 230 is provided so as to surround the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 in a top view, in order to guide the insertion of the guide G into the cylindrical portion H. Furthermore, a lower guide portion 240 is provided projecting diagonally forward X1 from the rear X2 side of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210, in order to guide the insertion of the guide G into the cylindrical portion H. As shown in Figure 3A, the upper guide portion 230 and the lower guide portion 240 have a shape that guides the guide G to approximately the center of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 (i.e., the engagement position CP), and are arranged so as to partially overlap in a top view. Furthermore, the upper guide portion 230 and the lower guide portion 240, along with the inner wall surface 220s of the cover 220, define the insertion path SK of the guide G into the cylindrical portion H. In addition, an ejector 250 is provided horizontally rotatable on the left side Y1 of the clincher portion 210 to discharge the staples S after fastening by pushing them out to the right side Y2.

[0041] On the other hand, the second displacement section 300 has a wall section provided in front of the second leg section S2 of the staple S. With the object P surrounded by the first leg section S1, the second leg section S2, and the main body section S3 of the staple S, the fastening machine 100 causes the second leg section S2 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 140, to come into contact with (collide with) the wall surface of the second displacement section 300. Then, as the hook section S24 of the second leg section S2 moves along the inner wall surface, it bends so as to catch on the guide G, and the hook section S24 engages with the guide G. In this way, the fastening machine 100 is configured to fasten the guide G and the object P by engaging both ends of the staple S with the guide G while the staple S is surrounding the object P.

[0042] Furthermore, conventionally known configurations can be used for the driver and the driver's movement mechanism. For example, as described in Patent Document 1 above, the binding machine 100 is configured to move the nut component and the driver 140 fixed thereto forward or backward by rotating a ball screw, which is installed extending in the front-rear direction from approximately the center of the binding machine 100, in the forward or reverse direction using a built-in motor. Since the nut component and the driver 140 can move forward X1 and backward X2, they are sometimes referred to as movable parts. The binding machine 100 may also further include a reduction gear connected to the output shaft of the motor and a circuit board on which a CPU equivalent to a motor control device is mounted.

[0043] [Guide Detection Unit] The binding machine 100 includes a detection unit 400 for detecting when the guide G is inserted into the engagement position CP in the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210. The detection unit 400 includes a detection lever 10, a torsion coil spring 11 connected to the detection lever 10, a lever rotation shaft 12 on which the torsion coil spring 11 is installed, a lever pin 13 that is interlocked with the detection lever 10, a microswitch 14 that can be switched ON / OFF, and a microswitch lever 15 provided to press the microswitch 14. Of these, as shown in Figure 3A, the detection lever 10 is installed on the rear side (rear X2) of the insertion path SK of the guide G, and when the guide G is not inserted, it is held in a position that overlaps with the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210. Furthermore, an example of a "mechanical sensor" in this disclosure mainly consists of the detection lever 10 and the microswitch 14.

[0044] Here, FIG. 3C is a side view (left side view) of the front portion 100F of the bundling machine 100 according to the first embodiment in a standby state where the guide G is not inserted, as viewed from the left side Y1. FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the front portion F of the bundling machine 100 as viewed from the lower right side Z2, and FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the front portion F of the bundling machine 100 as viewed from the lower left side Z2 (a view in which the display of some parts is omitted). As shown in FIGS. 3C to 3E and FIG. 11A, the detection lever 10 is provided below the clincher portion 210, and is displaced in the extending direction of the guide G (the vertical direction Z of the bundling machine 100) from the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210, so that it does not interfere with the engagement position CP between the guide G and the staple S (see particularly FIG. 11A). Further, the detection lever 10 has a flat plate shape, and is always biased toward the front X1 side by a torsion coil spring 11 provided on a lever rotation shaft 12 installed through the left side thereof. As a result, the detection lever 10 is configured to standby at the position shown in FIG. 3A.

[0045] In the standby state of the detection lever 10, when the guide G is inserted into the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 through the insertion path SK, the guide G abuts against the detection lever 10 at a position close to the bases of the upper guide portion 230 and the lower guide portion 240. Then, when the guide G is further pushed in (pressed by the guide G) against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 11, the detection lever 10 rotates about the lever rotation shaft 12 together with the lever pin 13 and moves toward the rear X2 side. When the guide G is surely inserted (arranged) at the engagement position CP, the lever pin 13 moves to a position where it presses the microswitch lever 15 to turn on the microswitch 14 in the OFF state. Note that the microswitch 14 is configured to output its ON / OFF signal to the control unit 160.

[0046] On the other hand, Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the strapping machine 100 according to the first embodiment with the guide G inserted into the engagement position CP. Figure 5A is a plan view (top view) of the front portion F of the strapping machine 100 with the guide G inserted into the engagement position CP, viewed from above, and Figure 5B is a side view (left side view) of the front portion F of the strapping machine 100 with the guide G inserted into the engagement position CP, viewed from the left. Furthermore, Figure 5C is a perspective view of the front portion F of the strapping machine 100 with the guide G inserted into the engagement position CP, viewed from the lower right, and Figure 5D is a perspective view of the front portion F of the strapping machine 100 with the guide G inserted, viewed from the lower left (a diagram in which the display of some parts is omitted). That is, Figures 4 and 5A to 5D correspond to Figures 2 and 3A to 3E (excluding Figure 3B), respectively.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5A to 5D, when the guide G is inserted into the engagement position CP within the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210, the detection lever 10 is pushed in the direction opposite to the biasing direction. Then, the lever pin 13 connected to the detection lever 10 presses down the microswitch 14 via the microswitch lever 15. In this state, the driver 140 is activated by pressing the trigger TR (ON). The trigger TR may be configured to be pressable at any time, or it may be configured to be pressable only when the guide G is in the engagement position CP (when the detection unit 400 is ON), and not pressable when the guide G is not in the engagement position CP (when the detection unit 400 is OFF).

[0048] FIGS. 6A to 6C are plan views (top view: the guide G part shows a cross section) showing a state in which the guide G is inserted into the engagement position CP in the cylindrical part H of the clincher part 210, corresponding to FIGS. 3A and 5A, and showing a part of the same figure. FIG. 6A shows a standby state before the guide G and the object P are inserted. From this state, when the guide G is guided along the insertion path SK, the guide G is brought into contact with the detection lever 10 and pushed into the cylindrical part H, as shown in FIG. 6B, the detection lever 10 moves to the rear side of the cylindrical part H. Then, when the guide G is further pushed into the inner side of the cylindrical part H, the guide G is inserted into the engagement position CP, as shown in FIG. 6C.

[0049] Further, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the guide G is inserted into the engagement position CP in the cylindrical part H of the clincher part 210, similar to FIG. 6C. When the guide G is within the range of the region R1 shown in this figure (when in the engagement position CP), the staple S moving forward in the X1 direction does not interfere with the guide G, passes through the right side Y2 of the guide G, and is displaced by the first displacement part 200 so as to wind around the guide G. On the other hand, when the guide G is within the range of the region R2 shown in this figure, the staple S moving forward in the X1 direction interferes with the guide G, and as described above, there is a risk of binding failure such as damaging the guide G at the end of the staple S or damaging the guide G in the case of a material such as a string or a tape. On the other hand, when the guide G is within the range of the region R3 shown in this figure, the staple S moving forward in the X1 direction passes through the left side Y1 of the guide G, and as described above, the staple S idles. Therefore, in the binding machine 100, when the guide G is in the region R1, the microswitch 14 is pressed and the detection part 400 is turned on, and in this state, by performing the pressing operation of the trigger TR, the driver 140 is configured to operate.

[0050] [Operation of the Binding Machine] Next, Figures 8A to 8F are perspective views showing the binding operation (operation sequence) in the binding machine 100 according to the first embodiment. First, Figure 8A shows the standby state before the guide G and the object P are inserted. Note that the object P is not shown in Figures 8B to 8F. Next, the guide G is inserted into the cylindrical part H of the clincher part 210 through the insertion path SK. When the guide G reaches the engagement position CP and enters the area R1 shown in Figure 7, the detection lever 10 presses the microswitch 14 and the detection unit 400 turns ON (Figure 8B).

[0051] Next, when the trigger TR is pressed (ON) in this state, the driver 140 is driven, the staple S is deformed to surround the object P, and the first leg S1 and second leg of the staple S engage with the guide G, completing the fastening of the guide G and the object P (Figure 8C). More specifically, as described above with reference to Figure 11A, the tip S1P of the staple S moves along the inner wall surface 210n of the clincher portion 210, deforming into a spiral shape so as to wrap around the guide G, thereby engaging the tip ST of the staple S with the guide G. Subsequently, the cover 220 rises, preparing to discharge the staple S outward (Figure 8D). Here, Figure 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state when the cover 220 rises from the state shown in Figure 11A. When the cover 220 rises from the state shown in Figure 11A, the top surface of the cylindrical portion H of the clincher portion 210 is opened. At that time, or thereafter, the deformed tip ST of the staple S is pushed out by an appropriate extrusion mechanism from the engagement position CP to above the clincher portion 210 Z1, as shown in Figure 11B.

[0052] Next, with the cover 220 moved upward, it is rotated horizontally to the right Y2, and the end of the ejector 250 comes into contact with, for example, the spirally wound portion of the staple S, causing the staple S to be discharged from the stapling machine 100, and the user can remove the bound guide G and object P from the stapling machine 100 (Figure 8E). As a result, the detection unit 400 is turned OFF, and the control unit 160 controls the trigger TR so that it cannot be pressed (i.e., the trigger TR does not need to be pressed for the next stapling operation). Then, the ejector 250 returns to its original position, the cover 220 descends, and the stapling machine 100 returns to standby mode (Figure 8F).

[0053] With the binding machine 100 configured in this way according to the first embodiment, the detection unit 400 detects that the guide G is in the engagement position CP with the staple S before performing the binding operation. This prevents the binding operation from being performed even if the guide G is not in the engagement position CP (for example, in area R3 shown in Figure 7) or is shifted from the engagement position CP (for example, in area R2 shown in Figure 7). This prevents binding defects such as the staple S missing, the guide G being damaged by the end of the staple S, or the guide G being damaged if it is made of a material such as string or tape, when binding the guide G and the object P with the staple S. Furthermore, by detecting whether or not the guide G is in the engagement position CP, the relative positional relationship between the guide G and the binding machine 100 can be understood. In addition, if the guide G is removed from the binding machine 100, the trigger TR cannot be operated, thus preventing erroneous operation of the binding machine 100.

[0054] Furthermore, since the staples S surround the object P and, after binding, the second part S12 of the first leg S1 and the fourth part S24 of the second leg S2 engage with the guide G, a strong binding can be achieved that prevents the guide G from bending and the staples S from falling out. In addition, the control unit 160 controls the driver 140 to operate only when the trigger TR is pressed (ON) while the guide G is in the engagement position CP, thereby more reliably preventing malfunctions of the binding machine 100.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection lever 10 is biased to push the guide G outward from the engagement position, and when the guide G is pressed against it, it moves so that the guide G is positioned at the engagement position CP. This allows for direct and reliable detection of the guide G's position. The detection result of the guide G by the detection lever 10 is output to the control unit 160 by the microswitch 14, thereby increasing the reliability of the stapling machine 100 and further suppressing erroneous operation. In addition, the detection lever 10 is positioned so as not to interfere with the engagement position CP between the guide G and the staple S in the clincher section 210. As a result, the detection lever 10 detects the portion of the guide G that is not at the engagement position CP, so the detection lever 10 does not interfere with the stapling operation between the guide G and the object P, nor does it hinder the operation of bringing the guide G into the engagement position CP, thereby improving the operability of the stapling machine 100.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is a perspective view from above Z1 of the stapling machine 100 according to the second embodiment in a standby state in which the guide G is not inserted. The stapling machine 100 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the stapling machine 100 of the first embodiment, except that it is equipped with an alert lamp 180 (corresponding to an example of the "alert unit" in this disclosure). The alert lamp 180 is for informing the user that the guide G is in the engagement position CP with the staple S, and is configured to light up when the microswitch 14 is pressed (detection unit 400 is ON) by the control unit 160. With the stapling machine 100 according to the second embodiment configured in this way, the user does not need to directly visually confirm whether or not the guide G is in the engagement position CP with the staple S. Therefore, the user can quickly operate the trigger TR to drive the driver 140, so that the guide G and the object P are fastened quickly, and as a result, work efficiency can be improved.

[0057] (Third Embodiment) Figure 10A is a perspective view of the front portion F of the third embodiment of the strapping machine 100 in a standby state with the guide G not inserted, viewed from the lower right Z2, and Figure 10B is a perspective view of the same strapping machine 100 in a standby state, viewed from the lower left Z2. The strapping machine 100 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the strapping machine 100 of the first embodiment, except that it is equipped with a detection unit 500 instead of a detection unit 400. The detection unit 500 is a sensor (non-contact type sensor) that determines the position of the guide G without contact, unlike a mechanical sensor such as the detection lever 10. Examples of such sensors include optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, image sensors, electromagnetic sensors, etc.

[0058] Among these, optical sensors (photoelectric sensors) include those with a mechanism to detect the amount of light partially blocked by the guide G, or to detect reflected light from the guide, and those that can detect and distinguish the color of the guide G. Light sources include laser light (visible light, infrared light, etc.) and LED (light-emitting diode) lights. Ultrasonic sensors include distance measuring sensors that use ultrasound, for example, a type that measures the time it takes for ultrasound emitted from a transmitter to be reflected by the guide G and reach a receiver. Image sensors include sensors that determine the presence or absence of the guide G by processing images captured by a camera, etc. Electromagnetic sensors are applicable when the guide G is made of metal, for example, eddy current displacement sensors that utilize high-frequency magnetic fields generated by electromagnetic induction.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example of the configuration of the bundling machine 100 when the detection unit 500 is an optical sensor will be described. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the detection unit 500 has a roughly U-shaped outer form and has a light-emitting unit (light-emitting element) 500a and a light-receiving unit (light-receiving element) 500b arranged opposite each other so as to sandwich the cylindrical part H of the clincher part 210. Light is constantly projected from the light-emitting unit 500a toward the light-receiving unit 500b, and when the guide G is inserted into the engagement position CP, the light emission is blocked or the amount of light received decreases, so by measuring this, it is possible to determine whether or not the guide G is in the engagement position CP. The detection unit 500 may output a detection signal for the guide G determined from the measurement result of such light received to the control unit 160, or it may output the measurement data of the amount of light received to the control unit 160 so that the control unit 160 can determine the detection of the guide G. Furthermore, the detection unit 500 is positioned similarly to the detection lever 10 so as not to interfere with the engagement position CP between the guide G and the staple S in the clincher unit 210. As a result, the detection unit 500 detects the portion of the guide G that is not at the engagement position CP, so the detection unit 500 does not interfere with the binding operation of the guide G and the object P, nor does it hinder the operation of bringing the guide G into the engagement position CP, thereby improving the operability of the binding machine 100.

[0060] The embodiments described above with reference to specific examples are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit its interpretation. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples, and modifications made to these examples by those skilled in the art are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure, as long as they retain the features of this disclosure. Furthermore, the elements, arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, dimensions, scales, etc., of each of the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to those exemplified unless otherwise specified and can be modified as appropriate. Moreover, the elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in different ways as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0061] In other words, for example, the shape of the staple S is not limited to that shown in Figure 1A, etc. For example, the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 do not necessarily have to be parallel, the opening width may narrow towards the tip, or conversely, the opening width may widen towards the tip. Also, the tip portion of the second leg portion S2 is not bent in advance like the fourth portion S24, and may be deformed into a shape that hooks onto the guide G before engaging with the guide G. Furthermore, the main body portion S3 of the staple S may have various shapes such as rectangles or parallelograms to match the shape of the object P, as long as an opening is provided for placing the object P inside. Also, instead of a mechanical sensor having a detection lever 10 and a microswitch 14, a microswitch alone, or one using a limit switch, or a contact-type displacement sensor using other contacts may be used. Furthermore, the cover 220 may be moved manually, or it may be configured to be movable using an electric motor or the like. Alternatively, another known means for deforming the staple S may be used instead of the first displacement part 200 and the second displacement part 300. In addition, if it is detected that the guide G is in the engagement position CP, the control unit 160 may drive the driver 140 to perform the fastening operation without waiting for the trigger TR to be operated. In this case, the trigger TR does not need to be provided, thereby simplifying the device configuration and operation.

[0062] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0063] This application is based on the Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-208413 filed on November 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference within this application.

[0064] According to this disclosure, when fastening objects together with a fastening device, it is possible to prevent fastening operations from being performed even if the guide is not in the engagement position with the fastening device or is shifted from that engagement position, and to prevent malfunctions of the fastening machine.

[0065] 10...Detection lever (mechanical sensor), 11...Torsion coil spring, 12...Lever rotation shaft, 13...Lever pin, 14...Microswitch (mechanical sensor), 15...Microswitch lever, 100...Binding machine, 120...Grip section, 130...Magazine, 140...Driver (drive section), 150...Main body section, 160...Control section, 180...Notification lamp (notification section), 200...First displacement section, 210...Clincher section, 210n...Inner wall surface, 220...Cover, 220s...Inner wall side surface, 230...Upper guide section, 240...Lower guide section, 250...Ejector, 300...Second displacement section, 400...Detection section, 50 0...Detection unit, 500a...Light emitting unit, 500b...Light receiving unit, CP...Engagement position, DR1...Opening direction, F...Front part, G...Guide, H...Cylindrical part, L21L...Lower end surface level, L21U...Upper end surface level, P...Object, R1-R3...Area, S...Staple (fastener), S1...First leg part, S1P...Tip, S2...Second leg part, S3...Main body part, S11...First part, S12...Second part, S23...Third part, S24...Fourth part, SK...Insertion path, ST...Tip part, TR...Trigger, X...Front-back direction, X1...Front, X2...Rear, Y...Left-right direction, Y1...Left, Y2...Right, Z...Up-down direction, Z1...Up, Z2...Down

Claims

A binding machine that uses binding tools to bind a guide and an object, A clincher portion that engages with the guide by deforming the fastening device, A detection unit that detects whether the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener, A drive unit deforms and moves the fastening device to fasten the guide and the object together based on the detection result from the detection unit, A binding machine equipped with a strapping mechanism. 　 The fastening device has a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The drive unit deforms and moves the fastening device so that the first leg portion, the second leg portion, and the main body portion surround the object, and the first leg portion and the second leg portion engage with the guide. The binding machine according to claim 1. 　 The binding machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit for operating the drive unit when the guide is in the engagement position with the binding device. 　 It further includes a trigger that can be pressed by the user, The control unit activates the drive unit when the trigger is pressed while the guide is in the engagement position with the fastener. The binding machine according to claim 3. 　 The binding machine according to claim 4, wherein the trigger is configured to be pressable by a user when the guide is in the engagement position with the binding device. 　 The binding machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify the user that the guide is in an engagement position with the binding device. 　 The strapping machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit has a sensor for detecting the position of the guide. 　 The bundling machine according to claim 7, wherein the sensor is at least one of a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an image sensor, and an electromagnetic sensor. 　 The binding machine according to claim 8, wherein the mechanical sensor is biased to push the guide outward from the engagement position, and has a lever that moves so that the guide is positioned in the engagement position when the guide is pressed against it. 　 The binding machine according to claim 7, wherein the sensor is provided in a position that does not interfere with the engagement position in the extending direction of the guide. 　 The drive unit operates only when the guide is in the engagement position. The binding machine according to claim 1. 　 The binding machine according to claim 5, wherein the trigger is configured to be pressable by the user only when the guide is in the engagement position with the binding device.

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