Binding machine

Abstract

This binding machine comprises: a driver configured to be capable of moving in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite from the first direction; a clincher part that deforms a staple, which moves in the first direction due to being pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, so as to engage with an object; and a discharge part that discharges a portion of the staple engaged with the object by the clincher part in a direction intersecting the axial direction in which the object extends.

Description

Binder

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a binder.

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

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

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-74007, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-13307, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-13317

[0005] However, in the binder described in Patent Document 3 above, if, after binding the binding object with a staple, the user pulls the trigger part to start the next binding operation while the staple remains in the binder, there is a possibility that the remaining staple may jam in the binder.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a binder capable of suppressing malfunction.

[0007] A binder according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a driver configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a clincher part that deforms a staple that moves in the first direction by being pressed by the driver moving in the first direction so as to engage with an object, and a discharge part that discharges a portion of the staple engaged with the object by the clincher part in a direction intersecting the axial direction in which the object extends.

[0008] Here, staples (sometimes called "linear fasteners") are made from flexible wires that are plastically deformable and include components (including those with a plated surface or coated with resin, etc.) that engage with an object by deforming. Staples are also sometimes called wires, clips, wires, or fasteners.

[0009] The staple may be composed of any shape including two legs and a connecting portion (sometimes called a crown) that connects the two legs. Here, the two legs may be formed as parallel line segments, as non-parallel line segments, curves, or a combination thereof. The crown may be formed as a straight line or as a curve. For example, the staple may have an asymmetrical shape, as illustrated in this embodiment.

[0010] Furthermore, binding includes restraining the relative movement of one object and another object using staples. For example, binding of objects may be achieved by surrounding one object (sometimes called the "second object" or "second object to be bound," for example, a plant) with staples and engaging, for example, both ends (two tips) of the staples with the other object (sometimes called the "first object," "first object to be bound," "guide," or "guide element," for example, a wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, tree branch, etc.).

[0011] The term "top view" refers to a viewpoint taken from a direction perpendicular to the plane through which the first leg, second leg, and main body of the staple are passed before fastening, and may also be called a "plan view."

[0012] This disclosure provides a binding machine capable of suppressing malfunctions.

[0013] Figure 1A is a plan view (top view) showing staples before deformation, fastened by a fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing staples after deformation, fastened by a fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a top view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a side view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 6A is a top view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 6B is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 6C is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 7A is a top view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 7B is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 7C is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 8A is a top view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 8C is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 9A is a top view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 9B is a perspective view of the fastening machine according to one embodiment. Figure 9C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 10A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 10B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 10C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 11A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 11B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 11C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 12A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 12B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 12C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 13A is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 13B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 13C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 15A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 15B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 16A is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 16B is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 17A is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 17B is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 18A is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment.Figure 18B is a side view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 19A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 19B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 19C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 20A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 20B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 20C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 21A is a top view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 21B is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 21C is a perspective view of a strapping machine according to one embodiment. Figure 22 is a perspective view of a discharge section and support section according to one embodiment. Figure 23 is a perspective view of a discharge section and support section according to one embodiment.

[0014] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are illustrative examples for illustrating this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure to these embodiments only.

[0015] [Structure of Staple S] First, the structure of staple S according to this embodiment will be described. Staple S is made of a wire that is plastically deformable. Staple S may be called a wire or a clip. Staple S includes, for example, a metal wire or wire (including those whose surface is plated or coated with resin, etc.).

[0016] Figure 1A is a top view plan of the staple S in the state before fastening (sometimes referred to as "before deformation"; the same applies hereafter) according to this embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the staple S in the state after fastening (sometimes referred to as "after deformation," or "when engaged," etc.; the same applies hereafter) according to this embodiment.

[0017] First, let's describe the structure of the staple S before fastening. This staple S has a first leg portion S1, a second leg portion S2, and a main body portion S3 that connects the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2. In the state before fastening, the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2 of the staple S are spaced apart, so an opening is provided between the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2. In this embodiment, the direction from the main body portion S3, which is the closed portion, toward the opening (to the left in Figure 1A) is sometimes called the opening direction DR1 (of the staple S). Also, the direction that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the staple S (for example, the opening direction DR1 for the second leg portion S2 of the staple S in this embodiment) and perpendicular to the stacking direction, which will be described later, is sometimes called the lateral direction (of the part of the staple S), and the surface of the staple S facing the lateral direction is sometimes called the side of the staple S. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, in which multiple staples S are connected, is called the stacking direction or connecting direction. In particular, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1A is sometimes called the stacking direction upward (of the staples S), and the depth direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1A is sometimes called the stacking direction downward.

[0018] More specifically, the staple S comprises a main body S3 that connects a first leg S1 and a second leg S2 and surrounds a second object P such as a stem; a first leg S1 connected to one end of the main body S3 and having a first part S11 that bends and extends outward and a second part S12 that bends further from the first part S11 and extends in the opening direction DR1; and a second leg S2 connected to the other end of the main body S3 and having a third part S23 that extends in the opening direction DR1 and a fourth part S24 that is bent outward from the tip of the third part S23. As shown in the figure, the main body S3 is formed in a curved shape, from C-shape to semicircular arc shape. The first part S11 that connects the main body S3 and the second part S12 may be called a crank part, and the second part S12 that connects to the first part S11 and extends linearly in the opening direction DR1 may be called a straight part. Furthermore, the fourth part S24, which corresponds to the other end of the staple S and is bent at an acute angle relative to the third part S23, is sometimes called the hook part.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1B, which illustrates the deformed state, the hook portion S24, which corresponds to the tip of the second leg portion S2, engages with the first object G when the second leg portion S2 is bent in a direction approaching the first object G by the fastening machine 100 described later and hooked onto the first object G. At this time, the opening that was provided between the two legs in the state before deformation is closed when viewed from above, so that the second object P can be surrounded using staples S.

[0020] When the hook portion S24 is engaged with the first object G, the third portion S23 exerts an elastic force in the direction that widens the opening and returns it to its original position. As a result, the hook portion S24 can apply tension to the first object G in the direction that widens the opening, that is, in the direction that separates it from the first leg portion S1 and returns it to its original position. This makes it possible to prevent the first object G from bending and the encirclement of the second object P by the staples S from being released.

[0021] [Configuration of the Binding Machine] Below, an example of the configuration of a binding machine 100 for bending staples S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figure 1B will be described. However, the binding machine may have other known configurations.

[0022] Except for some aspects where the configuration is reversed left to right (i.e., the first and second displacement parts of the binding machine disclosed in Patent Document 3, etc. are reversed left to right), the basic configuration of the binding machine 100 of this embodiment is the same as that of the binding machine disclosed in the said document, etc. Therefore, the configurations of the binding machine 100 will be described in an appropriate manner, with omissions and simplifications, so that it can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on the said document, the description in this specification, and the state of the art at the time of filing this application.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to explain the relative directional relationships, for convenience, the direction to the right of the paper in Figure 4 (described later) is sometimes called the front X1, the opposite direction to the left of the paper is called the rear X2, and both directions are collectively referred to as the front-rear direction X. As described above, the front X1 corresponds to the direction in which the connected upper end staple S supported by the magazine 140 separates from the other staples S and moves, and also coincides with the opening direction DR1 of the staple S (Figure 1A).

[0024] Furthermore, in Figure 4, the direction upwards on the paper is sometimes referred to as upward Z1, and the opposite direction downwards on the paper is sometimes referred to as downward Z2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the up-down direction Z. In this embodiment, the up-down direction Z corresponds to the extension direction of the magazine 140 and also coincides with the connection direction (stacking direction) of the connected staples S supported by the magazine 140. Furthermore, in the same figure, the depth direction perpendicular to the paper is sometimes referred to as leftward Y1, and the opposite direction perpendicular to the paper towards the front is sometimes referred to as rightward Y2, and both directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the left-right direction Y. Furthermore, a top view (bottom view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100, etc. is viewed from an upper Z1 (lower Z2) position looking downward Z2 (upper Z1), a front view (rear view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100, etc. is viewed from a front X1 (rear X2) position looking rear X2 (front X1), and a left side view (right side view) refers to the viewpoint when the strapping machine 100, etc. is viewed from the left Y1 to the right Y2 (or from the right Y2 to the left Y1).

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

[0026] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the stapling machine 100 includes a grip portion 120 that extends vertically so as to be grasped by the user and is equipped with a switch for driving the stapling machine 100, a magazine 140 configured to support (hold) a plurality of staples S (sometimes referred to as "connected staples S") stacked and connected vertically, and a stapling section configured to fasten two objects, a first object G and a second object P, using one staple S. Here, the part of the stapling machine 100 including the grip portion 120 and the stapling section, excluding the detachably provided magazine 140, is sometimes referred to as the main body 150. The stapling machine 100 further includes a magazine mounting section configured to detachably attach the magazine 140 to the main body 150.

[0027] [Configuration of the Binding Section] Below, an example of the configuration of the binding section of a binding machine 100 for bending the staple S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figure 1B will be described. However, other known configurations may be used as means for deforming the staple.

[0028] The fastening machine 100 includes a fastening section in addition to the magazine 140 and the like described above. The fastening section is the part that bends staples to fasten objects together. The fastening section of this embodiment includes a first displacement section 200 that displaces the first leg S1 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the first object G, and a second displacement section 300 that displaces the second leg S2 of the staple S so as to be able to engage with the first object G.

[0029] The first displacement portion 200 is located in front of the first leg portion S1 and has a hole with an inner wall surface including a cylindrical surface. With the first object G inserted on the central axis of this cylindrical surface, the stapling machine 100 causes the tip S1P of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 142 (see Figure 3, etc.), to come into contact with (collide with) the inner wall surface, deforming the tip portion ST into a spiral shape so as to surround the first object G, thereby engaging the tip portion ST with the first object G. On the other hand, the second displacement portion 300 has a wall portion located in front of the second leg portion S2. The stapling machine 100, with the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 of the staple S surrounding the second object P, uses the driver 142 to advance the staple S, causing the second leg S2 to come into contact with (collide with) the wall, bending the hook portion S24 of the second leg S2 so that it engages with the first object G, thereby engaging the hook portion S24 with the first object G. The stapling machine 100 is configured to fasten the first object G and the second object P together by engaging both ends of the staple S with the first object G while the staple S surrounds the second object P.

[0030] Specifically, the stapling machine 100 includes a driver 142 that pushes the staple S located at the upper end forward X1, coinciding with the opening direction DR1, thereby separating the staple S located at the upper end from other staples S and moving it forward X1; a moving mechanism for moving the driver 142; a first displacement part 200 (sometimes called a "clincher part") for curving and spirally deforming the first leg portion S1 of the staple S; and a second displacement part 300 for deforming the second leg portion S2 of the staple S by curving or bending it.

[0031] [Driver and Driver Movement Mechanism] As described in Patent Document 3 and other documents, the binding machine 100 is configured to move the nut component and the driver 142 fixed thereto forward or backward by rotating a ball screw, which is installed extending in the front-rear direction from approximately the center of the binding machine 100, in the forward or reverse direction using a built-in motor. The binding machine 100 may further include a reduction gear connected to the output shaft of the motor and a printed circuit board on which a CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT) equivalent to a motor control device is mounted.

[0032] The driver 142 is configured to move forward X1, thereby separating the uppermost staple S from the other staples S among the multiple staples S held in the magazine 140 and stacked vertically, while maintaining a front-to-back relationship where the opening of the staple S is in the front and the main body S3 is in the back, and then moving forward X1. The driver 142 is configured to move the separated staple S further forward X1, causing the first leg S1 to come into contact with the first displacement part 200, thereby plastically deforming the first leg S1, and causing the second leg S2 to come into contact with the guide wall included in the second displacement part 300, thereby plastically deforming the second leg S2.

[0033] [First Displacement Section] The first displacement section 200 (an example of the "displacement section") has the function of displacing the first leg portion S1 of the staple S, which is moved forward X1 by the driver 142, in a spiral shape so as to surround the first object G, thereby enabling engagement with the first object G. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first displacement section 200 is located to the left (Y1 direction) of the binding machine 100.

[0034] The first displacement portion 200 according to this embodiment includes a hole with a cylindrical inner wall surface into which the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S is inserted as it moves forward by the driver 142, causing the tip ST of the first leg portion S1 to advance downward Z2 (downward in the stacking direction) while curving in an arc or spiral shape, and a groove that guides the tip of the first leg portion S1 into the hole. The hole is provided in front of the first leg portion S1 X1 such that the axial direction of the cylindrical surface is parallel to the vertical direction Z, so that as the staple S moves forward, the tip S1P of the straight portion S12 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the hole, and the tip ST is displaced so that it advances spirally according to the shape of the inner wall surface. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the downward movement of the tip ST, the binding machine 100 may be provided with a lid portion (cover portion 250, as described later (Figure 6A, etc.)) that closes the upper part of the hole (the top surface of the cylinder), and the lid portion may also have a tapered surface that slopes downward Z2 along the circumferential direction in order to facilitate the downward movement of the tip S1P.

[0035] With this configuration, for example, by positioning the first object G, which is a guide string, so as to extend vertically along the central axis of the hole, and inserting the tip S1P of the first leg S1 into the hole, the tip S1P moves in a spiral motion along the cylindrical inner wall surface of the hole. This causes the tip ST to deform spirally around the first object G, making it possible to engage the tip ST with the first object G. In this embodiment, the hole described here is realized by the clincher portion 210 described later.

[0036] [Second Displacement Section] The second displacement section 300 (an example of a "displacement section") has the function of displacing the second leg portion S2 of the staple S, which is moved forward X1 by the driver 142, so that it can engage with the first object G. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second displacement section 300 is provided in the Y2 direction of the binding machine 100.

[0037] A detailed explanation will be omitted as it can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art based on the state of the art at the time of this application, including the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, etc. However, the second displacement part 300 according to this embodiment is configured to displace the second leg portion S2 inward of the staple S as the driver 142 moves forward X1. Specifically, the second displacement part 300 is provided on the outside of the second leg portion S2 in the initial state before the staple S starts to be displaced, and has a first guide wall that causes the second leg portion S2 to bend when it comes into contact with the second leg portion S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1 (forward X1). This first guide wall has a recess that is recessed toward the outside of the staple S.

[0038] Furthermore, the second displacement section 300 is provided in front of the second leg portion S2 X1 in the initial state before the staple S begins to be displaced, and includes a second guide wall that bends the second leg portion S2 when it comes into contact with the second leg portion S2 of the staple S moving in the opening direction DR1. This second guide wall has a wall surface facing rear X2 and a protrusion that further protrudes rear X2. In the initial state, this protrusion is provided in front of the second leg portion S2 in the front-rear direction and inward of the second leg portion S2 in the left-right direction, and is provided at the inner end of the second guide wall such that the amount of protrusion to the rear X2 increases as it moves inward.

[0039] With this configuration, the second leg portion S2 of the staple S, which is advanced by the driver 142, comes into contact (collides) with the first guide wall and the inner wall surface of the second guide wall, making it possible to bend the third portion S23 of the second leg portion S2 so that it curves significantly. This makes it possible to displace the hook portion S24 in a direction that approaches the first object G and hook it onto the first object G.

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

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and the like, the bundling machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a discharge unit 400 that discharges the staples S after bundling and the first object G (for example, a guide string) bundled by the staples S from the bundling machine 100. Further, the bundling machine 100 may further include another discharge unit that discharges the second object P (for example, a stem) from the bundling machine 100. Further, the bundling machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover sensor 600 that detects the opening and closing of a cover (a cover part 250 described later) of the first displacement part 200 and a cover opening and closing part 700 capable of opening and closing the cover.

[0042] Hereinafter, the bundling machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail centering on the discharge unit 400.

[0043] The bundling machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a driver 142 configured to be movable in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) opposite to the first direction X1, and a staple S that moves in the first direction X1 by being pressed by the driver 142 moving in the first direction X1. A clincher part 210 that deforms to engage with an object (for example, a guide string G), and a discharge part 400 that discharges a part of the staple S engaged with the object (guide string G) by the clincher part in a direction (Y second direction) intersecting the axial direction (Z direction) in which the object (guide string G) extends.

[0044] With the above configuration, the bundling machine 100 according to the present embodiment can suppress malfunction as described below. That is, in the bundling machine 100 according to the present embodiment, after the bundling object is bundled by the staples S, the discharge unit 400 is configured to discharge the staples S from the bundling machine 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from starting the next bundling operation while the staples S remain in the bundling machine 100, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging of the remaining staples S in the bundling machine 100.

[0045] As described above, in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, after binding the object to be bound with staples, if the user pulls the trigger part to start the next binding operation while the staples remain in the binding machine, it is considered that the remaining staples may clog the binding machine. In the present embodiment, since it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging of the remaining staples S in the binding machine 100, it is possible to suppress malfunction such as the user pulling the trigger part while the staples S remain in the binding machine 100.

[0046] In addition, in the binding machine described in Patent Document 3, the user inserts an object to be bound such as a guide string and a stem into a predetermined position of the binding machine to perform binding. After binding the object to be bound with staples, the operation of guiding the object to be bound in the direction opposite to the direction in which the object to be bound was inserted into the binding machine 100 and detaching it from the binding machine 100 is performed by the user who performs the binding operation of the binding machine 100. The operation of guiding the object to be bound in the direction opposite to the insertion direction into the binding machine requires proficiency, and such guiding operation may take time. In particular, in the operation of continuously binding a plurality of binding points, it may be a factor in reducing the work efficiency.

[0047] In the binding machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the staples S after binding can be discharged by the discharge part 400, it is possible to suppress a decrease in work efficiency.

[0048] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 6A to 18B, in the binding machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the configuration for discharging the staples S after binding the object to be bound from the binding machine 100 by the discharge part 400 will be described in more detail.

[0049] First, with reference to Figures 6A to 12C, an overview of the binding operation of the binding machine 100 and the discharge operation of the staples S by the discharge unit 400 will be explained. Figure 6A is a top view of the binding machine 100 as seen from above (Z1 direction). Figures 6B and 6C are perspective views of the binding machine 100 as seen from diagonally behind (X2 and Y1 directions) and diagonally in front (X1 and Y2 directions), respectively. Similarly, Figures 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, and 12A are top views of the binding machine 100, Figures 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B, and 12B are perspective views of the binding machine 100 as seen from diagonally behind, and Figures 7C, 8C, 9C, 10C, 11C, and 12C are perspective views of the binding machine 100 as seen from diagonally in front.

[0050] First, the initial state of the binding machine 100 will be described with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C. Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C schematically show the state before the first object G (guide string G) and the second object P (e.g., stem P) are inserted into the binding machine 100. As shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, the binding machine 100 is in its initial state, the driver 142 is in a standby position in the X2 direction of the binding machine 100, and the staples S are loaded. The discharge unit 400 is in a retracted position protruding in the Y1 direction of the binding machine 100. In the binding machine 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, when the discharge unit 400 is in the retracted position, for example, the entire discharge unit 400 does not have to be retracted, and at least a part of the discharge unit 400 may be retracted. Specifically, in this embodiment, for example, when the discharge section 400 discharges the staples S, the end portion 430 of the discharge section 400 that contacts the staples S is retracted in the Y1 direction, in which case the discharge section 400 is in the retracted position.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6A, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, a guide portion 212 may be provided which has a protruding member 212p that forms an opening 212a through which the guide string G can pass between the clincher portion 210 and the clincher portion 210, in order to guide the guide string G to an engagement position facing the clincher portion 210 in the axial direction (Z direction).

[0052] Next, the first object G and the second object P to be bound are inserted into the binding machine 100. As shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the first object G and the second object P are inserted between the first displacement section 200 and the second displacement section 300 so as to be substantially parallel to the Z direction. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the guide section 212 is provided, and when the guide string G is inserted, it is guided along the protruding member 212p of the guide section 212 to an engagement position 212t that is opposite to the clincher section 210 in the Z direction.

[0053] In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the engagement position 212t corresponds to the end of the guide portion 212 opposite to the opening 212a (the rear end of the guide portion 212) as shown in the top view in Figures 6A and 7A. In addition, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the engagement position 212t corresponds to the position near the central axis of a part of the cylindrical surface defined by the inner circumferential surface of the clincher portion 210 when viewed from above, and the staple S and the guide string G are engaged at this position. Furthermore, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the engagement position 212t, in the vertical direction (Z direction), is at the height of the cover portion 250 of the rear end of the guide portion 212 (above the clincher portion 210 in the vertical direction (Z direction) Z1).

[0054] Next, with the first object G and the second object P inserted as shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C, the user of the binding machine 100 pulls the trigger 168 of the binding machine 100, for example, turning on the power to the motor (not shown), and the binding operation is performed. Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C show the state after the binding operation by the binding machine 100 has been completed. As shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, at this time the driver 142 is moved in the X1 direction, and the first object G and the second object P are bound together by staples S.

[0055] Next, the cover portion 250 is raised in the Z1 direction. Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C show the state in the binding machine 100 after the raising of the cover portion 250 in the Z1 direction has been completed. As shown in Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C, in particular in Figures 9B and 9C, the cover portion 250 has been raised in the Z1 direction compared to the state immediately after the binding operation shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C has been completed. At this time, as shown in Figure 9C, the tip portion ST of the coiled staple S is exposed in the Y2 direction relative to the cover portion 250 from the binding machine 100. Also, for example, as shown in Figures 9A and 9C, the main body portion S3 of the staple S is not engaged with the driver 142. Therefore, in the state shown in Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C, the staple S and the first object G and second object P bound by the staple S can be discharged from the binding machine 100.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, the discharge section 400 is rotated while the cover section 250 is raised in the Z1 direction. At this time, the discharge section 400 is configured to rotate, for example, clockwise when viewed from the Z1 direction, around the rotation center 410 (in Figure 10A, when viewed from the Z1 direction, the front X1 end 430 of the discharge section 400 faces the cover section 250, and the rear X2 contact section 420 of the discharge section 400 moves away from the main body 150). As will be described in detail later, the discharge section 400 is rotated by one end (the rear X2 end (contact section 420)) coming into contact with an operating section 144 provided on the main body 150 of the binding machine 100. As the discharge section 400 is rotated as described above, the other end of the discharge section 400 (the front end X1 430) comes into contact with, for example, the helical coil portion of the staple S.

[0057] Thus, the staple S, whose coil portion is in contact with the discharge portion 400, is discharged from the stapling machine 100 as shown in Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C. As shown in Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C, at this time, the discharge portion 400 of the stapling machine 100 is rotated, and the cover portion 250 is raised in the Z1 direction.

[0058] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, a guide section 212 is provided, so after the binding operation is completed, the guide string G bound by the staples S is discharged from the engagement position 212t along the guide section 212. At this time, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the guide string G may be configured to be discharged by the discharge section 400 in the direction from the engagement position 212t toward the opening 212a, along with the staples S that bind the guide string G and the second object P such as a stem, by the discharge section 400.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C, the cover portion 250 is moved downward (in the Z2 direction). At this time, the cover portion 250 is moved in the Z2 direction until it comes into contact with a member such as the coil base of the second displacement portion 300 on the strapping machine body 150 side. At this time, the cover portion 250 returns to the state before the strapping operation was started (the state shown in Figures 6A to 8C).

[0060] Thus, the discharge operation of the staples S by the discharge section 400 of the stapling machine 100 in this embodiment is completed. Since the staples S can be discharged from the stapling machine 100, the stapling machine 100 can perform the next stapling operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions caused by staples S jamming in the stapling machine 100. In addition, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the discharge section 400 may be configured to stop for a predetermined time after the discharge operation is completed. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of the staples S or the object (guide string G) re-entering the engagement position, etc., even if the discharged staples S or object (guide string G) return to the stapling machine 100 immediately after discharge due to the elasticity of the guide string G, etc.

[0061] In the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the discharge section 400 is configured to press the portion of the staple S that engages with the guide string G (for example, the coil portion at the tip of the staple S that is deformed into a spiral shape), as described above, but is not limited to this. In the stapling machine 100, the discharge section 400 may be configured to press, for example, the portion of the guide string G that is spaced axially (Z direction) away from the portion of the staple S that engages with the guide string G.

[0062] For example, the coil portion formed by the spiral deformation of the staple may have different outer diameters depending on the location. However, if it is configured to press a part of the guide string G as described above, it becomes possible to move the object to be fastened by a predetermined distance without being affected by changes in the outer diameter of the coil. On the other hand, if the discharge unit 400 is configured to discharge the staple S by pressing the portion of the staple S that engages with the object (guide string G), it presses the portion fixed to the object (guide string G), making it possible to move the object to be fastened by a predetermined distance more reliably.

[0063] The operation of the discharge section 400 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C. Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C are perspective views of the strapping machine 100 from the diagonal rear direction (X2 and Y1 directions) in the state where the cover section 250 has completed movement in the Z1 direction (same as Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C), the state where the discharge section 400 has been rotated (same as Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C), and the state where the cover section 250 has completed movement in the Z2 direction (same as Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C), respectively. Note that Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C show the state where the cover section 250 has been removed.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13A, immediately after the cover portion 250 is raised in the Z1 direction, the front X1 end 430 of the discharge portion 400 is separated in the Y1 direction from the engagement position 212t. As shown in Figure 13B, the driver 142 is then moved backward (in the X2 direction), causing the actuation portion 144 connected to the driver 142 to come into contact with the contact portion 420 (the end in the X2 direction) of the discharge portion 400. As a result, the X2 direction contact portion 420 of the discharge portion 400 rotates toward the Y1 direction around the rotation center 410, and at the same time, the other end 430 (the end in the X1 direction 430) of the discharge portion 400 rotates toward the Y2 direction. Thus, the X1 direction end 430 of the discharge portion 400 comes into contact with the vicinity of the coil portion of the staple S, as shown in Figure 13B. When the cover portion 250 has completed its movement in the Z2 direction, the driver 142 has moved further in the X2 direction. At this time, as shown in Figure 13C, the rear X2 contact portion 420 of the discharge portion 400 is not in contact with the operating portion 144, and the front X1 end portion 430 is once again protruding in the Y1 direction.

[0065] Referring to Figures 14A and 14B, the relationship between the stapling machine 100 and the staples S when the cover portion 250 is raised in the Z1 direction will be explained in more detail. Figures 14A and 14B are perspective cross-sectional views of the stapling machine 100 in the state where stapling with the staples S is completed and the cover portion 250 is raised in the Z1 direction, respectively.

[0066] As shown in Figure 14A, immediately after the binding is completed, the coil portion formed by the deformation of the tip ST of the staple S is in contact with the clincher portion 210. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14B, in conjunction with the rise of the cover portion 250 in the Z1 direction, the ejector 214 raises the coil portion of the staple S in the Z1 direction, so that it is no longer in contact with the clincher portion 210. That is, at this time, the staple S is in a state where it can be discharged in the Y2 direction together with the guide string G bound by the staple S.

[0067] Thus, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the ejector 214 may be configured as an extrusion unit that moves the portion of the staple S engaged with the guide string G in the axial direction (Z direction) after the staple S has engaged with the guide string G by the clincher unit 210. In this case, the discharge unit 400 may be configured to discharge the portion of the staple S engaged with the guide string G in a direction intersecting the axial direction (Z direction) of the object (guide string G) after the portion has been moved in the axial direction (Z direction) by the extrusion unit.

[0068] Next, a configuration for raising the cover portion 250 in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the discharge portion 400 has a contact portion (end portion 420) that contacts the operating portion 144, and the contact portion (end portion 420) may be configured to be at a first height where it does not interfere with the operating portion 144 when the driver 142 is moving in a first direction (X1 direction), and at a second height where it interferes with the operating portion 144 when the driver 142 is moving in a second direction (X2 direction). In the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, the driver 142, the cover portion 250, the lifter portion 215, and the ejector 214 are connected and configured to operate as a single unit.

[0069] Figures 15A and 15B show a portion of the vicinity of the lifter section 215 of the strapping machine 100. Figures 15A and 15B are a top view and a perspective view, respectively, of a portion of the vicinity of the lifter section 215 of the strapping machine 100, viewed from the Z1 direction and from the front at an oblique angle (X1 and Y1 directions). As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, a cover section 250, an ejector 214, and a discharge section 400 are provided on the lifter section 215, and the cover section 250, ejector 214, and discharge section 400 can be moved in conjunction with the lifter section 215. The cover section 250, ejector 214, and discharge section 400 are provided on the upper part (Z1 direction), front (X1 direction), and left side (Y1 direction) of the lifter section 215, respectively.

[0070] The operation of the lifter section 215, which is provided with a cover section 250, an ejector 214, and a discharge section 400, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, and the operation of the lift guide section 216, which guides the vertical movement (Z direction) of the lifter section 215, will be described below with reference to Figures 16A to 18B. Figures 16A to 18B are side views of a part of the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, viewed from the Y1 direction. As will be described below, in the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment, the movement of the driver 142 and the operation of the lifter section 215 and the lift guide section 216 are linked. Furthermore, by linking the movement of the driver 142 and the operation of the lifter section 215 and the lift guide section 216, the vertical movement of the cover section 250 is also linked. Figure 16A shows the state before the first object G and the second object P are inserted into the binding machine 100, and Figure 16B shows the state after the binding of the first object G and the second object P with staples S is completed. Figure 17A shows the state after the cover portion 250 has finished rising, and Figure 17B shows the state after the discharge portion 400 has been rotated. Furthermore, Figure 18A shows the state after the discharge of the staples S is completed, and Figure 18B shows the state after the cover portion 250 has finished moving downward (in the Z2 direction).

[0071] As shown in Figures 16A to 18B, the strapping machine 100 has a process plate 146, which is a component that moves in the front-rear direction (X direction) in conjunction with the driver 142. In this embodiment, the process plate 146 is an example of a lift guide moving part (lid moving part). As will be described below, the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment may also include a lifter part 215 on which a lid part (cover part 250) is provided, which is disposed above the clincher part 210 in the axial direction (Z direction), and a lift guide part 216 on which a roller 217 is provided, which moves the lifter part 215 in the up-down direction (Z direction). Furthermore, the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment may also include a pin (pin 218) connected to a lid (cover portion 250), a roller 217 rotatably arranged on the pin 218 (hereinafter, the pin 218 and roller 217 are also referred to as the engaging portion 219), and a process plate 146 (also referred to as the lift guide moving portion (lid moving portion)). In this embodiment, by further providing the roller 217 on the pin 218, for example, the lifter portion 215 can be linked to the process plate 146 while engaging the roller 217 with the process plate 146, thereby enabling the lifter portion 215 to operate more accurately.

[0072] The process plate 146 (lift guide moving part) may have a first engagement path (third path R3) connected to the driver 142 that engages with the engagement part 219 (e.g., roller 217) when the driver 142 is moving in a first direction (X1 direction), a second engagement path (first path R1) provided above the first engagement path (third path R3) in the axial direction (Z direction) and that engages with the engagement part 219 (e.g., roller 217) when the driver 142 is moving in a second direction (X2 direction), a first connecting path (fourth path R4) connecting the first engagement path (third path R3) and the second engagement path (first path R1), and a second connecting path (second path R2) connecting the second engagement path (first path R1) and the first engagement path (third path R3). Furthermore, the binding machine 100 may also have a biasing member (disc spring 228) provided between the lift guide portion 216 and the lifter portion 215. This biasing member is provided to suppress the lifting of the cover portion 250, which may occur due to the force in the Z1 direction generated when the staple S is engaged with the guide string G. In other words, in this embodiment, the biasing member (disc spring 228) may be provided, for example, so as not to apply an upward force in the axial direction (Z1 direction) to the cover portion 250 when the engagement portion 219 (e.g., roller 217) is in the second engagement path (first path R1).

[0073] Furthermore, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, for example, when the engaging portion 219 (roller 217 or pin 218) is on the third path R3, the spring configuration has a total length that contacts the lifter portion 215 and the lift guide portion 216, and when the engaging portion 219 (roller 217 or pin 218) is on the fourth path R4, the spring configuration has a total length that does not contact the lifter portion 215 and the lift guide portion 216, thereby making it possible to apply a high load only when pressing down Z2. In this case, by configuring such a spring configuration with a disc spring 228, it is possible to further enhance the effect of increasing the load when pressing down Z2 as described above.

[0074] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, other biasing members may be provided in addition to the disc spring 228. For example, one or more lower compression springs may be provided below Z2 of the lift guide portion 216. Such one or more lower compression springs are configured to bias the lift guide portion 216 upward Z1, for example. As a result, for example, when the engaging portion 219 (e.g., roller 217) is on the third path R3, the lift guide portion 216 is biased upward Z1 by one or more lower compression springs. However, since the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) engages with the third path R3, the lift guide portion 216 does not move upward Z1. Subsequently, when the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) moves from the third path R3 to engage with the fourth path R4, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) can move upward Z1 on the fourth path R4, and the upward biasing Z1 by one or more lower compression springs causes the lift guide portion 216 to move upward Z1.

[0075] In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, a path R is formed in the process plate 146. As described above, the path R includes a first path R1 extending forward (in the X1 direction), a second path R2 connected to the front end of the first path R1 and extending in a direction inclined downward (in the Z2 direction) and backward (in the X2 direction), a third path R3 connected to the rear end of the second path R2 and extending backward (in the X2 direction), and a fourth path R4 connected to the rear end of the third path R3 and extending in a direction inclined upward (in the Z1 direction) and forward (in the X1 direction) and connected to the rear end of the first path R1. Each path R1 to R4 is defined, for example, by four wall surfaces of a parallelogram-shaped wall portion projecting to the left (in the Y1 direction).

[0076] Furthermore, the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment may also be provided with the trigger unit 168 described above, and may include a control unit that controls the driver 142 to move in a first direction (X1 direction) when the trigger unit 168 is pressed, and to move the driver 142 in a second direction (X2 direction) to return it to its initial position after the driver 142 reaches its bottom dead center.

[0077] However, these four paths do not necessarily have to be formed parallel to each other, nor do they necessarily have to be formed in a straight line; they may be formed in a curved shape. In particular, the second path R2 and the fourth path R4 do not have to be parallel. By changing the inclination angle of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, it is possible to change the path length of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4. Therefore, by changing the angle of the second path R2 and the fourth path R4, it is possible to change, for example, the timing of moving the cover portion 250 up and down.

[0078] In this embodiment, the lift guide portion 216 is provided with a pin 218 and a roller 217 rotatably mounted on the pin 218. The roller 217 is configured to engage with the path R and move along the path R. The binding machine 100 may also be provided with two shaft portions (a first shaft portion 222 and a second shaft portion 224 (Figure 16A, etc.)) that restrict the movement of the lifter portion 215 in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0079] The pin 218 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, protruding to the left (Y1 direction), and a rotatably positioned roller 217 is provided to the right (Y2 direction). The roller 217 is configured to move along the four wall surfaces of the parallelogram-shaped wall portion of the process plate 146.

[0080] The lift guide section 216 extends in the front-rear direction (X direction) and engages with one first shaft section 222 at a hole provided in the front X1 and with the other second shaft section 224 at another hole provided in the rear X2. Since each shaft section extends in the vertical direction and is fixed to the main body of the binding machine 100, the movement of the lift guide section 216 in the front-rear direction is restricted by the two shaft sections.

[0081] The lifter section 215 has a cover section 250 fixed to its upper part Z1. Furthermore, the two shaft sections (first shaft section 222 and second shaft section 224) are provided with multiple elastic members into which the two shaft sections are inserted on their inner circumference. The lifter section 215 is configured such that as the engaging section 219 (e.g., roller 217) moves up and down along the path R, the lift guide section 216 moves up and down, causing the elastic force generated by the elastic members pressed by the lift guide section 216 to fluctuate, thereby moving up and down the cover section 250 fixed above the lifter section 215. This configuration allows for the vertical movement of the engaging section 219 (roller 217) to be linked with the vertical movement of the cover section 250. Additionally, the vertical movement of the engaging section 219 (roller 217) is linked to the process plate 146, which moves in conjunction with the driver 142. Therefore, the movement of the driver 142 can be linked with the vertical movement of the cover section 250.

[0082] As shown in Figure 16A, which represents the state before the first object G and the second object P are inserted, the engaging portion 219 (pin 218 and roller 217) in this initial state is located on the second path R2.

[0083] As shown in Figure 16B, which depicts the state after the first object G and the second object P have been fastened together with staples S, when the driver 142 moves in the X1 direction and fastens together with staples S, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217), which is initially located in the second path R2, moves relative to the third path R3 in the X2 direction. As a result, after moving to the furthest rear of the third path R3, it is biased by the lower compression spring and moves to the fourth path R4.

[0084] In detail, as the driver 142 moves forward, the process plate 146 moves forward, and the engaging portion 219 (pin 218 and roller 217) located in the inclined second path R2 moves downward (in the Z2 direction) along the second path R2. As the engaging portion 219 (pin 218 and roller 217) moves downward, the lift guide portion 216 also moves downward Z2.

[0085] As shown in Figure 16A and the like, an elastic disc spring 228 is provided between the lift guide portion 216 and the process plate 146, with the first shaft portion 222 passing through its inner circumference.

[0086] Therefore, as shown in Figure 16B, when the lift guide portion 216 descends, the disc spring 228 is compressed, resulting in a stronger downward force (in the Z2 direction) pushing down the process plate 146. Consequently, the cover portion 250 connected to the process plate 146 presses down (in the Z2 direction) with strong force near the clincher portion 210, thereby guiding the staple S inserted into the clincher portion 210 so that the tip of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S moves downward (in the Z2 direction) to form a spiral coil shape.

[0087] Furthermore, while the driver 142 and process plate 146 are moving forward, the engaging portion 219 (e.g., roller 217) moves along the third path R3. As a result, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) is maintained in a position lower Z2. Therefore, by configuring the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) to be on the third path R3 during the binding operation, the lift guide portion 216 is maintained in a relatively lower position, making it possible to achieve a configuration in which the cover portion 250 continues to press downward (in the Z2 direction) during the binding operation.

[0088] As shown in Figure 16B, when the driver 142 and process plate 146 are at their furthest forward position, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) moves from the third path R3 to the fourth path R4. Since the fourth path R4 extends in a direction that is inclined upward (Z1 direction) and forward (X1 direction), the lift guide portion 216, the pin 218, and the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) move upward Z1 due to the elastic force of the lower compression spring.

[0089] In other words, at this time, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) rises along the fourth path R4 from the state shown in Figure 16B. Consequently, as the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) moves upward (in the Z1 direction), the lift guide portion 216 rises, and as a result the lifter portion 215 is raised, so the cover portion 250 fixed above the lifter portion 215 is raised, and as shown in Figure 17A, when the rise of the cover portion 250 is complete, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) is located between the first path R1 and the fourth path R4.

[0090] In other words, after the driver 142 completes its forward movement, when the driver 142 begins to move backward X2, the engaging portion 219 (e.g., the roller 217) begins to move upward (in the Z1 direction) according to the fourth path R4. As the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) moves along the fourth path R4, the elastic force of the lower compression spring causes the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) to move upward (in the Z1 direction), and the lift guide portion 216 moves upward Z1, so that the lifter portion 215 is raised and the cover portion 250 moves upward (in the Z1 direction). As a result, the blockage near the clincher portion 210 by the cover portion 250 is released, and the area near the clincher portion 210 is opened. In this way, it becomes possible to remove the first object G, which the first leg portion S1 of the staple S is engaged with, from the stapling machine 100.

[0091] Furthermore, elastic members for pushing upward (in the Z1 direction) may be provided in portions other than the first shaft portion 222 and the second shaft portion 224.

[0092] When the cover portion 250 completes its upward (Z1 direction) movement (Figure 17A), the driver 142 and process plate 146 move backward X2, and the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) engages with the first path R1 and moves relatively forward X1, so the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) is maintained at the position upward Z1 where the first path R1 is provided. Therefore, the vertical (Z direction) position of the lift guide portion 216 is maintained upward Z1, and the vertical (Z direction) position of the lifter portion 215 is maintained upward Z1. Thus, it is possible to realize a mechanism in which the cover portion 250 is lifted upward (Z1 direction) while the driver 142 returns to its initial state after binding.

[0093] With the above configuration, the cover portion 250 moves up and down during the binding operation by the driver 142. At the same time, the discharge portion 400 provided on the lifter portion 215 also moves up and down in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the driver 142. Therefore, in the state shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the discharge portion 400 is relatively close to the process plate 146 (located relatively downward (in the Z2 direction)), and in the state shown in Figure 17A, the discharge portion 400 is relatively far from the process plate 146 (located relatively upward (in the Z1 direction)).

[0094] Furthermore, the movement of the driver 142 in the X direction (movement in the X1 direction and movement in the X2 direction) described above may be configured to be started and controlled by the control unit when the trigger unit 168 is pressed. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit may be provided, for example, within the main body 150. More specifically, the control unit may be provided, for example, in the part where the lower Z2 portion of the grip unit 120 and the lower Z2 portion of the magazine 140 are connected, as shown in Figure 2.

[0095] Here, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the operating part 144, which is configured to contact the discharge part 400 so as to rotate the discharge part 400, is provided on the process plate 146. Furthermore, the operating part 144 is positioned at a height such that it does not contact the discharge part 400 when the discharge part 400 is relatively low, but can contact the discharge part 400 when the discharge part 400 is relatively high.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13B and 13C above, the operating part 144 has a planar portion parallel to the XY plane, and the edge of the planar portion in the X2 direction is provided to be inclined in the Y direction. Therefore, as the process plate 146 moves, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) enters the first path R1, and while the discharge portion 400 is relatively high (in the Z1 direction) (Figure 17A), when the process plate 146 moves backward X2 as the driver 142 moves backward X2, the rear X2 end (contact portion 420) of the discharge portion 400 comes into contact with the edge of the planar portion of the operating part 144 in the X2 direction. As shown in Figure 13B, the edge of the planar portion of the operating part 144 in the X2 direction is inclined in the Y direction, so when the discharge portion 400 comes into contact with the operating part 144, the contact portion 420 of the discharge portion 400 in the X2 direction moves to the left in the Y1 direction. As a result, the discharge section 400 rotates around the pivot center 410 relative to the lifter section 215, and the X1 end 430 of the discharge section 400 moves to the right in the Y2 direction.

[0097] Figure 17B shows the state in which the end portion 420 of the discharge portion 400 is in contact with the operating portion 144. That is, in the state shown in Figure 17B, the end portion 430 of the discharge portion 400 is moved in the Y2 direction (Figure 13B above).

[0098] In other words, as described above, the discharge section 400 has a contact portion 420 (rear end X2) that contacts the operating portion 144, and the contact portion (end 420) may be configured to be at a first height where it does not interfere with the operating portion 144 when the driver 142 is moving in a first direction (X1 direction), and at a second height where it interferes with the operating portion 144 when the driver 142 is moving in a second direction (X2 direction). In this case, in the state shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the discharge section 400 is at the first height, and in the state shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the discharge section 400 is at the second height.

[0099] As the discharge section 400 rotates, the end 430 of the discharge section 400 (the front end X1) comes into contact with, for example, the coil portion of the staple S, thereby removing the staple S from the binding machine 100. As shown in Figure 18A, the first object G and the second object P, which are bound together by the staple S, are removed from the binding machine 100.

[0100] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 18B, the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) returns to the second path R2, and as the engaging portion 219 (roller 217) moves downward (in the Z2 direction) along the second path R2, the cover portion 250 is closed.

[0101] With the above configuration, as the driver 142 moves in the front-rear direction (X direction), the engagement of the process plate 146 path R with the engagement portion 219 (roller 217) allows the cover portion 250 to move up and down in conjunction with the driver 142's movement in the front-rear direction (X direction). Furthermore, the contact of the operating portion 144 provided on the process plate 146 with the discharge portion 400 allows the discharge portion 400 to rotate in conjunction with the discharge portion 400. In other words, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the discharge portion 400 is configured to move in conjunction with the driver 142 moving in the second direction (rear X2) and to discharge the portion of the staple S that has engaged with the object (guide string G). Furthermore, as described above, the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment includes an operating part 144 connected to a driver 142, and the discharge part 400 has a contact part 420 that contacts the operating part 144, and the discharge part 400 is configured to discharge the portion of the staple S that has engaged with the object (guide string G) by the contact part 420 contacting the operating part 144 connected to the driver 142 which moves in a second direction (rear X2).

[0102] In addition, in the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, the distance between the pivot center 410 of the discharge section 400 and one end (contact section 420) may be configured to be different from the distance between the pivot center 410 and the other end 430. In other words, in the stapling machine 100 according to this embodiment, the discharge section 400 has a contact section 420 that contacts the operating section 144, and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis (rotation center 410) parallel to the axial direction (Z direction), the contact section 420 is located at the end of the discharge section 400 in the second direction (X2 direction), and the discharge section 400 has a pressing section at the end 430 in the first direction (X1 direction), the pressing section is configured to press a part of the staple S or a part of the guide string G when the staple S or guide string G is discharged, and the distance between the pressing section and the rotation axis (rotation center 410) in the direction from the first direction (X1 direction) to the second direction (X2 direction) may be configured to be greater than the distance between the contact section 420 and the rotation axis (rotation center 410) in the direction from the first direction (X1 direction) to the second direction (X2 direction).

[0103] Figure 15B shows the distance D31 between the pressing portion (corresponding to the front X1 end portion 430 in this embodiment) and the rotation axis (rotation center 410) in the direction from the first direction (X1 direction) to the second direction (X2 direction), and the distance D21 between the contact portion 420 and the rotation axis (rotation center 410) in the direction from the first direction (X1 direction) to the second direction (X2 direction). As shown in Figure 15B, distance D31 is greater than distance D21. In the binding machine 100 according to this embodiment, with this configuration, the amount of movement of the end portion 430 in the Y2 direction can be made larger than the amount of movement of the contact portion 420 in the Y1 direction by the operating portion 144 when the binding machine 400 is discharging, so for example, the discharge efficiency of the binding machine 400 can be improved.

[0104] In the embodiments described above, a strapping machine 100 was described as an example in which the discharge section 400 is linked to the movement of the driver 142 to discharge the staples S. However, the configuration of the discharge section 400 of the strapping machine 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. Referring to Figures 19A to 21C, a strapping machine 100A equipped with a discharge section 500 having a different configuration will be described.

[0105] Figure 19A is a top view of the strapping machine 100A as seen from above (Z1 direction). Figures 19B and 19C are perspective views of the strapping machine 100A as seen from diagonally behind (X2 and Y1 directions) and diagonally in front (X1 and Y2 directions), respectively. Similarly, Figures 20A and 21A are top views of the strapping machine 100A, Figures 20B and 21B are perspective views of the strapping machine 100A as seen from diagonally behind, and Figures 20C and 21C are perspective views of the strapping machine 100A as seen from diagonally in front. Furthermore, Figures 19A, 19B, and 19C show the binding machine 100 after binding is completed, Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C show the binding machine 100 after the cover portion 250 has moved upward (in the Z1 direction), and Figures 21A, 21B, and 21C show the binding machine 100A when the discharge portion 500 is rotated.

[0106] As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, in the stapling machine 100A, the discharge section 500 is connected to the main body of the stapling machine 100A by a support section 260. The stapling machine 100A is configured such that, for example, a user of the stapling machine 100A can remove the staples S by manually pushing the discharge section 500 in the Y2 direction.

[0107] Figures 22 and 23 show enlarged views of the discharge section 500 and the support section 260. Figures 22 and 23 are perspective views of the discharge section 500 and the support section 260 of the binding machine 100A, viewed from diagonally below (in the X2 and Z2 directions). Figure 22 shows the discharge section 500 being manually pressed by the user, while Figure 23 shows the discharge section 500 not being pressed.

[0108] As shown in Figure 22, the Y1 end 540 of the discharge section 500 is planar, parallel to the XY plane, and the Y2 end 550 of the discharge section 500 has a plane parallel to the Z direction. The discharge section 500 is biased in the Y1 direction by a spring member 262 relative to the support section 260.

[0109] As shown in Figure 22, when the end 540 of the discharge section 500 is manually pushed in the Y2 direction by the user, the other end 550 moves in the Y2 direction. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 23, when the discharge section 500 is not being pushed by the user, the discharge section 500 is biased in the Y1 direction by the spring member 262 relative to the support section 260, so the discharge section 500 moves in the Y1 direction.

[0110] Returning to Figures 19A and 19C, in the stapling machine 100A, at the time when the stapling of the first object G and the second object P with staples S is completed, the discharge section 500 supported by the support section 260 is not pressed.

[0111] Next, as shown in Figures 20A to 20C, when the cover portion 250 is moved upward (in the Z1 direction), the first object G and the second object P, which are bound together by staples S, become ready to be discharged from the binding machine 100A.

[0112] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 21A to 21C, when the cover portion 250 is moved upward and the end portion 540 of the discharge portion 500 is pushed in the Y2 direction by the user, the end portion 550 of the discharge portion 500 comes into contact with, for example, the spiral coil portion of the staple S, and the first object G and the second object P, which are bound together by the staple S, are discharged from the binding machine 100A.

[0113] This disclosure is subject to various modifications without departing from its essence. For example, within the ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art, some components of one embodiment may be added to other embodiments. Also, some components of one embodiment may be replaced with corresponding components of other embodiments.

[0114] 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.

[0115] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-208497) filed on November 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0116] This disclosure provides a binding machine capable of suppressing malfunctions.

[0117] 100, 100A Binding machine 142 Driver 144 Operating part 146 Process plate (lid moving part (lift guide moving part)) 168 Trigger part 200 First displacement part 210 Clincher part 212 Guide part 212a Opening 212t Engagement position 214 Ejector (extrusion part) 215 Lifter part 218 Pin 228 Disc spring (biasing member) 250 Cover part (lid part) 400, 500 Discharge part 410 Rotation center (rotation axis) 420 End (contact part) 430 End (pressing part) G Guide string (object) R1 First path (second engagement path) R3 Third path (first engagement path) S Staple

Claims

1. A strapping machine comprising: a driver configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a clincher section that deforms a staple moving in the first direction, which is pressed by the driver moving in the first direction, so as to engage with an object; and a discharge section that discharges the portion of the staple that has engaged with the object by the clincher section in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the object's extension.

2. The stapling machine according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion having an opening through which the object can pass in order to guide the object to an engagement position opposite the clincher portion in the axial direction, wherein the discharge portion discharges the portion of the staple that has engaged with the object in the direction from the engagement position toward the opening.

3. The bundling machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge section presses the portion of the staple that is engaged with the object.

4. The bundling machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge section presses the portion of the object that is spaced in the axial direction away from the portion of the staple that is engaged with the object.

5. The binding machine according to claim 1, further comprising an extrusion unit that moves the portion of the staple that has engaged with the object in the axial direction after the staple has engaged with the object by the clincher unit, wherein the discharge unit discharges the portion of the staple that has engaged with the object in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the object after the portion has been moved in the axial direction by the extrusion unit.

6. The bundling machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is linked to the driver which moves in the second direction and discharges the portion of the staple that has engaged with the object.

7. The binding machine according to claim 1, comprising an operating part connected to the driver, wherein the discharge part has a contact part that contacts the operating part, and the discharge part discharges the portion of the staple that has engaged with the object by the contact part contacting the operating part connected to the driver which moves in the second direction.

8. The binding machine according to claim 7, wherein the contact portion is located at a first height such that it does not interfere with the operating portion when the driver is moving in the first direction, and at a second height such that it interferes with the operating portion when the driver is moving in the second direction.

9. The binding machine according to claim 1, comprising: a lifter section provided with a lid disposed above the axial direction of the clincher section; a lift guide section provided with an engagement section for moving the lifter section vertically; a lift guide moving section connected to the driver and having a first engagement path that engages with the engagement section when the driver is moving in the first direction; a second engagement path provided above the first engagement path in the axial direction and engages with the engagement section when the driver is moving in the second direction; a first connecting path connecting the first engagement path and the second engagement path; and a biasing member disposed so as to apply a downward force in the axial direction to the lid section when the engagement section is in the first engagement path, and so as not to apply an upward force in the axial direction to the lid section when the engagement section is in the second engagement path.

10. The binding machine according to claim 9, wherein the biasing member includes a disc spring.

11. The binding machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a trigger unit; and a control unit that controls the driver to move in the first direction when the trigger unit is pressed, and to move the driver in the second direction to return it to its initial position after the driver reaches the bottom dead center.

12. The bundling machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the discharge section has a contact section that contacts an operating section connected to the driver, and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction, the contact section is located at the end of the discharge section in the second direction, the discharge section has a pressing section at its end in the first direction, the pressing section is configured to press a part of the staples or a part of the object when discharging the staples or the object, and the distance between the pressing section and the rotation axis in the direction from the first direction to the second direction is greater than the distance between the contact section and the rotation axis in the direction from the first direction to the second direction.

13. The bundling machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit stops for a predetermined time after completing the discharge operation.

14. The binding machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is configured to discharge the staples from the binding machine.

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