JP7748611B2 - Binding machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a binding machine and a binding method.

It is known to use staples or other fasteners to fasten plants to wires or other structures.

Patent Document 1 describes an example of such a staple. This staple has a pair of left and right arms and a convex protrusion provided between the arms.

Patent Document 2 describes an electric binding machine equipped with a rechargeable power supply that is detachably connected to a mounting shell. The binding machine described in Patent Document 2 can bind using the staples described in Patent Document 1.

European Patent No. 1839482 Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN111903423

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

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

The present invention aims to provide a binding machine and binding method that enables binding that is less likely to come undone.

This application discloses a binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple, the staple including a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, with an opening formed between the first leg and the second leg. This binding machine also includes a first displacement unit that displaces the first leg so that it can engage with the first object, and a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and displaces the second leg so that it can engage with the first object.

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

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

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

The moving part may include a drive that is movable in the opening direction.
The moving portion may include a slider that is movable in the opening direction.
The moving part may include a drive and a slider that are movable in the opening direction.

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

The second displacement portion may be configured to bend the second leg portion inward toward the staple as the slider of the moving portion moves toward the opening.

The second displacement portion may include an arm provided on the outside of the second leg portion and against which the moving portion, which moves in the opening direction, abuts to bend the second leg portion.

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

The first displacement section may include a first insertion section into which the first object and the first leg section are inserted.

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

The first displacement section may be configured to fold back the tip of the first leg section so as to sandwich the first object.

This application discloses a binding method. This binding method uses a staple including a first leg, a second leg, and a main body connecting the first leg and the second leg, with an opening formed between the first leg and the second leg, to bind a first object and a second object. The first leg is displaced to engage the first object with the first leg, and the second leg is displaced to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, thereby engaging the first object with the second leg.

Displacing the first leg to engage the first object may include advancing the tip of the first leg downward, away from a plane that passes through the first leg, the second leg, and the main body.

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

Displacing the first leg to engage the first object may include displacing a portion of the first leg that is a first distance or less from the tip of the first leg to engage the first object.

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

Displacing the second legs to surround the second object with the first legs, the second legs, and the main body to engage the first object may include displacing the second legs in a first rotational direction to a position where they intersect with the first legs in a top view, so that the tips of the second legs pass through the gap between the first object and the second object, and displacing the second legs in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, so that the tips of the second legs that have passed through the gap between the first object and the second object engage with the first object.

In a top view, displacing the second leg in a first rotational direction to a position where it intersects with the first leg and passing the tip of the second leg through the gap between the first object and the second object may include bending the tip of the second leg in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction while bending the second leg in the first rotational direction.

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

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

In this invention, "binding a first object and a second object" means restricting the movement of the second object relative to the first object. Here, the staples used for binding do not necessarily need to abut either the first object or the second object. For example, even if the staples do not abut the second object, they can engage with the first object while surrounding the second object, thereby restricting the movement of the second object relative to the first object. Therefore, "binding a first object and a second object" includes such situations.

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

In this invention, "curved" means being bent in a bow shape over a specified range. Therefore, when bent, the curved member deforms smoothly over a specified range.

In the present invention, "bending" includes bending and curving.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a staple before binding as viewed from above. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a staple after binding as viewed from above. FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a staple after binding as seen from the front. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a bundling method using a bundling machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine according to one embodiment as seen from the right side. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine according to one embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine according to one embodiment as seen from the front. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the front end side of the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a driver according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B is a plan view of a driver in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a slider in one embodiment. FIG. 7B is a plan view of a slider according to one embodiment. FIG. 8A is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view of the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 8B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the binding machine according to one embodiment as seen from behind. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view (perspective cross-sectional view) showing a nut component and the like of the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a detachment portion and the like of a binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 11A is a partially enlarged front view of the binding machine according to one embodiment in an initial state. FIG. 11B is a partially enlarged view illustrating the initial state of the binding machine according to one embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 12A is a partially enlarged top view of the binding machine according to one embodiment, illustrating the start of plastic deformation. FIG. 12B is a partially enlarged side view of the binding machine according to one embodiment, illustrating the start of plastic deformation. FIG. 12C is a partial enlarged perspective view of the front end of the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the contact member 24 (claw member) according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the contact member 24 (claw member) according to one embodiment when plastically deforming as viewed from the front. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second arm according to one embodiment. FIG. 16A is a top view of a second arm according to one embodiment. FIG. 16B is a rear view of the second arm according to one embodiment. FIG. 17A is a partially enlarged front view showing the start of driver movement of the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 17B is a partially enlarged top view illustrating the start of movement of the driver of the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged top view illustrating a state in which a staple separated by a binding machine according to an embodiment is advancing. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged top view illustrating a state after a staple has passed through the first outer wall portion by the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged top view illustrating a state when the staple reaches the displacement start position by the binding machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 21A is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine as viewed from the front when a user inserts a first object into the first insertion section and a second object into the second insertion section. FIG. 21B is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine in a top view when a user inserts a first object into the first insertion section and a second object into the second insertion section. FIG. 22A is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine as viewed from the front when the slider resumes moving forward after the first object and the second object have been inserted. FIG. 22B is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine in a top view when the slider resumes moving forward after the first object and the second object have been inserted. FIG. 23A is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine as seen from the front when the slider is moving forward and the second leg portion is being deformed. FIG. 23B is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine as viewed from above when the slider is moving forward and the second leg portion is being deformed. FIG. 24A is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine as seen from the front just before the slider moves forward to its most advanced position. FIG. 24B is a partially enlarged view showing the front end portion of the binding machine in a top view immediately before the slider moves forward to its most advanced position. FIG. 25A is a partially enlarged front view and an enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine after the slider has started to move backward. FIG. 25B is a partially enlarged top view and an enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine after the slider has started to move backward. FIG. 25C is a partially enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine after the slider has started to retract. FIG. 26A is a partially enlarged front view and an enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine when the slider is further retracted. FIG. 26B is a partially enlarged top view and an enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine when the slider has further retracted. FIG. 26C is a partially enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the strapping machine when the slider has retracted further.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments alone.

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

Figure 1A shows the staple S according to this embodiment before binding, while Figures 1B and 1C show a top view and a front view, respectively, of the staple S in its bound state after binding (however, for ease of explanation, parts not necessary for explanation, such as the first object G and second object P, have been omitted from Figure 1C).

The staple S includes a first leg S1, a second leg S2, and a main body S3 that connects the first leg S1 and the second leg S2.

Before binding, the first leg S1 and second leg S2 of the staple S are spaced apart, leaving an opening between them. The direction from the closed portion of the main body S3 toward the opening (to the left in Figure 1A) is called the opening direction D1. When set in the binding machine 10, the opening direction D1 of the staple S coincides with the forward direction X1, which will be described later.

The first leg S1 is a portion that includes one end of the staple S and includes a first portion S1B extending in the opening direction D1 and a tip portion S1A that is bent and extends outward from the first portion S1B. The angle between the first portion S1B and the tip portion S1A is called the bending angle α1, and the portion of the tip portion S1A that is bent to connect with the first portion S1B is called the bending portion. In this embodiment, the bending angle α1 is 90 degrees or less.

The second leg S2 is the portion that includes the other end of the staple S and includes a second portion that extends in the opening direction D1. In a top view (Figure 1B) showing the binding state, the second leg S2 is bent so as to intersect with the first leg S1 and close the opening. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second leg S2 is formed longer than the width of the opening, i.e., the distance between the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. The second leg S2 is also formed longer than the first leg S1.

The main body portion S3 is the portion that connects the first leg portion S1 and the second leg portion S2. The main body portion S3 in this embodiment includes a side portion that extends linearly. However, the shape of the main body portion S3 is not limited to this; for example, it may include a curved portion that curves outward, or it may be composed of one or more side portions and one or more curved portions.

In the binding state shown in Figure 1B, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 of the staple S is bent generally clockwise in the same figure (hereinafter, the generally clockwise direction in a top view may be referred to as the "first rotation direction R1," and the generally counterclockwise direction may be referred to as the "second rotation direction R2") and intersects with the first leg S1 in a top view. This makes it possible to clamp the first object G with the first leg S1. As shown in Figure 1C, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 is bent so that the tip moves downward Z2, away from the plane PL that passes through the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 before binding.

Meanwhile, a portion of the second leg S2 of the staple S is bent in the first rotation direction R1 to close the opening. Because the opening is closed, it is possible to prevent the staple S from coming off the second object P surrounded by the staple S. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1C , the tip S2A of the second leg S2 is bent upward Z1, away from the plane PL that penetrates the first leg S1, the second leg S2, and the main body S3 before binding. In this way, the tip of the first leg S1 is bent downward Z2 to engage with the first object G, and the tip of the second leg S2 is bent upward Z1 to engage with the second object P, making it easier to generate tension in the region of the first object G from the engagement position with the first leg S1 to the engagement position with the second leg S2. This makes it possible to prevent the first object G from bending and causing the staple S to fall off.

In addition, the second leg S2 is bent in a first rotational direction R1 toward the inside of the staple S to a position where it intersects with the first leg S1 so as to close the opening in a top view. At this time, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 passes through the gap between the first object G and the second object P. The second leg S2 then displaces in a second rotational direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotational direction R1 in a top view, causing the tip S2A of the second leg S2 that has passed through the gap between the first object G and the second object P to engage with the first object G. As a result, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 and the tip S2A of the second leg S2 can engage to sandwich the first object G. Even if the second object P grows, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 are each bent in a direction that strengthens the force with which they sandwich the first object G. This makes it possible to prevent the staple S from coming off the first object G even if the second object P grows.

When displacing the second leg S2 in the first rotational direction R1, it is preferable to bend the tip S2A of the second leg S2 in a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1 while bending the second leg S2 in the first rotational direction R1. With this configuration, by displacing the tip S2A of the second leg S2 in the second rotational direction R2 after passing through the gap between the first object G and the second object P, it becomes possible to easily engage the tip S2A of the second leg S2 with the first object G.

As is clear from a comparison of Figure 1A, which shows the state of the staple S before binding, and Figures 1B and 1C, which show the state of the staple S after binding, when the distance from the tip of the displaceable portion of the first leg S1 to the tip of the first leg S1 is defined as the first distance DS1 and the distance from the tip of the displaceable portion of the second leg S2 to the tip of the second leg S2 is defined as the second distance DS2, the second distance DS2 is greater than the first distance DS1; for example, the second distance DS2 is greater than twice the first distance DS1. By bending the staple S asymmetrically in this manner, the second leg S2 can be suitably engaged with the first object G held close to the first leg S1.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1A, the boundary position between the displaced and non-displaced portions of the first leg S1, which corresponds to a position a first distance DS1 from the tip of the first leg S1, corresponds to a position further in the opening direction D1 than the boundary position between the displaced and non-displaced portions of the second leg S2, which corresponds to a position a second distance DS2 from the tip of the second leg S2.

With this configuration, when the slider 44 is advanced in the opening direction D1, the second leg S2 begins to displace first, and after the second leg S2 has begun to displace, the first leg S1 begins to displace. This makes it possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the binding machine 10 at the same time.

The shape of the staple S is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 do not necessarily have to be parallel, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the staple S can be bent so as to achieve at least some of the technical effects described above even if the opening width narrows or widens as it approaches the tip. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that even if the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 are the same length, the staple S can be bent so as to achieve at least some of the technical effects described above, although the tip of the first leg S1 will be excessive.

Furthermore, the bending method of the staple S is not limited to that shown in Figures 1B and 1C. For example, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 does not have to be bent. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that even if the tip S2A of the second leg S2 is not bent, the second leg S2 can still be engaged with the first object G, and therefore at least some of the technical effects described above will be achieved.

The following describes an example of the configuration of a binding machine 10 for bending the staple S shown in Figure 1A as shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

Figures 2(A) to 2(E) are schematic diagrams conceptually illustrating the configuration of a binding machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the state of a staple S being bent by the binding machine 10. In these figures, the main body portion S3 of the staple S is stationary.

For the sake of convenience, in order to explain the relative directional relationships, the left side of the paper in Figure 2 will be referred to as the front X1, the right side of the paper will be referred to as the rear X2, the forward direction perpendicular to the paper will be referred to as the upper Z1, the depth direction perpendicular to the paper will be referred to as the lower Z2, the lower side of the paper will be referred to as the right Y1, and the upper side of the paper will be referred to as the left Y2. A top view refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 10, etc. is viewed from the upper Z1 position looking downward Z2, a front view refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 10, etc. is viewed from the front X1 position looking backward X2, and a side view refers to the viewpoint when the binding machine 10, etc. is viewed to the right Y1 or left Y2.

Furthermore, when staples S, which will be described later, are set in the binding machine 10, the direction from the area surrounded by staples S (the area where second object P, which will be described later, is inserted) toward the outside of staples S is sometimes referred to as the outward direction, and the direction from the outside of staples S toward the area surrounded by staples S is sometimes referred to as the inward direction.

As shown in FIG. 2(A) and other figures, the binding machine 10 includes a slider 44 as an example of a movable part that moves in the forward direction X1. The binding machine 10 also includes a first displacement unit 20 for displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S. The first displacement unit 20 displaces different parts in different directions based on the forward movement X1 of the slider 44, thereby displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S so that it can engage with the first object G.

The slider 44 may be formed as a single unit, or may be composed of multiple parts that move in unison.

In this embodiment, the first displacement portion 20 includes a contact member 24 that moves in a direction inclined toward the inside (rightward Y1) and rearward X2 of the staple S based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44. The contact member 24 is sometimes referred to as a gripping portion because it contacts the area of the tip portion S1A of the staple S and bends the tip portion S1A so as to plastically deform it.

The first displacement unit 20 may include a component that moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forward X1 direction, that is, toward the inside (right Y1) of the staple S, based on the forward X1 movement of the slider 44, thereby contacting the tip S1A of the staple S and bending the tip S1A.

Alternatively, the first displacement unit 20 may include a component that moves outward (to the left Y2) from the staple S based on the forward movement X1 of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the tip S1A of the staple S and bending the tip S1A.

Alternatively, the first displacement unit 20 may include a component that moves the staple S in the first rotation direction R1 based on the forward movement X1 of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the tip S1A of the staple S and bending the tip S1A.

Alternatively, the first displacement unit 20 may include a component that moves the staple S in the second rotation direction R2 based on the forward movement X1 by the slider 44, thereby abutting against the tip S1A of the staple S and bending the tip S1A.

The mechanism for moving a part such as the abutment member 24 in a different direction based on the forward X1 movement of a moving part such as the slider 44 can be the mechanism disclosed in this embodiment or another mechanism.

The mechanism for rotating a part such as the abutment member 24 in the first rotation direction R1 or the second rotation direction R2 based on the forward movement X1 of a moving part such as the slider 44 can be the mechanism disclosed in this embodiment or another mechanism.

The binding machine 10 further includes a second displacement unit 30 for displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S. The second displacement unit 30 displaces different parts in different directions based on the forward movement X1 of the slider 44, thereby displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S so that it can engage with the first object G.

In this embodiment, the second displacement portion 30 includes an arm (sometimes referred to as a second arm) that rotates in a first rotation direction R1 based on forward movement X1 by the slider 44, thereby bending the second leg S2 so as to plastically deform it. In this embodiment, the arm is sometimes referred to as an inclined bending portion because it abuts against the second leg S2 of the staple S and bends the second leg S2 in a direction toward the first leg S1, while also bending it in an upward inclined direction Z1.

In FIG. 2(A), the second displacement unit 30 is connected to the slider 44 and is configured to be rotatable around the front end of the slider 44 as a fulcrum. However, as will be described in the embodiment described below, the second displacement unit 30 does not have to be connected to the slider 44. For example, the second displacement unit 30 may be provided with a second arm 32 that is not connected to the slider 44 and that rotates in the first rotation direction R1 by the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44, thereby bending the second leg S2 so as to plastically deform it.

The second displacement unit 30 may include a component that moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forward direction X1, which is toward the inside (left side X1) of the staple S, based on the forward movement X1 by the slider 44, thereby contacting the second leg S2 of the staple S and bending the second leg S2.

Alternatively, the second displacement unit 30 may include a component that moves outward (to the right Y1) of the staple S based on the forward movement X1 of the slider 44, thereby abutting against the second leg S2 of the staple S and bending the second leg S2.

Alternatively, the second displacement unit 30 may include a component that moves the staple S in the second rotation direction R2 based on the forward movement X1 by the slider 44, thereby contacting and bending the second leg S2 of the staple S.

In this embodiment, the second displacement section 30 additionally includes a support wall section 68A that bends the tip section S2A of the second leg section S2 in the opposite direction (outward) when the tip section S2A of the second leg section S2 passes through while coming into contact with the support wall section 68A. The support wall section 68A is sometimes referred to as a tip bending section because it bends the tip section S2A of the second leg section S2.

However, if staples with pre-formed outwardly bent tips are used, the binding machine may not include the support wall portion 68A.

In this embodiment, the binding machine 10 further includes a fulcrum 66A that functions as a fulcrum for bending the second leg S2. In this embodiment, the front end of the second inner wall 66 functions as the fulcrum 66A. The distance from the part of the second leg S2 that abuts against the fulcrum 66A to the tip corresponds to the second distance DS2.

Figure 2(A) is a schematic diagram from above showing the state immediately after bending of the staple S begins. As shown in the figure, the slider 44 moving forward causes the second displacement portion 30 to begin rotating in the first rotation direction R1. As a result, the second leg S2 of the staple S abutting against the second displacement portion 30 begins to bend around the fulcrum 66A. At the same time, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 passes through the support wall 68A while abutting against the support wall 68A. Therefore, while bending the second leg S in the first rotation direction R1, which corresponds to the inward movement of the staple S, it is possible to bend the tip S2A of the second leg S2 in the second rotation direction R2, which corresponds to the outward movement of the staple S.

Figures 2(B) and (C) are schematic top views showing the state of the staple S after bending has begun. As shown in the figures, the slider 44 continues to move forward, causing the second displacement portion 30 to further rotate in the first rotation direction R1. As a result, the second displacement portion 30 further bends the second leg portion S2 in the first rotation direction R1, using the fulcrum 66A as a fulcrum.

Figure 2(D) is a schematic diagram showing the state when the second leg S2 of the staple S is bent and intersects with the first leg S1 in a top view. In this embodiment, the second leg S2 is bent in a direction approaching the first leg S1 while also being bent in a direction inclined upward Z1, so it does not interfere with the first leg S1. As shown in the figure, the slider 44 moving further forward causes the second displacement portion 30 to further rotate in the first rotation direction R1, rotating by more than 90 degrees. Therefore, the second displacement portion 30 is configured to bend the second leg S2 to a position where it intersects with the first leg S1 in a top view.

Figure 2(E) is a schematic diagram from above showing the first leg S1 of the staple S being bent. As shown in the figure, the slider 44 moving forward causes the abutment member 24 of the first displacement section 20 to move in a direction inclined inward (to the right Y1) and backward X2, bending the tip S1A of the first leg S1. As shown in the figure, the tip S1A may be bent upward Z1 or downward Z2 relative to the first leg S1. By bending the tip S1 of the first leg S1 in this manner, it becomes possible for the first leg S1 to clamp the first object G.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first displacement section 20, the second displacement section 30, and the slider 44 are positioned so that they come into contact with each other at different times, thereby staggering the timing at which bending of the first leg S1 of the staple S begins and the timing at which bending of the second leg S2 of the staple S begins. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the binding machine 10 at the same time. Furthermore, by starting bending of the second leg S2, which has a larger bending amount, first, it is possible to prevent a large difference in timing between when bending of the first leg S1 ends and when bending of the second leg S2 ends.

[First embodiment]
The detailed configuration of the binding machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine 10 as viewed from the right side. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine 10 as viewed from the top (however, for convenience, the figure has been rotated 90 degrees. Below, the figures may be similarly rotated for convenience. Furthermore, to make the explanation easier to understand, components that are not described (for example, the housing of the binding machine 10) have been omitted (below, for the same reason, some components may be omitted from the figures).

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the binding machine 10 taken along the line A-A in Figure 4A, as seen from the front. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine 10.

[Configuration Overview of Binding Machine 10]
The binding machine 10 uses a staple S having an opening formed therein to bind a first object G and a second object P. The configuration of the staple S (FIGS. 1A and 1B) according to one embodiment has been described above.

The first object G is, for example, a wire, beam, string, rod, pipe, tree branch, etc. The first object G is sometimes called a guide element. The second object P is, for example, a stem, vine, branch, fruit, etc. of plants or trees. The binding machine 10 displaces the first leg S1 of the staple S to engage with the first object G, and displaces the second leg S2 to engage with the first object G so that the staple S surrounds the second object P, thereby restricting the movement of the second object P relative to the first object G and binding the first object G and the second object P together.

The binding machine 10 includes a first displacement unit 20 that displaces the first leg S1 of the staple S so that it can engage with the first object G, and a second displacement unit 30 that displaces the second leg S2 of the staple S so that it can engage with the first object G. The second displacement unit 30 is configured to bind the first object G and the second object P by engaging the tip S2A of the second leg S2 with the first object G while the second object P is surrounded by the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 of the staple S.

More specifically, the binding machine 10 includes a grip 12 that extends vertically so as to be held by a user and that is provided with a switch for operating the binding machine 10; a magazine 14 (FIG. 3) that is configured to store multiple staples S stacked vertically; a pusher 16 that urges the multiple staples S stored in the magazine 14 upward Z1; a driver 42 that pushes the uppermost staple S forward X1, thereby separating the uppermost staple S from the other staples S and moving it forward X1; a movement mechanism for moving the driver 42 and slider 44; a first displacement unit 20 that displaces the first leg S1 of the staple S with the slider 44; a second displacement unit 30 that displaces the second leg S2 of the staple S with the slider 44; and a release unit 56 that provides a path for the staple S to move when it is released from the other staples S.

Here, the first displacement portion 20 includes a first outer wall portion 62 and a first inner wall portion 64 that displace the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1 by contacting and passing through them when the staple S is moved forward X1 by the driver 42.

The first displacement portion 20 also includes a first arm 22 that rotates when pushed by the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 moving forward X1, and an abutment member 24 that moves toward the inside of the staple S while abutting against the tip S1A of the first leg S1 as the first arm 22 rotates, thereby bending the tip S1A of the first leg S1. The abutment member 24 is sometimes called a claw member.

The second displacement unit 30 includes a second arm 32 that rotates when pushed by the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 moving forward X1. The second arm 32 is configured to bend the second leg S2 of the staple S by rotating while abutting against the second leg S2. At this time, as described above, the second object P is surrounded by the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 of the staple S, and the second leg S2 engages with the first object G, thereby binding the first object G and the second object P.

The binding machine 10 according to this embodiment translates components such as the slider 44 forward X1, and the translated components push the first arm 22 and the second arm 32, converting the translation into rotational motion, thereby displacing the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the staple S. However, the means for displacing the first leg S1 or the second leg S2 is not limited to this. For example, the means for displacing the first leg S1 may be a means for displacing the tip S1A of the first leg S1 in an arc when the tip S1A is advanced by the driver 42 or the slider 44. Furthermore, other means for converting translational motion into rotational motion may also be used as a configuration for converting translational motion into rotational motion. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first arm 22 and the second arm 32 are rotated in the same direction in top view to displace the first leg S1 and the second leg S2. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the second arm 32 may be rotated in the opposite direction to displace the second leg S2.

The detailed configuration of the binding machine 10 according to this embodiment is described below.

[Driver and slider movement mechanism (feed mechanism)]
The driver 42 of the binding machine 10 has a function of moving the staple S in the forward direction X1 by moving in the forward direction X1. The driver 42 is configured to separate the staple S at the upper end connected to other staples S from the other staples S by moving the staple S in the forward direction X1, and is further configured to move the staple S in the forward direction X1 so that the tip portion S1A of the first leg portion S1 abuts against and passes through the first outer wall portion 62 included in the first displacement portion 20, thereby displacing the tip portion S1A of the first leg portion S1.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of the driver 42 according to this embodiment, and Figure 6B is a plan view of the driver 42 as viewed from above. As shown in these drawings, the driver 42 is formed in a plate shape and includes a front end portion having a front end surface 42S that abuts against the main body portion S3 of the staple S, and a rear end portion that is located rearward X2 from the front end portion and has a driver protrusion 42C that protrudes downward Z2.

The front end of the driver 42 includes a front end surface 42S that is inclined relative to the front-to-rear direction to match the shape of the main body S3 of the staple S.

Furthermore, the left end of the front end of the driver 42 has a protruding tip 42B that extends forward X1 to have a wall surface that extends forward X1 in order to abut from the outer left side Y2 against the first part S1B of the first leg S1, which corresponds to the left end of the staple S, and the part that connects to the first leg S1 of the main body S3, and support the first leg S1.

As shown in Figures 4B and 8B, the driver 42 is fitted into a recess provided in the base 46 and is guided to move in the front-to-rear direction. The top surface of the driver 42 abuts against the bottom surface of the slider 44, which is fitted into the recess provided in the base 46, thereby restricting upward movement of the driver 42 in the Z1 direction. The left and right side surfaces of the driver 42 also abut against the left and right wall surfaces of the base 46, which extend in the front-to-rear direction, respectively, thereby restricting left and right movement of the driver 42. Furthermore, a driver protrusion 42C formed at the rear end of the driver 42 and protruding downward Z2 is inserted into the recess in the base 46. The left and right wall surfaces and bottom surface of the driver protrusion 42C face the wall surfaces and top surface of the base 46, respectively. With this configuration, the driver 42 is guided to move in the front-to-rear direction.

Three grooves are formed in the bottom of the driver protrusion 42C, which protrudes downward Z2. Specifically, the first groove 42G1 is configured to move forward in the X1 direction when pushed forward by the first claw 48C1 of the switching block 48 (an example of a "block") (described later). The second groove 42G2 is configured to move backward in the X2 direction when pushed backward by the second claw 48C2. The third groove 42G3 is configured to move forward in the X1 direction when pushed forward by the third claw 48C3. As shown in the figure, the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2, and the third groove 42G3 are arranged parallel to each other and extend in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the front ends of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 (the sides of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 facing backward in the X2 direction) are located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction. Additionally, the rear end of the second groove 42G2 (the side surface of the second groove 42G2 facing forward X1) is located further rearward X2 than the front ends of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 (the side surfaces of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 facing rearward X2). Meanwhile, the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 extend rearward X2 than the rear end of the second groove 42G2.

As described below, when moving forward, the driver 42 is advanced using two grooves, the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3, and when moving backward, the driver 42 is retracted using one groove, the second groove 42G2, thereby enabling the driver 42 to move forward in the X1 direction optimally when moving forward, which is a relatively high load. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the second groove 42G2 is positioned to overlap with the center axis of the ball screw 50, and the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 are positioned so that the second groove 42G2 is sandwiched between them, allowing the driver 42 to move forward and backward in a balanced manner.

The driver 42 is placed on the base 46 of the binding machine 10 and is configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the base 46. Therefore, by forming the first groove 42G1, the second groove 42G2, and the third groove 42G3, a portion of the upper surface of the base 46 is exposed upward Z1.

The slider 44 of the binding machine 10 moves forward X1 and pushes the first displacement section 20 and the second displacement section 30 forward X1, thereby displacing the first leg S1 and the second leg S2 of the staple S. In this embodiment, the slider 44 includes a first front end 44A1 that pushes the first arm 22 of the first displacement section 20 forward X1, causing the first arm 22 to rotate, and a second front end 44A2 that pushes the second arm 32 of the second displacement section 30 forward X1, causing the second arm 32 to rotate.

Figure 7A is a perspective view of the slider 44 according to this embodiment, and Figure 7B is a plan view of the slider 44 as viewed from above. As shown in these drawings, the slider 44 is formed in a plate shape and has a first front end 44A1 that extends forward X1 on the left side where the first leg S1 of the staple S is positioned, and a second front end 44A2 that extends forward X1 and is spaced apart from the first front end 44A1 on the side where the second leg S2 of the staple S is positioned.

Furthermore, the slider 44 has a fixing portion 44B for being bolted to the nut component 52 described below.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the slider 44 is guided to move in the front-to-rear direction by fitting into a recess provided in the base 46. The top surface of the slider 44 is restricted from moving upward Z1 by abutting against a guide fixed to the base 46 or the housing. In addition, the left and right side surfaces of the slider 44 are restricted from moving left and right by abutting against the left and right wall surfaces of the base 46, which extend in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the slider 44 is supported by the top surface of the base 46 and the top surface of the driver 42. With this configuration, the slider 44 (and the driver 42 on which the slider 44 is stacked) are guided to move in the front-to-rear direction.

The configuration of the first front end 44A1 and second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 will be described later.

The nut component 52 of the binding machine 10 (Figures 4A, 8A, 8B, etc.) functions to move the driver 42 and slider 44 forward X1 and backward X2. In this embodiment, the nut component 52 has a female thread that engages with the male thread of the ball screw 50 via a ball member (not shown). Therefore, when the ball screw 50 rotates in the forward direction, the nut component 52 moves forward X1, and when the ball screw 50 rotates in the reverse direction, the nut component 52 moves backward X2. The nut component 52 is fixed to the slider 44. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8A, the front end surface of the nut component 52 abuts against the rear end surface of the slider 44. Therefore, the nut component 52 and the slider 44 are configured to move forward X1 and backward X2 together while suppressing rotational moment.

Furthermore, the nut component 52 includes an annular holding portion 52A that protrudes downward Z2 to hold the switching block 48 (Figure 8B) on which the first claw portion 48C1, second claw portion 48C2, and third claw portion 48C3 are provided. The nut component 52 and the switching block 48 held by the nut component 52 are configured to be movable integrally forward X1 and backward X2. The holding portion 52A holds the switching block 48 so that the first claw portion 48C1 can be inserted into the first groove 42G1, the second claw portion 48C2 can be inserted into the second groove 42G2, and the third claw portion 48C3 can be inserted into the third groove 42G3.

The nut part 52, slider 44, and driver 42 are sometimes referred to as moving parts because they are configured to be movable forward X1 and backward X2.

Figure 8A is a partially enlarged side view of the binding machine 10, cut along a vertical cross section including the central axis 50AX of the ball screw 50. Figure 8B is a partially enlarged rear view of the binding machine 10, cut along a vertical cross section perpendicular to the central axis 50AX of the ball screw 50, as seen from the rear X2. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the binding machine 10, showing the nut component 52 and other components.

As shown in Figure 8B, an elastic member 49 is inserted between the nut component 52 and the switching block 48 to generate an elastic force that presses the bottom surface of the switching block 48 against the surface of the base 46. Therefore, the switching block 48 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and the vertical distance between the nut component 52 and the switching block 48 varies depending on the surface shape of the base 46 through which the switching block 48 passes.

In this embodiment, the nut component 52 is configured to be movable forward X1 and backward X2 by the motor 54 and ball screw 50.

The motor 54 (Figure 4A) rotates the ball screw 50. The motor 54 is provided at the rear end of the binding machine 10. The binding machine 10 may be provided with a detachable battery, and the motor 54 may be configured to be rotatably driven by the battery power. The binding machine 10 according to this embodiment also includes a reducer 55, which increases the torque of the motor 54 to rotate the ball screw 50. Furthermore, a printed circuit board on which a CPU equivalent to a control device for controlling the motor 54 is mounted is provided at the rear end of the binding machine 10.

The ball screw 50 (Figures 4A, 8A, and 8B) is installed approximately at the center of the binding machine 10, extending in the front-to-rear direction. As described above, the ball screw 50 has a male thread that threads into the female thread of the nut component 52 via a ball member (not shown).

The base 46 (Figures 4B, 8A, and 8B) supports the driver 42 and slider 44. As shown in Figure 4B, the base 46 has a support surface that abuts or faces the bottom surface of the driver 42 to support the driver 42 from below Z2, and a wall portion extending in the front-to-rear direction to abut or face the side surface of the left end of the driver 42 to support the driver 42 from the left Y2. The base 46 also has a wall portion extending in the front-to-rear direction to abut or face the right end of the driver 42 to support the driver 42 from the right Y1. With this configuration, the base 46 guides the driver 42 for movement in the front-to-rear direction.

The base 46 also has a support surface that abuts against or faces the bottom surface of the slider 44 placed on the driver 42 to support the slider 44 from below Z2, and a wall extending in the front-to-rear direction to abut against or face the left end of the slider 44 to support the slider 44 from the left Y2. The base 46 also has a wall extending in the front-to-rear direction to abut against or face the right end of the slider 44 to support the slider 44 from the right Y1. With this configuration, the base 46 guides the slider 44 to move in the front-to-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, the base 46 is formed with a first protrusion 46A1 that is tapered so that it protrudes upward Z1 as it moves rearward X2, a second protrusion 46A2 that is tapered so that it protrudes upward Z1 as it moves forward X1, and a third protrusion 46A3 that is tapered so that it protrudes upward Z1 as it moves rearward X2.

The first protrusion 46A1 is located on the path of the first claw portion 48C1 (inside the first groove 42G1) when the driver 42 moves rearward X2.

The second protrusion 46A2 is located on the path of the second claw portion 48C2 (inside the second groove 42G2) when the driver 42 moves forward X1.

The third protrusion 46A3 is located on the path of the third claw portion 48C3 (inside the third groove 42G3) when the driver 42 moves rearward X2.

It is preferable that the first protrusion 46A1 to the third protrusion 46A3 are each formed to be the same height as the driver 42 (plate thickness of the driver 42) or higher than the driver 42.

The first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3 are located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction. The second protrusion 46A2 is located further forward (X1) than the first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3.

With the above configuration, when the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the forward direction, the nut component 52, the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52, and the switching block 48 held by the nut component 52 all move forward X1. Furthermore, because the first claw 48C1, second claw 48C2, and third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 are inserted into the first groove 42G1, second groove 42G2, and third groove 42G3, respectively, the front surfaces of the first claw 48C1 and third claw 48C3 abut against the side surface of the first groove 42G1 facing rear X2 and the side surface of the third groove 42G3 facing rear X2, respectively. Therefore, the switching block 48, which is pressed against the surface of the base 46 by the elastic member 49, presses the surface of the base 46 downward Z2, causing the driver 42 to move forward X1 by the front surfaces of the first claw 48C1 and third claw 48C3. As a result, the driver 42 and slider 44 move together in the forward direction X1. The movement operation in which the driver 42 and slider 44 move together in the forward direction X1 is called the first movement operation.

After that, when the switching block 48 advances to the position where the second protrusion 46A2 is provided, the second claw portion 48C2 moves upward Z1 following the inclined surface of the second protrusion 46A2. As a result, the switching block 48 moves upward Z1 while moving forward X1. As a result, the front surfaces of the first claw portion 48C1 and the third claw portion 48C3 move upward Z1 above the side surfaces of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3 with which they are abutting. Therefore, the switching block 48 rides up onto the driver 42, and the driver 42 stops moving forward X1. At this point, the first movement operation ends.

After the first movement operation is completed, when the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the forward direction, the switching block 48 moves forward on the driver 42 to X1. At this time, of the slider 44 and driver 42, only the slider 44 moves forward to X1. The movement operation in which only the slider 44 moves forward to X1 is called the second movement operation. When the slider 44 moves forward a predetermined amount relative to the driver 42, the motor 54 stops the forward rotation of the ball screw 50. At this time, the second movement operation ends.

Note that during the second movement operation, friction between the switching block 48 and the driver 42 may cause the driver 42 to move forward. For this reason, the binding machine 10 may be equipped with a stopper to stop the driver 42 from moving forward during the second movement operation. For example, an opening may be formed in the base 46, exposing a stopper such as a ball that is biased upward Z1 from this opening, while a recess may be formed on the bottom surface of the driver 42 into which the ball can be inserted. This configuration allows the stopper to engage with the recess at a position where the first movement operation ends and the driver 42 should stop moving forward X1, thereby preventing the driver 42 from moving forward or backward during the second movement operation.

As described below, in the first movement operation, the driver 42 moving in the forward direction X1 is used to push the top staple S in the forward direction X1, thereby moving the top staple S in the forward direction X1 and separating it from the other staples S. Furthermore, in the first movement operation, the driver 42 moving in the forward direction X1 is used to move the top staple S in the forward direction X1 while the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1 is brought into contact with the first outer wall portion 62, thereby displacing (plastically deforming) the first leg S1 so as to further reduce the bending angle α1 formed by the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1 and the first portion S1B of the first leg S1.

Furthermore, during the second movement operation, the driver 42 stops moving forward X1, and the staple S being pushed by the driver 42 also stops moving forward X1. Therefore, by advancing the slider 44 during the second movement operation, while the staple S is stopped, the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 pushes and rotates the second arm 32 of the second displacement unit 30 forward X1, displacing the second leg S2 of the staple S so that it engages with the first object G, surrounded by the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3. Furthermore, while the staple S is stopped, the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 rotates the first arm 22 of the first displacement unit 20, displacing the first leg S1 of the staple S so that it engages with the first object G.

The binding machine 10 may further include a Hall sensor or other sensor for acquiring the amount of rotation of the motor 54 in order to control the amount of movement of the driver 42 and slider 44. The binding machine 10 may also further include a magnet attached to the nut component 52 to detect and control the forward/backward position of the nut component 52, and a Hall sensor or other sensor for acquiring the position of the magnet attached to the nut component 52.

After the binding operation is completed, the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, causing the nut component 52, the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52, and the switching block 48 held by the nut component 52 to move backward X2. At this time, the switching block 48 moves backward X2 over the stopped driver 42.

When the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48 moves backward (X2) and downward (Z2) along the inclined surface of the second protrusion 46A2 provided on the base 46, thereby inserting the first claw 48C1, second claw 48C2, and third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 into the areas within the first groove 42G1, second groove 42G2, and third groove 42G3, respectively. When the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, the switching block 48 moves backward (X2), and the rear surface of the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48 abuts against the side of the second groove 42G2 facing forward (X1). Therefore, the switching block 48 uses the elastic member 49 to press the surface of the base 46 downward (Z2), while moving the driver 42 backward (X2) using the rear surface of the second claw 48C2. At this time, the nut part 52, slider 44, switching block 48, and driver 42 all move rearward X2.

When the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction and the switching block 48 retreats to the position where the first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3 are located, the first claw 48C1 and the third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 move upward Z1 along the inclined surfaces of the first protrusion 46A1 and the third protrusion 46A3, respectively. Therefore, the switching block 48 moves upward Z1 while moving backward X2. As a result, the rear surface of the second claw 48C2 moves upward Z1 above the side surface of the second groove 42G2 with which it was abutting. Therefore, the switching block 48 rides up on the driver 42, and the driver 42 stops moving backward X2. The binding machine 10 may be provided with a stopper having the above-described configuration or another configuration to restrict the movement of the driver 42 backward X2.

When the motor 54 then further rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, the switching block 48 moves backward X2 on the driver 42. At this time, of the driver 42 and slider 44, only the slider 44 moves backward X2. When the slider 44 moves back a predetermined amount relative to the driver 42, the motor 54 stops the reverse rotation of the ball screw 50.

Then, when the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the forward direction, the nut component 52, the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52, and the switching block 48 held by the nut component 52 all move forward X1. The nut component 52, the slider 44, and the switching block 48 all move forward X1 until the first claw 48C1 and the third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 abut or approach the side surfaces of the front ends of the first groove 42G1 and the third groove 42G3, respectively, and then it becomes possible to transition to the first movement operation.

With the above configuration, the binding machine 10 is configured to be able to perform a first movement operation in which both the driver 42 and the slider 44 move forward, and a second movement operation in which only the slider 44 of the driver 42 and the slider 44 moves further forward X1.

The position of the nut component 52 in the initial state is not limited. For example, the binding machine 10 may be configured so that immediately after startup from the initial state, only the slider 44 moves forward, after which the driver 42 and slider 44 begin the first movement operation.

[Feed bending mechanism of the detachment section]
The separation portion includes a movement path of the staple S that is separated by the driver 42 and moves forward X1, and a support wall that supports the staple S during displacement by the first displacement portion 20 and the second displacement portion 30.

As shown in Figure 10, the release portion 56 is configured to be able to move up and down in accordance with the movement of the slider 44. The release portion 56 is formed with a gap 56A into which a portion of the slider 44 enters as the slider 44 moves. By having a portion of the slider 44 enter the gap 56A of the release portion 56, the vertical position of the release portion 56 can be stabilized, ensuring reliable deformation of the staple S.

Figures 11A and 11B are partially enlarged views showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 as viewed from the front and top in the initial state (standby state).

When the staple S is moved forward X1 by the driver 42, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 passes through while making contact with the first outer wall portion 62, thereby plastically deforming the first outer wall portion 62 to further reduce the bending angle α1 formed by the tip S1A of the first leg S1 and the first portion S1B of the first leg S1 (the portion connected to the tip S1A of the first leg S1).

Therefore, the first outer wall portion 62 is positioned so that it comes into contact with only a portion of the tip portion S1A of the first leg portion S1 of the staple S.

The first inner wall portion 64 is located inside the first leg S1 of the staple S when the driver 42 moves the first leg S1 forward in the X1 direction and when the first leg S1 is displaced, thereby supporting the first leg S1 from the inside. The first inner wall portion 64 has a bottom surface that is located along the movement path of the first leg S1, and a wall surface that is located approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction, which is the movement direction of the first leg S1, and supports the first leg S1 from the inside.

On the other hand, the first outer wall portion 62 is configured to include a wall surface that slopes so that the gap between it and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 becomes smaller as it moves forward X1. This configuration makes it possible to displace the tip portion S1A of the first leg portion S1 so that the bending angle α1 becomes smaller as it moves forward X1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first outer wall portion 62 includes at least a first region 62A (Figure 9) on which a wall surface is formed in which the gap between the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 is relatively greatly reduced, and a second region 62B (same figure) located forward X1 of the first region 62A on which a wall surface is formed in which the gap between the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 is relatively greatly reduced.

When the average reduction rate of the gap (the distance in the left-right direction perpendicular to the forward direction X1) between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 in the first region 62A is defined as the first reduction rate, and the average reduction rate of the gap (the distance in the left-right direction perpendicular to the forward direction X1) between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 in the second region 62B is defined as the second reduction rate, the absolute value of the first reduction rate is greater than the absolute value of the second reduction rate. In other words, the angle formed between the front-to-rear direction in a top view and the wall surface of the first region 62A of the first outer wall portion 62 is greater than the angle formed between the front-to-rear direction in a top view and the wall surface of the second region 62B of the first outer wall portion 62.

The smaller the bending angle α1 of the bending portion, the smaller the elastic force that repels displacement, so the above configuration makes it possible to smoothly bend the tip S1A of the first leg S1.

The wall surface that the first leg S1 does not contact is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the first inner wall portion 64 may be configured so that the upper portion of the first inner wall portion 64 protrudes outward to provide a wall surface that faces the upper surface of the first portion S1B, thereby restricting upward displacement of the first portion S1B in the Z1 direction.

Furthermore, a through hole is formed in the first inner wall portion 64 to allow the tip portion S1A and the abutment member 24 to pass below the first portion S1B (Z2) (Figure 5).

[Support wall of the detachment section]
The release section further includes a second inner wall portion 66 having a wall surface that is provided inside the second leg portion S2 when the second leg portion S2 is displaced, thereby supporting the second leg portion S2 from the inside. The second inner wall portion 66 further has a bottom surface that is provided approximately parallel to the front-rear direction along the movement path of the second leg portion S2.

The front end of the second inner wall portion 66 functions as a fulcrum when bending the second leg portion S2. For this reason, the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 is located at a second distance DS2 from the tip of the second leg portion S2, which is the bending portion of the second leg portion S2. Because the second leg portion S2 must have a distance that closes the opening, the front end of the second inner wall portion 66 must be located at a distance from the tip of the second leg portion S2 that is equal to or greater than the opening width of the staple S. The tip portion S2A of the second leg portion S2 is supported by the tip support portion 68. The opening width of the staple S corresponds to the width between the wall surfaces of the first inner wall portion 64 and the second inner wall portion 66. For this reason, the second inner wall 66 is configured so that the distance between the tip support portion 68 (the surface that faces the tip of the second leg portion S2) and the front end of the second inner wall 66 is greater than the width between the wall surfaces of the first inner wall 64 and the second inner wall 66, which corresponds to the opening width of the staple S.

The second displacement section 30 further includes a tip support section 68 that supports the tip section S2A of the second leg section S2. The tip support section 68 is provided on the inside of the second leg section S2 and includes a support wall section 68A having a wall surface that supports the tip section S2A from the inside.

[First displacement portion]
The first displacement portion 20 has a function of displacing the first leg portion S1 so as to be engageable with the first object G.

The first displacement unit 20 in this embodiment includes a first arm 22 that rotates when pushed by the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44, and an abutment member 24 (claw member) that moves toward the inside of the staple S while abutting against the tip S1A of the first leg S1 as the first arm 22 rotates, thereby bending the tip S1A of the first leg S1 so that it plastically deforms.

First, we will explain the configuration of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 is located at the left Y2 end of the slider 44, extending forward X1. The first front end 44A1 includes a first protrusion 44A11 that protrudes upward Z1 to abut against the first arm 22 during forward X1 movement, thereby rotating the first arm 22 in a first rotational direction R1, and a second protrusion 44A12 that abuts against the first arm 22 during backward X2 movement, thereby rotating the first arm 22 in a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1.

The first convex portion 44A11 is located rearward (X2) from the second convex portion 44A12. The first convex portion 44A11 is also located outward (to the left Y2) from the second convex portion 44A12. This configuration allows the distance between the rotation axis of the first arm 22 and the first convex portion 44A11 to be greater than the distance between the second convex portion 44A12, making it possible to generate a large rotational torque during forward movement, which is a heavy load.

The first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 further includes a protruding portion 44A13 extending forward X1. The protruding portion 44A13 presses down on the first portion S1B connected to the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1 from above Z1 during plastic deformation of the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1, thereby preventing the first portion S1B from bending.

Next, we will explain the first arm 22 of the first displacement unit 20. The first arm 22 is a member that rotates in the first direction when pushed forward X1 by the first front end portion 44A1 of the slider 44, causing the abutment member 24 to translate inward.

Figure 12A is a partially enlarged top view showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 when plastic deformation by the first displacement unit 20 begins, Figure 12B is a partially enlarged left side view of the cross section of the first displacement unit 20, and Figure 12C is an enlarged perspective view of the front end portion of the binding machine 10. However, for convenience, parts not necessary for explanation have been omitted from each figure.

As shown in Figure 12A and other figures, the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 is located outward (to the right Y1) and forward X1 from the first leg S1 of the staple S. The rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 is also located perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction so as to face up and down. Furthermore, the first arm 22 has a portion that extends rearward X2 from the rotation axis 22AX during standby, and the rear end of this portion has a wall portion that protrudes downward Z2 and extends inward and at an angle toward the rear X2. The surface of this wall portion facing rearward X2 faces rearward X2 and outward in the initial state, while the surface of this wall portion facing forward X1 faces forward X1 and inward. The surface of this wall portion facing rearward X2 includes a surface that abuts against the advancing first protrusion 44A11. This wall portion rotates in the first rotation direction R1 by abutting against the first protrusion 44A11, and moves to penetrate the area between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12. In addition, the surface of this wall portion facing forward X1 includes a surface that abuts against the receding second protrusion 44A12. Therefore, the wall portion is configured to return to its original position by abutting against the second protrusion 44A12, rotating in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1.

As shown in FIG. 12C, the rear end of the first arm 22 is further provided with a convex portion 22C that protrudes downward Z2. This convex portion 22C engages with a concave portion 24A provided at the end of the abutting member 24. When this convex portion 22C rotates in the first rotation direction R1 around the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22, the abutting member 24 is configured to advance toward the inside of the staple S.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the abutment member 24 (claw member). The abutment member 24 is pushed by the first arm 22 and advances in a direction inclined inward and downward Z2 toward the staple S, thereby plastically deforming the tip S1A of the first leg S1 of the staple S. The abutment member 24 bends the tip S1A of the first leg S1 so that, in a top view, it intersects with the first portion S1B connected to the tip S1A of the first leg S1 and advances downward Z2 away from the plane PL that passes through the first leg S1, the second leg S2, and the main body S3 before bundling. By plastically deforming the tip S1A of the first leg S1 inward and downward Z2 while the first object G is sandwiched, the tip S1A of the first leg S1 can sandwich the first object G without interfering with the first portion S1B.

As shown in the figure, the end of the abutment member 24 is provided with a recess 24A that engages with a protrusion 22C that protrudes downward Z2 of the first arm 22. When the protrusion 22C of the first arm 22 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the side of the recess 24A abuts, causing the abutment member 24 to move in a direction tilting inward and downward Z2. When this protrusion 22C rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the other side of the recess 24A abuts, causing the abutment member 24 to return to a direction tilting upward Z1 and outward.

The tip of the abutment member 24 includes an abutment surface 24B that abuts to grip the tip, and a corner 24C located at the connection between the abutment surface 24B and the side surface for applying stress that plastically deforms the tip. The abutment surface 24B is recessed to match the cross-sectional shape of the staple S. The abutment surface 24B is also inclined so that it abuts the tip S1A before the corner 24C. This configuration allows the abutment surface 24B to grip and capture the tip S1A, and then the corner 24C can plastically deform the tip S1A, thereby stabilizing the position of the tip S1A that is plastically deformed by the corner 24C.

14 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end S1A after plastic deformation by the abutment member 24, as viewed from the front, and an enlarged view of region A in this cross-section. As shown in the figure, the abutment member 24 is placed on the inclined surface of the base 46, which slopes downward inward, and is guided to move inward of the staple S (toward the second arm 32) and in a downward Z2 direction. The first portion S1B of the first leg S1 is supported from above Z1 by the bottom surface of the slider 44 and from the inside and below Z2 by the first inner wall portion 64 (except for the portion where the distal end S1A passes below Z2 the first portion S1B). In addition, the abutment surface 24B of the abutment member 24 faces the outer surface of the first portion S1B during plastic deformation. This prevents the first portion S1B from bending during plastic deformation of the distal end S1A of the first leg S1.

[Second displacement section]
The second displacement portion 30 has a function of displacing the second leg portion S2 so as to be engageable with the first object G.

The second displacement unit 30 includes a second arm 32 that is rotated in the first rotation direction R1 by the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44, thereby bending the second leg S2 so as to plastically deform it.

First, we will explain the configuration of the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44.

7A and 7B, the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 is located at the right Y1 end of the slider 44, extending forward X1. The second front end 44A2 includes a first surface 44A21 and a second surface 44A22 facing forward X1 to abut against the second arm 32 during forward X1 movement, thereby rotating the second arm 32 in the first rotational direction R1, and a third surface 44A23 located further forward X1 than the first and second surfaces 44A21 and 44A22 and facing backward X2. By disposing the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 between the first and second surfaces 44A21 and 44A22 and the third surface 44A23, the second arm 32 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 when the slider 44 advances, and rotates in the second rotational direction R2 to return to its original position when the slider 44 retracts.

The first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 corresponds to the surface where the first front end 44A1 of the advancing slider 44 first abuts against the rear end 32B of the second arm 32. The surface of the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 that abuts against the first surface 44A21 is referred to as the first rear end surface 32B1.

The second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 corresponds to the surface where the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44, which continues to move forward, abuts against the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 after the first surface 44A21 abuts against the first rear end face 32B1 and the second arm 32 begins to rotate in the first rotation direction R1. The surface of the rear end 32B of the second arm 32 that abuts against the second surface 44A22 is referred to as the second rear end face 32B2.

As shown in Figure 7B and other figures, in the up-down direction, the first surface 44A21 is located above Z1 the second surface 44A22; in the front-to-rear direction, the first surface 44A21 is located behind X2 the second surface 44A22; and in the left-to-right direction, the first surface 44A21 is located to the right Y1 of the second surface 44A22, i.e., with respect to the staple S as the reference, the first surface 44A21 is located outward (to the right Y1) from the second surface 44A22.

This configuration allows the slider 44 to push the second arm 32 with the first surface 44A21, and then further push the second arm 32 with the second surface 44A22, thereby increasing the rotation angle of the second arm 32 relative to the stroke of the slider 44.

Furthermore, the slider 44 and the second arm 32 are configured so that the angle (an example of a "first angle") formed between the normal to the first rear end face 32B1 at the contact point (an example of a "first contact point") where the slider 44 abuts the first surface 44A21 and the line connecting the first contact point and the rotation axis 32AX is closer to 90 degrees than the angle (an example of a "second angle") formed between the normal to the second rear end face 32B2 at the contact point (an example of a "second contact point") where the slider 44 abuts the second surface 44A22 and the line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis 32AX when there is no first contact point.

The slider 44 and the second arm 32 are configured so that, when the contact point changes due to the rotation of the second arm 32, the angle (an example of the "first angle") formed by the normal to the first rear end face 32B1 at the contact point abutting the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 (an example of the "first contact point") and the straight line connecting the first contact point and the rotation axis 32AX is equal to the angle (an example of the "second angle") formed by the normal to the second rear end face 32B2 at the contact point abutting the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 (an example of the "second contact point") and the straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis 32AX.
Alternatively, the slider 44 and the second arm 32 are formed so that the angle (an example of the "second angle") between the normal to the second rear end face 32B2 at the contact point (an example of the "second contact point") that abuts against the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 and the straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis 32AX is close to 90 degrees.

This configuration makes it possible to make the rotational moment when the first surface 44A21 abuts against the first rear end face 32B1 relatively larger than the rotational moment when the second surface 44A22 abuts against the second rear end face 32B2.

As described below, the second leg S2 must bend at two locations simultaneously when the second arm 32 begins to rotate, so a large load is applied to the second arm 32 when it starts to rotate. Therefore, by pushing the second arm 32 forward in the X1 direction with the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 when the load is applied and rotation begins, a relatively large rotational moment can be generated in the second arm 32. To increase the rotational moment, the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the first rear end surface 32B1 may be greater than the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the second rear end surface 32B2. In other words, the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the second rear end surface 32B2 may be smaller than the distance between the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 and the first rear end surface 32B1.

Next, we will explain the second arm 32. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the second arm 32 seen from below. Figures 16A and 16B are a plan view and a rear view, respectively, of the second arm 32.

As shown in these drawings, in the initial state, the second arm 32 includes a rear end 32B extending rearward X2 from the rotation axis 32AX, and a tip end 32C extending forward X1 from the rotation axis 32AX.

The first rear end surface 32B1 of the rear end portion 32B is located rearward X2 from the second rear end surface 32B2, so the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 can be brought into contact with the first rear end surface 32B1, and then the second surface 44A22 can be brought into contact with the second rear end surface 32B2.

The rotation axis 32AX is located to the left Y2 (inward) of the first rear end surface 32B1 and the second rear end surface 32B2, which is closer to the center. Therefore, when the rear end portion 32B is pushed forward X1, the tip portion 32C of the second arm 32 rotates in a first rotation direction R1 toward the inside of the staple S or toward the first arm 22.

Furthermore, the rotation axis 32AX is inclined so that the further it travels downward Z2, the more it travels inward (to the left Y2). Therefore, the tip 32C of the second arm 32, which rotates in the first rotation direction R1, is configured to travel upward Z1 as it rotates in the first rotation direction R1. As a result, the second leg S2 of the staple S, which is plastically deformed by the second arm 32, also travels upward Z1 as it rotates, and is configured to be able to engage with the first object G at a position Z1 above the plane PL that passes through the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 before binding.

The tip 32C of the second arm 32 includes a main body 32C1 that abuts against the second leg S2 and a protrusion 32C2 for bending back. The main body 32C1 has two convex portions that protrude in the first rotation direction R1 and are spaced apart from each other at a position away from the rotation axis 32AX. These convex portions sandwich the second leg S2 from above and below, firmly holding the second leg S2 and allowing it to undergo plastic deformation.

The second arm 32 is located further in the first rotation direction R1 than the main body 32C1 and includes a bending-back protrusion 32C2 that protrudes downward Z2. After rotating the second arm 32 in the first rotation direction R1 to bend the second leg S2, the second arm 32 is then rotated in the second rotation direction R2 to return the second leg S2 in the second rotation direction R2 using the protrusion 32C2, thereby enabling the tip S2A of the second leg S2 to engage with the first object G.

The bending-back protrusion 32C2 is inclined so that it protrudes downward Z2 as it advances in the first rotation direction R1. With this configuration, when rotated in the second rotation direction R2, the bending-back protrusion 32C2 smoothly overcomes the second leg S2 engaged with the first object G while returning the second leg S2 in the second rotation direction R2. Note that a biasing force toward the upward Z1 acts on the plastically deformed staple S from the pusher 16 via the staple S at the lower Z2. The elevation angle of the second leg S2 during displacement (e.g., 10 to 45 degrees with respect to the plane PL that passes through the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 before binding) and the inclination angle of the bending-back protrusion 32C2 are designed to allow the protrusion to overcome the second leg S2 against this biasing force.

[Binding method using a binding machine]
A bundling method using the bundling machine 10 will be described below.

As mentioned above, Figures 11A and 11B are partially enlarged views showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 as viewed from the front and top in the initial state (standby state).

At this time, the top staple S is connected to one or more staples S stored in the magazine 14 at the lower Z2. The driver 42 is located at the rear X2 of the main body S3 of the top staple S. There is a slight gap between the front end of the driver 42 and the main body S3 of the top staple S. The tip 44A13 of the slider 44, located at the left end, slightly overlaps the staple S.

17A and 17B are partially enlarged views showing the front end of the binding machine 10 from the front and top views immediately after the user operates the switch and the driver 42 begins to move. When the user operates the switch, the motor 54 begins to rotate, which in turn rotates the ball screw 50 in the forward direction, causing the nut component 52 and the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52 to begin moving forward X1. Because the first claw 48C1 and third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 held by the nut component 52 are inserted into the first groove 42G1 and third groove 42G3, the front surfaces of the first claw 48C1 and third claw 48C3 abut against the side surface of the first groove 42G1 facing rear X2 and the side surface of the third groove 42G3 facing rear X2, respectively, causing the driver 42 to begin moving forward X1. This initiates a first movement operation in which the driver 42 and slider 44 move forward together.

As shown in Figure 8A, the base 46 is provided so that the height of the driver 42 is approximately the same as that of the uppermost staple S. Therefore, the front end surface 42S of the driver 42 moving forward X1 on the base 46 abuts against the main body portion S3 of the uppermost staple S, pushing the main body portion S3 of the staple S forward X1. A separation block 18 (Figure 5) is provided inside the staples S on the lower side Z2 to prohibit the staples S on the lower side Z2 from moving forward X1. Therefore, only the uppermost staple S separates from the staples S on the lower side Z2 and moves forward X1 on the separation block 18.

Figure 18 is a partially enlarged top view of the front end of the binding machine 10 when the driver 42 advances and the tip S1A of the first leg S1 of the staple S advances along the guide path of the release section. The front view is the same as Figure 17A, so it is omitted.

As the ball screw 50 continues to rotate in the forward direction, the slider 44 moves forward X1. As a result, the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 advances so that the tip 44A13 is positioned on the first leg S1, and the second front end 44A2 advances along the right edge of the binding machine 10. The driver 42 also advances along with the slider 44. The tip S1A of the first leg S1 contacts the wall surface of the first region 62A, which corresponds to the entry portion of the first outer wall 62. Furthermore, the inside of the first portion S1B of the first leg S1 contacts the wall surface of the first inner wall 64. Because the distance between the wall surface of the first outer wall 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall 64 decreases as the slider advances forward X1, the first leg S1 plastically deforms such that the bending angle α1 decreases as the slider advances. At this time, the tip 42B of the driver 42 supports the first portion S1B and the left end of the main body S3 from the outside, and the tip 44A13 of the slider 44 abuts the upper surface of the first leg S1 and presses down on the first leg S1 from above Z1, preventing the first portion S1B from bending. Because the distance between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 in the first region 62A is relatively large, the angle between the tip S1A of the first leg S1 and the first portion S1B is relatively large. Because the distance between the wall surface of the first outer wall portion 62 and the wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 in the subsequent second region 62B is relatively small, the bending angle is relatively small.

Figure 19 is a partially enlarged top view of the front end of the binding machine 10 when the driver 42 advances and the tip S1A of the first leg S1 of the staple S passes through the first outer wall 62. The front view is the same as Figure 17A, so it is omitted. As shown in the figure, the tip undergoes plastic deformation as it passes through the first outer wall 62, greatly reducing the bending angle α1.

Figure 20 is a partially enlarged top view showing the state when the driver 42 has advanced to its farthest point and the staple S has reached the displacement start position. At this time, the bent portion of the first leg S1 of the staple S reaches the front end of the first inner wall portion 64 (the inner wall surface of the first inner wall portion 64 facing rearward X2), and the tip S2A of the second leg S2 reaches the front end of the tip support portion 68 (the inner wall surface of the tip support portion 68 facing rearward X2). Note that the front view is the same as Figure 17A, so is not shown here.

At this time, the bent portion of the first leg S1 and the inner and lower surfaces of the first portion S1B are supported from below Z2 and to the right Y1 (inward) by the first inner wall portion 64. The bent portion of the first leg S1 is also supported from the front X1 by the first inner wall portion 64. Furthermore, the upper surface of the first portion S1B is supported from above Z1 by the tip 44A13 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44.

On the other hand, the inner surface and underside of the tip S2A of the second leg S2 are supported from below Z2 and to the left Y2 (inward) by the tip.

Furthermore, the inner surface of the main body portion S3 and the inner surface of the connection portion of the second leg portion S2 with the main body portion S3 are supported from the inside by the second inner wall portion 66.

At this time, the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48, which had been pushing the driver 42 forward X1, is moved upward Z1 by the second protrusion 46A2. As a result, the switching block 48 rides up on the driver 42, causing the driver 42 to stop moving forward X1 and ending the first movement operation. At the same time, the ball biased upward Z1 from the hole formed in the base 46 fits into a recess on the bottom surface of the driver 42 and functions as a stopper, preventing the driver 42 from moving forward X1 or backward X2 due to the frictional force with the switching block 48.

The first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 are close to the rear end of the first arm 22. Furthermore, the first surface of the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 is close to or abuts against the first rear end surface 32B1 of the second arm 32.

After the first movement operation is completed, the motor 54 is stopped from rotating by the control device. At this time, the user sets the first object G and the second object P in the predetermined positions of the binding machine 10. In this embodiment, the first object G is a string that functions as a guide element. Therefore, the user inserts the string, which is the first object G, into the bent portion of the first leg S1. In this embodiment, the second object P is a stem. Therefore, the user inserts the stem, which is the second object P, into the area surrounded by the staples S. The portions of the binding machine 10 into which the first object G and the second object P are inserted may be referred to as the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion. In this embodiment, the first object G is inserted into the bent portion of the first leg S1, which is supported by the first inner wall portion 64, and therefore the first inner wall portion 64 corresponds to the first insertion portion. Furthermore, the second object P is inserted into a recess in the binding machine 10 recessed at the rear X2 so that it is sandwiched between the first inner wall portion 64 and the second inner wall portion 66, and this recess corresponds to the second insertion portion.

Figures 21A and 21B are partially enlarged views showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 from the front and top when a user inserts a first object G into the first insertion section and a second object P into the second insertion section.

When the user then operates the switch, or when sensors such as contact sensors provided in the first and second insertion sections detect the insertion of the first and second objects G and P, respectively, the motor 54 begins rotating again. As the motor 54 resumes rotation, the ball screw 50 rotates in the forward direction, causing the nut component 52 and the slider 44 fixed to the nut component 52 to begin moving forward X1. The switching block 48 advances above the driver 42, so the driver 42 does not advance. This initiates a second movement operation in which only the slider 44 advances between the driver 42 and the slider 44.

Figures 22A and 22B are partially enlarged views showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 in front and top views when the slider 44 has further advanced during the second movement operation. The driver 42 does not advance during the second movement operation. As a result, the inner surface of the main body S3 of the staple S is supported by the first inner wall portion 64 and the second inner wall portion 66, and the outer surface is supported by the driver 42 and remains stationary.

The first protrusion 44A11 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 abuts against the rearward X2 facing surface of the wall portion of the rear end of the first arm 22, which protrudes downward Z2 and extends in an inclined direction, pushing the first arm 22 forward X1. At this time, the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 is located forward X1 and outward (leftward Y2) from the first protrusion 44A11. Therefore, the first arm 22 begins to rotate in the first rotation direction R1. The wall portion at the rear end of the first arm 22 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 while passing through the gap between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12. At this point, the first leg S1 has not been plastically deformed by the first displacement portion 20.

Meanwhile, the first surface 44A21 of the second front end 44A2 abuts against the first rear end face 32B1 of the second arm 32, pushing the second arm 32 forward in the X1 direction. Since the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 is now positioned forward in the X1 direction and inward (leftward in the Y2 direction) from the first rear end face 32B1, the second arm 32 also begins to rotate in the first rotation direction R1. The second leg S2, which is sandwiched between the two protrusions on the main body S3 of the second arm 32 from above and below, attempts to bend inward with the front end of the second inner wall 66 as a fulcrum.

At this time, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 is supported from the inside by the wall surface of the support wall 68A of the tip support portion 68, which is provided on the inside of the second leg S2. Therefore, the second leg S2 is bent toward the inside of the staple S, with the front end of the second inner wall 66 as a fulcrum, and at the same time, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 is bent in the opposite direction (outward) as it passes through the support wall 68A while abutting against the wall surface of the support wall 68A of the tip support portion 68.

As described above, the rotation axis 32AX of the second arm 32 is inclined so that the further downward Z2 it travels, the more inward it travels. Therefore, as the tip S2A of the second leg S2 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, it approaches the first leg S1 and travels upward Z1.

Furthermore, the period during which the tip S2A of the second leg S2 of the staple S is in contact with the wall surface of the support wall 68A and the period during which the first surface 44A21 of the slider 44 is in contact with the first rear end surface 32B1 of the second arm 32 are configured to overlap at least partially, making it possible to generate a relatively large rotational moment when a high load is applied.

Figures 23A and 23B are partially enlarged views showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 as viewed from the front and from above when the slider 44 has moved further forward during the second movement operation.

The first arm 22 is pushed by the first protrusion 44A11 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44, causing it to further rotate in the first rotation direction R1. At this time, the protrusion 44A13 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 reaches the front end of the first inner wall portion 64, causing the slider 44 to press down on the upper surface of the first portion S1B of the first leg portion S1 from above Z1. As a result, the first portion S1B of the first leg portion S1 is supported from above Z1, below Z2, and inward by the slider 44 and the first inner wall portion 64.

The second rear end surface 32B2 of the second arm 32 is pushed by the second surface 44A22 of the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44, causing it to further rotate in the first rotation direction R1. As shown in FIG. 23B, the second leg S2 held by the second arm 32 is bent to a position where it intersects with the first leg S1, so that the opening in the staple S before binding is closed in a top view, and the first leg S1, second leg S2, and main body S3 of the staple S surround the second object P in a top view. Note that in the front view shown in FIG. 23A, the tip S2A of the second leg S2 moves upward Z1 and approaches the first object G.

Furthermore, after a period of time during which the tip S2A of the second leg S2 of the staple S is in contact with the support wall 68A has elapsed, the second surface 44A22 of the slider 44 is in contact with the second rear end surface 32B2 of the second arm 32, making it possible to generate a relatively small rotational moment when the load is relatively low.

Figures 24A and 24B are partially enlarged views showing the front end portion of the binding machine 10 as viewed from the front and from above, just before the slider 44 moves all the way forward during the second movement operation.

The first arm 22 is pushed by the first convex portion 44A11 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44, causing it to further rotate in the first rotation direction R1, contact the first object G, and push and displace the first object G. Furthermore, the convex portion 22C of the first arm 22 protruding downward Z2 abuts against the concave portion 24A provided at the end of the abutment member 24. Therefore, as the convex portion 22C of the first arm 22 rotates, the abutment member 24 begins to advance in a direction inclined inward and downward Z2 toward the staple S. First, the abutment surface 24B of the abutment member 24 abuts against the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1, and then the corner portion 24C of the abutment member 24 abuts against the tip portion S1A of the first leg S1, plastically deforming the tip portion so that it folds back. The tip S1A of the first leg S1, folded back by the abutting member 24, passes below the first portion S1B in a position Z2 and bends to intersect with the first portion S1B in a top view. As shown in FIG. 14, which corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the intersection of the first portion S1B and the tip S1A, the tip S1A can be plastically deformed so that the first portion S1B (upper) and the tip S1A (lower) are adjacent to each other. At this time, the tip of the abutting member 24 and the tip of the second leg S2 enter through holes formed in the first inner wall 64 and communicate with the area surrounded by the staple S in a top view. As shown in the figure, the first portion S1B is surrounded from above, below (except for the area through which the folded tip S1A and the abutting member 24 pass), and from the inside by the slider 44 and the first inner wall 64, thereby preventing bending.

Through the above process, the first leg S1 clamps the first object G. Because the first leg S1 is plastically deformed, the engagement between the first leg S1 and the first object G is not easily released.

Meanwhile, the second rear end surface 32B2 of the second arm 32 is pushed by the second surface of the second front end portion 44A2 of the slider 44, causing it to further rotate in the first rotation direction R1. As a result, the second leg portion S2 moves beyond the first object G and approaches the second object P in a top view.

Then, the motor 54 rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, causing the slider 44 to begin moving backward.

Figures 25A, 25B, and 25C are partially enlarged front and top views and partially enlarged perspective views of the front end portion of the binding machine 10 after the slider 44 has begun to retract.

When the slider 44 begins to retract, the second protrusion 44A12 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 abuts against the surface of the wall portion of the first arm 22 facing forward X1 as it moves through the area between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12, pushing it backward X2, thereby rotating the first arm 22 in the second rotation direction R2.

The third surface of the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 abuts against the rear end of the second arm 32 and pushes it backward X2, thereby rotating the second arm 32 in the second rotation direction R2. When the second arm 32 rotates in the second direction, the bending-back protrusion 32C2, which protrudes downward Z2 at a position further forward in the first rotation direction R1 than the main body S3 of the second arm 32, abuts against the second leg S2 and pushes it in the second rotation direction R2. This causes the second leg S2 to displace in the second rotation direction R2, resulting in the bent portion of the second leg S2 engaging with the first object G. As shown in FIG. 25A , when the second leg S2 engages with the first object G, the first object G is displaced, and tension is generated between the engagement position between the first leg S1 and the first object G and the engagement position between the second leg S2 and the second object P. This prevents the first object G from bending and disengaging from the second leg S2.

Figures 26A, 26B, and 26C are partially enlarged front and top views and partially enlarged perspective views of the front end portion of the binding machine 10 when the slider 44 has further retracted.

The second protrusion 44A12 of the first front end 44A1 of the slider 44 abuts against the surface of the wall portion of the first arm 22 facing forward X1 as the first arm 22 moves through the area between the first protrusion 44A11 and the second protrusion 44A12, pushing the wall portion backward X2, causing the first arm 22 to further rotate in the second rotation direction R2.

From this state, when the first arm 22 further rotates in the second rotation direction R2 to the initial position shown in Figure 21B, the ball member biased by the elastic member fits into a recess provided on the underside of the first arm 22. This holds the first arm 22 in the initial position.

The third surface of the second front end 44A2 of the slider 44 abuts against the surface of the rear end of the second arm 32 facing forward (X1) and pushes it backward (X2), causing the second arm 32 to further rotate in the second rotation direction R2. Because the second leg S2 engages with the first object G, the bending-back protrusion 32C2 of the second arm 32 can no longer displace the second leg S2 in the second rotation direction R2. Therefore, the bending-back protrusion 32C2 of the second arm 32 overcomes the second leg S2 while slightly pushing the second leg S2 downward (Z2). As shown in Figure 26C, a biasing force toward the upward (Z1) direction is acting on the staple S by the pusher 16 via the staple S at the downward (Z2) position. The binding machine 10 is configured so that the bending-back protrusion 32C2 can overcome the second leg S2 against this biasing force.

From this state, when the second arm 32 further rotates in the second rotation direction R2 to the initial position shown in Figure 21B, the ball member biased by the elastic member fits into a recess provided on the underside of the second arm 32. This holds the second arm 32 in the initial position.

After the binding operation is completed, the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction. The second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48 moves backward (X2) and downward (Z2) along the inclined surface of the second protrusion 46A2 on the base 46, causing the first claw 48C1, second claw 48C2, and third claw 48C3 of the switching block 48 to be inserted into the areas within the first groove 42G1, second groove 42G2, and third groove 42G3, respectively. At this time, the first arm 22 and second arm 32 return to approximately their initial positions. When the motor 54 further rotates the ball screw 50 in the reverse direction, the switching block 48 moves backward (X2), and the rear surface of the second claw 48C2 of the switching block 48 abuts against the side of the second groove 42G2 facing forward (X1). As a result, the switching block 48 uses the elastic member 49 to press the surface of the base 46 downward Z2, while the rear surface of the second claw portion 48C2 moves the driver 42 backward X2. This allows the driver 42 to return to its initial position.

Through the above process, the second leg S2 engages with the first object G. As described above, the second leg S2 engages with the first object G while passing through (penetrating) the gap between the first object G and the second object P in a top view, so the second object P is surrounded by the staples S. This prevents the second object P from easily disengaging from the staples S. Furthermore, even if the second object P grows and the second leg S2 bends, the engagement with the first object G becomes stronger, so the engagement between the first object G and the staples S is also prevented from easily disengaging.

However, the binding machine 10 according to this embodiment is modifiable. For example, the first displacement unit 20 may be configured to plastically deform the tip S1A of the first leg S1 using the first arm 22, without using the abutment member 24. For example, a component integrating the first arm 22 and the abutment member 24 may be provided, and the tip S1A of the first leg S1 may be plastically deformed by rotating this component. In this case, the rotation axis 22AX of the first arm 22 may be tilted, and the first arm 22 may be configured to descend as it rotates in the first rotation direction R1, thereby configuring the first arm 22 so that its tip passes under the first section S1B. Conversely, the first arm 22 may be configured so that it rises as it rotates in the first rotation direction R1, thereby configuring the first arm 22 so that its tip passes over the first section S1B. For example, the tip S1A of the first leg S1, which is folded back by the abutment member 24, may be bent so as to pass above the first portion S1B in the Z1 direction and intersect with the first portion S1B in a top view. Meanwhile, the second leg S2 may be bent downward in the Z2 direction, away from the plane PL that passes through the second leg S2 and the main body S3.

The present invention is susceptible to various modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, within the scope of the ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art, other known configurations may be added to some of the components in a certain embodiment. Furthermore, some of the components in a certain embodiment may be replaced with other known components. The components disclosed in this application may be reasonably combined with or replaced with other known components within the scope of the ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art.

In addition to the above-described embodiments, the invention of this application can also be implemented as a binding machine or binding method as described in the appendix below.

That is, the present application further discloses the binding machine shown below.

(Appendix 1)
A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, an opening being formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and a tip end portion of the first leg portion being bent outward,
a moving section including a driver configured to be able to move the staple forward by moving forward;
a first displacement portion including a first outer wall portion against which the tip end of the first leg portion passes while coming into contact when the staple is moved forward by the driver, and displacing the first leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object;
a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body and displaces the second leg so that it can engage with the first object.

(Appendix 1A)
the first displacement portion includes a first inner wall portion provided on an inner side of the first leg portion when the staple is moved forward by the driver,
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration can be applied, including the binding machine described in Appendix 1, in which the gap between the first outer wall portion and the first inner wall portion becomes smaller as the machine moves forward.

(Appendix 1A1)
The first outer wall portion is
a first region in which the gap between the first inner wall portion and the first region decreases at a first decrease rate;
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 1A, which includes a second region located forward of the first region and in which the gap with the first inner wall portion decreases at a second decrease rate smaller than the first decrease rate.

(Appendix 2)
A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion,
a moving unit including a slider configured to be movable forward;
a first displacement unit including a first arm that rotates when pushed by a first front end of the slider that moves forward, and configured to be able to engage the first leg with the first object using the first arm;
a second displacement portion including a second arm that is rotated by being pushed by a second front end portion of the slider that moves forward, and a wall portion that is provided inside the second leg portion of the staple and against which a tip end portion of the second leg that is displaced inward of the staple by the rotation of the second arm passes while coming into contact;
A binding machine comprising:

(Appendix 2A)
the second displacement portion is configured to bend the tip end portion of the second leg outward by passing through the wall portion while bringing the tip end portion of the second leg into contact with the wall portion while displacing the second leg inward by the rotation of the second arm,
Thereafter, the first displacement portion is configured to bend the tip of the first leg toward the inside of the staple by an abutment member that advances toward the inside of the staple due to rotation of the first arm in the first rotation direction. Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 2.

(Appendix 2B)
the second arm is configured to rotate in a first rotation direction by being pushed by a second front end of the slider moving forward;
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 2 or Appendix 2A, wherein the second arm has a rotation axis that is inclined so that the front end of the second arm moves upward as it rotates in the first rotation direction.

(Appendix 2C)
Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration can be applied, including a binding machine described in any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 2B, in which the abutment member of the first displacement section bends the tip of the first leg section so that it passes below the first leg section.

(Appendix 3)
A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion,
a moving unit including a driver and a slider, configured to be able to perform a first movement operation in which the driver and the slider move forward, and a second movement operation in which the slider of the driver and the slider that have moved forward by the first movement operation moves further forward;
a first displacement portion that displaces the first leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object by a first front end portion of the slider that moves forward by the second movement operation;
a second displacement unit that displaces the second leg unit so as to be engageable with the first object by surrounding the second object with the first leg unit, the second leg unit, and the main body unit using a second front end of the slider that moves forward due to the second movement operation;
A binding machine comprising:

(Appendix 3A)
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 3, wherein in the first movement operation, the driver is configured to separate a staple connected to other staples by moving the staple forward.

(Appendix 3B)
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 3 or 3A, in which the driver is configured to displace the tip of the first leg by moving the staple forward and abutting the tip of the first leg against a first outer wall portion included in the first displacement portion during the first movement operation.

(Appendix 4A)
a driver for separating one staple from the other staples;
A slider moving forward;
a first displacement unit including a first arm that is rotated in a first rotation direction by the slider moving forward;
a second displacement unit including a second arm that rotates in the first rotation direction by the slider moving forward;
A binding machine comprising:

(Appendix 4B)
a driver for separating one staple from the other staples;
A slider moving forward;
a first displacement unit including a first arm that is rotated in a first rotation direction by the slider moving forward;
a second displacement unit including a second arm that rotates in a direction different from the first rotation direction by the slider moving forward;
A binding machine comprising:

(Appendix 4C)
The binding machine includes:
a first movement motion in which the driver and the slider move;
The binding machine according to claim 4A or 4B, which is configured to be capable of executing a second movement operation in which the driver and the slider move, and then only the slider moves.

(Appendix 5)
A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion,
a moving section including a driver configured to be able to move the staple forward by moving forward, and a slider configured to be able to move forward;
a first displacement unit including a first arm that rotates when pushed by a first front end of the slider that moves forward, and configured to be able to engage the first leg with the first object using the first arm;
A binding machine comprising: a second arm that rotates when pushed by the second front end of the slider moving forward; and a second displacement unit configured to be able to engage the second leg with the first object using the second arm.

(Appendix 5A1)
A motor;
a ball screw rotated by the motor,
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 1, wherein the moving part includes a nut part formed with a female thread that screws into the ball screw and is configured to be able to move forward integrally with the slider by rotation of the male screw.

(Appendix 5A2)
a base on which the driver is mounted;
a block held by the nut component;
an elastic member disposed between the nut part and the block, and pressing the block against the surface of the base;
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5A1, which is configured so that the driver can be moved forward by abutting the front surface of the block against the side surface of the driver.

(Appendix 5A2)
a groove extending in a front-rear direction and exposing a surface of the base is formed in the driver;
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5A1, which is configured to allow the driver to be moved forward by abutting the front surface of the block against the side of a groove formed in the driver.

(Appendix 5A3)
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 1A2, in which the base includes a protrusion that moves the front surface of the block moving forward above the side surface of the groove formed in the driver against which the front surface was abutting.

(Appendix 5A4)
a second groove extending in the front-rear direction and exposing the surface of the base is formed in the driver;
Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including a binding machine described in any one of Appendices 5A1 to 5A3, which is configured to allow the driver to be moved rearward by abutting the rear surface of the block against the side of the second groove of the driver.

(Appendix 5A5)
the base includes a second protrusion that moves the rear surface of the block moving rearward above the side surface of the second groove of the driver that the rear surface has been in contact with;
Any strapping machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the strapping machine described in Appendix 5A4.

(Appendix 5A6)
The block is
a first claw portion having a front surface that abuts against a side surface of the groove;
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5A4 or Appendix 5A5, which includes a second claw portion having a rear surface that abuts against the side of the second groove.

(Appendix 5B1)
the second arm is configured to rotate in a first rotation direction by being pushed by a second front end of the slider moving forward;
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5, wherein the second arm has a rotation axis that is inclined so that the front end of the second arm moves upward as it rotates in the first rotation direction.

(Appendix 5B2)
the second arm includes a rear end portion that extends rearward from a rotation axis of the second arm in a state before rotation,
The rear end of the second arm is
a first rear end surface that abuts against a first surface of the second front end of the slider that moves forward and is formed at a position spaced a first distance from the rotation axis of the arm;
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5 or Appendix 5B1, which includes a second rear end surface that abuts against the second surface of the second front end of the slider that moves further forward and is formed at a position spaced a second distance from the rotation axis of the arm that is smaller than the first distance.

(Appendix 5B3) Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5B2, in which the second surface of the slider that abuts against the second rear end surface of the second arm is formed forward of the first surface of the slider that abuts against the first rear end surface of the arm.

(Appendix 5B4)
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5B2 or Appendix 5B3, in which, when viewed from above, a first angle formed by a normal to the first rear end surface at a first contact point abutting the first surface of the slider and a straight line connecting the first contact point and the rotation axis is closer to 90 degrees than a second angle formed by a normal to the second rear end surface at a second contact point abutting the second surface of the slider and a straight line connecting the second contact point and the rotation axis.

(Appendix 5B5)
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including a binding machine described in any one of Appendix 5 to Appendix 5B4, in which the second displacement portion is provided inside the second leg of the staple moved forward by the driver and includes a wall portion through which the tip of the second leg, which is displaced inward of the staple by rotation of the second arm, passes while abutting against it.

(Appendix 5B6)
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5B5, which is configured so that the period during which the tip portion of the second leg of the staple abuts against the wall portion and the period during which the first surface of the second front end of the slider abuts against the first rear end surface of the second arm overlap for at least a portion of the period.

(Appendix 5B7)
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5B5 or Appendix 5B6, which is configured so that the second surface of the second front end of the slider and the second rear end surface of the second arm begin to abut after a period in which the tip portion of the second leg of the staple abuts against the wall portion.

(Appendix 5B8)
the second front end of the slider includes a third surface that is provided forward of the first surface and the second surface and faces rearward,
Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5B2 or any one of Appendixes 5B3 to 5B7 that cite Appendix 5B2, wherein the second arm is configured to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, which is the direction in which the second arm rotates due to the slider moving forward, when pressed against the third surface of the slider moving backward.

(Appendix 5B9)
The second arm is
a main body portion that abuts against the second leg portion of the staple when rotated in a first rotation direction by the slider moving forward, thereby displacing the second leg portion in the first rotation direction;
Any of the binding machines described in the present application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in any one of Appendix 5 and Appendix 5B1 to Appendix 5B8, which is provided at a position further forward in the first rotation direction than the main body portion and includes a protrusion that protrudes downward to abut against the second leg portion of the staple and displace the second leg portion in the second rotation direction when rotated in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by the slider moving rearward.

(Appendix 5C1)
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5, in which the first front end of the slider includes a first convex portion that protrudes upward to rotate the first arm in a first rotational direction by abutting against the first arm as it moves forward.

(Appendix 5C2)
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5C1, in which the first front end of the slider includes a second convex portion that moves rearward and abuts against the first arm, thereby rotating the first arm in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

(Appendix 5C3)
Any of the binding machines described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including the binding machine described in Appendix 5C2, in which the first arm includes a portion that rotates in the first rotation direction by abutting against the first convex portion moving forward, and moves so as to penetrate the area between the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

(Appendix 5C4)
Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration is applicable, including a binding machine described in any one of Appendix 5 and Appendix 5C1 to Appendix 5C3, in which the first displacement portion includes an abutment member that advances inward toward the staple upon rotation of the first arm in the first rotation direction.

(Appendix 5C5)
Any binding machine described in this application to which this configuration can be applied, including the binding machine described in any one of Appendix 5 and Appendix 5C1 to Appendix 5C4, in which the abutment member moves downward and in a direction approaching the second arm as the first arm rotates in the first rotation direction.

10 Binding machine 12 Grip 14 Magazine 16 Pusher 18 Separation block 20 First displacement portion 22 First arm 22AX Rotation axis 22C of first arm Convex portion 24 Contact member (claw member)
24A Recess 24B Abutment surface 24C Corner portion 30 Second displacement portion 32 Second arm 32AX Rotation shaft 32B of second arm Rear end portion 32B1 First rear end face 32B2 Second rear end face 32C Front end portion 32C1 Main body portion 32C2 Protrusion 42 Driver 42S Front end face 42B Point end portion 42C Driver protrusion portion 42G1 First groove 42G2 Second groove 42G3 Third groove 44 Slider 44A1 First front end portion 44A11 First protrusion portion 44A12 Second protrusion portion 44A13 Point end portion 44A2 Second front end portion 44A21 First surface 44A22 Second surface 44A23 Third surface 44B Fixing portion 46 Base 46A1 First protrusion 46A2 Second protrusion 46A3 Third protrusion 48 Switching block 48C1 First claw portion 48C2 Second claw portion 48C3 Third claw portion 50 Ball screw 50AX Central shaft 52 Nut component 52A Holding portion 54 Motor 62 First outer wall portion 62A First region 62B Second region 64 First inner wall portion 66 Second inner wall portion 68 Tip support portion 68A Support wall portion 230 Guide holding mechanism S Staple S1 First leg portion S1A Tip portion S1B First portion α1 Bending angle DS1 First distance S2 Second leg portion S2A Tip portion DS2 Second distance S3 Main body portion G First object P Second object PL Plane X1 Forward X2 Backward Y1 Rightward Y2 Leftward Z1 Upward Z2 Downward D1 Opening direction R1 First rotation direction R2 Second rotation direction

Claims (17)

A binding machine that binds a first object and a second object using a staple including a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion that connects the first leg portion and the second leg portion, and in which an opening is formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion,
a first displacement portion that displaces the first leg portion so as to be engageable with the first object;
a second displacement unit that surrounds the second object with the first leg unit, the second leg unit, and the main body unit and displaces the second leg unit so that the second object can be engaged with the first object ,
The first displacement section clamps the first object by bending the tip of the first leg section so that it intersects with the first leg section in a top view . The binding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second displacement section is configured to be able to displace the second leg section to a position where the second leg section intersects with the first leg section in a top view. a first insertion portion into which the first object is inserted;
a second insertion portion into which the second object is inserted,
the first displacement portion displaces a tip end portion of the first leg portion so as to engage with the first object inserted into the first insertion portion;
The binding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second displacement section displaces the second leg section so as to surround the second object inserted into the second insertion section. a moving unit that moves the staple in an opening direction of the staple,
The binding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second displacement portion displaces the second leg portion inward of the staple as the moving portion moves in the opening direction. a second inner wall portion that supports the second leg portion from the inside,
The binding machine described in claim 4, wherein the second displacement portion includes an arm that is provided on the outside of the second leg portion and that bends the second leg portion inward toward the staple with the front end of the second inner wall portion as a fulcrum when the moving portion that moves in the opening direction abuts against and rotates . the arm is configured to rotate in a first rotation direction by being pushed by a front end of the moving part moving forward,
The binding machine according to claim 5 , wherein the arm has a rotation axis that is inclined such that the front end of the arm moves upward as the arm rotates in the first rotation direction. the arm includes a rear end portion that extends rearward from a rotation axis of the arm in a state before rotation,
The rear end of the arm is
a first rear end surface that abuts against a first surface of the front end of the moving portion that moves forward;
The binding machine according to claim 6 , further comprising a second rear end surface that is formed further forward than the first surface and against which a second surface of the front end of the moving portion that moves further forward comes into contact. The first displacement portion folds back the tip end of the first leg portion so as to sandwich the first object.
8. The binding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . the first displacement portion includes a first outer wall portion against which the tip end portion of the first leg portion passes while coming into contact when the staple is moved forward by the moving portion,
8. The binding machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7 . 8. The binding machine according to claim 7 , further comprising a wall portion provided inside the second leg of the staple, against which the tip of the second leg passes while being in contact as it is displaced inward of the staple by the rotation of the arm. The first displacement portion includes a contact member that bends the tip end of the first leg portion so as to pass above or below the first leg portion.
10. The binding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a main body portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion;
A binding method for binding a first object and a second object using a staple having an opening formed between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, comprising:
the tip end of the first leg portion is bent so as to intersect with the first leg portion in a top view , thereby sandwiching the first object;
The second leg is displaced to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body, thereby engaging the first object with the second leg.
Binding method. displacing the first leg to engage the first leg with the first object includes moving a tip end of the first leg either upward or downward away from a plane passing through the first leg, the second leg, and the main body;
Displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body to engage the first object with the second leg includes moving the tip of the second leg either upward or downward away from the plane.
The bundling method according to claim 12 . displacing the first leg to engage with the first object includes displacing a portion of the first leg from a tip end thereof by a first distance or less to engage with the first object,
Displacing the second leg to engage the first object includes displacing a portion of the second leg from the tip end thereof by a second distance greater than the first distance to engage the second leg with the first object.
14. The bundling method according to claim 12 or 13 . Displacing the second leg to surround the second object with the first leg, the second leg, and the main body to engage the first object with the second leg,
displacing the second leg in a first rotation direction to a position where the second leg intersects with the first leg in a top view, and causing a tip end of the second leg to pass through a gap between the first object and the second object;
displacing the second leg in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and engaging the tip of the second leg, which has passed through the gap between the first object and the second object, with the first object.
15. A bundling method according to any one of claims 12 to 14 . In a top view, displacing the second leg in the first rotation direction to a position where the second leg intersects with the first leg and causing the tip end of the second leg to pass through the gap between the first object and the second object includes bending the second leg in the first rotation direction while bending the tip end of the second leg in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.
The bundling method according to claim 15 . 17. The binding method of claim 15 or 16, wherein displacing the first leg to engage the first object includes bending the tip of the first leg in the first rotation direction to engage the tip of the first leg with the first object.