Binding machine

A binding machine includes: a feeding unit configured to feed a wire; a guide part configured to wind the wire fed by the feeding unit around a binding object; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire wound on the binding object by the guide part; and a contact part against which the binding object is butted. The guide part includes: a first guide configured to curl the wire around the binding object butted against the contact part; a second guide configured to guide the wire curled by the first guide to the twisting unit; and an induction part provided to at least one of the first guide and the second guide, and configured to guide the binding object between the first guide and the second guide. The induction part is configured so that a distance between the induction part and the contact part is variable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese patent application No. 2021-021732, filed on Feb. 15, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a binding machine.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, used is a binding machine configured to perform a binding operation by inserting a reinforcing bar, which is a binding object, inside a pair of guide parts provided on a tip end-side of a binding machine body, curling a wire and winding the wire around the reinforcing bar by the pair of guide parts and twisting the same.

Here, in order to reliably perform the binding operation, it is necessary to securely insert the reinforcing bar, which is a binding object, into an opening inside the pair of guide parts. In particular, in a binding machine where the binding machine body and a handle part are connected by an elongated connecting part, a structure capable of reliably inserting the reinforcing bar inside the pair of guide parts is required because the guide parts are apart from a viewpoint of an operator.

A related art disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has been suggested to address such an issue. For example, disclosed is a binding machine having an induction part having an inclined surface provided on a tip end-side of a first guide of a guide part and capable of easily inserting a reinforcing bar into an insertion/pulling-out opening between the first guide and a second guide.Patent Literature 1: JP-A-2020-41399

However, in the binding machine of the related art disclosed in Patent Reference 1 and the like, in a case of performing an operation at a site where a gap between the reinforcing bar that is a binding object and the ground is narrow, when inserting the reinforcing bar into an opening inside the pair of guide parts, there occurs a problem that the tip end-side of the guide part comes into contact with the ground, and therefore, the reinforcing bar cannot be inserted at a predetermined position in the opening between the pair of guide parts.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide a binding machine capable of inserting a reinforcing bar into an opening between a pair of guide parts even at a site where a gap between a binding object such as a reinforcing bar and the ground is narrow.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present disclosure includes a feeding unit configured to feed a wire, a guide part configured to wind the wire fed by the feeding unit around a binding object, a twisting unit configured to twist the wire wound on the binding object by the guide part, and a contact part against which the binding object is butted, in which the guide part includes a first guide configured to curl the wire around the binding object butted against the contact part, a second guide configured to guide the wire curled by the first guide to the twisting unit, and an induction part provided to at least one of the first guide and the second guide, and configured to guide the binding object between the first guide and the second guide, and in which the induction part is configured so that a distance between the induction part and the contact part is variable.

According to the present disclosure, since the induction part is configured so that the distance between the induction part and the contact part is variable, the binding object can be inserted between the pair of guide parts even when a space between the binding object and the ground is narrow.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

(Configuration Example of Reinforcing Bar Binding Machine1A)

FIGS.1A and1Bare side views of a reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to a first embodiment.FIG.1Cis a front view of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to the first embodiment.FIGS.2A and2Bare side views showing an internal configuration of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to the first embodiment, andFIG.3is a side view showing main parts of the internal configuration of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A shown inFIG.2.FIGS.4A to4Care side views showing an example of a configuration of an induction part600according to the first embodiment.FIG.4Ashows a case where an operation is performed at a site where a space between a ground G, which is an obstacle, and a reinforcing bar S is wide, andFIG.4Cshows a case where an operation is performed at a site where the space between the ground G, which is an obstacle, and the reinforcing bar S is narrow.FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the induction part600according to the first embodiment.

The reinforcing bar binding machine1A is used in a state where an operator is standing with a guide part5facing downward so as to bind a reinforcing bar S at the feet of the operator. As shown inFIGS.1A to1Cand the like, the reinforcing bar binding machine1A has a first body part301configured so that it can be held by a hand, a second body part302having a mechanism for binding the reinforcing bar S with a wire W, and an elongated connecting part303configured to connect the first body part301and the second body part302. The first body part301has a pair of handle parts304hL and304hR, which are examples of a grip part that can be gripped by the operator. In addition, the first body part301is provided with a power supply switch (not shown) for turning off and turning on a power supply of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A.

As shown inFIGS.2A and3and the like, the second body part302includes an accommodation part2configured to rotatably accommodate a wire reel20on which the wire W is wound, and a feeding unit3configured to feed the wire W wound on the wire reel20accommodated in the accommodation part2. In addition, the second body part302includes a guide part5configured to curl the wire W, which is being fed by the feeding unit3, around the reinforcing bar S and to guide the curled wire W to a twisting unit7. Further, the second body part302includes a cutting unit6configured to cut the wire W, a twisting unit7configured to twist the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar S by the guide part5, and a drive unit8configured to drive the cutting unit6, the twisting unit7and the like.

The reinforcing bar binding machine1A is provided with the guide part5on one side of the second body part302. As for the reinforcing bar binding machine1A, the first body part301and the second body part302are connected by the connecting part303, so that the guide part5and the handle parts304hL and304hR are further extended therebetween, as compared to a reinforcing bar binding machine to which the connecting part303is not provided. In the present embodiment, a side on which the guide part5is provided is defined as a front.

As shown inFIG.3, the accommodation part2is configured so that the wire reel20can be attached/detached and supported. The feeding unit3includes a pair of feeding gears30as a feeding member. The feeding unit3is configured to feed the wire W by rotating the feeding gears30by a motor (not shown) in a state where the wire W is sandwiched between the pair of feeding gears30. The feeding unit3can feed the wire W in both a forward direction indicated by an arrow F and a reverse direction indicated by an arrow R, according to a rotating direction of the feeding gear30.

The cutting unit6is provided downstream of the feeding unit3with respect to feeding of the wire W in the forward direction indicated by the arrow F. The cutting unit6includes a fixed blade part60and a movable blade part61configured to cut the wire W in cooperation with the fixed blade part60. In addition, the cutting unit6includes a transmission mechanism62configured to transmit movement of the drive unit8to the movable blade part61.

The fixed blade part60has an opening60athrough which the wire W passes. The movable blade part61is configured to cut the wire W passing through the opening60aof the fixed blade part60by a rotating operation about the fixed blade part60as a fulcrum.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.3and4Aand the like, the guide part5is configured to wind the wire W fed by the feeding unit3around the reinforcing bar S. The guide part5includes a first guide51configured to curl and guide the wire W around the reinforcing bar S that is butted against a contact part11, which will be described later, a second guide52configured to guide the wire W curled by the first guide51to the twisting unit7, and an induction part600configured to guide the reinforcing bar S to an insertion/pulling-out opening (opening)53. Note that, the details of the induction part600will be described later.

The first guide51is attached to an end portion on a front side of the second body part302and extends in a first direction, which is a front and rear direction indicated by an arrow A1. When a side of the first guide51attached to the second body part302is referred to a base end-side and a side extending forward from the second body part302is referred to as a tip end-side, the base end-side is attached to the second body part302by a screw or the like. Further, the first guide51has a groove portion51hhaving a guide surface51gwith which the wire W fed by the feeding unit3is to come into sliding contact.

The first guide51has a regulation part40. The regulating part40has a first regulation member constituted by the fixed blade part60described above. In addition, the regulating part40has a regulation member42provided downstream of the fixed blade part60and a regulation member43provided downstream of the regulation member42with respect to the feeding of the wire W in the forward direction indicated by the arrow F. The regulation member42and the regulation member43are constituted by columnar members, and the wire W comes into contact with outer peripheral surfaces thereof. Thereby, the wire W fed by the feeding unit3passes while being in contact with the fixed blade part60, the regulation member42, and the regulation member43, so that the wire W is curled.

The regulation part40includes a transmission mechanism44configured to transmit movement of the drive unit8to the regulation member42. The regulation member42is located at a position where the wire W comes into contact with the same when feeding the wire W in the forward direction by the feeding unit3to curl the wire W, and is configured to be movable to a position where it is not in contact with the wire W by an operation of feeding the wire W in the reverse direction to wind the wire W on the reinforcing bar S.

The second guide52is attached to an end portion on the front side of the second body part302. The second guide52is provided to face the first guide51in a second direction indicated by an arrow A2, which is an upper and lower direction orthogonal to the first direction. A predetermined space is provided between the first guide51and the second guide52along the second direction, and an insertion/pulling-out opening53to and from which the reinforcing bar S is inserted and pulled out is formed between the first guide51and the second guide52.

The second guide52is configured to be rotatable with respect to the second body part302with a shaft52bas a fulcrum. The second guide52is configured to be movable in directions toward and away from the first guide51in the second direction indicated by the arrow A2.

The second guide52is configured to be movable between an open position opening with respect to the first guide51and a closed position closer to the first guide51than the open position by rotation with the shaft52bas a fulcrum, in conjunction with a pair of contact members9L and9R. When the second guide52is at the open position, a space between the first guide51and the second guide52is widened, so that it becomes easier to insert the reinforcing bar into the insertion/pulling-out opening53. The second guide52is urged by an urging member54constituted by a torsion coil spring or the like in a direction of moving to the open position, and a state of being moved to the open position is maintained.

As shown inFIG.3, the twisting unit7includes an engaging part70with which the wire W is engaged and an actuating part71configured to actuate the engaging part70. The engaging part70is formed with a first passage through which the wire W fed to the cutting unit6by the feeding unit3passes, and a second passage through which the wire W curled by the regulation part40and guided to the twisting unit7by the guide part5passes. The engaging part70is configured to rotate by an operation of the actuating part71, thereby twisting the wire W wound on the reinforcing bar S.

As shown inFIGS.2A and3and the like, the drive unit8includes a twisting motor80configured to drive the twisting unit7and the like, a decelerator81configured to perform deceleration and torque amplification, a rotary shaft82configured to drive and rotate via the decelerator81by the twisting motor80, and a moving member83configured to transmit a drive force to the cutting unit6and the regulation member42. In the twisting unit7and the drive unit8, rotation centers of the rotary shaft82and the actuating part71and engaging part70are arranged coaxially. The rotation centers of the rotary shaft82and the actuating part71and engaging part70are referred to as ‘axis line Ax’. In the present example, the first direction indicated by the arrow A1is a direction along the axis line Ax.

The drive unit8is configured to move the actuating part71along an axial direction of the rotary shaft82by a rotating operation of the rotary shaft82. As the actuating part71moves along the axial direction of the rotary shaft82, the engaging part70holds a tip end-side of the wire W guided to the twisting unit7by the guide part5.

In the drive unit8, the moving member83is configured to move along the axial direction of the rotary shaft82in conjunction with an operation of the actuating part71moving along the axial direction of the rotary shaft82, so that movement of the moving member83is transmitted to the regulation member42by the transmission mechanism44and the regulation member42moves to a position where it is not in contact with the wire. In addition, when the actuating part71moves along the axial direction of the rotary shaft82, the movement of the moving member83is transmitted to the movable blade part61by the transmission mechanism62, so that the movable blade part61is actuated to cut the wire W.

The drive unit8is configured to rotate the actuating part71, which has been moved along the axial direction of the rotary shaft82, by the rotating operation of the rotary shaft82. The actuating part71is configured to rotate around an axis of the rotary shaft82, thereby twisting the wire W with the engaging part70.

Further, the reinforcing bar binding machine1A includes contact members9L and9R, a link member96, and a contact part11.

As shown inFIGS.1and2Aand the like, the contact members9L and9R are configured to come into contact with the reinforcing bar S, which is a binding object inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52. The contact member9L is provided on one side of the second body part302, and the contact member9R is provided on the other side of the second body part302. The contact members9L and9R are provided to be movable along the first direction indicated by the arrow A1, and are configured to move between a standby position (refer toFIG.4B) protruding from the contact part11toward the insertion/pulling-out opening53and an actuating position (refer toFIG.4C) close to the contact part11, at which the second guide52is moved to the closed position.

The link member96is configured to transmit movement of the contact members9L and9R to the second guide52. When the contact members9L and9R are moved to the actuating position, the link member96rotates about a shaft97as a fulcrum to move the second guide52to the closed position where an opening width of the insertion/pulling-out opening53is narrowed.

The contact part11is attached from an end portion on the front side of the second body part302to both left and right sides of the second body part302, and is configured to cover the end portion on the front side of the second body part302. When the contact members9L and9R pushed by the reinforcing bar S inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53are moved to the actuating position, the reinforcing bar S or the like is butted against the contact part11. The contact part11is constituted by a metal plate or the like, and has a shape to cover a portion or all of the end portion on the front side of the second body part302and portions of both the left and right sides on the front side of the second body part302, between the base end-side of the first guide51and the base end-side of the second guide52. While the second body part302is made of resin, the contact part11is made of metal, so that even when the contact members9L,9R and the reinforcing bar S are butted against the contact part11, the wear of the contact part11can be reduced.

(Configuration Example of Induction Part600)

Next, an example of a configuration of the induction part600according to the first embodiment is described.

As shown inFIG.4Aand the like, the induction part600is provided on the tip end-side of the first guide51, and is configured to pick up the reinforcing bar S to be bound, and to induce and guide the same into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52. The induction part600has a tip end portion600aprovided to be in contact with a ground G, and an induction surface600bprovided on a side (the insertion/pulling-out opening53-side) facing the second guide52. The tip end portion600ais formed in a curved shape, for example, instead of an edge shape so as not to damage a floor surface or the like at an operation site. The induction surface600bis inclined so that an opening width of the insertion/pulling-out opening53becomes wider from the base end-side toward the tip end-side of the induction part600, and has such a shape that it is easy to pick up the reinforcing bar S.

Further, the induction part600is configured to rotate as the tip end portion600apresses against the ground G and to vary an amount of protrusion with respect to the first guide51when performing an operation at a site where a space between the ground G, which is an obstacle, and the reinforcing bar S is narrow. That is, the induction part600is configured so that a distance between the induction part and the contact part11of the second body part302can be varied according to the space between the reinforcing bar S, which is a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.4A, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is wide, the induction part600is located at a first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion600aand the contact part11is a first distance D1, and an amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, as shown inFIG.4C, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow, the induction part600is rotated to a second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion600aand the contact part11is a second distance D2shorter than the first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

As shown inFIG.5, the induction part600is constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to an outer side of a guide cover51b. Similar to the induction part600, the guide cover51bis also constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to an outer side of a guide arm51a. Note that, the guide arm51aand the guide cover51bconstitute the first guide51.

The induction part600is formed with a long hole610for movably guiding the same between the first position P1and the second position P2. The long hole610is formed in a substantial arc shape, and is configured to regulate a moving range of the induction part600between the first position P1and the second position P2.

A pin630is inserted into the long hole610of the induction part600, a hole500of the guide cover51b, and a hole502of the guide arm51a, from one side toward the other side. A stopper632for preventing the pin630from coming off in the axial direction is attached to the other end portion of the pin630. Further, a pin640for supporting a torsion coil spring650, which will be described later, is attached between the plates of the guide cover51b.

A pin620is inserted into a hole660of the induction part600and a hole504of the guide cover51b, from one side toward the other side. A stopper622for preventing the pin620from coming off in the axial direction is attached to the other end portion of the pin620. The induction part600is configured to rotate along the long hole610with respect to the guide cover51b(first guide51) about the pin620as a fulcrum. The tip end portion600ais provided on the insertion/pulling-out opening53-side with respect to the pin620that is a fulcrum of rotation.

A torsion coil spring650is provided between the plates of the guide cover51b. The pin620is inserted into a central axis of the torsion coil spring650, a fixed point of the torsion coil spring650is attached to the pin640, and a load point of the torsion coil spring650is in contact with an acting portion602provided on an opposite side of the induction surface600b. The induction part600is urged by the torsion coil spring650in a direction of an arrow A3in a clockwise direction (refer toFIG.4B) with the pin620as a fulcrum, and is maintained at the first position P1.

(Operation Example of Reinforcing Bar Binding Machine1A)

Next, an operation of binding the reinforcing bar S with the wire W by the reinforcing bar binding machine1A is described.FIG.6shows an example of the operation of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a case of performing the binding operation at an operation site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow is described with reference toFIGS.1A to6.

An operator grips the handle part304hR and the handle part304hL, takes a standing posture, and for example, aligns the guide part5at an intersection place of the two reinforcing bars S. Subsequently, as shown inFIG.4B, the operator presses the tip end portion600aof the induction part600against the ground G by an operation of moving the reinforcing bar binding machine1A in a direction of inserting the reinforcing bars S into the insertion/pulling-out opening53.

By the pressing operation, as shown inFIGS.4C and5, the tip end portion600aof the induction part600moves toward the second body part302against an elastic force of the torsion coil spring650. Specifically, the induction part600rotates in a direction of an arrow A4along the long hole610about the pin620as a fulcrum, and the tip end portion600aof the induction part600moves from the first position P1to the second position P2. Thereby, the amount of protrusion of the induction part600from the tip end-side of the first guide51can be reduced, so that the reinforcing bars S can be inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53.

As shown inFIGS.4C and6, when the reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53and the reinforcing bars S are pressed against the contact member9L by the operation of moving the reinforcing bar binding machine1A in the direction of inserting the reinforcing bars S into the insertion/pulling-out opening53, the contact member9L moves to the actuating position. Along with this, the link member96rotates, and the second guide52moves from the open position to the closed position toward the first guide51.

When the second guide52moves to the closed position, the feeding motor rotates in the forward direction and the feeding gears30rotate in the forward direction, so that the wire W is fed in the forward direction indicated by the arrow F. The wire W that is fed in the forward direction by the feeding unit3is bent in an arc shape by coming into contact with the fixed blade part60, the regulation member42, the regulation member43and the guide surface51gof the first guide51, so that a curl drawing a substantial circle is formed.

The wire W curled by the regulation part40of the first guide51is guided to the second guide52and the engaging part70of the twisting unit7. When the tip end portion of the wire W is fed to a predetermined position, the feeding motor (not shown) is stopped, and the wire W is in a state of being wound around the reinforcing bars S.

After the feeding motor is stopped, the twisting motor80rotates in the forward direction, and the tip end-side of the wire W is held by the engaging part70as the actuating part71operates. When the wire W is held by the engaging part70, the twisting motor80is stopped and the feeding motor is rotated in the reverse direction. When the feeding motor rotates in the reverse direction, the feeding gears30rotate in the reverse direction and the wire W is fed in the reverse direction indicated by the arrow R. Thereby, the wire W is wound to be in close contact with the reinforcing bars S.

When the wire W is wound on the reinforcing bars S, the rotation of the feeding motor is stopped, and the twisting motor80rotates in the forward direction. Along with this, the moving member83actuates the movable blade part61via the transmission mechanism62, so that the wire W is cut.

After the wire W is cut, the twisting motor80continues to rotate in the forward direction, so that the engaging part70rotates and the wire W is twisted. When the wire W is bound, the twisting motor80is rotated in the reverse direction. Thereby, the engaging part70returns to an initial position, and the holding of the wire W is released. By the series of operations, the binding operation is executed.

When the binding operation is completed, the operator moves the reinforcing bar binding machine1A in a direction of pulling out the reinforcing bars S from the insertion/pulling-out opening53(a direction away from the ground G). Along with this, the tip end portion600aof the induction part600comes off from the ground G, so that, as shown inFIG.4B, the induction part600is rotated in the direction of the arrow A3about the pin620as a fulcrum by the urging force of the torsion coil spring650and the induction part600returns from the second position P2to the first position P1. Further, when the force for pushing the contact member9L by the reinforcing bars S is no longer applied by the operation of moving the reinforcing bar binding machine1A in the direction of pulling out the reinforcing bars S from the insertion/pulling-out opening53, the second guide52moves away from the first guide51by the urging force of the urging member54and returns to the open position.

According to the first embodiment, when performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, the induction part600is rotated by the operation of pressing the induction part600against the ground G. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the induction part600from the tip end-side of the first guide51can be reduced. Thereby, the reinforcing bars S can be reliably inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52, and the contact members9L and9R are pressed by the reinforcing bars S to securely start the binding operation.

Further, in the related art, in the case of the site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, it was necessary to perform a replacement operation of detaching the induction part600from the first guide51so as to shorten a length of the entire guide part5in the direction of the axis line Ax. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, since the length of the induction part600with respect to the contact part11in the direction of the axis line Ax can be varied, the operation of replacing the induction part600is not necessary, so that an operation load can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to avoid the loss of components during the replacement operation of the induction part600. Further, since a mechanism premised on replacement is not required, the induction part600can be firmly attached to the first guide51.

Note that, in the above-described embodiment, when performing the operation at the site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, the induction part600is pressed against the ground G, which is an obstacle, and the tip end portion600aof the induction part600is moved from the first position P1to the second position P2. However, at an operation site where it is not recommended to bring the induction part600into contact with the ground G, the operator may manually rotate the induction part600.

For example, at an operation site where a sheet, a tape or the like for curing (hereinafter, referred to as a curing sheet or the like) is laid on concrete (ground G), when the tip end portion600aof the induction part600is brought into contact with the curing sheet or the like, the curing sheet or the like may be damaged. For this reason, at the operation site where the curing sheet or the like is laid, it is necessary to perform the binding operation without bringing the induction part600into contact with the ground G.

FIG.7shows a use aspect of the induction part600according to a modified embodiment of the first embodiment.

When the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow and a curing sheet or the like is laid on the ground G such as concrete, as shown inFIG.7, the operator rotates the tip end portion600afrom the first position P1to the second position before starting the binding operation. Subsequently, the operator removes a screw670, which is a holding member, from a hole508of the guide cover51b(refer toFIG.4C), and attaches the removed screw670to a hole662of the induction part600and a hole506of the guide cover51b(refer toFIG.5). Thereby, the induction part600is held and fixed at the second position P2. After fixing the induction part600at the second position P2, for example, the operator aligns the guide part5at the intersection place of the two reinforcing bars S, for example, and inserts the reinforcing bars S into the insertion/pulling-out opening53, thereby performing the binding operation. In this way, by rotating the induction part600before the start of the binding operation, damage to the curing sheet or the like can be avoided.

Further, in the above description, the reference of the distance when the induction part600is varied is the contact part11. However, for example, the drive unit8may be used as a reference, or the twisting motor80may be used as a reference. As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the induction part600is configured to be able to vary the distance between the induction part and the twisting motor80provided in the second body part302, according to the space between the reinforcing bars S, which are a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is wide, as shown inFIG.2A, the induction part600is located at the first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion600aand the motor part80is a first distance F1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, as shown inFIG.2B, the induction part600is rotated to the second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion600aand the motor part80is a second distance F2shorter than the first distance F1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

Further, as the reference of the distance when the induction part600is varied, the handle parts304hL and304hR, which are a grip part, may be used instead of the above-described contact part11or the like. As shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the induction part600is configured to be able to vary the distance between the induction part and the handle parts304hL and304hR, which are a grip part of the first body part301, according to the space between the reinforcing bars S, which are a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is wide, as shown inFIG.1A, the induction part600is located at the first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion600aand the handle parts304hL and304hR is a first distance E1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, as shown inFIG.1B, the induction part600is rotated to the second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion600aand the handle parts304hL and304hR is a second distance E2shorter than the first distance E1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

Further, as the reference of the distance when the induction part600is varied, a tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51a, which is a first guide, may be used instead of the above-described contact part11or the like. As shown inFIGS.4A and4C, the induction part600is configured to be able to vary the distance between the induction part and the tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51a, which is provided to the second body part302, according to the space between the reinforcing bars S, which are a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is wide, as shown inFIG.4A, the induction part600is located at the first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion600aand the tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51ais a first distance H1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, as shown inFIG.4C, the induction part600is rotated to the second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion600aand the tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51ais a second distance H2shorter than the first distance H1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part600with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

Second Embodiment

An induction part700of a reinforcing bar binding machine1B according to a second embodiment is different from the induction part600of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to the first embodiment, in that the induction part700is configured to be movable substantially parallel to the axis line Ax. In the second embodiment, as for the configuration and operation common to the first embodiment, the overlapping descriptions are omitted by quoting the descriptions of the first embodiment.

(Configuration Example of Induction Part700)

FIGS.8A to8Bare side views showing an example of a configuration of an induction part700according to the second embodiment.FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of the induction part700according to the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG.8Aand the like, the induction part700is provided on the tip end-side of the first guide51, and is configured to pick up the reinforcing bar S to be bound, and to induce and guide the same into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52. The induction part700has a tip end portion700aprovided to be in contact with the ground G, and an induction surface700bprovided on a side facing the second guide52. The induction surface700bis inclined so that the opening width of the insertion/pulling-out opening53becomes wider from the base end-side toward the tip end-side of the induction part700, and has such a shape that it is easy to pick up the reinforcing bar S.

Further, the induction part700is configured to slide substantially parallel to the axis line Ax as the tip end portion700apresses against the ground G and to vary an amount of protrusion with respect to the first guide51when performing an operation at a site where a space between the ground G, which is an obstacle, and the reinforcing bar S is narrow. That is, the induction part700is configured so that a distance between the induction part and the contact part11of the second body part302can be varied according to the space between the reinforcing bar S, which is a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is wide, as shown inFIG.8A, the induction part700is located at the first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion700aand the contact part11is a first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part700with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow, as shown inFIG.8B, the tip end portion700aof the induction part700is pressed against the ground G, so that the induction part700is slid to the second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion700aand the contact part11is a second distance D2shorter than the first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part700with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

As shown inFIG.9, the induction part700is constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to outer sides of guide covers51band51b. The guide covers51band51bare, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, for example, and are connected by pins530and532via the guide arm51a. Note that, the guide arm51aand the guide covers51bconstitute the first guide51.

The guide covers51band51bare each formed with a first long hole522and a second long hole520for movably supporting the induction part700between the first position P1and the second position P2, respectively. The first long hole522and the second long hole520are formed substantially parallel to the axis line Ax and aligned side by side in the front and rear direction, and are configured to regulate the moving range of the guide part700between the first position P1and the second position P2.

A pin720is inserted into a hole740of the induction part700and the second long holes520of the guide covers51band51b, from one side toward the other side. Stoppers722and723for preventing the pin720from coming off in the axial direction are attached to each of both end portions of the pin720.

A pin710is inserted into the first long holes522of the guide covers51band51b, from one side toward the other side. A portion of the pin710exposed outward from the guide cover51bis engaged (fitted) with a concave portion742of the induction part700. Stoppers712and713for preventing the pin710from coming off in the axial direction are attached to each of both end portions of the pin710inserted into the first long holes522.

A tension spring730is provided between the guide covers51band51b. One end portion of the tension spring730is attached to the pin710and the other end portion of the tension spring730is attached to the pin530. Thereby, as shown inFIGS.8A and9, the pin710is urged by the tension spring730in a direction of an arrow B1on an opposite side to the contact member9L, and the induction part700engaged with the pin710is held at the first position P1by being pressed in the direction of the arrow B1.

(Operation Example of Induction Part700)

Next, an example of an operation of the induction part700according to the second embodiment is described. Note that, in a usual state, as shown inFIG.8A, the induction part700is located at the first position P1by the urging force of the tension spring730.

In a case where the space between the ground G and the reinforcing bar S is narrow and the binding operation is performed, the induction part700is slid from the position P1to the second position P2so as to reduce the amount of protrusion of the induction part700from the tip end-side of the first guide51in the direction of the axis line Ax. Specifically, the operator aligns the guide part5at an intersection place of the two reinforcing bars S, for example, and presses the tip end portion700aof the induction part700against the ground G by an operation of moving the reinforcing bar binding machine1B in a direction of inserting the reinforcing bars S into the insertion/pulling-out opening53.

By the pressing operation, as shown inFIG.8B, the pin710is urged in a direction of an arrow B2by the concave portion742of the induction part700and the tension spring730is extended, so that the pin710moves along the first long hole522. The induction part700relatively moves relative to the first guide51in the direction of the arrow B2on the contact member9L-side, and the tip end portion700amoves from the first position P1to the second position P2. Thereby, the amount of protrusion of the induction part700from the tip end-side of the first guide51in the direction of the axis line Ax can be reduced, so that the reinforcing bars S can be inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53to securely press the contact member9L.

On the other hand, when the reinforcing bar binding machine1B is lifted away from the ground G by the end of the binding operation of the reinforcing bars S and the tip end portion700ais spaced apart from the ground G, the tension spring730is compressed and returns to an original state, and the pin710is urged in the direction of the arrow B1(refer toFIG.8A). Along with this, the induction part700relatively slides relative to the first guide51in the direction of the arrow B1together with the pin710, and the tip end portion700areturns from the second position P2to the first position P1.

According to the second embodiment, the substantially similar effects to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Specifically, when performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bars S and the ground G is narrow, the induction part700is slid by the operation of pressing the induction part700against the ground G. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the induction part700from the tip end-side of the first guide51can be reduced. Thereby, the reinforcing bars S can be reliably inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52, and the contact members9L and9R can be pressed by the reinforcing bars S.

Note that, in the second embodiment, the reference of the distance when the induction part700is varied is the contact part11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as described in the first embodiment, the drive unit8, the handle parts304hL and304hR, which are a grip part, or the tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51amay be used as a reference.

Third Embodiment

An induction part800of a reinforcing bar binding machine1C according to a third embodiment is different from the induction part600of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to the first embodiment, and the like, in that the induction part800is configured to be manually rotatable with respect to a shaft (pin860) provided in a direction orthogonal to the axis line Ax. Note that, in the third embodiment, as for the configuration and operation common to the first embodiment, the overlapping descriptions are omitted by quoting the descriptions of the first embodiment.

(Configuration Example of Induction Part800)

FIGS.10A to10Care side views showing an example of a configuration of an induction part800according to the third embodiment.FIG.11is an exploded perspective view of the induction part800according to the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG.10Aand the like, the induction part800is provided on the tip end-side of the first guide51, and is configured to pick up the reinforcing bar S to be bound, and to induce and guide the same into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52. The induction part800has a tip end portion800aprovided to be in contact with the ground G, and an induction surface800bprovided on a side facing the second guide52. The induction surface800bis inclined so that the opening width of the insertion/pulling-out opening53becomes wider from the base end-side toward the tip end-side of the induction part800, and has such a shape that it is easy to pick up the reinforcing bar S.

Further, the induction part800is configured to be able to vary an amount of protrusion with respect to the first guide51by the operator manually rotating the induction part800about a shaft (pin860) orthogonal to the axis line Ax as a fulcrum, when performing an operation at a site where the space between the ground G, which is an obstacle, and the reinforcing bar S is narrow. That is, the induction part800is configured so that a distance between the induction part and the contact part11of the second body part302can be varied according to the space between the reinforcing bar S, which is a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is wide, as shown inFIG.10A, the induction part800is located at the first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion800aand the contact part11is a first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part800with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow, as shown inFIG.10C, the induction part800is rotated to the second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion800aand the motor part11is a second distance D2shorter than the first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part800with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

As shown inFIG.11, the induction part800is constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to the outer sides of the guide cover51b. Similar to the induction part800, the guide cover51bis also constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to the outer side of the guide arm51a. Note that, the guide arm51aand the guide cover51bconstitute the first guide51.

The induction part800has a first engaging portion810that can be engaged with a pin850(engaged portion), which will be described later, when the induction part800is at the first position P1, and a second engaging portion820that can be engaged with the pin850when the induction part800is at the second position P2. The first engaging portion810and the second engaging portion820are formed by, for example, concave portions, and are each formed at an end edge portion of the induction part800.

The guide cover51bis formed with a long hole540for moving the induction part800to a position where an engaged state of the first engaging portion810and the second engaging portion820can be released. The long hole540is constituted by a first hole540ahaving a size into which a head portion (engaged portion)850bof the pin850can be inserted, and a second hole540bfor movably supporting a shaft portion850aof the pin850.

A pin880is inserted into a hole544of the guide cover51b, from one side toward the other side. A portion of the pin880exposed inward from the guide cover51bis engaged (fitted) with a concave portion542of the guide arm51a.

A pin860is inserted into a hole830of the induction part800and a hole546of the guide cover51b, from one side toward the other side. A stopper862for preventing the pin860from coming off in the axial direction is attached to the other end portion of the pin860. Thereby, the induction part800is adapted to be rotatable with respect to the guide cover51bwith the pin860as a fulcrum.

The pin850is inserted into the long hole540of the guide cover51b, from one side toward the other side. The shaft portion850aof the pin850is supported to be movable along the long hole540. The head portion850bof the pin850is attached to the guide cover51bso as to be exposed from the left and right side surfaces of the guide cover51bso that the operator can grip the same.

A tension spring870is provided between the plates of the guide cover51b. One end portion of the tension spring870is attached to the pin860and the other end portion of the tension spring870is attached to the pin850. Thereby, the pin850is urged by the elastic force of the tension spring870toward the first engaging portion810and the second engaging portion820of the induction part800, so that the engaged state of the first engaging portion810and the like of the induction part800by the pin850is maintained.

(Operation Example of Induction Part800)

Next, an example of an operation of the induction part800according to the third embodiment is described. Note that, in a usual state, as shown inFIG.10A, the induction part800is at the first position P1as the pin850is engaged with the first engaging portion810.

In a case where the space between the ground G and the reinforcing bar S is narrow and the binding operation is performed, the induction part800is manually rotated from the position P1to the second position P2so as to reduce the amount of protrusion of the induction part800from the tip end-side of the first guide51in the direction of the axis line Ax.

The operator grips the head portion850bof the pin850, and as shown inFIG.10A, pulls the pin850in a direction of an arrow C1on the contact member9L-side of the induction part800against the elastic force of the tension spring870. Thereby, the pin850moves in the direction of the arrow C1along the long hole540, and as shown inFIG.10B, the engaged state of the first engaging portion810of the induction part800with the pin850is released.

Subsequently, as shown inFIGS.10B and10C, the operator maintains the state in which the pin850is pulled, i.e., the state in which the first engaging portion810is disengaged, and rotates the tip end portion800aof the induction part800in a counterclockwise direction (a direction of an arrow C3) on the insertion/pulling-out opening53-side about the pin860as a fulcrum.

When the second engaging portion820is moved to the engaging position of the pin850, the force of separating the head portion850bof the pin850or gripping the head portion850bof the pin850is relaxed. Thereby, the tension spring870is compressed and returns to the original state, and the pin850moves toward the second engaging portion820in a direction of an arrow C2, so that the pin850is engaged with the second engaging portion820. By moving the tip end portion800afrom the first position P1to the second position P2by such an operation of the operator, the amount of protrusion of the induction part800from the tip end-side of the first guide51in the direction of the axis line Ax can be reduced, and the reinforcing bar S can be inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53to reliably press the contact member9L.

According to the third embodiment, the substantially similar effects to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. For example, when performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow, the induction part900is manually rotated before the binding operation. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the induction part900from the tip end-side of the first guide51can be reduced. Thereby, the reinforcing bar S can be reliably inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52, and the contact members9L and9R can be pressed by the reinforcing bar S.

Note that, in the third embodiment, the reference of the distance when the induction part800is varied is the contact part11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as described in the first embodiment, the drive unit8, the handle parts304hL and304hR, which are a grip part, or the tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51amay be used as a reference.

Fourth Embodiment

An induction part900of a reinforcing bar binding machine1D according to a fourth embodiment is different from the induction part600of the reinforcing bar binding machine1A according to the first embodiment, and the like, in that the induction part900is configured to be manually rotatable with respect to a shaft (pin950) provided in a direction orthogonal to the axis line Ax. Note that, in the fourth embodiment, as for the configuration and operation common to the first embodiment, the overlapping descriptions are omitted by quoting the descriptions of the first embodiment.

(Configuration Example of Induction Part900)

FIGS.12A to12Care side views showing an example of a configuration of an induction part900according to the fourth embodiment.FIG.13is an exploded perspective view of the induction part900according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown inFIG.12Aand the like, the induction part900is provided on the tip end-side of the first guide51, and is configured to pick up the reinforcing bar S to be bound, and to induce and guide the same into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52. The induction part900has a tip end portion900aprovided to be in contact with the ground G, and an induction surface900bprovided on a side facing the second guide52. The induction surface900bis inclined so that the opening width of the insertion/pulling-out opening53becomes wider from the base end-side toward the tip end-side of the induction part900, and has such a shape that it is easy to pick up the reinforcing bar S.

Further, the induction part900is configured to be able to vary an amount of protrusion with respect to the first guide51by the operator manually rotating the induction part900about a shaft (pin950; which will be described later) orthogonal to the axis line Ax as a fulcrum, when performing an operation at a site where the space between the ground G, which is an obstacle, and the reinforcing bar S is narrow. That is, the induction part900is configured so that a distance between the induction part and the contact part11provided to the second body part302can be varied according to the space between the reinforcing bar S, which is a binding object, and the ground G.

Specifically, in a case of performing an operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is wide, as shown inFIG.12Aand the like, the induction part900is located at the first position P1where a distance between the tip end portion900aand the contact part11is a first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part900with respect to the first guide51becomes large. In contrast, in a case of performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow, as shown inFIG.12C, the induction part900is rotated to the second position P2where the distance between the tip end portion900aand the contact part11is a second distance D2shorter than the first distance D1, and the amount of protrusion of the induction part900with respect to the first guide51becomes small.

As shown inFIG.13, the induction part900has a first engaging portion910that can be engaged with a head portion (engaged portion)930bformed at a pin930when it is at the first position P1, and a second engaging portion920that can be engaged with the head portion930bof the pin930when it is at the second position P2. The first engaging portion910and the second engaging portion920are constituted by, for example, concave portions, and are each formed at an end edge portion of the induction part900.

The guide cover51bis formed with a long hole580for moving the induction part800to a position where an engaged state of the first engaging portion810and the second engaging portion820can be released. A longitudinal direction of the long hole580is substantially parallel to the axis line Ax.

The induction part900is constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to the outer side of the guide cover51b. Similar to the induction part800, the guide cover51bis also constituted by, for example, a pair of flat plates arranged to face each other, and is fitted to the outer side of the guide arm51a.

A pin940is inserted into the guide cover51b. A portion of the pin940exposed inward from the guide cover51bis engaged with a concave portion582of the guide arm51a.

The pin930is inserted into the guide cover51b, from one side toward the other side. One end portion of the pin930is provided with the head portion (engaged portion)930bhaving a diameter larger than a shaft portion. The head portion930bis exposed from one side surface of the guide cover51b, and can be engaged to the first engaging portion910and the second engaging portion920. A stopper932for preventing the pin930from coming off is attached to the other end portion of the pin930. In addition, the other end portion is held by a collar933.

A pin950is inserted into the long hole580of the guide cover51band a hole960of the induction part600, from one side toward the other side. A stopper952for preventing the pin950from coming off is attached to the other end portion of the pin950. The induction part900is adapted to be movable between the first position P1and the second position P2along the long hole580of the guide cover51bwith the pin950as a fulcrum.

A tension spring990is provided between the plates of the guide cover51b. One end portion of the tension spring990is attached to the pin930and the other end portion of the tension spring990is attached to the pin950. Thereby, the induction part900is urged toward the contact member9L (an opposite direction to an arrow I1inFIG.12A) by the tension spring990, and the engaged state of the first engaging part910or the like with the head portion930bof the pin930is maintained.

(Operation Example of Induction Part900)

Next, an example of an operation of the induction part900according to the fourth embodiment is described. Note that, in a usual state, as shown inFIG.12A, the induction part900is located at the first position P1by the urging force of the tension spring990.

In a case where the space between the ground G and the reinforcing bar S is narrow and the binding operation is performed, the induction part900is manually rotated from the position P1to the second position P2so as to reduce the amount of protrusion of the induction part900from the tip end-side of the first guide51in the direction of the axis line Ax.

As shown inFIG.12A, the operator grips the left and right side surfaces of the guide part900with fingers, for example, and pulls the induction part900against the elastic force of the tension spring990in the direction of the arrow I1on an opposite side to the contact member9L. Thereby, the induction part900moves along the long hole580of the guide cover51b, and as shown inFIG.12B, the engaged state of the first engaging portion910of the induction part900with the head portion930bof the pin850is released.

Subsequently, as shown inFIGS.12B and12C, the operator rotates the tip end portion900aof the induction part900about the pin950as a fulcrum and in the clockwise direction (direction of an arrow13) on an opposite side to the insertion/pulling-out opening53, and moves the induction part to a position where the second engaging portion920can be engaged with the head portion930bof the pin930.

In this state, when the force of separating or gripping the induction part900is relaxed, as shown inFIG.12C, the induction part900moves in the direction of the arrow12on the contact member9L-side by the compression of the tension spring990, and the second engaging portion920is engaged with the head portion930bof the pin930. By moving the tip end portion900afrom the first position P1to the second position P2by such an operation of the operator, the amount of protrusion of the induction part900from the tip end-side of the first guide51in the direction of the axis line Ax can be reduced, and the reinforcing bar S can be inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53to reliably press the contact member9L.

According to the fourth embodiment, the substantially similar effects to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Specifically, when performing the operation at a site where the space between the reinforcing bar S and the ground G is narrow, the induction part900is manually rotated before the binding operation. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the induction part900from the tip end-side of the first guide51can be reduced. Thereby, the reinforcing bar S can be reliably inserted into the insertion/pulling-out opening53between the first guide51and the second guide52, and the contact members9L and9R can be pressed by the reinforcing bar S.

Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the reference of the distance when the induction part900is varied is the contact part11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as described in the first embodiment, the drive unit8, the handle parts304hL and304hR, which are a grip part, or the tip end portion51a1of the guide arm51amay be used as a reference.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the present embodiments, and includes designs and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. Further, the effects described in the present specification are merely exemplary and not limited, and other effects may also be obtained.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, the examples have been described in which the induction parts600to900or the like are applied to the reinforcing bar binding machine1A and the like where the first body part301having a grip part such as the handle part304hL and the second body part302having the twisting unit7and the like are connected by the elongated connecting part303. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the above-described induction parts600to900or the like can be applied to a guide part of a handy type reinforcing bar binding machine having a grip part and the like provided to the second body part302.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the examples in which the first guide51is provided with the guide parts600to900have been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where a length of the second guide52in the direction of the axis line Ax is longer than that of the first guide51, and therefore, the second guide52first comes into contact with an obstacle such as the ground G, the above-described induction part600or the like may be attached to the tip end-side of the second guide52.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the drive unit8is configured to drive the cutting unit6, the twisting unit7and the like. However, the driving unit8may also be configured to drive only the twisting unit7, and the other configurations such as the cutting unit6may be driven using another drive source.