Portable electric binding machine for tying plants

Abstract

A portable electric strapping machine (100) for strapping plants comprises: a body (102), a motor (126), a strapping head (104) with a guideway (108) for a strapping wire (110), a system for driving the strapping wire (110) into the guideway (108), and a mechanism (112) for twisting the strapping wire (110); the strapping head (104) is fixed, and the drive system comprises: a first mechanism (114) for urging the strapping wire (110) into the strapping head (104) to a position (116) called the intermediate position, and a second movable mechanism (118) for pulling the binding wire (110) from the intermediate position (116) to bring it to a position (120) called the twisting position, the second mechanism (118) comprising a movable arm (128) equipped with means (130) for gripping the binding wire (110), the movable arm (128) being capable of: - extending the gripping means (130) to position it at the intermediate position (116) so that the gripping means (130) can grip the binding wire (110) at the intermediate position (116), and - retracting the gripping means (130) to position it at the twisting position (120) so that the gripping means (130) can release the binding wire (110) at the twisting position (120).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable electric binding machine for binding plants, in particular grape vines. The field of the invention is that of portable electric binding machines for binding plants, in particular vines. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many known portable electric binding machines for binding plants, in particular vines. Generally speaking, the binding machine comprises a binding head, a mechanism for twisting a wire around the branches to be tied, and a system for driving said wire into the binding head and into the twisting position.

[0003] However, current portable electric strapping machines for plant tying are not without their limitations. For example, current strapping machines have reliability issues. For example, it is common for the strapping wire to get stuck in the body of the strapping machine. Thus, strapping machines require regular maintenance and repair.

[0004] In addition, prior art strapping machines also tend to perform certain strapping imprecisely due to the strapping wire not being positioned correctly prior to twisting. As a result, the user may have to repeat the work process several times over. All of these shortcomings slow the pace at which a user can work, thus reducing the number of straps a person can perform in a work day.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a strapping machine that is more reliable and has a faster working pace.

[0007] [Disclosure of the Invention] The present invention achieves at least one of the above objects by: - The main body, - at least one motor in said body; - a strapping head disposed at a distal end of said body, said strapping head comprising a guideway for a strapping wire; - a system for driving the bundling wire in the guideway; a mechanism for twisting said bundling wires; A portable electric binding machine for binding plants, in particular grapevines, comprising: - the strapping head is fixed; - said drive system: a first mechanism for urging a bundling wire into the bundling head to an intermediate position; a second movable mechanism for pulling the bundling wire from the intermediate position to a position called a twisting position; This makes it possible to achieve this by a binding machine having a

[0008] Thus, the present invention provides a strapping machine that includes two separate mechanisms for driving the strapping wire: a first mechanism pushes the strapping wire into the strapping head, and a second mechanism grabs one end of the wire from the strapping head and pulls it to a position where it is twisted.

[0009] Thus, to perform a tie, the first mechanism can be used only to push the tie wire into the tie head and does not need to be used to position the tie wire in a twisting position.

[0010] Unlike conventional strapping machines that use the same mechanism to first push the strapping wire into the strapping head during a short run requiring high drive speeds and then to push the wire into the twisting position in a second step, the first mechanism of the strapping machine according to the invention is used to position the wire in an intermediate position, but not necessarily to position the wire in the twisting position, so that the positioning of the wire in the intermediate position, known as the preloading step, can be performed at moderate drive speeds between two strapping runs.

[0011] As a result, the strapping machine of the present invention makes it easier to control the drive of the strapping wire, which reduces the chance of the wire slipping or jamming in the drive mechanism, and as a result, the strapping machine of the present invention is more reliable than prior art solutions.

[0012] Among other things, the strapping machine of the present invention features a fixed strapping head, which makes the strapping machine more robust and requires less maintenance, since during the strapping operation the strapping head comes into contact with plants, such as vines, which in existing strapping machines increases the risk of damage to the movable strapping head and its mechanism.

[0013] In addition, the strapping machine of the present invention provides a second mechanism, separate from the first mechanism, for withdrawing one end of the wire from the strapping head and then towing it to the twisting position.

[0014] In this way, the present invention allows the strapping wire to be positioned at the twisting position more reliably than the prior art solution of forcing the strapping wire into the twisting position, resulting in a more reliable strapping, which in turn allows for a faster work pace since the user is less likely to have to perform the strapping operation twice to get the strapping right.

[0015] Advantageously, the binding head may be in the shape of a beak with a housing designed for positioning therein the branches of the plant to be bound, in particular the branches of a vine.

[0016] This makes it easier to position the strapping machine on the branch to perform the strapping.

[0017] In fact, the tines to be tied are positioned within the housing of the beak of the fixed tie head, so that the second movable mechanism can pull out the tie wire located within the tie head at an intermediate position and carry it to the twisting position without being hindered by the tines to be tied.

[0018] In addition, the use of a beak-shaped strapping head provides a longer guideway for the strapping wire, resulting in a shorter distance between the intermediate position and the so-called twisting position. As a result, the distance that the second movable mechanism must travel to retrieve the end of the wire at the strapping head and then pull it to the twisting position is reduced. Thus, the time required for the second mechanism to retrieve one end of the wire from the strapping head and then pull it to the twisting position is also reduced.

[0019] Advantageously, the first mechanism comprises: a first motorized roller, called the drive roller; a second roller, called a pressure roller, designed to press the bundling wire against the drive roller; Equipped with The rollers are adapted to drive the bundling wire when actuated.

[0020] As a non-limiting example, a motorized roller may be a roller that is driven by the strapping machine motor.

[0021] As a non-limiting example, the pressure roller is attached to a movable support, such as a lever, in contact with a spring bearing on a component of the strapping machine body so that the spring bearing applies a force to the movable support and enables the pressure roller to press the strapping wire against the drive roller.

[0022] A non-limiting example of a movable support may be a lever, preferably non-removable, designed to pivot sufficiently, e.g., greater than 90°, to allow a user to access the drive roller during maintenance operations of the strapping machine.

[0023] The use of a pressure roller makes it possible to accommodate variations in the distance between the center of rotation of the drive roller and the center of rotation of the pressure roller, making it possible to drive bundling wires of various thicknesses, or to drive wires that change thickness, for example when twisted.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pressure roller may be rotated by the drive roller via friction.

[0025] Preferentially, the first mechanism is - a first gear wheel integral with said drive roller; a second gear which is in mesh with the first gear and which is integral with the pressure roller; It may be provided with:

[0026] In this way, the rotation of the drive roller and the pressure roller can be synchronized, resulting in improved driving of the binding wire by the first mechanism. The synchronized rotation of the drive roller and the pressure roller reduces the risk of the binding wire slipping when driven.

[0027] Advantageously, the first and second gears may have tooth profiles designed to accommodate variations in the distance between the centre of rotation of the drive roller and the centre of rotation of the pressure roller.

[0028] As a non-limiting example, the tooth profile of the first gear and / or the second gear may be: - Higher tooth height, - Thinner tooth thickness, and / or - Wider pitch may have the following structure:

[0029] In this way, the drive roller can synchronously drive the pressure roller even if the distance between the centres of rotation of the drive roller and the pressure roller varies, in particular to allow the passage of twisted portions of the driven wire.

[0030] Advantageously, the second mechanism is a movable arm equipped with means for gripping the bundling wire, - extending said gripping means to position said gripping means at said intermediate position such that said gripping means is capable of gripping a bundling wire at said intermediate position; and - retracting the gripping means to position the twisting position, allowing the gripping means to release the tie wires at the twisting position. The movable arm may be capable of

[0031] Thus, when the wire is gripped, the bundling wire is held by said gripping means and pulled from the intermediate position to the twisting position.

[0032] As a result, the binding machine according to the present invention makes it possible to transport the binding wire to the twisting position more reliably.

[0033] Preferably, when the movable arm is retracted, the second mechanism is located outside the operating area of ​​the twisting mechanism. Preferentially, when the movable arm is retracted, the second mechanism is in the body of the strapping machine and, from the user's point of view, in front of the twisting mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the strapping machine.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the gripping means may be a hook, a suction cup, a gripping surface like Velcro®, or the like.

[0035] Advantageously, the gripping means is a clamp.

[0036] Thus, the gripping means is easy to operate and allows for reliable and repeatable gripping and release of the bundling wire.

[0037] Advantageously, the second mechanism comprises at least one actuation means, - when the movable arm is extended, the actuating means abuts the strapping head, thereby causing the gripping means to grip the strapping wire; and / or - when the movable arm is retracted, the actuating means abuts to cause the gripping means to release the bundling wire. The actuator means includes:

[0038] In this way, the gripping and / or release of the strapping wire by the gripping means can be triggered mechanically, so that the strapping machine does not need to be equipped with a motor dedicated to the operation of the gripping means.

[0039] In addition, the use of an actuating means that mechanically induces gripping of the binding wire when the movable arm is extended and the actuating means abuts makes it possible to cause gripping only when the gripping means is positioned in an intermediate position.

[0040] Furthermore, by using an actuating means that mechanically triggers the release of the binding wire when the movable arm retracts and abuts the actuating means, it is possible to trigger the release only when the gripping means is positioned in the twisting position.

[0041] As a result, the gripping means of the second mechanism is able to more reliably grip and / or release the wire and thus more reliably position the bundling wire in the twisting position.

[0042] By way of example, a single actuation means may be used to cause gripping and release of the bundling wire.

[0043] Additionally, at least one actuation means may be incorporated into the gripping means.

[0044] Again by way of example, the actuation means may cause the release of the binding wire by abutting the actuation means with a component of the strapping machine body, or more specifically with a component of the second mechanism.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the second mechanism may comprise at least one mechanical means for holding the at least one actuation means in position.

[0046] Advantageously, the second mechanism may comprise at least one magnetic means for holding the at least one actuation means in position.

[0047] In this way, the at least one actuation means can be held in place and prevented from accidental movement, so that the gripping means can be held in a gripping or released state, and thus, if the gripping means is a clamp, the clamp can be held in a closed or open state, respectively.

[0048] This is particularly advantageous if the wires are gripped at an intermediate position and then pulled to the twisting position: indeed, to ensure a satisfactory bundling, it is important that the gripping means does not accidentally release the wires before they reach the twisting position.

[0049] A magnetic retaining means can be used to hold the actuating means in place until the position of the actuating means is changed by abutment, for example by moving the actuating means away from the magnetic retaining means, thereby moving the actuating means out of the magnetic field of the retaining means.

[0050] Furthermore, the use of magnetic retention means, as opposed to mechanical means, allows the retention function to be performed using simple, less wear-prone structures.

[0051] According to another embodiment, the movable arm may be a lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis.

[0052] Advantageously, the movable arm may be translatable.

[0053] As a result, the movable arm has a low complexity structure that is easy to integrate into the strapping machine structure and easy to operate. The movable arm can, for example, be integrated so that it fits completely within the body of the strapping machine when retracted.

[0054] Advantageously, the strapping machine may comprise a first motor for driving the first mechanism and the mechanism for twisting said strapping wires.

[0055] Advantageously, the strapping machine comprises: - a first freewheel system enabling the first mechanism to be driven by the first motor only in a first rotational direction of a drive shaft of the first motor; - a second freewheel system enabling the twisting mechanism to be driven by the first motor only in a second rotational direction of the drive shaft opposite to the first rotational direction; It may be provided with:

[0056] In this way, the drive for the wire in the strapping head can be separated from the drive for the twisting means, although the same first motor drives the first mechanism and the twisting mechanism, and therefore it is possible to feed wire to the strapping head without the need for strapping.

[0057] For example, if the wire cannot be positioned at the intermediate position because it has become jammed upstream of the strapping machine, the wire can be returned to the strapping head once the jam is cleared.

[0058] This also allows the strapping machine to be prepared for a subsequent strapping operation by feeding the wire to an intermediate position when the strapping machine is reloaded with strapping wire.

[0059] Moreover, it is possible to twist the wires without having to feed the wires into a strapping head.

[0060] Advantageously, the strapping machine may comprise a second motor different from the first motor for driving the second mechanism.

[0061] In this way it is possible to drive the second mechanism independently of the drive for the first mechanism and the drive for the twisting mechanism.

[0062] The use of a second motor also allows the drive of the second mechanism to be separated from the other mechanisms without overly complicating the internal structure of the strapping machine.

[0063] Moreover, having a second motor means that the first and second mechanisms can be driven simultaneously if desired.

[0064] In this manner, the strapping machine can be configured to provide looser or less loose ties without changing the number of revolutions made by the twisting mechanism during the strapping operation.

[0065] Indeed, to achieve a looser tie, the strapping machine can be configured such that after the wire is gripped by the gripping means, a first mechanism feeds the wire to the strapping head to create slack.

[0066] Alternatively, or in addition, to achieve a looser tie, the strapping machine can be configured so that after the wire is positioned in the twisting position, a first mechanism feeds the wire to the strapping head to create slack.

[0067] Furthermore, it is also possible to avoid wasting binding wire when the strapping machine is running but cannot perform a strapping operation, for example when an obstacle is present between the twisting position and the intermediate position and the second mechanism is unable to pull the binding wire from the intermediate position. Indeed, since the drive of the second mechanism is independent of the drive of the first mechanism, it is possible that when the binding wire is in the intermediate position, the wire in the strapping head is not driven any further until the wire is located in the twisting position.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, the second motor can be replaced by any drive means capable of driving the second mechanism, for example a cylinder system.

[0069] Advantageously, the strapping machine may comprise a cutting tool for cutting the strapping wire, the cutting tool being capable of being actuated by the twisting mechanism.

[0070] In this way, it is possible to cut the binding wires only when the twisting mechanism is activated.

[0071] The cutting accessory may, for example, be connected to a drive means of the twisting mechanism so that when the twisting mechanism is driven the cutting accessory is also driven to effect the cut.

[0072] Additionally, having a strapping wire cutter that can be actuated by the twisting mechanism is particularly advantageous when the strapping machine is equipped with the first and second freewheel systems described above, allowing the strapping wire to be fed to the strapping head without the need to twist or cut the strapping wire.

[0073] In addition, having a strapping wire cutter that can be actuated by the twisting mechanism is also particularly advantageous when the strapping machine comprises a second motor, different from the first motor, for driving the second mechanism. Indeed, since the drive of the second mechanism is decoupled from the drive of the first drive mechanism and the twisting mechanism, it is possible to pull the strapping wire at the strapping head and pull it to the twisting position without the need to immediately twist the strapping wire and therefore without the need to immediately cut the wire. This is particularly advantageous in order to allow the first mechanism of the strapping machine to create slack and thus a looser strap, even after the wire has been positioned in the twisting position by the second mechanism.

[0074] Alternatively, the cutting tool may be driven by any other driving means, such as an electromagnet, and cutting may be initiated by the action of the twisting means.

[0075] In another embodiment, the cutting tool of the strapping machine can be actuated by a second mechanism. For example, the cutting tool can be actuated to cut by the second mechanism when the wires are positioned in the twisting position. According to another example, the cutting tool can be actuated by any other actuation means, such as an electromagnet, and the cut can be actuated when the wires are positioned in the twisting position by the second mechanism.

[0076] Advantageously, the body may comprise at least one hatch allowing access to at least the first mechanism.

[0077] In this way, even when the user is in the field, the user can easily access the first mechanism to verify that the binding wire is correctly positioned in the first mechanism after refilling the binding wire or to perform maintenance operations such as removing binding wire that is stuck in the first mechanism.

[0078] Moreover, the hatch can be non-removable so that the user does not risk losing the hatch when he has to open it in the field.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a hatch allows access to the strapping machine's cutters, which makes it easy to replace the cutters in the field if they become worn.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the body may comprise at least one non-removable hatch allowing access to at least the twisting mechanism and / or the second mechanism.

[0081] Advantageously, the strapping machine can be equipped with a reel of strapping wire.

[0082] The wire reel may be positioned on the user, for example attached to the user's belt. Alternatively, the wire reel, whether removable or not, may be located on the strapping machine body.

[0083] [Description of the drawings and embodiments] Other advantages and features will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description of the entirely non-limiting embodiments and from the disclosed drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1a-1d] 1 is a partial schematic view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a strapping machine according to the present invention; [Figure 2a-b] 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a second movable mechanism for pulling a bundling wire according to the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic partial perspective view of a first non-limiting embodiment of a mechanism for advancing a bundling wire according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a strapping machine equipped with a hatch according to the present invention; [Diagram 5]1 is a schematic partial perspective view showing an embodiment of a binding machine according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] It is clearly understood that the embodiments described below are not limiting in any way. In particular, if a feature is selected from the features disclosed hereinafter separately from other features disclosed, and this selection of feature provides a technical advantage or is sufficient to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art, it is possible to envisage a variant of the invention comprising only this selected feature. This selection includes at least one preferably functional feature, lacking structural details or having only a part of a structural detail, when that part alone provides a technical advantage or is sufficient to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

[0086] In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used for components that are common to several drawings.

[0087] 1a-1d are partial schematic views of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of a strapping machine according to the present invention.

[0088] A portable electric binding machine 100 for binding plants, in particular grape vines, is shown in Figures 1a to 1d at various stages of the binding operation.

[0089] The strapping machine 100 comprises a body 102 and a strapping head 104 that is fixed and disposed at a distal end of the body 102 .

[0090] The bundling head 104 is beak-shaped, a housing 106 for positioning the branches to be tied; - a guideway 108 for the bundling wire 110; It is equipped with:

[0091] The strapping machine 100 further includes a mechanism 112 for twisting the strapping wires 110 .

[0092] The strapping machine 100 includes a drive system for the strapping wire 110, comprising: a first mechanism 114 for urging the tie wire 110 into the tie head 104 to an intermediate position 116 at the end of the guideway 108; a second mechanism 118 movable to pull the bundling wire 110 from the intermediate position 116 and to bring it to a position 120 called the twisting position; The present invention further comprises a system comprising:

[0093] The first mechanism 114 is - a motorized roller, called drive roller 122; a second roller, called a pressure roller 124, designed to press the binding wire 110 against the drive roller 122; Equipped with The motorized roller 122 and the pressure roller 124 drive the binding wire 120 when the rollers are operated.

[0094] The drive rollers 122 are driven by a first motor 126 within the body 102 of the strapping machine 100, which may also drive the twisting mechanism 112. Although not shown, the strapping machine 100 also includes a freewheel system that allows the first motor 126 to drive the first mechanism 114 independently of the twisting mechanism 112, and vice versa.

[0095] The pressure roller 124 is driven by the drive roller 122. According to an embodiment, the drive roller 122 may drive the pressure roller 124 by friction and / or by a gear system not shown in Figures 1a-1d but described below with respect to Figure 3.

[0096] The second mechanism 118 includes a movable arm 128 equipped with a means 130 for gripping the strapping wire 110. The strapping machine 100 includes a second motor 132 for driving the mechanism 118 to extend / retract the movable arm 128.

[0097] The movable arm 128 is moved by a bolt and nut system driven by a second motor 132, for example as described below with respect to Figures 2a and 2b.

[0098] The strapping machine 100 further includes a cutter 134 for severing the strapping wire 110. The cutter 134 is positioned within the body 102 of the strapping machine 100 between the first mechanism 114 and the guideway 108 of the strapping head 104. The cutter 126 can be actuated by the twisting mechanism 112.

[0099] The bundling wire 110 enters the body 102 of the bundling machine 100 through an opening, not shown, located at the proximal end of the body 102. The bundling wire 110 is supplied from a reel, not shown in FIGS.

[0100] FIG. 1a shows the strapping machine 100 immediately after completing a strapping operation.

[0101] The strapping wire 110 within the strapping machine 100 extends from a proximal end of the body 102 of the strapping machine 100 through a first mechanism 114 to a cutting tool 134 .

[0102] For clarity, the strapping wire 110 is generally positioned in the strapping machine in the same manner after a strapping wire refill.

[0103] FIG. 1b shows the strapping machine 100 with the strapping wire 110 positioned in an intermediate position 116. FIG.

[0104] To do this, a first motor 126 drove a first mechanism to urge the tie wire 110 into the guideway 108 of the tie head 104 to the intermediate position 116 .

[0105] The above actuation can be performed automatically after a strap has been made, for example, to preload the strapping wire 110 into the strapping head 104 to the intermediate position 116, thus preparing the strapping machine for a subsequent strapping operation.

[0106] Likewise, the above mentioned actuation can also be performed automatically, for example when the strapping machine 100 is first switched on after the strapping wire 110 has been reloaded.

[0107] Thereafter, or simultaneously, the prongs 136 may be positioned within the housing 106 .

[0108] Once the prongs 136 have been positioned, the user can activate the strapping machine via the trigger 138 to perform the strapping operation.

[0109] The second motor 132 drives the second mechanism 118. The movable arm 128 is translated from a retracted position as shown in Figures 1a and 1b to an extended position as shown in Figure 1c, thereby positioning the gripping means 130 at the intermediate position 116 and enabling the gripping means 130 to grip the bundling wire 110 at the intermediate position 116.

[0110] Once the bundling wire 110 has been gripped, the second motor 132 drives the second mechanism 118 in the opposite direction, and the movable arm 128 is translated from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby positioning the gripping means 130 at the twisting position 120 and allowing the gripping means 130 to release the bundling wire 110 at the twisting position 120, as shown in FIG.

[0111] The bundling wire 110 is thus pulled from the intermediate position 116 and positioned at the twisting position 120 .

[0112] The first motor 126 of the strapping machine then drives the twisting means 112. This causes the cutting tool 134 to cut the strapping wire 110 and twist the cut strapping wire into the branch 136.

[0113] Alternatively, although not illustrated herein, a strapping machine according to the present invention may include a single motor for driving the first mechanism, the second mechanism, and the twisting mechanism.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the second motor may be replaced by any drive means capable of driving a second mechanism, such as a cylinder system.

[0115] 2a and 2b are schematic partial cross-sectional views illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a second movable mechanism for pulling a bundling wire according to the present invention. Regarding the second mechanism 200 movable for pulling the bundling wire, When the movable arm 128 is retracted, see FIG. 2a; When the movable arm 128 is extended, as shown in FIG. As shown.

[0116] The movable arm 128 is hollow and has a nut 202 at a first end embedded in the movable arm.

[0117] The second mechanism 200 further comprises a screw 204 engaged with the nut 202 such that when the screw 204 is rotated by a strapping machine motor, the screw 204 causes translation of the movable arm 128.

[0118] The movable arm 128 includes at a second end a housing 206 designed to receive a tie wire.

[0119] A gripping means 130 is also provided on the movable arm 128 at the second end.

[0120] The gripping means 130 is a lever 208 pivoting about a pin 210 integral with the movable arm 128; - actuation means 212 movable in the movable arm and capable of opening and closing the clamp by rotating the pivot lever 208; The gripping means is provided with:

[0121] The actuating means 212 is provided with an angled groove 214 through which a pin 216 integral with a first end of the pivot lever 208 moves as the actuating means 212 moves within the movable arm 128. In this manner, movement of the actuating means 212 within the movable arm 128 causes the pivot lever 208 to pivot about the groove 210 integral with the movable arm 128.

[0122] The actuation means 212 further comprises: an end called the rear end, which is intended to come into contact with an end of the screw 204 when the mobile arm 128 is retracted, such that this contact causes the actuation means 212 to move in the opposite direction to the movement of the mobile arm 128 and opens the gripping means 130, as shown in FIG. 2a; a front end which, when the movable arm 128 is extended, is intended to come into contact with a component or part of the strapping head, such as a projection 216, such that this contact causes the actuation means 212 to move in the opposite direction to the movement of the movable arm 128 and closes the gripping means 130, as shown in FIG. 2b; Equipped with:

[0123] In this manner, gripping of the tie wire by the gripping means 130 is mechanically triggered by the actuation means 212 abutting against the tie head when the gripping means 130 is positioned in the intermediate position.

[0124] In addition, the release of the binding wire by the gripping means 130 is mechanically triggered by the actuating means 212 abutting against the screw 204 when the gripping means is positioned at the twisting position.

[0125] The actuation means 212 shown in Figures 2a and 2b further comprises a housing 218 for magnetic means 220 for holding said at least one actuation means in place. This magnetic holding means 220 is a magnet integral with the movable arm 128. The housing 218 is sufficiently spacious to allow the actuation means 212 to move within the movable arm as described above.

[0126] A magnet integral with the movable arm 128 momentarily prevents movement of the actuator when the gripping means closes to grip the wire. In this manner, the gripping means 130 remains closed until the actuation means 212 abuts the screw 204, and therefore remains closed when the movable arm 128 retracts.

[0127] The magnet integral with the movable arm 128 further temporarily prevents movement of the actuator when the gripping means is opened and the wire is released. In this manner, the gripping means 130 remains open until the actuation means 212 abuts the projection 216, and therefore remains open when the movable arm 128 extends.

[0128] FIG. 3 is a schematic partial perspective view of a first non-limiting embodiment of a mechanism for advancing a bundling wire according to the present invention.

[0129] The first mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes a drive roller 122 and a pressure roller 124 .

[0130] The first mechanism 300 further comprises: a first gear 302 integral with said drive roller 122, and a second gear 304, which is in mesh with the first gear 302 and is integral with the pressure roller 124; Equipped with:

[0131] In this manner, when the strapping machine motor rotates the drive roller 122 , the pressure roller 124 is rotated synchronously by the first gear 302 and the second gear 304 .

[0132] This reduces the possibility of slippage of the binding wire driven by the second mechanism 300.

[0133] In addition, the first gear 302 and the second gear 304 have tooth profiles designed to accommodate variations in the distance between the center of rotation of the drive roller 122 and the center of rotation of the pressure roller 124. Compared to a standard tooth profile for optimizing the transfer of motion between the two gears, the tooth profiles of the first gear 302 and the second gear 304 are: - Higher tooth height, - Thinner tooth thickness, and / or - Wider tooth spacing has.

[0134] In this way, the drive roller 122 can synchronously drive the pressure roller 124 even if the distance between the center of rotation of the drive roller 122 and the center of rotation of the pressure roller 124 varies, particularly to allow the drive roller 122 to pass through twisted portions of the driven wire.

[0135] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a strapping machine equipped with a hatch according to the present invention.

[0136] The strapping machine 400 shown in FIG. 4 includes all of the components of strapping machine 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1a-1d, although only some of these components are visible in FIG.

[0137] The strapping machine 400 further comprises a hatch 402 that is pivotable about a pivot point located on the upper portion of the strapping head 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the hatch 402 is non-removable.

[0138] In the open position, hatch 402 allows a user to access first mechanism 116 and cutting accessory 134 without the need for tools and without the risk of losing hatch 402.

[0139] In the closed position, the hatch covers the first mechanism 124 and the cutting accessory 134 .

[0140] Therefore, even if the user is outdoors, e.g. - to carry out maintenance operations such as removing a stuck wire from the first mechanism 116; and to accurately position the bundling wire in the first mechanism 116 when a new reel of wire is used; The first feature 116 is easily accessible.

[0141] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial perspective view of a binding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] The strapping machine 500 shown in FIG. 4 includes all of the components of the strapping machine 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1a-1d.

[0143] The strapping machine 500 is further equipped with a detachable reel 502 of strapping wire attached to the proximal end of the body 102 of the strapping machine 500. The reel 502 includes a spool of strapping wire, not shown.

[0144] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed above.

Claims

1. a body (102), at least one motor (126, 132) in said body (102); a strapping head (104) arranged at the distal end of said body (102), said strapping head (104) comprising a guideway (108) for guiding a strapping wire (110); a drive system for driving said bundling wire (110) in said guideway (108); a mechanism (112) for twisting said binding wires (110); A portable electric binding machine (100; 400; 500) for binding plants, in particular grapevines, comprising: - said strapping head (104) is fixed; said drive system comprising: a first mechanism (114; 300) for urging the tie wire (110) into said tie head (104) to a position (116) called the intermediate position; a second mechanism (118; 200) for pulling said bundling wire (110) from said intermediate position (116) and bringing it to a position (120) called the twisting position; Equipped with and the second mechanism (118; 200) is a movable arm (128) equipped with a gripping means (130) for gripping the bundling wire (110), - extending said gripping means (130) to position it at said intermediate position (116) so that said gripping means (130) can grip the bundling wire (110) at the intermediate position (116); and - retracting said gripping means (130) to position it at said twisting position (120), allowing said gripping means (130) to release the binding wires (110) at the twisting position (120); The strapping machine includes a movable arm capable of:

2. 2. The binding machine (100; 400; 500) according to claim 1, characterized in that the binding head (104) is in the form of a beak with a housing arranged for positioning therein the branches (136) of the plant to be bound, in particular the branches of a vine.

3. The first mechanism (114; 300) comprises: a first motorized roller called the drive roller (122), a second roller, called the pressure roller (124), designed to press the binding wire (110) against the drive roller (122); The binding machine (100; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the rollers (122, 124) are adapted to drive the binding wire (110) when the rollers are actuated.

4. The first mechanism (300) comprises: a first gear (302) integral with said drive roller (122); a second gear (304) integral with the pressure roller (124) and meshing with said first gear (302); The binding machine according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. 5. The strapping machine (100; 500) according to claim 4, characterized in that the gripping means (130) are clamps.

6. The second mechanism (200) includes at least one actuation means (212) comprising: - when the movable arm (128) is extended, the actuation means (212) comes into contact with the strapping head (104), thereby causing the gripping means (130) to grip the strapping wire (110); and / or - when the movable arm (128) is retracted, the abutment of said actuation means (212) causes the release of said binding wire (110) by said gripping means (130); 6. The strapping machine according to claim 5, further comprising an actuating means.

7. 7. The strapping machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the second mechanism (200) comprises at least one magnetic position-holding means (220) for holding said at least one actuating means (212) in position.

8. The strapping machine (100; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the movable arm (128) is translatable.

9. The strapping machine (100; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a first motor (126) for driving a first mechanism (114) and a mechanism (112) for twisting the strapping wires (110).

10. The bundling machine is a first freewheel system making it possible to drive said first mechanism (114) by said first motor (126) only in a first direction of rotation of the drive shaft of said first motor (126); a second freewheel system making it possible to drive said twisting mechanism (112) by said first motor (126) only in a second direction of rotation of said drive shaft, opposite to said first direction of rotation; 10. The strapping machine (100; 500) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises:

11. The strapping machine (100; 500) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the strapping machine comprises a second motor (132) different from the first motor (126) for driving the second mechanism (128).

12. The strapping machine (100; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a cutting tool (134) for cutting the strapping wire (110), the cutting tool (134) being actuable by the twisting mechanism (112).

13. The strapping machine (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the body (104) comprises at least one hatch (402) allowing access to at least the first mechanism (124).

14. The strapping machine (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the strapping machine is equipped with a reel (502) of strapping wire (110).

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