Bundling machine

Abstract

A strapping machine is provided. The strapping machine includes a housing that houses a reel having a tubular tube and a tape wound on an outer peripheral surface of the tube in a manner that a portion of the tape is drawn out. The housing has a side wall that faces a side surface of the housed reel, a first protrusion that protrudes from the side wall and is fitted to the tube of the housed reel to rotatably support the reel, and a second protrusion that protrudes from the side wall and abuts against the side surface of the housed reel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a strapping machine. Background Technology

[0002] Horticultural tying machines are used in the tying of crops. For example, in the cultivation of crops such as cucumbers, grapes, tomatoes, pears, and plums, horticultural tying machines are used to tie the vines or stems of plants to supports or nets. Tying machines are equipped with a tape compartment for storing the tape reels wound with tying tape.

[0003] The strapping machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-221149 can prevent the strapping tape from returning even when the tape reels have different inner diameters. (As described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-221149...) Figure 9 As shown, the strapping machine includes a lever member 86 disposed in the tape compartment 80. By abutting different portions of the lever member 86 against the inner diameter of the tape reel, the strapping machine can apply appropriate braking force to both small-diameter and large-diameter tape reels.

[0004] The strapping machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-224197 makes elastic contact between the U-shaped protrusion 25 and the inner circumferential surface of the hub support protrusion 22, thereby pushing the hub support protrusion 22 away in the outward diameter direction and preventing the reverse rotation of the pulley.

[0005] However, the clamping arm is always forced apart from the main handle by the tension spring. When the user reduces the grip on the operating handle, the tension spring force pulls out the strapping tape excessively, causing the tape reel to continue rotating forward due to inertia. Especially when there is a large amount of tape remaining, excessive tape extraction can cause the tape to fly out of the tape compartment and get caught on branches or leaves. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a strapping machine capable of suppressing excessive forward rotation of the wound strapping when the strapping is pulled out during a holding or strapping action.

[0007] One aspect of the strapping machine disclosed herein includes: a receiving section capable of receiving a reel having a cylindrical tube and a strip wound around the outer circumference of the tube in such a way that a portion of the strip is pulled out; a main handle for holding the strip pulled out from the receiving section; and a clamping arm mounted on the main handle in such a way that it can rotate in a first direction toward the main handle and in a second direction away from the main handle, gripping the strip held by the main handle by rotating in the first direction, and further pulling out the strip by rotating in the second direction after gripping the strip. The receiving section has: a side wall facing the side of the received strip; a first protrusion protruding from the side wall and engaging with the tube of the received strip to rotatably support the strip; and a second protrusion protruding from the side wall and abutting against the side of the received strip. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a right-side view of the strapping machine.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a left-side view of the strapping machine.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine in a waiting state.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a strapping machine in the gripping position.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine with the strap pulled out.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a strapping machine with the object to be strapped inserted.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine in the initial state of the clips being ejected.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine during the process of ejecting the clips.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the strapping machine in the completed state of the tack ejection.

[0017] Figure 10 This diagram shows the process of assembling a strapping machine with a tape reel.

[0018] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the compartment unit.

[0019] Figure 11B This is a sectional view of the main parts of the tray unit during tray assembly.

[0020] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the storage unit before the reel is held.

[0021] Figure 12B It is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the belt unit in the state of contact between the shaft and the membrane as it travels along the axial direction.

[0022] Figure 12C This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the belt unit as the shaft travels along the axial direction and passes through the membrane.

[0023] Figure 12D This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the belt compartment unit in the state where the bottom part of the shaft abuts against the membrane and holds the belt disc.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the braking unit.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the brake block housing unit. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are the right and left views of the gardening tying machine 10 of this embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the strapping machine 10.

[0028] Additionally, in this embodiment, for simplicity, the support bracket 28A is sometimes extended from the strapping compartment unit 26 for storing the strapping TP and toward the strapping guide 28B provided at the front end of the strapping machine 10 for extracting the strapping TP. Figure 1 On the right side of the paper, Figure 2 The left side of the paper is called "front," and the opposite direction (the left side of the paper) is called "front." Figure 1 The left side of the paper in the middle Figure 2 The direction to the right of the paper in the middle is called "rear". Additionally, sometimes the belt TP is pulled out from the belt guide 28B and directed toward the belt holding unit 56 in the waiting state ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The direction on the paper is called "above," and the opposite direction ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The direction below the paper in the image is called "below".

[0029] The main structure of the strapping machine 10 is outlined below. Then, the characteristic construction of the strapping machine 10 is described in detail.

[0030] The horticultural tying machine 10 of this embodiment can be used for, for example, the induced tying of crops ("the tying object"). The tying machine 10 includes: a main handle 20, a nail magazine unit 22 that is rotatable relative to the main handle 20, a clamping arm 50 that is rotatable relative to the main handle 20, and an operating handle 70 that is rotatable relative to the clamping arm 50.

[0031] The main handle 20 is a long, thin, straight component. The main handle 20 includes a belt delivery unit 28, a belt cutting section 30, and a rivet inserter 3. Additionally, a belt cartridge unit 26 is installed at the rear end of the main handle 20. The main handle 20 and the belt cartridge unit 26 can be integrally formed.

[0032] The tape compartment unit 26 is a mechanism for storing the tape TP (hereinafter, the wound tape TP is sometimes referred to as the tape reel TR (an example of "wound strapping")) wound on the reel. Figure 1 As shown, the cartridge unit 26 is located at the rear end of the main handle 20. The structure of the cartridge unit 26 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The belt conveyor unit 28 includes a belt support 28A and a belt guide 28B. The belt support 28A is a path for conveying the belt TP from the belt compartment unit 26 to the belt guide 28B, and is laid along the length of the main handle 20. The belt support 28A has a bottom facing one surface of the belt TP and a cover facing the other surface of the belt TP (hereinafter, the other surface of the belt TP is sometimes referred to as the "back side"). The bottom and the cover are configured, for example, to be able to open and close with one side in the length direction as a fulcrum.

[0034] With guide 28B ( Figures 3 to 9 The guide 28B is a component used to guide the front end of the TP (tethered tape) upward from the support 28A. The guide 28B is rotatably disposed at the front end of the support 28A. To prevent the inserted TP from easily falling off, the guide 28B has a wall surface facing at least a portion of the surface, back, and sides of the TP.

[0035] The cutting section 30 includes a cutting blade 30A for cutting the tape TP and a locking mechanism 30B for locking and unlocking the cutting blade 30A. When replacing the cutting blade 30A, it is removed by unlocking via the locking mechanism 30B. The cutting blade 30A is configured to rotate integrally with the tape guide 28B, and is subjected to force by an elastic member (not shown) in a rearward direction during the waiting state and gripping action. During the strapping action, the tape guide 28B is pressed against the front end 60B of the tape catcher 60, and the tape guide 28B and the cutting blade 30A rotate against the force of the elastic member (not shown), moving so that the tip of the cutting blade 30A faces the tape TP. Furthermore, various mechanisms can be used as the mechanism for cutting the tape TP. For example, the belt TP can be cut by rotating the belt guide 28B in conjunction with it. Alternatively, the belt guide 28B and the cutting blade 30A can be configured to move along a straight forward direction and the belt TP can be cut by moving the cutting blade 30A along a straight direction. Or, the belt TP can be cut by the stationary cutting blade 30A by moving the belt guide 28B or other components that restrict the belt TP.

[0036] The rivet inserter 32 is a plate-shaped plate mounted on the main handle 20, facing the rivet storage section 23 of the rivet magazine unit 22. The rivet inserter 32 is formed, for example, with a thickness approximately the same as or smaller than the width of the rivet ST, so that only one rivet ST is ejected. When the clamping arm 50 (described later) rotates in the closing direction relative to the main handle 20, the rivet magazine unit 22 rotates towards the main handle 20 due to being pressed down by the clamping arm 50. Therefore, the upper end of the rivet inserter 32 mounted on the main handle 20 enters the portion or space within the rivet storage section 23, ejecting the foremost rivet ST upwards. After passing through the tape TP, the ejected rivet ST is clamped by the clamping device 54. The bent legs of the rivet ST can hold two overlapping tapes TP between themselves and the crown of the rivet ST.

[0037] The clip magazine unit 22 is a long, thin, straight component. The rear end of the clip magazine unit 22 is rotatably mounted to the rear end of the main handle 20 about a rotation axis. However, due to the small rotation angle, the clip magazine unit 22 is sometimes mounted to the main handle 20 in a swinging manner.

[0038] The clip compartment unit 22 includes a clip storage section 23 for storing clips ST and a push rod unit 24. The clip storage section 23 is arranged along the length direction of the main handle 20 and has a bottom surface that is elongated along the length direction of the main handle 20, two side walls that stand upright from the bottom surface and face each other, and a front wall that presses the side of the foremost clip ST.

[0039] Multiple clips ST can be stored in the clip storage section 23. Adjacent clips ST can be connected to each other, for example, by adhesive, to form a clip group as a whole.

[0040] The push rod unit 24 is a component for pressing the clips ST housed in the clip storage section 23 forward and installing them into the clip storage section 23 in a pluggable manner, for example. The push rod unit 24 includes a compression spring for pressing the rearmost clip ST among a plurality of clips ST forward and a cover covering the top of the clip storage section 23. In addition, by pulling the push rod unit 24 out of the clip storage section 23, the top of the clip storage section 23 is opened, and the clips ST can be installed in the clip storage section 23 from above.

[0041] The clamping arm 50 is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the main handle 20 via a rotating shaft 11 located near the rear end and is subjected to force by a tension spring 12 in an opening direction that increases the distance from the main handle 20. The clamping arm 50 includes: an arm portion 52, a clamping device 54, and a gripping unit 56 (an example of a "gripping portion").

[0042] The arm 52 extends in a curved shape to the front end so that a C-shaped opening can be formed between it and the main handle 20.

[0043] The clamping device 54 is a component used to bend and clamp the legs of the tack ST. The clamping device 54 is positioned at the front end of the clamping arm 50, facing the front end of the tack inserter 32, when the clamping arm 50 is rotated in the closing direction. With this structure, the two legs of the tack ST ejected by the tack inserter 32 are clamped and bent inward by the clamping device 54. Sometimes, the structure provided on the clamping arm 50 and including the clamping device 54 for performing the binding process is referred to as a "binding section".

[0044] The belt holding unit 56 is a mechanism for holding the end of the belt TP that has been pulled out from the front end of the main handle 20 via the belt guide 28B. The belt holding unit 56 is located at the front end of the arm 52 of the clamping arm 50. The belt holding unit 56 includes a locking plate 58, a belt catcher 60, and a belt plate 62. The locking plate 58 is configured to rotate about a shaft 58A located at one end, and a coil spring 59 applies force to the belt catcher 60 at the other end. The locking plate 58 engages with the belt catcher 60 by the force of the coil spring 59, thereby locking the belt catcher 60 and fixing it in a position separated from the belt plate 62. The belt catcher 60 is configured to rotate about a shaft 60A, and a torsion coil spring 61 applies force to the belt plate 62. The belt catcher 60 is configured such that, when the belt is pulled out and the locking plate 58 is released, its pointed front end 60B moves toward the belt plate 62 by the force applied by the torsion coil spring 61. The belt plate 62 is positioned facing the belt catcher 60, with its front end extending from the locking plate 58 toward the belt cut-off portion 30. The belt plate 62 clamps the belt TP through its extended portion and the front end 60B of the belt catcher 60. While holding the belt TP, when the user reduces the force of gripping the operating handle 70, the clamping arm 50 rotates in the opening direction by stretching the spring 12, thus allowing the belt TP to be pulled upward via the belt guide 28B.

[0045] The operating handle 70 is the part for the user to hold. Its approximately central shaft 70A is rotatably mounted to the clamping arm 50, and its front end is mounted to the main handle 20. With this structure, it is configured to utilize the lever principle, with the user's holding part as the force point, the rotation axis of the clamping arm 50 as the fulcrum, and the front end mounted on the main handle 20 as the point of action. As the operating handle 70 opens and closes, the clamping arm 50 can open and close relative to the main handle 20.

[0046] The following describes in detail the characteristic structure of the strapping machine 10.

[0047] [With Warehouse Unit]

[0048] Figure 10 This diagram shows the process of assembling the tape reel TR into the tape compartment unit 26. Additionally, Figure 11A It is a main part sectional view obtained by cutting the tape compartment unit 26 in the state before the tape reel TR is assembled, with the section including the shaft AX of the tape shaft box 26A (an example of the "storage part"). Figure 11B Is Figure 11A The middle section shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly with a disc-type TR.

[0049] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the tape compartment unit 26 includes a tape housing 26A and a holding unit 26B (an example of an "engaging part") for holding the tape reel TR. The tape housing 26A is formed in a generally cylindrical shape centered on the axis AX to accommodate the cylindrical tape reel TR, which has a height approximately equal to the width of the tape TP. The axis AX direction refers to the direction parallel to the axis AX. For simplicity, sometimes the direction in the axis AX direction is... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The direction to the left of the paper (from the surface portion 26A1 towards the back portion 26A2, as described later) is called the positive direction of axis AX. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The direction to the right of the paper (from the back part 26A2 towards the surface part 26A1, as described later) is called the negative direction of axis AX.

[0050] The axle box 26A includes: a surface portion 26A1 (an example of a "side wall portion") having a generally circular shape with a portion cut off; and a back portion 26A2 (an example of a "side wall portion") formed in a generally circular shape. Figure 2 The surface portion 26A1 and the back portion 26A2 are connected by a peripheral portion 26A3. These surface portions 26A1, back portions 26A2, and peripheral portions 26A3 can be integrally formed or composed of one or more separable components. For example, the surface portion 26A1 and the peripheral portion 26A3 can be integrally formed, and the back portion 26A2 can be connected thereto to form a belt housing 26A. The sidewall portion of the belt housing 26A refers to a component having a sidewall facing the side surface TR1 or side surface TR2 of the belt reel TR, which is circularly shaped by winding. The peripheral portion refers to a component that connects two sidewall portions respectively provided facing the two sides TR1 and TR2 of the belt reel TR and faces the surface TR3 of the belt TP at the outermost periphery of the belt reel TR.

[0051] Ribs 26A11, consisting of one or more concentric circles of protrusions centered on the axis AX, are formed on the outer surface of the surface portion 26A1. Ribs 26A11 can be, for example, pleats formed by a pleating process. Alternatively, ribs 26A11 can be arcs extending circumferentially. Preferably, the rib 26A11 is an arc or circle with the same diameter as the diaphragm F of the disc TR. Furthermore, a small-diameter circular hole 26A12 communicating with the internal region housing the disc TR is formed in the region on the rear side of the outer surface of the surface portion 26A1, intersecting with ribs of the same diameter as the diaphragm F of the disc TR. Additionally, a retaining unit 26B, described later, is disposed in the central portion of the surface portion 26A1 including the axis AX. The retaining unit 26B is housed inside the surface portion 26A1. However, the surface of the button 26B1 for being pressed by the user is exposed externally. Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs shown, the inner wall surface of the surface portion 26A1 has a first inner wall surface 26A13 (an example of a "side wall") that faces a portion of one side surface TR1 of the reel TR when it is assembled.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the surface portion 26A1, excluding the central portion containing the shaft AX of the housing and holding unit 26B, is cut away. Therefore, an opening is formed in the surface portion 26A1. The size of the opening formed in the surface portion 26A1, when viewed from a direction facing the surface portion 26A1 (parallel to the shaft AX of the shaft housing 26A), is... Figure 10 In this case, the angle can be expressed as the maximum angle between a point on the opening edge of the surface portion 26A1 and a point on another opening edge separated by the opening, with the axis AX as the center. In this embodiment, when viewed from a direction facing the surface portion 26A1 (a direction parallel to the axis AX of the belt housing 26A), the angle between a point 26A15 on one opening edge and a point 26A14 on another opening edge, with the axis AX as the center, is approximately 120 degrees. Due to the formation of such an opening, when the belt reel TR is mounted, a portion of the circular side of the belt reel TR is exposed outwards.

[0053] On the outer surface of the rear part 26A2 ( Figure 2 A slit 26A21 is formed that communicates with the internal area for receiving the reel TR and extends radially from a position away from the axis AX, based on the axis AX. (Example) Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the inner wall surface of the back portion 26A2 has a second inner wall surface 26A22 (an example of a "side wall") that faces a portion of a circular side surface TR2 of the reel TR when it is fitted with the reel TR. Unlike the surface portion 26A1, the back portion 26A2 is not partially removed. Therefore, the area of ​​the second inner wall surface 26A22, which faces the other side surface of the reel TR, is larger than the area of ​​the first inner wall surface 26A13.

[0054] Peripheral part 26A3 ( Figure 13 The portion 26A1 connects the surface portion 26A1 and the back portion 26A2. The peripheral portion 26A3 has a third inner wall surface 26A31 that faces the surface of the outermost reel TR when the reel TR is mounted. The third inner wall surface 26A31 may include a cylindrical surface centered on the axis AX, which conforms to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the reel TR. In addition, at least a portion of the outer surface may also include a cylindrical surface centered on the axis AX.

[0055] An opening for housing the reel TR is formed in the peripheral portion 26A3. Therefore, when viewed from the AX direction, the surface portion 26A1 and the back portion 26A2 are not connected in a 360-degree radius around the AX axis through the peripheral portion 26A3, but only partially. In this embodiment, when viewed from the direction facing the surface portion 26A1 (parallel to the AX axis of the reel housing 26A), the angle between a point on the opening edge of the peripheral portion 26A3 and a point on another opening edge separated by the opening, centered on the AX axis, is, for example, approximately 120 degrees to approximately 180 degrees. As described later, an opening with a length larger than the diameter of the reel TR before use is formed in the peripheral portion 26A3, thereby allowing the reel TR to be housed inside the reel housing 26A by moving it in a direction perpendicular to the AX axis.

[0056] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the retaining unit 26B includes: a button 26B1 with an exposed surface for pressing by a user; a shaft 26B2 (an example of a "first protrusion") that is held in place by engaging with the button 26B1 on the back side 26A2, allowing it to move forward and backward along the AX axis with the button 26B1, and is held by a bearing or other mechanism to rotate about the AX axis; an external thread 26B3 that engages with the internal thread formed on the button 26B1 to press the shaft 26B2 toward the button 26B1, thereby engaging the shaft 26B2 with the button 26B1; and a compression spring 26B4 for applying force to the shaft 26B2 in the negative direction of the AX axis (the direction toward the outer surface where the button 26B1 is located). Additionally, a washer 26B5 is inserted between the head of the external thread 26B3 and the button 26B1.

[0057] The surface of button 26B1 is supported so that it can move forward and backward along the AX axis by being pressed by a user. An internal thread is formed on button 26B1, opening towards the inner region with the AX axis as the axis. External thread 26B3 engages with this internal thread. Button 26B1 and shaft 26B2 are engaged in a manner that allows for integral movement along the AX axis.

[0058] The shaft 26B2 includes: a cylindrical portion 26B21 formed coaxial with the shaft AX; and an engaging portion 26B22 formed in a manner that extends outward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 26B21 and is axially symmetrical about the shaft AX. The engaging portion 26B22 includes: an enlarged diameter portion 26B223 connected to the cylindrical portion 26B21 and expanding outward from the cylindrical portion 26B21; an inclined portion 26B222 connected to the enlarged diameter portion 26B223 and having an inclined surface that is inclined as the distance from the shaft AX increases with separation from the second inner wall surface 26A22; and a bottom portion 26B221 connected to the inclined portion 26B222 and protruding in the negative direction of the shaft AX. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 26B22 is formed axially symmetrically about the shaft AX, therefore the inclined portion 26B222 is formed in the shape of the side of a frustum, and the bottom portion 26B221 is formed in the shape of an annulus. However, as will be described later, the bottom surface 26B221 only needs to have a surface facing the negative direction of the axis AX in order to press and hold the membrane F, so it does not need to be formed into a ring shape.

[0059] The radius of the annular bottom portion 26B221 is smaller than the inner diameter of the core C of the reel TR (described later) and larger than the aperture formed in the membrane F. Furthermore, the shaft 26B2 is subjected to force in the negative direction of the shaft AX by the compression spring 26B4. Therefore, by pressing the membrane of the reel TR toward the first inner wall surface 26A13 using the annular bottom portion 26B221, the reel TR can be supported in a manner that allows it to rotate around the shaft AX.

[0060] Furthermore, the bottom part 26B221 can abut against a portion of the reel TR other than the film F. For example, it can be configured such that the reel TR is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis AX by the annular bottom part 26B221 abutting against the side of the core C facing the second inner wall surface 26A22.

[0061] Furthermore, even in structures other than shaft 26B2, components constructed in such a way that they are forced toward the first inner wall surface 26A13 when protruding from it can similarly retain the pulley TR in a rotatable manner.

[0062] The following is a brief description of an example of the structure of the strapping machine 10 of this embodiment that can use a reel TR.

[0063] like Figure 11BAs shown, the reel TR includes a cylindrical core C (an example of a "cylindrical tube") and a tape TP wound around the core C. Additionally, a film F, for example, is adhered to one side of the circular-shaped side of the tape TP, which is formed by winding and stacking the two sides. The inner diameter of the film F is smaller than the inner diameter of the core C. Therefore, the inner diameter portion of the film F protrudes inward from the core C. The portion of the film F that protrudes inward from the core C is called a rib R. The outer diameter of the film F is smaller than the outer diameter of the reel TR before use. Therefore, one side of the reel TR has an inner peripheral area where the film F is adhered and an outer peripheral area where the side of the tape TP, which is stacked without the film F, is exposed. However, the inner peripheral area refers to the area on the side of the reel TR before use that is closer to the core C than the outer periphery of the reel TR. The outer peripheral area refers to the opposite area, that is, the area on the side of the reel TR before use that is closer to the outer periphery of the reel TR than the core C. Therefore, when the tape reel TR begins to be used, the tape TP on the outer peripheral side is used first, followed by the tape TP on the inner peripheral side. Additionally, a portion of the film F may extend to the outer peripheral side. Conversely, the film F may only be adhered to a portion of the inner peripheral side. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the film F is greater than the sum of the radius of the outer peripheral surface of the tape reel TR before use and the radius of the outer peripheral surface of the core C. Therefore, a portion of the film F is adhered to the entire inner peripheral side and a portion of the outer peripheral side. Furthermore, the film F is not adhered to the other side of the tape reel TR, so the side with the tape TP is exposed along the entire side.

[0064] Next, use Figures 12A to 12D The assembly method of assembling the tray TR into the opposing tray unit 26 will be explained. Figures 12A to 12D It is a sectional view obtained by cutting the shaft box 26A of the compartment unit 26 with a section through the shaft AX.

[0065] First, the user opens the cover of the bracket 28A (step S1). Next, the user moves the reel TR in a direction perpendicular to the axis AX of the belt housing 26A, and stores the reel TR inside the belt housing 26A through the opening formed in the peripheral portion 26A3 (step S2). For example, the user can hold the strapping machine 10 with the main handle 20 vertically upward so that the opening of the peripheral portion 26A3 faces vertically upward, and store the reel TR inside the belt housing 26A by moving the reel TR vertically downward. When storing the reel TR in the belt housing 26A, as follows... Figure 12A As shown, the shaft AX preferably exists in the area surrounded by the core C of the reel TR. For example, the third inner wall surface 26A31 is formed in such a way that it includes a cylindrical surface that is separated from the shaft AX by a distance slightly larger than the outer diameter of the reel TR before use, so that when the reel TR is stored, the shaft AX configured as the shaft box 26A can be close to the central axis of the reel TR within a predetermined distance.

[0066] Next, the user presses button 26B1 (step S3). Accompanying this, as... Figure 12B As shown, button 26B1 and shaft 26B2 travel in the positive direction of shaft AX. Therefore, a portion of shaft 26B2 protrudes from the first inner wall surface 26A13 and enters the internal region of the shaft housing 26A. At this time, the outer diameter of the bottom portion 26B221 (twice the distance between the bottom portion 26B221 and shaft AX) is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the hole in the membrane F, thus the inclined surface of the inclined portion 26B222 contacts the rib R of the membrane F. However, since the end of the rib R is a free end, it undergoes elastic deformation conforming to the inclined surface of the inclined portion 26B222, as shown in the figure.

[0067] When button 26B1 and shaft 26B2 are moved further in the positive direction of shaft AX, the bottom part 26B221 of the engaging part 26B22 passes through the rib R of membrane F (step S4). Therefore, as Figure 12C As shown, the engaging portion 26B22 exists in the area surrounded by the inner wall surface of the rib R and the core C.

[0068] Then, when the stop button 26B1 is pressed, the button 26B1 and the shaft 26B2 move in the opposite direction, i.e., the negative direction of the shaft AX, due to the force of the compression spring 26B4. However, the bottom part 26B221 of the engaging part 26B22 contacts and presses (an example of "engaging" or "fitting") the edge of the rib R (step S5). Therefore, as Figure 12D As shown, with the engaging portion 26B22 still contained within the area surrounded by the inner wall of the rib R and the core C, the reel TR can be held in a rotatable manner. At this time, the surface of the diaphragm F faces the first inner wall surface 26A13, sometimes making partial contact. However, by constructing the diaphragm F with a highly smooth component, it is possible to avoid unnecessarily hindering the rotation of the reel TR. Furthermore, by increasing the force of the compression spring 26B4, the end of the rib R can be deformed in the direction of separation from the core C, pressing and holding the reel TR with a stronger force. The rigidity of the diaphragm F, the elastic force of the compression spring 26B4, and the thickness of the diaphragm F can be appropriately designed by those skilled in the art.

[0069] Then, the user pulls out the front end with TP and passes it through the bracket 28A, so that the guide 28B holds the front end with TP, and then closes the cover of the bracket 28A (step S6).

[0070] By performing the above process, the tape reel TR is assembled into the strapping machine 10. The user can repeatedly perform holding and strapping actions using the strapping machine 10. In addition, the engagement between the shaft 26B2 and the membrane F can be released by pulling the button 26B1 in the negative direction of the shaft AX, thus making it easy to remove the tape reel TR.

[0071] The tape compartment unit 26, with the structure described above, has an opening 26A3 at its periphery 26A3 for the tape reel TR to pass through, allowing the tape reel TR to be stored inside the tape housing 26A. Therefore, the tape reel TR can be installed in the tape housing 26A more easily than before. Furthermore, the tape reel TR can be installed in the tape housing 26A without changing the strapping machine 10, thus reducing the possibility of the tape reel TR falling off during installation.

[0072] In addition, as those skilled in the art will understand, the strapping unit 26 and the axle box 26A can also be used in strapping machines that implement strapping methods other than the strapping machine 10.

[0073] Furthermore, since the structure is designed such that not only the peripheral portion 26A3 but also a portion of the surface portion 26A1 is removed to form an opening, even when only a portion of the tape reel TR is used, the center of the tape reel TR can be easily aligned with the center of the tape housing 26A. In particular, one or more circular ribs 26A11 centered on the axis AX are formed on the surface portion 26A1. Therefore, alignment can be easily achieved by comparing the boundary between the tape TPs or the outer diameter of the membrane F on the side of the tape reel TR visible from the opening with the ribs 26A11. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, a small-diameter hole 26A12 is formed in the region behind the surface portion 26A1. Therefore, by confirming the position of the tape tray TR and the film F as viewed from the hole 26A12 together with the side of the tape tray TR as viewed from the opening, alignment can be performed more easily.

[0074] Furthermore, even when the TP is excessively pulled out, the user can directly reverse the rotation of the trolley TR through the opening provided on the surface portion 26A1.

[0075] In addition, since the surface of button 26B1 is exposed to the outside, even users who are not used to using strapping machines can easily understand the operation of installing the reel TR.

[0076] Additionally, a slit 26A21 extending radially is formed on the back side 26A2. Figure 2 Therefore, the remaining amount of tape on the reel TR can be easily determined. Furthermore, information indicating the remaining amount of tape can be printed near the slit 26A21. For example, "100%" can be printed on the surface of the back portion 26A2 near the outer diameter side of the slit 26A21, "10%" can be printed on the surface of the back portion 26A2 near the inner diameter side, and "50%" can be printed on the surface of the back portion 26A2 near the area in between.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, shaft 26B2 is configured as a rib R for pressing the film F of the reel TR. Therefore, even if the reels TR have different inner diameters of the core C, the reels TR with the film F attached can be kept in place by making the inner diameter of the film F the same.

[0078] However, it is also possible to retain a reel without a film. For example, the bottom portion 26B221 of shaft 26B2 can be configured to press the side of the core C in place of the rib R of the film F. With such a structure, it is also possible to retain a reel without a film. Furthermore, by expanding the radial size of the bottom portion 26B221, even cores with different inner diameters can be pressed. Alternatively, the reel can be configured to retain the reel by pressing the inner diameter surface of the core in the outward direction.

[0079] [Brake Unit]

[0080] The following describes a braking unit 26C (an example of a "second protrusion") that can be mounted on the cartridge unit 26. Figure 13 It is a main part sectional view obtained by cutting the cartridge unit 26 with a section passing through the axis AX2, which is the center of the braking unit 26C. Figure 14 Is Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the brake block 26C1 (an example of an "abutment member") of the brake unit 26C.

[0081] like Figure 13 As shown, the braking unit 26C is mounted on the rear portion 26A2. The braking unit 26C includes: a brake block 26C1 for pressing the side of the disc TR along the axial AX direction; a compression spring 26C6 (an example of an "elastic member") that applies a force to the brake block 26C1 to press the side of the disc TR; and an external thread 26C3 for preventing the brake block 26C1 from falling off the rear portion 26A2.

[0082] The brake block 26C1 is preferably made of a material with elasticity and wear resistance, such as PA (polyamide), PP (polypropylene), POM (polyacetal), etc. The brake block 26C1 is formed in an axisymmetric manner with respect to axis AX2. Furthermore, the brake block 26C1 has a protrusion 26C2 protruding in the direction of axis AX2. Figure 14As shown, when viewed from the AX2 direction, the protrusion 26C2 is circular. Furthermore, the brake block 26C1 includes: an inner wall portion 26C5 connected to the inner diameter side of the protrusion 26C2 and extending from the protrusion 26C2 in a direction retracting towards the AX2 direction; and an outer wall portion 26C4 connected to the outer diameter side of the protrusion 26C2 and extending from the protrusion 26C2 in a direction retracting towards the AX2 direction. The area surrounded by the protrusion 26C2, the inner wall portion 26C5, and the outer wall portion 26C4 forms a cylindrical portion or space. As shown in the figure, the end of the inner wall portion 26C5 bends towards the inner diameter direction approaching the AX2 direction.

[0083] The rear portion 26A2 is provided with a support portion 26A23 for mounting the brake block 26C1. The support portion 26A23 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the shaft AX2 as the axis. By arranging the brake block 26C1 such that the end of the inner wall portion 26C5 of the brake block 26C1 abuts against the cylindrical surface of the support portion 26A23, the brake block 26C1 can be placed in a desired position.

[0084] The compression spring 26C6 presses the brake block 26C1 from the back side 26A2 toward the surface side 26A1. The compression spring 26C6 is inserted into the cylindrical portion or space surrounded by the inner wall portion 26C5 and the outer wall portion 26C4. Therefore, the compression spring 26C6 can press the portion close to the protrusion 26C2. In addition, it can press the brake block 26C1 approximately parallel to the AX2 axis.

[0085] An internal thread with shaft AX2 as the axis is formed in the cylindrical support portion 26A23. An external thread 26C3 engages with this internal thread. The head of the external thread 26C3 protrudes from the support portion 26A23. Since the end of the inner wall portion 26C5 of the brake block 26C1 is engaged with this protruding portion, it is possible to prevent the brake block 26C1 from falling off the back portion 26A2. The brake block 26C1 presses against the side of the rotating disc TR, and therefore there is a possibility of twisting or tilting as the disc TR rotates. However, by having the structure described above, it is possible to prevent the brake block 26C1 from falling off the back portion 26A2. Furthermore, the side of the disc TR does not necessarily need to be flush; sometimes it has small irregularities. However, by forming the brake block 26C1 from an elastic material, even when it has irregularities, it can elastically press against the side of the disc TR.

[0086] like Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the protrusion 26C2 of the brake block 26C1 is provided in the region located on the outer peripheral side of the side of the belt disc TR. Furthermore, the protrusion 26C2 of the brake block 26C1 is provided in the region located on the outer diameter side of the diaphragm F.

[0087] According to the strapping machine 10 equipped with the aforementioned braking unit 26C, the braking block 26C1 contacts the side of the pulley TR. Therefore, excessive rotation of the pulley TR can be suppressed by using friction.

[0088] In addition, the brake block 26C1 elastically presses against the side of the belt disc TR, so even if there are unevenness on the side, it can press against the side of the belt disc TR and apply braking through friction.

[0089] Furthermore, the braking unit 26C is configured to move forward and backward along the AX2 direction via the compression spring 26C6. Therefore, the braking unit 26C does not obstruct the assembly of the pulley TR. Moreover, even if the distance between the side of the pulley TR and the brake block 26C1 changes to some extent as the pulley TR rotates, braking can still be applied by pressing the side of the pulley TR using friction.

[0090] In addition, by using a compression spring 26C6, a vertical load with small variations can be applied, thus stabilizing the braking force.

[0091] Furthermore, the brake block 26C1 presses against the outer peripheral region of the reel TR side, thus preventing the excessive pulling of the tape TP from flying out of the tape magazine unit 26 due to excessive tape remaining. When the tape remaining is reduced, the tape TP is only present in the inner peripheral region. Therefore, the brake block 26C1 does not press against the reel TR side. However, when the tape remaining is small, the situation of excessively pulled tape TP flying out of the tape magazine unit 26 is almost impossible to occur. In addition, a membrane F is attached to the side of another reel TR, which can suppress the excessive pulling of tape TP. However, a reel without the membrane F can also be used in this invention. In addition, the brake block can also be configured to press against the inner peripheral region of the reel TR side.

[0092] Furthermore, by providing the brake block 26C1, variations in the pull-out resistance of the TP can be suppressed. Specifically, when there is a large amount of tape remaining, the distance between the axis AX, which is the rotation center of the tape reel TR, and the pulled-out TP is larger, resulting in greater torque and relatively lower pull-out resistance. Conversely, when there is a small amount of tape remaining, the distance between the axis AX, which is the rotation center of the tape reel TR, and the pulled-out TP is smaller, resulting in less torque and relatively higher pull-out resistance. As shown in this embodiment, by providing a means of pressing on the outer peripheral region (or, although it is an inner peripheral region, a position on the outer peripheral side) of the side of the tape reel TR, the pull-out resistance when pulling out the outer diameter TP from the pressed position can be increased. Therefore, variations in the pull-out resistance when pulling out the inner diameter TP from the pressed position can be suppressed. As a result, the user's workload can be reduced. Additionally, because the variation in pull-out resistance is reduced, the degree of freedom in designing the strapping machine is also increased.

[0093] The braking unit 26C of this embodiment can be widely applied to strapping machines that use rotating reels. It can be applied to strapping machines and reels other than the strapping machine 10 and reel TR of this embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example of the second protrusion, an example is shown where the braking unit 26C is composed of a braking block 26C1 and a compression spring 26C6, but this combination is not limited. For example, it could be a structure where the compression spring 26C6 is eliminated, and the braking block 26C1 itself abuts against the side of the reel TR, with the braking block 26C1 itself serving as both an abutment member and an elastic member.

[0094] [The operation of strapping machine 10]

[0095] The clamping arm 50 is constantly under force by the tension spring 12. Figures 1 to 3 The waiting state shown is the open state relative to the main handle 20. From this state, the user grips the operating handle 70 and the main handle 20, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the clamping arm 50 rotates in the closing direction relative to the main handle 20. Furthermore, when the clamping arm 50 rotates to a predetermined position in the closing direction relative to the main handle 20, in order to extract the TP (… Figure 5 Meanwhile, the clamping arm 50 with gripping unit 56 performs the gripping action of gripping the TP.

[0096] Then, when the grip of the main handle 20 is reduced, causing the clamping arm 50 to rotate in the opening direction relative to the main handle 20, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the belt TP is held, the belt gripping unit 56 of the clamping arm 50 and the belt guide 28B of the main handle 20 are separated, resulting in the belt TP being suspended between the clamping arm 50 and the main handle 20. As the clamping arm 50 rotates in the opening direction, the belt reel TR rotates in the positive direction around the axis AX2. At this time, the brake block 26C1 presses against the side of the belt reel TR, thus generating a frictional force to inhibit rotation. Therefore, even if the belt reel TR rotates rapidly in the positive direction due to the user suddenly loosening their grip on the main handle 20, excessive rotation can be suppressed. Furthermore, the brake block 26C1 is subjected to force by the compression spring 26B4, so even if the rotation axis of the belt reel TR is tilted and its position changes in the AX direction, it can still press against the side of the belt reel TR.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, when a sapling or branch, or other bundled object S, is inserted from the outside of the TP-banded structure in this state, and the clamping arm 50 rotates again in the closing direction, as... Figure 7 As shown, a loop with TP is formed to bind the object S. The rivet magazine unit 22 rotates in the closing direction by being pressed by the clamping arm 50, thus driving in the rivet inserter 32. Therefore, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the two ends of the loop used to bind the object S are secured with clips ST. Additionally, the binding action is performed by cutting the tape TP with a cutting blade 30A.

[0098] Thus, the gripping action is performed in the first gripping action, and the binding action is performed in the second gripping action. Furthermore, by alternately performing this gripping action and binding action, the object to be bound, S, can be bound. In addition, in this embodiment, a clip ST is used as a means of fastening both ends of the belt loop, but it is not limited to this, and other means can also be used to fasten the belt loop.

[0099] As described above, the strapping machine 10 according to this embodiment can suppress excessive forward rotation of the wound strapping when the strapping is pulled out along with a holding or strapping action.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, within the scope of ordinary inventiveness of those skilled in the art, a portion of the structural elements of one embodiment can be added to other embodiments. Additionally, a portion of the structural elements of one embodiment can be replaced with corresponding structural elements of other embodiments.

[0101] The strapping machine (10) of this disclosure includes: a storage section (26A) capable of storing a reel (TR) having a cylindrical tube (C) and a strip (TP) wound on the outer circumference of the tube (C) in such a way as to extract a portion of the strip (TP); a main handle (20) for holding the strip extracted from the storage section (26A); and a clamping arm (50) mounted on the main handle (20) in such a way as to be rotatable in a first direction toward the main handle (20) and a second direction away from the main handle (20), and gripping the strip by rotating in the first direction. The belt (TP) held by the main handle (20) is further pulled out by rotating in a second direction after being gripped. The storage part (26A) has: a side wall (26A13) facing the side of the stored reel (TR); a first protrusion (26B) protruding from the side wall (26A13) and engaging with the tube (C) of the stored reel (TR) to support the reel (TR) in a rotatable manner; and a second protrusion (26C) protruding from the side wall (26A13) and abutting against the side of the stored reel.

[0102] Additionally, the second protrusion (26C) can abut against the outer peripheral region of the side of the reel (TR). The second protrusion (26C) may have an abutting member (26C1) that abuts against the side of the reel (TR) and an elastic member (26C6) that applies force to the abutting member (26C1) toward the side of the reel (TR).

[0103] The first protrusion (26B) can be configured to move forward and backward along the axis (AX) of the storage section (26A). The first protrusion (26B) may have an engaging portion (26B22) that engages with the side of the reel (TR).

Claims

1. A strapping machine, comprising: The storage section is capable of storing a reel having a cylindrical tube and a strip wound around the outer circumference of the tube in such a way that a portion of the strip is pulled out. The main handle holds the strap pulled out from the storage section; and A clamping arm is mounted on the main handle in a manner that allows it to rotate in a first direction toward the main handle and a second direction away from the main handle. Rotating in the first direction grips the strap held by the main handle, and after gripping the strap, rotating in the second direction further pulls the strap out. The storage section has: The side wall faces the side of the tray that is being stored. A first protrusion protrudes from the side wall and engages with the tube containing the reel to support the reel in a rotatable manner; and The second protrusion protrudes from the side wall and is able to move forward and backward and abut against the side of the tape of the reel, i.e. the side of the wound tape.

2. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The second protrusion abuts against the region of the outer peripheral side of the side of the wound strip.

3. The strapping machine according to claim 2, wherein, The second protrusion has: The abutting member abuts against the side of the wound strip; and An elastic member applies force to the abutting member toward the side of the wound strip.

4. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The second protrusion has: The abutting member abuts against the side of the wound strip; and An elastic member applies force to the abutting member toward the side of the wound strip.

5. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion is configured to be able to move forward and backward along the axial direction of the receiving portion.

6. The strapping machine according to claim 5, wherein, The first protrusion has an engaging portion that engages with the side of the disc.

7. The strapping machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion has an engaging portion that engages with the side of the disc.

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