Rebar tying machine

Abstract

This invention provides the following technology: in a rebar tying machine capable of twisting wire that is wound multiple times around a rebar, the winding diameter of the wire wound around the rebar is made smaller. This specification discloses a rebar tying machine. Alternatively, the rebar tying machine can perform the following steps: a winding step, feeding the wire around the rebar, holding the wire near its end, pulling it back, and cutting it; and a twisting step, twisting the wire. Alternatively, when the user instructs the tying of the rebar, the rebar tying machine can perform a tying action that involves multiple winding steps followed by the twisting step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to rebar tying machines. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rebar tying machine. The rebar tying machine feeds wire (steel wire) around the rebar and can perform a winding process of cutting the wire while the wire is wrapped around the rebar multiple times and a twisting process of twisting the wire.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-27685

[0004] In the rebar tying machine of Patent Document 1, during the winding process, after the wire is fed out around the rebar, it is not pulled back and is cut. Therefore, the winding diameter of the wire wound around the rebar is relatively large. In this case, during the twisting process, the wire wound with a large winding diameter is twisted, so the twisted portion of the wire is prone to becoming uneven, and the binding force of the wire at the end of the twisting process is prone to being inconsistent. In addition, it leads to an increase in the amount of wire consumed in a single tying operation. In this specification, a technology is provided that allows for the twisting of wire wound around the rebar multiple times, resulting in a smaller winding diameter of the wire wound around the rebar. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This specification discloses a rebar tying machine. Alternatively, the rebar tying machine can perform the following steps: a winding step, feeding the wire around the rebar, holding the wire near its end, pulling it back, and cutting it; and a twisting step, twisting the wire. Alternatively, when the user instructs the tying of the rebar, the rebar tying machine can perform a tying action that involves multiple winding steps followed by the twisting step.

[0006] Based on the above structure, in the winding process, after the wire is fed out around the rebar, it is pulled back and then cut. Therefore, the winding diameter of the wire wound around the rebar can be smaller. In this case, during the twisting process, the wire wound with a smaller diameter is twisted, thus preventing the twisted portion of the wire from becoming uneven and suppressing inconsistencies in the binding force of the wire at the end of the twisting process. Furthermore, the amount of wire consumed in a single binding operation can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment, viewed from the upper left rear.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment, viewed from the upper right front.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the internal structure of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the wire feeding mechanism 38 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the feed motor 50 and the torsion motor 140 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view near the wire guiding mechanism 40 of the rebar tying machine 2 in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90 in the wire guiding mechanism 40 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment are far away from the upper base member 98.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90 in the wire guiding mechanism 40 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment abut against the upper base member 98.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the structure near the lower side of the coiling guide 94 of the wire guiding mechanism 40 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the rebar abutment mechanism 42 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the rebar tying machine 2 of the embodiment, excluding the contact arm 118 of the rebar abutment mechanism 42.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a side view showing the state in which the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 are in communication in the wire cutting mechanism 44 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a side view showing the state in which the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 are in the cutting state in the wire cutting mechanism 44 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the wire twisting mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 15This is a cross-sectional view of the torsion motor 140, deceleration unit 142, and holding unit 144 of the wire torsion mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view of the bearing sleeve 160, clutch plate 162, and lead screw shaft 164 of the wire torsion mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the clamping shaft 172 of the wire twisting mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the wire twisting mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment, in which a right clamping member 174 and a left clamping member 176 are assembled on the clamping shaft 172.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the right clamping member 174 of the wire twisting mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the left clamping member 176 of the wire twisting mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the torsion motor 140, deceleration unit 142, and holding unit 144 of the wire torsion mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the rotation restriction part 145 of the wire twisting mechanism 46 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the rebar pressing mechanism 48 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the rebar pressing mechanism 48 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing the winding of wire W in the rebar tying machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the winding of wire W in the rebar tying machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 27 This is a perspective view showing the winding of wire W in the rebar tying machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 28This is a perspective view showing the winding of wire W in the rebar tying machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the circuit structure of the control circuit board 36 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 30 This is a flowchart of the processing performed by the MCU302 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 31 This is a flowchart of the processing performed by the MCU302 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 32 This is a flowchart of the processing performed by the MCU302 of the rebar tying machine 2 in the embodiment.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 2... Rebar tying machine; 4... Main body; 6... Handle; 8... Battery mounting section; 10... Wire spool bracket; 12... Trigger; 14... Trigger switch; 16... Housing; 16a... Window; 18... Right housing; 20... Left housing; 22... Motor cover; 24... First operation display section; 24a... Main power switch; 24b... Main power LED; 24c... Mode switching switch; 24d... Mode display LED; 26... Bracket housing; 26a... Rotating shaft; 26b... Reception space; 26c... Hole; 28... Cover component; 30... Torsion spring; 32... Locking rod; 33... Wire spool; 34... 34a...Setting switch; 34b...Setting display LED; 34c...Binding force increase switch; 34d...Binding force decrease switch; 36...Control circuit board; 38...Wire feeding mechanism; 40...Wire guiding mechanism; 42...Rebar abutment mechanism; 44...Wire cutting mechanism; 46...Wire twisting mechanism; 48...Rebar pressing mechanism; 50...Feed motor; 52...Reduction unit; 54...Feed unit; 56...Coil; 58...Gear; 60...Stator; 62...Rotor; 64...Sensor board; 66...Hall sensor; 66a...First Hall element; 66b...Second Hall element; 66a...Hall sensor; 64b...Hall sensor; 65c...Hall sensor; 66c...Hall sensor; 64c ... 2 Hall element; 66c...3rd Hall element; 68...Base member; 70...Guide member; 70a...Guide hole; 72...Drive gear; 74...1st feed gear; 74a...Slot; 76...2nd feed gear; 76a...Slot; 78...Release rod; 78a...Swing shaft; 80...Compression spring; 82...Guide member; 82a...Hole; 84...Upper curling guide; 88...Modible guide pin; 90...Modible guide plate; 92...Fixed guide pin; 94...Lower curling guide; 94a...Swing shaft; 94b...Abutment piece; 96...Lower base member; 96a...Swing shaft; 98... Upper base component; 100... Upper guide cover; 102... Upper wire passage; 104... Swing plate; 104a... Rear end; 106... Auxiliary base component; 106a... Swing shaft; 108... Compression spring; 110... Sliding plate; 110a... Elongated hole; 112... Lower wire passage; 114... Torsion spring; 116... Opening / closing detector; 116a... Housing; 116b... Rod; 117... Opening / closing detection sensor; 118... Contact arm; 118a... Right arm; 118b... Left arm; 118c... Connecting part; 118d... Right abutment part; 118e... Left abutment part; 120....arm support; 120a...swing shaft; 122...compression spring; 124...magnet support; 124a...permanent magnet; 125...contact detection sensor; 126...sensor substrate; 126a...magnetic sensor; 128...fixed cutting member; 128a...hole; 130...movable cutting member; 130a...opening; 132...first rod member; 134...second rod member; 136...linkage member; 138...torsion spring; 140...torsion motor; 142...reduction section; 144...holding section; 145...rotation limiting section; 146...coil; 148...tooth section; 150...stator; 152...Rotor; 154...Sensor substrate; 156...Hall sensor; 156a...First Hall element; 156b...Second Hall element; 156c...Third Hall element; 158...Bearing housing; 160...Bearing sleeve; 160a...Clutch groove; 160b...First wall; 160c...Second wall; 162...Clutch disc; 162a...Clutch protrusion; 164...Lead screw shaft; 164a...Rear section; 164b...Front section; 164c...Flange; 164d...Ball groove; 164e...Engine section; 166...Inner sleeve; 166a...Ball bore; 166b...Flange; 1 68... Outer sleeve; 168a... Slit; 170... Push plate; 170a... Permanent magnet; 170b... Rod groove; 170c... Rod groove; 172... Clamping shaft; 172a... Flat plate; 172b... Opening; 172c... Flange; 172d... Hole; 174... Right side clamping part; 174a... Base part; 174b... Lower side protrusion; 174c... Upper side protrusion; 174d... Abutment part; 174e... Upper side protection part; 174f... Front side protection part; 174g... Cam hole; 174h... Cam hole; 176... Left side clamping part; 176a... Base part; 176b... Pin retainer 176c...lower protrusion; 176d...abutment; 176e...rear protection; 176f...front protection; 176g...cam hole; 176h...cam hole; 178...bearing; 180...compression spring; 181...compression spring; 182...pin; 184...cam sleeve; 185...ball bearing; 186...cam sleeve; 188...support pin; 190...support pin; 192...buffer; 194...right side wire passage; 196...left side wire passage; 198...fin; 198a...short fin; 198b...long fin; 200...base component; 200a...200b...Swing shaft; 201...Torsion spring; 202...Upper stop; 202a...Limiting plate; 203...Torsion spring; 204...Lower stop; 204a...Limiting plate; 205...Initial state detection sensor; 206...Sensor substrate; 206a...Magnetic sensor; 206b...Magnetic sensor; 207...End holding detection sensor; 208...Contact plate; 208a...Swing shaft; 210...Contact plate; 210a...Swing shaft; 212...Base component; 214...Base component; 216...Guide rod; 218...Guide rod; 220...Front push rod; 222...Front push rod; 224...Rear push rod; 226...Rear push rod; 228...Guide plate; 23 0...Guide plate; 232...Rod bracket; 234...Rod bracket; 236...Torsion spring; 238...Torsion spring; 240...First compression spring; 242...First compression spring; 244...Second compression spring; 246...Second compression spring; 300...Control power supply circuit; 302a...Motor control signal output port; 302b...Motor rotation signal input port; 302c...General purpose input / output port; 304...Motor control signal output destination switching circuit; 306...Motor rotation signal input source switching circuit; 308...Gate drive circuit; 310...Gate drive circuit; 312...Inverter circuit; 314...Inverter circuit; 316...Current detection circuit; 318...Brake circuit; 320...Brake circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates representative and non-limiting examples of the invention. This detailed description is intended only to teach those skilled in the art the details of preferred examples for carrying out the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the disclosed additional features and inventions can be used separately from or in combination with other features and inventions to further improve the rebar tying machine.

[0042] Furthermore, the combinations of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for carrying out the invention in the broadest sense, but are described only for the purpose of illustrating representative examples of the invention. Moreover, the various features of the representative examples below and the various features of the structures described in the claims are not necessarily combined in the same way as the examples described herein or in the order listed, when providing additional and useful embodiments of the invention.

[0043] All features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to differ structurally from those described in the embodiments and / or claims, and are disclosed independently and separately from each other as limitations relative to the initial disclosure of the application and the specific matters described in the claims. Furthermore, descriptions relating to all numerical ranges and groups or combinations are intended to disclose intermediate structures as limitations relative to the initial disclosure of the application and the specific matters described in the claims.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine may perform the following steps: a winding step, feeding the wire around the rebar, holding the wire near its end, pulling it back, and cutting it; and a twisting step, twisting the wire. Alternatively, when instructed by the user to tie the rebar, the rebar tying machine may perform a tying action involving multiple winding steps followed by a twisting step.

[0045] Based on the above structure, in the winding process, after the wire is fed out around the rebar, it is pulled back and cut. Therefore, the winding diameter of the wire wound around the rebar can be smaller. In this case, during the twisting process, the wire wound with a smaller diameter is twisted, thus preventing the twisted portion of the wire from becoming uneven and suppressing inconsistent binding force at the end of the twisting process. Furthermore, the amount of wire consumed in a single binding operation can be reduced.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, when the user instructs the rebar tying machine to tie the rebar, it may also perform a tying action in a single winding manner, where the twisting process is performed after the winding process.

[0047] Based on the above structure, depending on the situation, it is also possible to wrap the wire around the reinforcing bar once and twist the wire, or to wrap the wire around the reinforcing bar multiple times and twist the wire.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, if the above-mentioned winding process is performed once in the above-mentioned rebar binding machine, the wire is wound around the above-mentioned rebar once.

[0049] If the wire is wound around a rebar and then pulled back and cut, the winding diameter of the wire might become uneven. With the structure described above, the wire is pulled back and cut after each turn of wire is wound around the rebar, thus ensuring a uniform winding diameter.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the user may be able to set the binding force of the wire in the twisting process of the rebar tying machine. Alternatively, the number of times the winding process is performed may be determined based on the set binding force.

[0051] To achieve a stronger binding force on the wire, a greater number of wraps are required. Based on the structure described above, the number of wraps can be automatically determined according to the binding force set by the user.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the user may be able to set the number of turns of the wire in the winding process of the rebar tying machine. Alternatively, the number of winding processes may be determined based on the set number of turns.

[0053] Based on the above structure, the wire can be wound with the number of turns desired by the user.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine may include: a cutting mechanism for cutting the wire; and a motor for driving the cutting mechanism. Alternatively, during the winding process, the rebar tying machine may determine whether the wire has been cut based on the load of the motor.

[0055] In the above structure, the motor load increases when the cutting mechanism cuts the wire, and decreases after the cutting mechanism cuts the wire. Based on this structure, by observing this change in motor load, the cutting of the wire can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the wire has been cut without using a special sensor for detecting wire cutting.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine may determine that the wire has been cut during the winding process when the rotational speed of the motor or the current flowing through the motor meets the specified conditions.

[0057] If the motor load increases, the motor speed decreases, and the current flowing through the motor increases. Based on the above structure, a Hall sensor that detects the motor speed and a current detection circuit that detects the current flowing through the motor can be used to determine whether the wire has been cut.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine may include: a feeding mechanism that feeds wire around the rebar; a twisting mechanism that twists the wire; a control unit that controls the operation of the feeding mechanism and the twisting mechanism; and a setting unit that allows a user to set the tying force of the wire. Alternatively, the control unit may determine the number of turns of the wire based on the set tying force.

[0059] To achieve a stronger binding force on the wire, a greater number of wraps are required. Based on the structure described above, the number of wraps can be automatically determined according to the binding force set by the user.

[0060] (Example)

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the rebar tying machine 2 is a rebar tying machine that uses wire (steel wire) W to tie multiple rebars R. For example, the rebar tying machine 2 uses wire W to tie rebars R with a diameter of less than 16 mm and rebars R with a diameter greater than 16 mm (e.g., 25 mm or 32 mm). The diameter of the wire W is, for example, between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm.

[0062] The rebar tying machine 2 comprises a main body 4, a handle 6, a battery mounting section 8, a battery pack B, and a spool support 10. The handle 6 is a component for the operator to grip. The handle 6 is located at the lower rear of the main body 4. The handle 6 is integrally formed with the main body 4. A trigger 12 is mounted on the upper front surface of the handle 6. Inside the handle 6 is a trigger switch 14 for detecting whether the trigger 12 is engaged (see reference). Figure 3 A battery mounting portion 8 is located at the lower part of the handle 6. The battery mounting portion 8 is integrally formed with the handle 6. The battery pack B can be installed and removed by sliding relative to the battery mounting portion 8. The battery pack B includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. A spool support 10 is located at the lower front part of the main body 4. The spool support 10 is positioned further forward than the handle 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the long side direction of the wire twisting mechanism 46 described later is referred to as the front-back direction, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction is referred to as the up-down direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the front-back and up-down directions is referred to as the left-right direction.

[0063] The rebar tying machine 2 has a housing 16. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the housing 16 includes a right housing 18, a left housing 20, and a motor cover 22. The right housing 18 defines the shape of the right half of the main body 4, handle 6, and battery mounting portion 8. The left housing 20 defines the shape of the left half of the main body 4, handle 6, and battery mounting portion 8. The motor cover 22 is mounted on the outside of the right housing 18. Figure 1As shown, a first operation display unit 24 is provided at the upper rear of the left housing 20. The first operation display unit 24 includes a main power switch 24a, a main power LED 24b, a mode switch 24c, and a mode display LED 24d. The main power switch 24a accepts user operations to switch the main power of the rebar tying machine 2 on / off. The main power LED 24b displays the on / off status of the main power of the rebar tying machine 2. The mode switch 24c accepts user operations to switch the operating mode of the rebar tying machine 2. The mode display LED 24d displays the operating mode of the rebar tying machine 2. In this embodiment, the rebar tying machine 2 can select either a single-fire mode or a continuous-fire mode as its operating mode.

[0064] The spool holder 10 includes a holder housing 26 and a cover member 28. The holder housing 26 is connected to the lower front part of the main body 4 and the front part of the battery mounting part 8. The cover member 28 is mounted on the holder housing 26 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis 26a around the lower part of the holder housing 26. The cover member 28 is supported by a torsion spring 30 (see reference). Figure 2 A force is applied in the opening direction. A locking lever 32 is provided at the lower front of the left housing 20 to keep the cover member 28 in a closed state. If the locking lever 32 is rotated, the cover member 28 opens relative to the support housing 26 due to the force of the torsion spring 30. With the cover member 28 in the closed state, the support housing 26 and the cover member 28 divide the receiving space 26b (see reference). Figure 3 A spool 33 with wire W wound on it is housed in the receiving space 26b. The spool 33 is supported by the support housing 26 and the cover member 28 and is rotatable. Figure 2 As shown, a hole 26c is formed on the front surface of the bracket housing 26. By observing the spool 33 through the hole 26c, the user can confirm the remaining amount of wire W wound on the spool 33.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, a second operation display unit 34 is provided on the rear surface of the support housing 26. The second operation display unit 34 includes a setting switch 34a and a setting display LED 34b. The setting switch 34a includes a binding force increase switch 34c and a binding force decrease switch 34d. In the rebar tying machine 2 of this embodiment, the binding force of the wire W can be set to six levels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The binding force increase switch 34c accepts user operation to increase the binding force of the wire W. The binding force decrease switch 34d accepts user operation to decrease the binding force of the wire W. The setting display LED 34b displays the current setting of the binding force of the wire W. For example, the setting display LED 34b is normally off, but if the binding force increase switch 34c or the binding force decrease switch 34d is operated, it lights up and displays the current setting value of the binding force of the wire W. If the bundling force increase switch 34c is operated from this state, the set value of the bundling force of wire W will increase by one level; if the bundling force decrease switch 34d is operated, the set value of the bundling force of wire W will decrease by one level. If the current setting of the bundling force of wire W is displayed on the setting display LED 34b, and no bundling force increase switch 34c or bundling force decrease switch 34d is operated for a specified period of time, the setting display LED 34b will turn off again.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the rebar tying machine 2 includes a control circuit board 36. The control circuit board 36 is housed in the battery mounting section 8. The battery pack B, trigger switch 14, first operation display section 24, and second operation display section 34 are connected to the control circuit board 36 via wiring (not shown).

[0067] The rebar tying machine 2 includes a wire feeding mechanism 38, a wire guiding mechanism 40, a rebar abutment mechanism 42, a wire cutting mechanism 44, a wire twisting mechanism 46, and a rebar pressing mechanism 48. The wire feeding mechanism 38 is housed in the lower front part of the main body 4. The wire guiding mechanism 40 is located in the front part of the main body 4. The rebar abutment mechanism 42 is located in the front part of the main body 4. The wire cutting mechanism 44 is housed in the lower part of the main body 4. The wire twisting mechanism 46 is housed in the main body 4. The rebar pressing mechanism 48 is located in the front part of the main body 4.

[0068] (Structure of wire feeding mechanism 38)

[0069] like Figure 4As shown, the wire feeding mechanism 38 includes a feed motor 50, a reduction gear 52, and a feed unit 54. The feed motor 50 is connected to the control circuit board 36 via wiring (not shown). The feed motor 50 is driven by power supplied from the battery pack B. The feed motor 50 is controlled by the control circuit board 36. The reduction gear 52 includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism, to reduce the rotation of the feed motor 50 and transmit the speed to the feed unit 54.

[0070] The feed motor 50 is, for example, a brushless motor. The feed motor 50 is positioned to the right of the right housing 18 and is enclosed by the motor cover 22 (see reference). Figure 2 ) Coverage. For example Figure 5 As shown, the feed motor 50 includes: a stator 60 having teeth 58 wound with coils 56; a rotor 62 disposed inside the stator 60; and a sensor substrate 64 fixed to the stator 60. The stator 60 is made of a magnetic material. The rotor 62 has permanent magnets with magnetic poles arranged circumferentially. A Hall sensor 66 is disposed on the sensor substrate 64. The Hall sensor 66 includes a first Hall element 66a, a second Hall element 66b, and a third Hall element 66c. The first Hall element 66a, the second Hall element 66b, and the third Hall element 66c detect the magnetic force from the rotor 62.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the feed unit 54 includes a base member 68, a guide member 70, a drive gear 72, a first feed gear 74, a second feed gear 76, a release rod 78, and a compression spring 80. The guide member 70 is fixed to the base member 68. The guide member 70 has a guide hole 70a. The guide hole 70a has a tapered shape that is wider at the lower end and narrower at the upper end. A wire W is inserted through the guide hole 70a.

[0072] Rotation is transmitted from the reduction gear 52 to the drive gear 72. The first feed gear 74 is supported by the base member 68 and is rotatable. The first feed gear 74 meshes with the drive gear 72. The first feed gear 74 rotates due to the rotation of the drive gear 72. The first feed gear 74 has a groove 74a. The groove 74a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first feed gear 74 and in the direction along the rotation direction of the first feed gear 74. The second feed gear 76 meshes with the first feed gear 74. The second feed gear 76 is supported by the release rod 78 and is rotatable. The second feed gear 76 has a groove 76a. The groove 76a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second feed gear 76 and in the direction along the rotation direction of the second feed gear 76. The release rod 78 is supported by the base member 68 via a swing shaft 78a and is oscillable. The compression spring 80 applies force to the release lever 78 relative to the right housing 18 in a direction that brings the second feed gear 76 closer to the first feed gear 74. As a result, the second feed gear 76 presses against the first feed gear 74. Consequently, the wire W is clamped between the slot 74a of the first feed gear 74 and the slot 76a of the second feed gear 76. If the locking lever 32 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) to remove the cover component 28 (refer to Figure 1 When the direction of rotation is maintained, the lower end of the release lever 78 is pressed into the locking lever 32 and moves toward the right housing 18. This causes the second feed gear 76 to move away from the first feed gear 74. In this state, the user can place a wire W extending from the spool 33 between the slot 74a of the first feed gear 74 and the slot 76a of the second feed gear 76. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, windows 16a are formed on the front surface of the left housing 20 and the front surface of the motor housing 22, allowing the user to see the meshing parts of the first feed gear 74 and the second feed gear 76.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, with the wire W clamped between the slot 74a of the first feed gear 74 and the slot 76a of the second feed gear 76, the feed motor 50 rotates, thereby moving the wire W. In this embodiment, if the feed motor 50 rotates forward, the drive gear 72 moves towards... Figure 4 Rotating in the direction D1 as shown feeds the wire W from the spool 33 toward the wire guide mechanism 40. If the feed motor 50 reverses, the drive gear 72 moves in the opposite direction. Figure 4 Rotate in the direction D2 shown to pull the wire W back from the wire guide mechanism 40 toward the spool 33.

[0074] (Structure of wire guiding mechanism 40)

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, the wire guiding mechanism 40 includes a guiding member 82, an upper coiling guide 84, a movable guide pin 88, a movable guide plate 90, a fixed guide pin 92, and a lower coiling guide 94.

[0076] The guide member 82 is fixed near the front end of the lower base member 96, which is located inside the lower part of the main body 4 and extends in the front-rear direction. The lower base member 96 is fixed to the right housing 18. A hole 82a is formed on the guide member 82 for the wire W fed from the wire feeding mechanism 38 to pass through.

[0077] The upper curling guide 84 is disposed at the upper front part of the main body 4. The upper curling guide 84 consists of an upper base member 98 and an upper guide cover 100 (see reference). Figure 7 Clamping. The upper base member 98 is located inside the main body 4, extending in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the right housing 18. The upper curling guide 84 and the upper guide cover 100 are fixed near the front end of the upper base member 98. The upper curling guide 84, the upper base member 98, and the upper guide cover 100 protrude forward from the front ends of the right housing 18 and the left housing 20. The lower surface of the upper curling guide 84 has a curved shape that convexes upward in the front-rear direction, and is positioned above the lower surfaces of the upper base member 98 and the upper guide cover 100. The upper wire passage 102 is formed by the lower surface of the upper curling guide 84, the left surface of the upper base member 98, and the right surface of the upper guide cover 100.

[0078] A fixed guide pin 92 is positioned near the front end of the upper wire passage 102. The fixed guide pin 92 is fixed to the upper base component 98 and the upper guide cover 100. A movable guide pin 88 and a movable guide plate 90 are positioned near the rear end of the upper wire passage 102. Figure 7 As shown, the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90 are fixed near the front end of the swing plate 104. The swing plate 104 is held in a swingable position by an auxiliary base member 106 fixed to the upper base member 98 via a swing shaft 106a. A compression spring 108 applies force near the front end of the swing plate 104 in a direction away from the upper base member 98. A sliding plate 110 is disposed between the upper base member 98 and the swing plate 104. The sliding plate 110 is located above the interior of the main body 4 and extends in the front-rear direction. The sliding plate 110 is held by the upper base member 98 to slide in the front-rear direction. An elongated hole 110a extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the sliding plate 110. Figure 7 As shown, with the sliding plate 110 moved forward, the rear end 104a of the swing plate 104 enters the elongated hole 110a of the sliding plate 110. In this case, the front end of the swing plate 104 moves to the left, and the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90 move away from the upper base member 98. This prevents the wire W from hooking onto the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90 when the wire feeding mechanism 38 pulls back the wire W. Figure 8As shown, if the sliding plate 110 moves rearward, the rear end 104a of the swing plate 104 disengages from the elongated hole 110a and climbs onto the sliding plate 110. In this case, the front end of the swing plate 104 moves to the right, and the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90 abut against the upper base member 98. Thus, when the wire feeding mechanism 38 feeds out the wire W, the wire W can be guided by the movable guide pin 88 and the movable guide plate 90.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the lower curling guide 94 is positioned at the lower front part of the main body 4. Figure 9 As shown, the lower coil guide 94 has an opening at the top and widens laterally from rear to front, forming a roughly U-shaped cross-section that constitutes the lower wire passage 112. The lower coil guide 94 is capable of swinging about a swing axis 94a and is held by the right housing 18 and the left housing 20. The lower coil guide 94 is supported by a torsion spring 114 (see reference). Figure 6 A force is applied in the closing direction (the front end of the lower curling guide 94 faces upward). The user can press down the end of the lower curling guide 94 by overcoming the force of the torsion spring 114, thereby causing the lower curling guide 94 to swing in the opening direction (the front end of the lower curling guide 94 faces downward). An abutment piece 94b protruding to the right is formed near the rear end of the lower curling guide 94. An opening / closing detector 116 is disposed near the abutment piece 94b. The opening / closing detector 116 includes: a housing 116a fixed to the right housing 18; a rod 116b supported by the housing 116a and capable of swinging; a compression spring (not shown) disposed inside the housing 116a and applying force to the rod 116b toward the abutment piece 94b; a permanent magnet (not shown) disposed inside the housing 116a and fixed to the rod 116b; and a magnetic sensor (not shown) disposed inside the housing 116a and detecting the magnetism from the permanent magnet of the rod 116b. The magnetic sensor is connected to the control circuit board 36 via wiring omitted from the diagram. The permanent magnet and magnetic sensor of the opening / closing detector 116 constitute the opening / closing detection sensor 117 (see reference). Figure 29 The opening / closing detection sensor 117 detects the opening / closing state of the lower curling guide 94. The opening / closing detection sensor 117 is disconnected when the lower curling guide 94 is closed and connected when the lower curling guide 94 is open.

[0080] like Figure 6As shown, the wire W fed from the wire feed mechanism 38 is conveyed to the upper wire passage 102 after passing the guide member 82. As the wire W is conveyed to the upper wire passage 102 from rear to front, it is given a downward curl through sliding contact with the lower surface of the upper curling guide 84, the movable guide pin 88, and the fixed guide pin 92. The wire W, having passed through the upper wire passage 102, is then conveyed to the lower wire passage 112. After passing through the lower wire passage 112 from front to rear, the wire W is conveyed upward and backward. Thus, the wire W is wound around the reinforcing bar R.

[0081] (Structure of the rebar connection mechanism 42)

[0082] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the rebar abutment mechanism 42 includes a contact arm 118, an arm support 120, a compression spring 122, a magnet support 124, and a sensor substrate 126. The contact arm 118 includes: a right arm portion 118a extending in the front-rear direction to the right of the upper base member 98; a left arm portion 118b extending in the front-rear direction to the left of the upper guide cover 100; and a connecting portion 118c extending in the left-right direction above the upper base member 98, the upper curling guide 84, and the upper guide cover 100, connecting the rear end of the right arm portion 118a to the rear end of the left arm portion 118b. The right arm portion 118a and the left arm portion 118b protrude forward beyond the front ends of the right housing 18 and the left housing 20. A right abutment portion 118d is formed on the lower front surface of the right arm portion 118a, positioned below the lower surface of the upper base member 98. A left abutment portion 118e is formed on the lower front surface of the left arm portion 118b, positioned below the lower surface of the upper guide cover 100. The contact arm 118 is supported by an arm bracket 120 via a swing shaft 120a extending in the left-right direction, allowing it to swing. The arm bracket 120 is fixed to the right housing 18 and the left housing 20. A compression spring 122 is disposed between the connecting portion 118c of the contact arm 118 and the arm bracket 120. The compression spring 122 applies a force to the contact arm 118 relative to the arm bracket 120 in a direction that causes the right abutment portion 118d and the left abutment portion 118e to move downward. A magnet bracket 124 is fixed near the rear end of the right arm portion 118a of the contact arm 118. The magnet bracket 124 includes a permanent magnet 124a. A sensor substrate 126 is fixed to the right housing 18. The sensor substrate 126 includes a magnetic sensor 126a that detects the magnetism from the permanent magnet 124a. The sensor substrate 126 is connected to the control circuit substrate 36 via wiring not shown in the diagram. The contact detection sensor 125 (see reference) is composed of a permanent magnet 124a and a magnetic sensor 126a. Figure 29 ).

[0083] The rebar abutment mechanism 42 is used when the rebar tying machine 2 is set to continuous firing mode. When the rebar R is not abutting against the contact arm 118, the right abutment portion 118d and the left abutment portion 118e are pressed downwards by the force of the compression spring 122. If the user abuts the rebar R against the right abutment portion 118d and the left abutment portion 118e of the contact arm 118, the contact arm 118 swings around the swing axis 120a, and the magnetic change from the permanent magnet 124a is detected by the magnetic sensor 126a. Thus, the abutment detection sensor 125 can detect that the rebar R is abutting against the contact arm 118. The abutment detection sensor 125 is disengaged when the rebar R is not abutting against the contact arm 118 and activated when the rebar R is abutting against the contact arm 118.

[0084] (Structure of wire cutting mechanism 44)

[0085] like Figure 12 As shown, the wire cutting mechanism 44 includes a fixed cutting member 128, a movable cutting member 130, a first rod member 132, a second rod member 134, a connecting rod member 136, and a torsion spring 138. Figure 6 As shown, the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 are arranged in the wire guiding mechanism 40 along the path that transports the wire W from the guide member 82 toward the upper coiling guide 84. The fixed cutting member 128 is fixed to the lower base member 96. A hole 128a for the wire W to pass through is formed in the fixed cutting member 128. The movable cutting member 130 is slidable and rotatable around the fixed cutting member 128 and is supported by the fixed cutting member 128. The movable cutting member 130 has an opening 130a for the wire W to pass through. Figure 6 As shown, in the state where the opening 130a of the movable cutting member 130 and the hole 128a of the fixed cutting member 128 are connected (hereinafter also referred to as the connected state), the wire W extending from the guide member 82 can pass through the hole 128a of the fixed cutting member 128 and the opening 130a of the movable cutting member 130. If the movable cutting member 130 changes from this state to the fixed cutting member 128, the wire W extending from the guide member 82 can pass through the hole 128a of the fixed cutting member 128 and the opening 130a of the movable cutting member 130. Figure 6 When the direction D3 is rotated (hereinafter also referred to as the cutting state), the wire W is cut by the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130.

[0086] like Figure 12As shown, the first link member 132 and the second link member 134 are positioned near the rear end of the lower base member 96. The first link member 132 and the second link member 134 are fixed to each other. The first link member 132 and the second link member 134 are rotatable about a swing axis 96a and are supported by the lower base member 96. The lower ends of the first link member 132 and the second link member 134 are rotatably connected to the rear end of the connecting rod member 136. The front end of the connecting rod member 136 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the movable cutting member 130. The rear end of the connecting rod member 136 is subjected to a forward force by a torsion spring 138. Figure 12 As shown, if the first link member 132 and the second link member 134 swing in a direction that causes their lower ends to face forward, then the connecting rod member 136 moves forward, and the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 become connected. Figure 13 As shown, if the first rod member 132 and the second rod member 134 swing in a direction that causes their lower ends to face backward, the connecting rod member 136 moves backward, and the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 are in a cutting state.

[0087] (Structure of wire twisting mechanism 46)

[0088] like Figure 14 As shown, the wire twisting mechanism 46 includes a twisting motor 140, a speed reduction unit 142, a holding unit 144, and a rotation limiting unit 145. The twisting motor 140 is connected to the control circuit board 36 via wiring (not shown). The twisting motor 140 is driven by power supplied from the battery pack B. The twisting motor 140 is controlled and driven by the control circuit board 36. The speed reduction unit 142, for example, uses a planetary gear mechanism to reduce the rotation of the twisting motor 140 and transmits the speed to the holding unit 144. The twisting motor 140 and the speed reduction unit 142 are fixed to the right housing 18 and the left housing 20.

[0089] The torsion motor 140 is, for example, a brushless motor. The torsion motor 140 has the same structure as the feed motor 50. Figure 5 As shown, the torsional motor 140 includes: a stator 150 having teeth 148 wound with coils 146; a rotor 152 disposed inside the stator 150; and a sensor substrate 154 fixed to the stator 150. The stator 150 is made of a magnetic material. The rotor 152 has permanent magnets with magnetic poles arranged circumferentially. A Hall sensor 156 is disposed on the sensor substrate 154. The Hall sensor 156 includes a first Hall element 156a, a second Hall element 156b, and a third Hall element 156c. The first Hall element 156a, the second Hall element 156b, and the third Hall element 156c detect the magnetic force from the rotor 152.

[0090] like Figure 15As shown, the retaining part 144 includes a bearing housing 158, a bearing sleeve 160, a clutch plate 162, a lead screw shaft 164, an inner sleeve 166, an outer sleeve 168, a push plate 170, a clamping shaft 172, a right clamping member 174, and a left clamping member 176.

[0091] The bearing housing 158 is fixed to the reduction gear 142. The bearing housing 158 supports the bearing sleeve 160 for rotation via the bearing 178. Rotation is transmitted from the reduction gear 142 to the bearing sleeve 160. If the torsion motor 140 rotates clockwise, the bearing sleeve 160 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear. If the torsion motor 140 rotates counterclockwise, the bearing sleeve 160 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear.

[0092] like Figure 16 As shown, a clutch groove 160a extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rear portion of the bearing sleeve 160. A first wall portion 160b and a second wall portion 160c are formed at the front end of the clutch groove 160a. The front-rear distance from the rear end of the bearing sleeve 160 to the first wall portion 160b is less than the front-rear distance from the rear end of the bearing sleeve 160 to the second wall portion 160c. A clutch disc 162 is housed inside the bearing sleeve 160. A clutch protrusion 162a corresponding to the clutch groove 160a is formed on the clutch disc 162. The clutch disc 162 is subjected to a rearward force relative to the bearing sleeve 160 by a compression spring 180 housed inside the bearing sleeve 160. Normally, the clutch disc 162 can advance relative to the bearing sleeve 160 until the clutch protrusion 162a abuts against the first wall portion 160b of the clutch groove 160a. When the wire W is twisted, when viewed from the rear, the bearing sleeve 160 rotates counterclockwise relative to the clutch plate 162, so that the clutch plate 162 can advance relative to the bearing sleeve 160 until the clutch protrusion 162a abuts against the second wall portion 160c of the clutch groove 160a.

[0093] The rear portion 164a of the lead screw shaft 164 is inserted into the bearing sleeve 160 from the front and fixed to the clutch plate 162. A radially protruding flange 164c is formed between the rear portion 164a and the front portion 164b of the lead screw shaft 164. A helical ball groove 164d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion 164b of the lead screw shaft 164. A locking portion 164e with a smaller diameter than the front portion 164b is formed at the front end of the lead screw shaft 164.

[0094] like Figure 15As shown, a compression spring 181 is installed at the front portion 164b of the lead screw shaft 164. The front portion 164b of the lead screw shaft 164 is inserted into the inner sleeve 166 from the rear. A ball hole 166a for retaining a ball 185 is formed in the inner sleeve 166. The ball 185 engages with the ball groove 164d of the lead screw shaft 164. A radially protruding flange 166b is formed at the rear end of the inner sleeve 166. The inner sleeve 166 is inserted into the outer sleeve 168 from the rear. The outer sleeve 168 is fixed to the inner sleeve 166. A rotation limiting part 145 (see reference) is used. Figure 14 If the outer sleeve 168 is allowed to rotate, and the lead screw 164 rotates, then the inner sleeve 166 and the outer sleeve 168 also rotate as a unit. This is achieved by the rotation limiting part 145 (see reference). Figure 14 When the outer sleeve 168 is prevented from rotating, if the lead screw 164 rotates, the inner sleeve 166 and the outer sleeve 168 move relative to the lead screw 164 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, if the torsion motor 140 rotates clockwise, the lead screw 164 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear, and the inner sleeve 166 and the outer sleeve 168 move forward relative to the lead screw 164. Conversely, if the torsion motor 140 rotates counterclockwise, the lead screw 164 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear, and the inner sleeve 166 and the outer sleeve 168 move rearward relative to the lead screw 164. The push plate 170 is positioned between the rear end of the outer sleeve 168 and the flange 166b of the inner sleeve 166. Therefore, if the inner sleeve 166 and the outer sleeve 168 move in the front-rear direction, the push plate 170 also moves in the front-rear direction. A slit 168a is formed at the front of the outer sleeve 168, extending from the front end of the outer sleeve 168 toward the rear.

[0095] The clamping shaft 172 is inserted into the inner sleeve 166 from the front. A engaging portion 164e of the lead screw shaft 164 is inserted into the rear end of the clamping shaft 172. The clamping shaft 172 is fixed to the lead screw shaft 164. Figure 17 As shown, a flat plate portion 172a, an opening 172b, and a flange 172c are formed on the clamping shaft 172. The flat plate portion 172a is disposed at the front end of the clamping shaft 172 and has a generally flat plate shape along the vertical and horizontal directions. A feed pin 182 (see reference) is formed on the flat plate portion 172a. Figure 18 The fitting hole 172d. The opening 172b is positioned rearward of the flat plate portion 172a. The opening 172b passes through the clamping shaft 172 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-back direction. The flange 172c is positioned rearward of the opening 172b and protrudes radially.

[0096] like Figure 18As shown, the right clamping member 174 is mounted on the clamping shaft 172 through the opening 172b from right to left. The left clamping member 176 is mounted on the clamping shaft 172 through the opening 172b from left to right, located lower than the right clamping member 174.

[0097] like Figure 19 As shown, the right-side clamping member 174 includes a base portion 174a, a lower protrusion 174b, an upper protrusion 174c, an abutment portion 174d, an upper protective portion 174e, and a front protective portion 174f. The base portion 174a has a generally flat shape along the front-rear and left-right directions. The lower protrusion 174b is located at the right front end of the base portion 174a and protrudes downward from the base portion 174a. The upper protrusion 174c is located at the right front end of the base portion 174a and protrudes upward from the base portion 174a. The abutment portion 174d protrudes to the left from the upper end of the upper protrusion 174c. The upper protective portion 174e protrudes to the left from the upper end of the abutment portion 174d. The front protective portion 174f protrudes to the left from the front ends of the upper protrusion 174c and the abutment portion 174d. Cam holes 174g and 174h are formed in the base portion 174a. Cam holes 174g and 174h have a shape that extends forward from the rear end toward the front end, then bends and extends to the right front, and then bends further and extends forward.

[0098] like Figure 20 As shown, the left clamping member 176 includes a base portion 176a, a pin retaining portion 176b, a lower protrusion 176c, an abutment portion 176d, a rear protective portion 176e, and a front protective portion 176f. The base portion 176a has a generally flat shape along the front-rear and left-right directions. The pin retaining portion 176b is provided at the left front end of the base portion 176a, and above the base portion 176a, it holds the pin 182 (see reference). Figure 18 The base portion 176a is provided at the left front end of the base portion 176a and protrudes downward from the base portion 176a. The abutment portion 176d protrudes to the right from the lower end of the lower protrusion portion 176c. The rear protection portion 176e protrudes to the right from the rear end of the abutment portion 176d. The front protection portion 174f protrudes to the right from the front end of the abutment portion 176d. Cam holes 176g and 176h are formed in the base portion 176a. The cam holes 176g and 176h have a shape that first extends forward from the rear end to the front end, then bends and extends to the left front, then bends and extends forward, then bends further and extends to the left front, and then bends and extends forward.

[0099] like Figure 18As shown, with the right clamping member 174 and the left clamping member 176 installed on the clamping shaft 172, the cam sleeve 184 is configured to pass through the cam hole 174g and the cam hole 176g, and the cam sleeve 186 is configured to pass through the cam hole 174h and the cam hole 176h. Additionally, the support pin 188 is configured to pass through the cam sleeve 184, and the support pin 190 is configured to pass through the cam sleeve 186. A generally annular buffer member 192 is installed between the right clamping member 174 and the left clamping member 176 and the flange 172c of the clamping shaft 172.

[0100] like Figure 14 As shown, with the clamping shaft 172 installed in the inner sleeve 166, the right clamping member 174 and the left clamping member 176 enter the slit 168a of the outer sleeve 168, and the support pins 188 and 190 are connected to the outer sleeve 168. If the clamping shaft 172 moves in the front-rear direction relative to the outer sleeve 168, the cam sleeve 184 installed on the support pin 188 moves in the front-rear direction within the cam holes 174g and 176g, and the cam sleeve 186 installed on the support pin 190 moves in the front-rear direction within the cam holes 174h and 176h, thereby moving the right clamping member 174 and the left clamping member 176 in the left-right direction.

[0101] In the initial state where the clamping shaft 172 protrudes forward from the outer sleeve 168, the right clamping member 174 is located at the rightmost position relative to the clamping shaft 172. In this state, as... Figure 18 As shown, a right-side wire passage 194 is formed between the upper protrusion 174c of the right-side clamping member 174 and the flat plate portion 172a of the clamping shaft 172, allowing the wire W to pass through. The upper part of the right-side wire passage 194 is covered by the upper protective portion 174e. This state of the right-side clamping member 174 is also referred to as the fully open state. If the outer sleeve 168 moves forward relative to the clamping shaft 172 from this state, the right-side clamping member 174 moves to the left toward the clamping shaft 172. In this state, the wire W is clamped between the lower end of the abutment portion 174d of the right-side clamping member 174 and the upper end of the flat plate portion 172a of the clamping shaft 172, and the front of the right-side wire passage 194 is covered by the front protective portion 174f. This state of the right-side clamping member 174 is also referred to as the fully closed state.

[0102] In the initial state where the clamping shaft 172 protrudes forward from the outer sleeve 168, the left clamping member 176 is located at the leftmost position relative to the clamping shaft 172. In this state, a left wire passage 196 is formed between the lower protrusion 176c of the left clamping member 176 and the flat plate portion 172a of the clamping shaft 172, allowing the wire W to pass through. This state of the left clamping member 176 is also referred to as the fully open state. If the outer sleeve 168 moves forward relative to the clamping shaft 172 from this state, the left clamping member 176 moves to the right toward the clamping shaft 172. In this state, the wire W can also pass through the left wire passage 196, but the rear of the left wire passage 196 is covered by the rear protection portion 176e, and the front of the left wire passage 196 is covered by the front protection portion 176f. This state of the left clamping member 176 is also referred to as the half-open state. If the outer sleeve 168 moves further forward relative to the clamping shaft 172 from this state, the left clamping member 176 moves further to the right toward the clamping shaft 172. In this state, the wire W is clamped between the upper end of the abutment portion 176d of the left clamping member 176 and the lower end of the flat plate portion 172a of the clamping shaft 172. This state of the left clamping member 176 is also referred to as the fully closed state.

[0103] The fixed cutting member 128 of the wire cutting mechanism 44 (see reference) Figure 6 The upper wire passage 102 facing the wire guide mechanism 40 (refer to) Figure 6 The wire W passes through the left wire passage 196 of the wire twisting mechanism 46. Therefore, the left clamping member 176 is fully closed. If the wire W is cut by the wire cutting mechanism 44, the end of the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar R is held by the left clamping member 176 and the clamping shaft 172. Furthermore, the left wire passage 196 is large enough to allow multiple wires W to pass through, and the ends of multiple wires W can also be held by the left clamping member 176 and the clamping shaft 172.

[0104] Furthermore, after passing through the lower wire passage 112 of the wire guiding mechanism 40, the upwardly conveyed wire W passes through the right wire passage 194 of the wire twisting mechanism 46. Therefore, if the right clamping member 174 is fully closed, the end of the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar R is held by the right clamping member 174 and the clamping shaft 172. In addition, the right wire passage 194 is large enough to allow multiple wires W to pass through, and the ends of multiple wires W can also be held by the right clamping member 174 and the clamping shaft 172.

[0105] like Figure 21As shown, fins 198 are formed on the rear outer peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 168. The fins 198 extend in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, eight fins 198 are arranged at 45-degree intervals from each other on the outer peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 168. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fins 198 include seven short fins 198a and one long fin 198b. The longitudinal length of the long fin 198b is greater than the longitudinal length of the short fins 198a. In the longitudinal direction, the rear end of the long fin 198b is positioned at the same position as the rear end of the short fins 198a. In the longitudinal direction, the front end of the long fin 198b is positioned further forward than the front end of the short fins 198a.

[0106] like Figure 14 As shown, the rotation limiting part 145 is positioned corresponding to the fins 198 of the outer sleeve 168. The rotation limiting part 145 works in conjunction with the fins 198 to allow or prevent rotation of the outer sleeve 168. Figure 22 As shown, the rotation limiting part 145 includes a base member 200, an upper stop 202, a lower stop 204, and torsion springs 201 and 203. The base member 200 is fixed to the right housing 18. The upper stop 202 is supported by the upper part of the base member 200 via a swing shaft 200a and is able to swing. The upper stop 202 includes a limiting plate 202a. The limiting plate 202a is located at the lower part of the upper stop 202. The torsion spring 201 applies force to the limiting plate 202a in a direction that opens outward (i.e., the direction in which the limiting plate 202a moves away from the base member 200). The lower stop 204 is supported by the lower part of the base member 200 via a swing shaft 200b and is able to swing. The lower stop 204 includes a limiting plate 204a. The limiting plate 204a is located at the upper part of the lower stop 204. The rear end of the limiting piece 204a is positioned further forward than the rear end of the limiting piece 202a. The front end of the limiting piece 204a is positioned further forward than the front end of the limiting piece 202a. The torsion spring 203 applies a force to the limiting piece 204a in an outward direction (i.e., the direction in which the limiting piece 204a moves away from the base member 200).

[0107] Regarding the upper stop 202, when the torsion motor 140 rotates clockwise and the lead screw 164 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear, if the fins 198 of the outer sleeve 168 abut against the limiting plate 202a, the upper stop 202 prevents the rotation of the outer sleeve 168. On the other hand, when the torsion motor 140 rotates counterclockwise and the lead screw 164 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear, even if the fins 198 of the outer sleeve 168 abut against the limiting plate 202a, they remain pressed into the limiting plate 202a as before. In this case, the upper stop 202 does not prevent the rotation of the outer sleeve 168.

[0108] Regarding the lower stop 204, when the torsion motor 140 rotates clockwise and the lead screw 164 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear, the fins 198 of the outer sleeve 168 remain pressed against the limiting plate 204a, even if they are in contact with it. In this case, the lower stop 204 does not prevent the rotation of the outer sleeve 168. On the other hand, when the lead screw 164 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear, if the fins 198 of the outer sleeve 168 come into contact with the limiting plate 204a, the lower stop 204 prevents the rotation of the outer sleeve 168.

[0109] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the upper end of the push plate 170 is connected to the rear end of the sliding plate 110 of the wire guiding mechanism 40. Therefore, if the push plate 170 moves in the front-back direction in the wire torsion mechanism 46, the sliding plate 110 of the wire guiding mechanism 40 also moves in the front-back direction.

[0110] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the lower end of the push plate 170 is positioned corresponding to the first and second lever members 132 and 134 of the wire cutting mechanism 44. Therefore, if the push plate 170 moves forward and abuts against the second lever member 134, causing the second lever member 134 to rotate forward, the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 of the wire cutting mechanism 44 are in a cutting state. If the push plate 170 moves backward and abuts against the first lever member 132, causing the first lever member 132 to rotate backward, the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130 of the wire cutting mechanism 44 are in a communicating state.

[0111] A permanent magnet 170a is provided on the push plate 170. For example... Figure 21 As shown, a sensor substrate 206 is provided on the bearing housing 158 corresponding to the permanent magnet 170a. The sensor substrate 206 has two magnetic sensors 206a and 206b that detect the magnetism from the permanent magnet 170a. When the wire torsion mechanism 46 is in its initial state, the magnetic sensor 206a is positioned opposite the permanent magnet 170a. When the right clamping member 174 is fully closed and the left clamping member 176 is partially open in the wire torsion mechanism 46, the magnetic sensor 206b is positioned opposite the permanent magnet 170a. The sensor substrate 206 is connected to the control circuit board 36 via wiring (not shown). The permanent magnet 170a and the magnetic sensor 206a constitute an initial state detection sensor 205 (see reference). Figure 29When the wire torsion mechanism 46 is in its initial state, the initial state detection sensor 205 is activated; otherwise, the initial state detection sensor 205 is deactivated. The end-holding detection sensor 207 is constructed using a permanent magnet 170a and a magnetic sensor 206b (see reference). Figure 29 When the right clamping member 174 is fully closed and the left clamping member 176 is half open, the end holding detection sensor 207 is turned on; otherwise, the end holding detection sensor 207 is turned off.

[0112] (Structure of the rebar pressing mechanism 48)

[0113] like Figure 23 As shown, the rebar pressing mechanism 48 includes contact plates 208 and 210, base components 212 and 214, guide rods 216 and 218, and front push rods 220 and 222 (see reference). Figure 24 ), rear push rods 224, 226, guide plate 228, 230, rod bracket 232, 234.

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, contact plates 208 and 210 are positioned near the front end of the main body 4. Figure 23 As shown, contact plates 208 and 210 are capable of swinging about swing axes 208a and 210a extending in the vertical direction, and are supported by base members 212 and 214. Base member 212 is fixed to the right housing 18. Base member 214 is fixed to the left housing 20. Figure 24 As shown, torsion springs 236 and 238 are installed on the swing shafts 208a and 210a. When the contact plates 208 and 210 are rotated in the forward opening direction relative to the base members 212 and 214, the torsion springs 236 and 238 exert a force on the contact plates 208 and 210 in the rearward closing direction relative to the base members 212 and 214 through elastic restoring force.

[0115] Guide rods 216 and 218 are fixed to base components 212 and 214. Front push rods 220 and 222 are inserted into guide rods 216 and 218 from the rear, protruding forward from the front ends of guide rods 216 and 218. The front ends of the front push rods 220 and 222 are positioned opposite the rear surfaces of contact plates 208 and 210. Rear push rods 224 and 226 are inserted into guide rods 216 and 218 from the rear. First compression springs 240 and 242 and second compression springs 244 and 246 are housed inside guide rods 216 and 218. The first compression springs 240 and 242 connect the front push rods 220 and 222 with the rear push rods 224 and 226. When the gap between the front push rods 220 and 222 and the rear push rods 224 and 226 narrows, the first compression springs 240 and 242 exert an elastic restoring force. The second compression springs 244 and 246 exert a force on the front push rods 220 and 222 relative to the guide rods 216 and 218 in a rearward direction. The spring stiffness of the second compression springs 244 and 246 is less than that of the first compression springs 240 and 242. For example... Figure 23 As shown, from the front end to the rear end, the rear push rod 224 extends rearward, then bends and extends upward to the left, further bends and extends rearward. From the front end to the rear end, the rear push rod 226 extends rearward, then bends and extends downward to the right, further bends and extends rearward. The rear push rods 224 and 226 are supported by guide plates 228 and 230 and rod supports 232 and 234 to allow them to slide in the front-rear direction. Guide plate 228 and rod support 232 are fixed to the right housing 18. Guide plate 230 and rod support 234 are fixed to the left housing 20.

[0116] like Figure 21 As shown, on the push plate 170 of the wire torsion mechanism 46, rod grooves 170b and 170c are formed at positions corresponding to the rear push rods 224 and 226. If the push plate 170 moves forward in the wire torsion mechanism 46, the rear ends of the rear push rods 224 and 226 enter the rod grooves 170b and 170c. If the push plate 170 moves further forward from this state, the rear push rods 224 and 226 are pressed forward, and the front push rods 220 and 222 are pressed forward by the first compression springs 240 and 242. As a result, the contact plates 208 and 210 rotate in the direction of opening forward and are pressed against the reinforcing bar R.

[0117] When the wire twisting mechanism 46 twists the wire W, as the twisting of the wire W gradually progresses, the clamping shaft 172, the right clamping member 174, and the left clamping member 176 are pulled strongly towards the reinforcing bar R by the wire W. At this time, if the reaction force from the reinforcing bar R acting on the contact plates 208 and 210 is transmitted to the wire twisting mechanism 46 via the right housing 18 and the left housing 20, damage to the right housing 18 and the left housing 20 may occur. In this embodiment, when the wire twisting mechanism 46 twists the wire W, the reaction force from the reinforcing bar R acting on the contact plates 208 and 210 is transmitted to the push plate 170 of the wire twisting mechanism 46 via the front push rods 220 and 222, the first compression springs 240 and 242, and the rear push rods 224 and 226, thus suppressing damage to the right housing 18 and the left housing 20.

[0118] Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the mechanical structure of the rebar tying machine 2. For example, in the rebar tying machine 2, the spool support 10 can be positioned at the rear of the main body 4, and the wire feeding mechanism 38 can be positioned between the spool support 10 and the wire guiding mechanism 40 of the main body 4. Alternatively, the control circuit board 36 can be housed inside the main body 4. Furthermore, the second operation display unit 34 can be positioned on the outer surface of the main body 4.

[0119] (The operation of rebar tying machine 2)

[0120] Next, the operation of the rebar tying machine 2 will be explained. When the single-fire mode is selected as the operating mode, if the trigger switch 14 switches from off to on, it is determined that the user has instructed the rebar R to be tied, and the tying action is performed. Furthermore, when the continuous-fire mode is selected as the operating mode, if the trigger switch 14 is on and the contact sensor 125 switches from off to on, it is determined that the user has instructed the rebar R to be tied, and the tying action is performed.

[0121] When the rebar tying machine 2 performs the tying action, it performs the following steps: feeding out, end holding, pulling back, end holding, cutting, twisting, and initial state restoration.

[0122] (Sending out process)

[0123] If the feed motor 50 rotates forward from the initial state, the wire feeding mechanism 38 will feed the wire W wound on the spool 33 to a predetermined length. The end of the wire W passes sequentially through the fixed cutting member 128, the movable cutting member 130, the left wire passage 196, the upper wire passage 102, the lower wire passage 112, and the right wire passage 194. Thus, the wire W is wound in a circular shape around the reinforcing bar R. When the feeding of the wire W ends, the feed motor 50 stops.

[0124] (End-of-line holding process)

[0125] After the feeding process is completed, if the torsion motor 140 rotates clockwise, the lead screw shaft 164 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the outer sleeve 168 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by the rotation restriction part 145. Therefore, the outer sleeve 168 and the inner sleeve 166 advance together relative to the clamping shaft 172, the right clamping member 174 is fully closed, and the left clamping member 176 is half open. Thus, the end of the wire W is held by the right clamping member 174 and the clamping shaft 172. If it is detected that the end of the wire W is held, the torsion motor 140 stops.

[0126] (Pull-back process)

[0127] After the end-holding process is completed, if the feed motor 50 reverses, the wire feed mechanism 38 will pull back the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar R. The end of the wire W is held by the right-side clamp 174 and the clamping shaft 172, thus reducing the diameter of the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar R. Once the pull-back of the wire W is complete, the feed motor 50 stops.

[0128] (Terminal holding process)

[0129] After the pull-back process is completed, if the torsion motor 140 rotates clockwise, the lead screw shaft 164 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the outer sleeve 168 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by the rotation restriction part 145. Therefore, the outer sleeve 168 and the inner sleeve 166 advance together relative to the clamping shaft 172, and the left clamping member 176 is in a fully closed state. Thus, the end of the wire W is held by the left clamping member 176 and the clamping shaft 172.

[0130] (Cutting process)

[0131] After the terminal holding process is completed, if the torsion motor 140 rotates further clockwise, the lead screw shaft 164 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the outer sleeve 168 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by the rotation restriction part 145. Therefore, the outer sleeve 168 and the inner sleeve 166 advance further relative to the clamping shaft 172, and the push plate 170 pushes the upper end of the second rod member 134 forward. As a result, the wire W is cut by the fixed cutting member 128 and the movable cutting member 130. When the cutting of the wire W is completed, the torsion motor 140 stops.

[0132] (Twist process)

[0133] After the cutting process is completed, if the torsion motor 140 rotates further clockwise, the lead screw shaft 164 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the outer sleeve 168 is allowed to rotate counterclockwise by the rotation restriction part 145, and the outer sleeve 168, inner sleeve 166, clamping shaft 172, right clamping member 174, and left clamping member 176 rotate as a whole in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar R twists. When the twisting of the wire W ends, the torsion motor 140 stops.

[0134] (Initial state restoration process)

[0135] After the cutting or twisting process is completed, if the twisting motor 140 reverses, the lead screw 164 rotates clockwise. At this time, the outer sleeve 168 is prevented from rotating clockwise by the rotation restriction part 145. Therefore, the outer sleeve 168 and the inner sleeve 166 retract relative to the clamping shaft 172. The left clamping member 176 becomes fully open from a half-open state, and the right clamping member 174 becomes fully open. In addition, the movable cutting member 130 becomes connected. Subsequently, if clockwise rotation is allowed by the rotation restriction part 145, the outer sleeve 168, the inner sleeve 166, the clamping shaft 172, the right clamping member 174, and the left clamping member 176 become a single unit and rotate clockwise. If the long fin 198b abuts against the lower stop 204, the rotation of the outer sleeve 168 is again prevented, and the outer sleeve 168 and the inner sleeve 166 retract relative to the clamping shaft 172 again. If the wire twisting mechanism 46 is detected to have returned to its initial state, the twisting motor 140 will stop.

[0136] In the rebar tying machine 2 of this embodiment, it is also possible to perform a single winding tying action in which the wire W is wrapped around the rebar R once and the wire W is twisted, or a double winding tying action in which the wire W is wrapped around the rebar R twice and the two wires W are twisted simultaneously.

[0137] (A binding action involving wrapping the cord around the neck once)

[0138] When performing a binding action involving one loop, the rebar binding machine 2 sequentially executes the following steps: feeding, end holding, pulling back, end holding, cutting, twisting, and initial state restoration. In this case, as... Figure 25 As shown, wire W is fed out via wire feeding mechanism 38, as... Figure 26 As shown, the end of the wire W is held by the wire twisting mechanism 46, the wire feed mechanism 38 pulls the wire W back, the wire twisting mechanism 46 still holds the end of the wire W, and the wire cutting mechanism 44 cuts the wire W. From this state, the wire twisting mechanism 46 twists the wire W.

[0139] (A binding action involving wrapping the cord twice)

[0140] When performing a two-turn binding action, the rebar binding machine 2, after sequentially executing the feeding process, end-holding process, pull-back process, end-holding process, and cutting process, performs an initial state restoration process. In this case, as... Figure 25 As shown, the first coil of wire W is fed out by the wire feeding mechanism 38, as follows: Figure 26 As shown, the end of the first coil of wire W is held by the wire twisting mechanism 46, the first coil of wire W is pulled back by the wire feeding mechanism 38, the end of the first coil of wire W is also held by the wire twisting mechanism 46, and the first coil of wire W is cut by the wire cutting mechanism 44. From this state, the wire twisting mechanism 46 releases the holding of the end and the rear end of the first coil of wire W. Subsequently, the rebar tying machine 2 sequentially performs the feeding process, the end holding process, the pulling back process, the end holding process, the cutting process, the twisting process, and the initial state restoration process. In this case, as Figure 27 As shown, the second coil of wire W is fed out via the wire feeding mechanism 38, as... Figure 28 As shown, the wire twisting mechanism 46 holds the ends of the first and second turns of wire W, the wire feeding mechanism 38 pulls back the second turn of wire W, the wire twisting mechanism 46 holds the ends of the first and second turns of wire W, and the wire cutting mechanism 44 cuts the second turn of wire W. From this state, the wire twisting mechanism 46 twists the first and second turns of wire W.

[0141] If the configuration involves twisting the first coil of wire W before winding the second coil, followed by winding and twisting the second coil, two twisting processes would be required, increasing the operation time. Furthermore, there is a risk that when feeding the second coil, it might encounter a knot in the first coil, preventing it from being properly guided around the reinforcing bar R, or that when twisting the second coil, it might ride on a knot in the first coil, preventing it from adhering tightly to the reinforcing bar R. In contrast, in the reinforcing bar binding machine 2 of this embodiment, during the two-coil binding operation, the second coil of wire W is wound before twisting the first coil, and then both coils are twisted simultaneously. This structure shortens the operation time. Additionally, it prevents the knot in the first coil of wire W from becoming an obstacle during the winding and twisting of the second coil.

[0142] (Circuit structure of control circuit board 36)

[0143] like Figure 29As shown, the control circuit board 36 is provided with a control power supply circuit 300, an MCU (Micro Control Unit) 302, a motor control signal output destination switching circuit 304, a motor rotation signal input source switching circuit 306, a gate drive circuit 308, 310, an inverter circuit 312, 314, a current detection circuit 316, and a braking circuit 318, 320, etc.

[0144] The control power supply circuit 300 adjusts the power supplied from battery pack B to a specified voltage and supplies power to MCU 302, braking circuits 318 and 320, etc.

[0145] The inverter circuit 312 includes: multiple upper switching elements (not shown) connected in parallel between the positive terminal power supply potential of the battery pack B and the coil 56 of the feed motor 50; and multiple lower switching elements (not shown) connected in parallel between the coil 56 of the feed motor 50 and the current detection circuit 316. The gate drive circuit 308 switches each upper and lower switching element of the inverter circuit 312 between on and off states according to motor control signals UH1, VH1, WH1, UL1, VL1, and WL1, thereby controlling the operation of the feed motor 50. Furthermore, when the feed motor 50 rotates, if the gate drive circuit 308 makes all the upper and lower switching elements off, the power supply to the feed motor 50 is cut off, and the feed motor 50 stops after continuing to rotate due to inertia. In addition, when the feed motor 50 is rotating, if the gate drive circuit 308 makes the upper switch element non-conductive and the lower switch element conductive, a so-called short-circuit brake is applied to the feed motor 50, and the rotation of the feed motor 50 stops immediately.

[0146] Similarly, the inverter circuit 314 includes: multiple upper-side switching elements (not shown) connected in parallel between the positive terminal power supply potential of the battery pack B and the coil 146 of the torsion motor 140; and multiple lower-side switching elements (not shown) connected in parallel between the coil 146 of the torsion motor 140 and the current detection circuit 316. The gate drive circuit 310 switches each of the switching elements of the inverter circuit 314 between on and off states according to the motor control signals UH2, VH2, WH2, UL2, VL2, and WL2, thereby controlling the operation of the torsion motor 140. The gate drive circuit 310 switches each of the upper-side and lower-side switching elements of the inverter circuit 314 between on and off states according to the motor control signals UH2, VH2, WH2, UL2, VL2, and WL2, thereby controlling the operation of the torsion motor 140. Furthermore, when the torsion motor 140 rotates, if the gate drive circuit 310 de-energizes both the upper and lower switching elements, the power supply to the torsion motor 140 is cut off, and the torsion motor 140 stops after continuing to rotate due to inertia. Alternatively, when the torsion motor 140 rotates, if the gate drive circuit 310 de-energizes the upper switching element and energizes the lower switching element, a so-called short-circuit brake is applied to the torsion motor 140, and the rotation of the torsion motor 140 immediately stops.

[0147] A current detection circuit 316 is configured between the inverter circuits 312 and 314 and the negative terminal power supply potential of the battery pack B. The current detection circuit 316 detects the magnitude of the current flowing through the inverter circuits 312 and 314. The current detection circuit 316 outputs the detected current value to the MCU 302.

[0148] The MCU302 features a motor control signal output port 302a, a motor rotation signal input port 302b, and a general-purpose input / output port 302c. The motor control signal output port 302a is designed for outputting motor control signals UH, VH, WH, UL, VL, and WL to the brushless motor, and it enables higher-speed signal processing than the general-purpose input / output port 302c. The motor rotation signal input port 302b is designed for inputting Hall sensor signals Hu, Hv, and Hw from the brushless motor, and it also enables higher-speed signal processing than the general-purpose input / output port 302c. Trigger switch 14, open / close detection sensor 117, contact detection sensor 125, initial state detection sensor 205, end hold detection sensor 207, main power switch 24a of the first operation display unit 24, main power LED 24b, mode switch 24c, mode display LED 24d, setting switch 34a and setting display LED 34b of the second operation display unit 34 are all connected to the general-purpose input / output port 302c of the MCU 302.

[0149] The motor control signal output port 302a of MCU302 is connected to the motor control signal output destination switching circuit 304. The motor control signal output destination switching circuit 304 switches the output destination of the motor control signals UH, VH, WH, UL, VL, and WL output from the motor control signal output port 302a between the gate drive circuit 308 and the gate drive circuit 310 according to the switching signal SW output from the general-purpose input / output port 302c of MCU302.

[0150] The braking circuit 318 is connected to the signal lines of the motor control signals UL1, VL1, and WL1 output from the motor control signal output destination switching circuit 304 to the gate drive circuit 308. The braking circuit 318 applies a short-circuit brake to the feed motor 50 according to the brake signal BR1 output from the general-purpose input / output port 302c of the MCU 302.

[0151] Similarly, the braking circuit 320 is connected to the signal lines of the motor control signals UL2, VL2, and WL2 output from the motor control signal output destination switching circuit 304 to the gate drive circuit 310. The braking circuit 320 applies short-circuit braking to the torsion motor 140 according to the brake signal BR2 output from the general-purpose input / output port 302c of the MCU 302.

[0152] Hall sensor 66 of feed motor 50 and Hall sensor 156 of torsion motor 140 are connected to motor rotation signal input source switching circuit 306. Motor rotation signal input source switching circuit 306 is connected to motor rotation signal input port 302b of MCU 302. According to the switching signal SW output from MCU 302, motor rotation signal input source switching circuit 306 inputs any one of the Hall sensor signals Hu1, Hv1, Hw1 from feed motor 50 and Hall sensor signals Hu2, Hv2, Hw2 from torsion motor 140 to motor rotation signal input port 302b of MCU 302.

[0153] In addition, Hall sensor 66 of feed motor 50 and Hall sensor 156 of torsion motor 140 are also connected to general purpose input / output port 302c of MCU302. MCU302 is able to monitor the Hall sensor signals Hu1, Hv1, Hw1 from feed motor 50 and Hall sensor signals Hu2, Hv2, Hw2 from torsion motor 140 input to general purpose input / output port 302c.

[0154] (Processing performed by MCU302)

[0155] If the main power is on, the MCU302 executes... Figures 30-32 The processing.

[0156] like Figure 30As shown, in S2, the MCU302 obtains the binding force of the wire W set in the second operation display unit 34.

[0157] In S4, MCU302 determines whether the operation mode set in the first operation display unit 24 is a single-shot mode or a burst-fire mode.

[0158] In S6, MCU302 remains in standby mode until the start of the binding action is indicated. When the operation mode is set to single-fire mode, if trigger switch 14 switches from off to on, MCU302 determines that the binding action has started. When the operation mode is set to continuous-fire mode, if trigger switch 14 is on and the contact detection sensor 125 switches from off to on, MCU302 determines that the binding action has started. If the start of the binding action is indicated (becoming "Yes"), the process proceeds to S8.

[0159] In S8, MCU302 sets the number of turns N of wire W based on the set binding force of wire W. In this embodiment, when the binding force of wire W is set to a low level, that is, when the binding force of wire W is set to any one of the levels 1, 2, and 3, the number of turns N of wire W is set to 1. When the binding force of wire W is set to a high level, that is, when the binding force of wire W is set to any one of the levels 4, 5, and 6, the number of turns N of wire W is set to 2.

[0160] In S10, MCU302 sets the number of winding operations n of wire W to 0.

[0161] In S12, MCU302 drives the torsional motor 140 in reverse. Thus, the initial state recovery process begins.

[0162] In S14, MCU302 remains on standby until the wire twisting mechanism 46 returns to its initial state. If the initial state detection sensor 205 is turned on and the current flowing in the twisting motor 140 reaches a first predetermined current value, MCU302 determines that the wire twisting mechanism 46 has returned to its initial state. If the wire twisting mechanism 46 has returned to its initial state (is marked "yes"), the process proceeds to S16.

[0163] In S16, MCU302 stops the torsion motor 140. Accordingly, the initial state recovery process ends.

[0164] In S18, MCU302 drives feed motor 50 in forward rotation. Thus, the feed-out process begins.

[0165] In S20, MCU302 remains on standby until the feeding of wire W is completed. In S18, when the feed motor 50, which starts rotating from its initial position, reaches a predetermined number of rotations, MCU302 determines that the feeding of wire W is complete. The number of rotations of feed motor 50 can be determined based on the detection signal from Hall sensor 66. If the number of rotations of feed motor 50 reaches the predetermined number of rotations (is "yes"), the process proceeds to S22.

[0166] In step S22, MCU302 stops the feed motor 50. This completes the feeding process.

[0167] In S24, MCU302 drives torsion motor 140 in forward rotation. Thus, the end-holding process begins.

[0168] In S26, MCU302 remains in standby mode until the end of wire W is held. If the end-holding detection sensor 207 is turned on, MCU302 determines that the end of wire W is held. If the end of wire W is held (is marked as "yes"), the process proceeds to S28.

[0169] In S28, MCU302 stops the torsion motor 140. Thus, the end-holding process ends.

[0170] In S30, MCU302 drives feed motor 50 in reverse. Thus, the pull-back process begins.

[0171] In S32, MCU302 remains on standby until the wire W is pulled back completely. If the current flowing in the feed motor 50 reaches a second predetermined current value, MCU302 determines that the wire W has been pulled back completely. The second predetermined current value is greater than the first predetermined current value. If the wire W has been pulled back completely (is marked "yes"), the process proceeds to S34.

[0172] In S34, MCU302 stops the feed motor 50. This completes the pull-back process.

[0173] In S36, MCU302 increases the number of winding operations n by 1.

[0174] In S38, MCU302 determines whether the number of winding operations n is less than the number of winding turns N set in S8. If the number of winding operations n is less than the number of winding turns N (if "yes"), the process proceeds to S40.

[0175] like Figure 31 As shown, in S40, MCU302 drives torsion motor 140 in forward rotation. Thus, after the termination holding process, the cutting process begins.

[0176] In S42, MCU302 remains on standby until the cutting of wire W is completed. When the current flowing in the torsion motor 140 reaches a third predetermined current value, MCU302 determines that the cutting of wire W is completed. The third predetermined current value is greater than the first predetermined current value and the second predetermined current value. If the cutting of wire W is completed (is marked as "yes"), the process proceeds to S44.

[0177] In step S44, MCU302 stops the torsion motor 140. This completes the cutting process.

[0178] In S46, MCU302 drives the torsional motor 140 in reverse. Thus, the initial state recovery process begins.

[0179] In S48, MCU302 remains in standby until the wire twisting mechanism 46 returns to its initial state. If the initial state detection sensor 205 is activated, MCU302 determines that the wire twisting mechanism 46 has returned to its initial state. If the wire twisting mechanism 46 has returned to its initial state (is marked "yes"), the process proceeds to S50.

[0180] In S50, MCU302 stops the torsion motor 140. This completes the initial state recovery process. After S50, as... Figure 30 As shown, the process returns to S18.

[0181] In S38, if the number of winding operations n is greater than or equal to the number of winding turns N (in the case of "No"), the process proceeds to S52.

[0182] like Figure 32 As shown, in S52, MCU302 drives torsion motor 140 in forward rotation. Thus, after the termination holding process is performed, the cut-off process begins.

[0183] In S54, MCU302 remains on standby until the twisting of wire W ends. When the current flowing in the twisting motor 140 reaches the third predetermined current value, it is determined that the cutting of wire W by MCU302 has ended. If the cutting of wire W has ended (is marked "Yes"), the process proceeds to S56. Thus, the cutting process ends and the twisting process begins.

[0184] In S56, MCU302 remains on standby until the twisting of wire W ends. After S54, the current flowing through twisting motor 140 temporarily decreases, and then when the current flowing through twisting motor 140 reaches a fourth predetermined current value, it is determined that the twisting of wire W by MCU302 has ended. The fourth predetermined current value is greater than the first predetermined current value and the second predetermined current value, but less than the third predetermined current value. If the twisting of wire W has ended (is marked as "yes"), the process proceeds to S58.

[0185] In S58, MCU302 stops the torsion motor 140. Thus, the torsion process ends.

[0186] In S60, MCU302 drives torsion motor 140 in reverse. Thus, the initial state recovery process begins.

[0187] In S62, MCU302 remains in standby mode until the wire twisting mechanism 46 returns to its initial state. If the initial state detection sensor 205 is activated, MCU302 determines that the wire twisting mechanism 46 has returned to its initial state. If the wire twisting mechanism 46 has returned to its initial state (is marked "yes"), the process proceeds to S64.

[0188] In S64, MCU302 stops the torsion motor 140. This completes the initial state recovery process. Following S64, as... Figure 30 As shown, the process returns to S6.

[0189] (Modified Example)

[0190] In the rebar tying machine 2, the user can set not only the tying force of the wire W, but also the number of turns of the wire W. For example, it can replace the tying force increase switch 34c and the tying force decrease switch 34d, thus enabling... Figure 1The second operation display unit 34 shown includes a bundling force setting switch (not shown) and a winding turn setting switch (not shown). In this case, the setting display LED 34b is normally off. If the winding turn setting switch is operated, the setting display LED 34b lights up and displays the recommended setting value of the bundling force of the wire W corresponding to the current setting of the winding turn number of the wire W. If the winding turn setting switch is operated from this state, the setting value of the winding turn number of the wire W switches between 1 and 2, and correspondingly, the recommended setting value of the bundling force of the wire W displayed on the setting display LED 34b also switches. When the winding turn number of the wire W is set to 1, the recommended setting value of the bundling force of the wire W is 1. If the bundling force setting switch is operated from this state, the current setting of the bundling force of the wire W becomes the recommended setting value, and the current setting of the bundling force of the wire W is displayed on the setting display LED 34b. Subsequently, each time the binding force setting switch is operated, the binding force setting of wire W increases by one level. If the binding force setting of wire W starts from 6 and the binding force setting switch is operated, the binding force setting of wire W returns to 1. With the number of wrapping turns of wire W set to 2, the recommended binding force setting of wire W is 6. If the binding force setting switch is operated from this state, the current binding force setting of wire W becomes the recommended setting, and the current binding force setting of wire W is displayed on the setting display LED34b. Subsequently, each time the binding force setting switch is operated, the binding force setting of wire W decreases by one level. If the binding force setting switch is operated from 1 and the binding force setting switch is operated, the binding force setting of wire W returns to 6. If the state of not operating the binding force setting switch or the number of wrapping turns setting switch remains unchanged for a specified time while the setting display LED34b displays the current binding force setting of wire W, the setting display LED34b will turn off again. Furthermore, with the user also able to set the number of turns of the cable W, in Figure 30 In the process S8 shown, the MCU302 sets the number of turns of wire W set in the second operation display unit 34 to the number of turns N of wire W, so that the rebar binding machine 2 can perform a binding action corresponding to the set number of turns of wire W.

[0191] In the above embodiments and variations, the rebar tying machine 2 may also perform a tying action that wraps the wire W around the rebar R three or more times and twists three or more wires W simultaneously. In this case, each time the wire W is fed out one turn around the rebar R, the end of the wire W is held, the wire W is pulled back, and the wire W is cut.

[0192] In the above embodiments and variations, it is also possible that, Figure 30In S14, MCU302 replaces the judgment of whether the current flowing in the torsion motor 140 reaches the first predetermined current value, and instead determines whether the rotational speed of the torsion motor 140 has decreased to the first predetermined speed. The rotational speed of the torsion motor 140 can be determined based on the detection signal of the Hall sensor 156. Similarly, in Figure 30 In S32, the MCU 302 can also replace the determination of whether the current flowing in the feed motor 50 reaches the second predetermined current value, and instead determine whether the speed of the feed motor 50 has decreased to the second predetermined speed. The speed of the feed motor 50 can be determined based on the detection signal of the Hall sensor 66. Similarly, it is also possible that... Figure 31 S42 and Figure 32 In S54, MCU302 replaces the judgment of whether the current flowing in the torsion motor 140 reaches the third predetermined current value, and instead judges whether the rotational speed of the torsion motor 140 has decreased to the third predetermined speed. Similarly, it could also be in Figure 32 In S56, MCU302 replaces the determination of whether the current flowing in the torsion motor 140 reaches the fourth specified current value, and instead determines whether the speed of the torsion motor 140 has decreased to the fourth specified speed.

[0193] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine 2 can perform the following steps: a winding step, in which wire W is fed out around the rebar R, and the end of wire W is held near the end, the wire W is pulled back, and the wire W is cut; and a twisting step, in which the wire W is twisted. When the user instructs the user to tie the rebar R, the rebar tying machine 2 can perform a tying action in which multiple winding steps are followed by a twisting step.

[0194] Based on the above structure, in the winding process, after the wire W is fed out around the reinforcing bar R, the wire W is pulled back and then cut. Therefore, the winding diameter of the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar R can be smaller. In this case, in the twisting process, the wire W wound with a smaller winding diameter is twisted. Therefore, the twisted portion of the wire W is less likely to become uneven, and inconsistencies in the binding force of the wire W at the end of the twisting process can be suppressed. In addition, the amount of wire W consumed in a single binding operation can be reduced.

[0195] In one or more embodiments, when the user instructs the user to tie the rebar R, the rebar tying machine 2 can also perform a tying action that involves a twisting process after a winding process.

[0196] Based on the above structure, depending on the situation, the wire W can be wound around the reinforcing bar R once and twisted, or the wire W can be wound around the reinforcing bar R multiple times and twisted.

[0197] In one or more embodiments, in the rebar binding machine 2, if a winding process is performed, the wire W is wound around the rebar R once.

[0198] If, in a configuration where multiple turns of wire W are fed around the reinforcing bar R, and then the wire W is pulled back and cut, the winding diameter of the wire W might become uneven. According to the structure described above, by pulling back and cutting the wire W after each turn of wire W is fed around the reinforcing bar R, the winding diameter of the wire W can be made more uniform.

[0199] In one or more embodiments, in the rebar tying machine 2, the user can set the tying force of the wire W during the twisting process. The number of winding processes is determined based on the set tying force.

[0200] To achieve a stronger binding force on wire W, a greater number of turns of wire W is required. Based on the above structure, the number of turns of wire W can be automatically determined according to the binding force set by the user.

[0201] In one or more embodiments, in the rebar tying machine 2, the user can set the number of turns of the wire W during the winding process. The number of winding processes is determined based on the set number of turns.

[0202] Based on the above structure, the wire W can be wound with the number of turns desired by the user.

[0203] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine 2 includes: a wire cutting mechanism 44 (an example of a cutting mechanism) that cuts the wire W; and a torsion motor 140 (an example of a motor) that drives the wire cutting mechanism 44. During the winding process, the rebar tying machine 2 determines whether the wire W has been cut based on the load on the torsion motor 140.

[0204] In the above structure, when the wire cutting mechanism 44 cuts the wire W, the load on the torsion motor 140 increases, and after the wire cutting mechanism 44 cuts the wire W, the load on the torsion motor 140 decreases. Based on this structure, by focusing on the change in the load of the torsion motor 140, the cutting of the wire W can be detected. Therefore, without using a special sensor to detect the cutting of the wire W, it is possible to determine whether the wire W has been cut.

[0205] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine 2 determines that the wire W has been cut during the winding process if the rotational speed of the torsion motor 140 or the current flowing in the torsion motor 140 meets the specified conditions.

[0206] If the load on the torsion motor 140 increases, the rotational speed of the torsion motor 140 decreases, and the current flowing in the torsion motor 140 increases. Based on the above structure, it is possible to determine whether the wire W has been cut by using the Hall sensor 156 that detects the rotational speed of the torsion motor 140 and the current detection circuit 316 that detects the current flowing in the torsion motor 140.

[0207] In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine 2 includes: a wire feeding mechanism 38 (an example of a feeding mechanism) that feeds wire W around a rebar R; a wire twisting mechanism 46 (an example of a twisting mechanism) that twists the wire W; a control circuit board 36 (an example of a control unit) that controls the operation of the wire feeding mechanism 38 and the wire twisting mechanism 46; and a second operation display unit 34 (an example of a setting unit) for the user to set the tying force of the wire W. The control circuit board 36 determines the number of turns of the wire W based on the set tying force.

[0208] To achieve a stronger binding force on wire W, a greater number of turns of wire W is required. Based on the above structure, the number of turns of wire W can be automatically determined according to the binding force set by the user.

Claims

1. A rebar tying machine, characterized in that, The rebar tying machine comprises: a feeding mechanism that feeds wire around the rebar; a twisting mechanism that twists the wire; and a control unit that controls the actions of the feeding mechanism and the twisting mechanism. The rebar tying machine is capable of performing the following procedures: In the winding process, the wire is fed out around the reinforcing bar, held near the end of the wire, pulled back, and cut. The twisting process causes the wire to twist. When the user instructs the binding of the reinforcing bars, a binding action can be performed that involves multiple winding processes followed by a twisting process, which is a multi-winding method. In the multiple wrapping binding operation, the twisting process is not performed between the multiple wrapping steps. The twisting process is performed by twisting together multiple wires formed by the winding process that are wrapped around the reinforcing bar.

2. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the user instructs the binding of the reinforcing bars, it is also possible to perform a binding action that involves a twisting process after the winding process has been performed once.

3. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the winding process is performed once, the wire is wound around the reinforcing bar once.

4. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The user can set the binding force of the wire during the twisting process. The number of times the winding process is performed is determined by the set binding force.

5. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The user can set the number of turns of the wire during the winding process. The number of times the winding process is performed is determined by the set number of winding turns.

6. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: A cutting mechanism that cuts the wire; and A motor drives the cutting mechanism. In the winding process, it is determined whether the wire has been cut based on the load of the motor.

7. The rebar tying machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the winding process, the wire is determined to be cut if the rotational speed of the motor or the current flowing in the motor meets the specified conditions.

Images