Strapping tape feed assembly with strapping tape size adjustment feature

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping machine strapping tape feed assembly having features that enable adjustment of the strapping tape feed assembly to accommodate different strapping tape sizes.

Description

[0001] Priority requirements

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 114,777, filed November 17, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 166,666, filed March 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to strapping machines, and more particularly to strapping machine strapping tape feeding assemblies having the feature of adjustable strapping tape feeding assemblies for different strapping tape sizes. Background Technology

[0004] Strapping machines form tensioned loops of plastic strapping (such as polyester or polypropylene strapping) or metal strapping (such as steel strapping) around a load. A typical strapping machine includes a support surface supporting the load, a strapping groove surrounding the support surface, a strapping head forming the strapping loop, a controller controlling the strapping head to strap the load, and a frame supporting these components. A typical strapping head includes: a strapping delivery assembly for feeding the strapping from a strapping feeder into and around the strapping groove, and for retracting the strapping so that it leaves the strapping groove and moves radially inward to contact the load; a strapping tensioning assembly for tensioning the strap around the load; and a strapping sealing assembly for cutting the strapping from the strapping feeder and attaching two areas of the strapping together to form a strapping loop. Each of these components includes a guide that defines the strap channel through which the strap moves as it passes through the component. The strap channel and the strap groove together define the strap path through which the strap moves.

[0005] To secure a load, the strapping conveyor propels the strapping tape (first the front end) from the strapping tape dispenser through the strapping tape tensioning assembly, through the strapping tape sealing assembly, into the strapping tape groove, and around the groove until the front end returns to the sealing assembly. As the sealing assembly holds the front end in place, the strapping tape conveyor retracts the strapping tape, pulling it out of the groove and placing it on and around the load. The strapping tape tensioning assembly then tensions the tape to a specified tension. The sealing assembly cuts the tape from the dispenser to form a tail end and attaches the front and tail ends together to form a tensioned loop around the load.

[0006] Different applications require different sizes of strapping tape. For example, 8 mm wide and 0.3 mm thick strapping tape can be used for light applications, while 16 mm wide and 0.85 mm thick strapping tape can be used for heavy applications. Some known strapping machines are configured to operate using strapping tape of different widths and thicknesses. The strapping tape delivery assembly (and in some cases, the strapping tape tensioning assembly and / or the strapping tape sealing assembly) of these strapping machines has guide members that define strapping tape channels of fixed width and fixed thickness, the size of which is determined to accommodate the widest and thickest strapping tape used with these strapping machines. When using smaller and / or thinner strapping tape, these fixed width and fixed thickness strapping tape channels can cause problems. Specifically, because there is more empty space in the strapping tape channels when using smaller and / or thinner strapping tape, the strapping tape tends to "wander" laterally and / or vertically in the strapping tape channels and may get stuck and jammed in the strapping tape channels. This can lead to poor strapping feed, requiring the strapping feed assembly to retract and refeed the strapping, resulting in unnecessary downtime. It can also damage the front end of the strapping, leading to material waste or (if not identified) suboptimal soldering. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Several different embodiments of this disclosure provide a strapping machine strapping feed assembly with the feature of being able to adjust the strapping feed assembly to adapt to different strapping sizes.

[0008] Several different embodiments of the strapping tape delivery assembly include: a strapping tape delivery assembly frame; a strapping tape drive assembly supported by the strapping tape delivery assembly frame and including a feed wheel and an actuator operatively connected to the feed wheel to drive the feed wheel; and a strapping tape guide assembly supported by the strapping tape delivery assembly frame. The strapping tape guide assembly includes: a strapping tape guide assembly frame; a guide member mounted to the strapping tape guide assembly frame and at least partially defining a strapping tape channel having an adjustable strapping tape channel width, the guide member being movable relative to the strapping tape guide assembly frame between a first position corresponding to a first strapping tape channel width and a second position corresponding to a second strapping tape channel width different from the first strapping tape channel width; and a strapping tape channel width adjuster operatively connected to the guide member to move the guide member from its first position to its second position.

[0009] Other embodiments of the strapping tape delivery assembly include: a strapping tape delivery assembly frame; a strapping tape drive assembly supported by the strapping tape delivery assembly frame and including a feed wheel and an actuator operatively connected to the feed wheel to drive the feed wheel; a first strapping tape guide assembly supported by the strapping tape delivery assembly frame and including one or more guide members partially defining a strapping tape channel; and a second strapping tape guide assembly supported by the strapping tape delivery assembly frame. The second strapping guide assembly includes: a housing; and a reverse roller assembly including: a support member mounted to the housing; a reverse roller mounted to the support member and rotatable relative to the support member; and a height adjuster operably connected to the reverse roller to move the reverse roller from a first position to a second position, in which the reverse roller is spaced a first distance from the feed roller, and in the second position, the reverse roller is spaced a second distance from the feed roller, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0010] Other embodiments of the strapping tape delivery assembly include: a strapping tape delivery assembly frame including a first strapping tape guide assembly mount and a second strapping tape guide assembly mount; and a strapping tape guide assembly removably mountable to the strapping tape delivery assembly frame and including: a strapping tape guide assembly frame defining a mounting opening and including a strapping tape guide assembly retainer, the mounting opening being sized to receive the first strapping tape guide assembly mount; and a guide member mounted to the strapping tape guide assembly frame and at least partially defining a strapping tape channel, wherein the first strapping tape guide assembly mount and the second strapping tape guide assembly mount are positioned such that the strapping tape guide assembly is mounted to the strapping tape delivery assembly frame and is in an operational position when: (1) the first strapping tape guide assembly mount is received in the mounting opening of the strapping tape guide assembly frame; and (2) the strapping tape guide assembly retainer lockably engages the second strapping tape guide assembly mount. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of the strapping machine disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strapping machine with a strapping tape feeding assembly, wherein the upper strapping tape guide assembly of the strapping tape feeding assembly is in its closed position.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A perspective view of a strapping conveyor assembly, wherein the upper strapping guide assembly of the strapping conveyor assembly is in its open position.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of the strapping conveyor assembly, with the upper strapping guide assembly of the strapping conveyor assembly in its open position, and some parts removed for clarity.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 2 Front and rear perspective views of the strapping tape conveyor frame.

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 2 The reverse perspective view of the strapping conveyor assembly, the cover of which has been removed to expose the strapping drive assembly, and the upper strapping guide assembly of which is in its closed position.

[0017] Figure 7A yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the lower strapping guide assembly of the strapping conveyor.

[0018] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A An exploded perspective view of the lower strapping guide assembly.

[0019] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A three-dimensional view of the strapping channel width adjuster of the lower strapping guide assembly.

[0020] Figure 7D It is along Figure 7A The line cut by 7D-7D Figure 7A A cross-sectional perspective view of the lower strapping guide assembly, showing the first guide member and the second guide member in the first (narrow) configuration.

[0021] Figure 7E It is along Figure 7A The line cut by 7D-7D Figure 7A A cross-sectional perspective view of the lower strapping guide assembly is shown, and the first guide member and the second guide member in the second (wide) configuration are shown.

[0022] Figure 7F It is along Figure 7A The line cut off at 7F-7F Figure 7A A cross-sectional side view of the lower strapping guide assembly, and the retainer is shown.

[0023] Figure 8AThis shows the removal from the cable ties delivery component frame. Figure 7A A three-dimensional view of the lower strapping guide assembly.

[0024] Figure 8B and Figure 8C This shows the mounting to the cable tie delivery component frame. Figure 7A A three-dimensional view of the lower strapping guide assembly.

[0025] Figure 8D It is along Figure 8C The 8D-8D cut wire is installed onto the cable tie and fed to the component frame. Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the lower strapping guide assembly.

[0026] Figure 9A and Figure 9B yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the upper strapping guide assembly of the strapping conveyor, in which some parts have been removed.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 9A An exploded perspective view of the reverse roller assembly of the upper strapping guide assembly.

[0028] Figure 11A and Figure 11B yes Figure 10 A 3D view of the height adjuster of the reverse roller assembly. Figure 11C This is its side view.

[0029] Figures 12A to 12C This is a side view of a portion of the reverse roller assembly, showing the movement of the height adjuster from its locked position to its unlocked position and from its first rotational position to its second rotational position. More specifically, Figure 12A and Figure 12C It is along Figure 9A The side view of the section cut by line 12A-12A.

[0030] Figure 13A It is along Figure 9A The line 13A-13A cut Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the strapping conveyor assembly, showing the distance between the reverse roller and the feed roller of the reverse roller assembly when the height adjuster of the reverse roller assembly is in its first rotational position.

[0031] Figure 13B and Figure 13A Similarly, but showing the distance between the reverse roller and the feed roller of the reverse roller assembly when the height adjuster of the reverse roller assembly is in its second rotational position.

[0032] Figure 13C and Figure 13ASimilarly, but showing the distance between the reverse roller and the feed roller of the reverse roller assembly when the height adjuster of the reverse roller assembly is in its third rotational position.

[0033] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a three-dimensional view of one of the eccentric mounting pins in the upper strapping guide assembly.

[0034] Figure 14C yes Figure 14A and Figure 14B End view of the eccentric mounting pin.

[0035] Figure 14D It shows Figure 14A and Figure 14B A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the eccentric mounting pin. Detailed Implementation

[0036] While the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can be implemented in many different forms, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the description may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components; the shape, size, and material of components; and the manner in which components are connected may vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise stated, any orientation mentioned in the description reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms relating to installation methods such as mounting and connecting are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operatively mounted methods such as connecting. This specification is intended to be considered as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of this disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] Figure 1 An embodiment of the strapping machine 1 and its components disclosed herein is illustrated in a simplified manner. The strapping machine 1 is configured to form a tensioned strapping loop around a load and includes a strapping machine frame (not shown), a strapping groove CH, a load support LS, a strapping delivery assembly 10, a strapping tension assembly TM, a strapping sealing assembly SM, guides G1 and G2, and a controller C.

[0038] The strapping machine frame is configured to support some (or all) of the other components of the strapping machine 1 and can be formed by any suitable components arranged in any suitable configuration. A load support LS is configured to support a load, such as a pallet load L, as it is strapped by the strapping machine 1 and moves through the machine. The load support LS includes a support surface (not labeled) on which the load is positioned during strapping and moves across as it moves through the strapping machine 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the support surface includes a plurality of rollers that facilitate the movement of the load through the strapping machine 1. These rollers may be driven or undriven. In other embodiments, the support surface includes a driven conveyor instead of rollers.

[0039] The strapping groove CH surrounds the support surface of the load support LS and defines a strapping path along which the strap moves as it is fed through the strapping groove CH and is removed from the strapping path upon retraction. The strapping groove CH includes two spaced-apart first and second upright legs (unmarked), an upper connecting portion (unmarked) spanning the first and second legs, a lower connecting portion (unmarked) spanning the first and second legs and positioned in the load support LS, and an elbow (unmarked) connecting these portions. As is known in the art, the radially inward wall of the strapping groove CH is formed by a plurality of overlapping doors spring-biased to a closed position, allowing the strapping to traverse the strapping path as it is fed through the strapping groove CH. When the strapping delivery assembly 10 applies a tension force to the strapping to retract it, the tension overcomes the biasing force of the spring and causes the gates to pivot to the open position, thereby releasing the strapping from the strapping groove CH and causing the strapping to move radially inward to contact the load L.

[0040] The strapping tape delivery assembly 10, strapping tape tensioning assembly TM, and strapping tape sealing assembly SM are configured together to form a tensioned strapping tape loop around the load L by feeding the strapping tape through the strapping tape groove CH, securing the front end of the strapping tape while retracting the strapping tape to remove it from the strapping tape groove CH, bringing the strapping tape into contact with the load L, tensioning the strapping tape around the load L to a specified tension, cutting the strapping tape from the strapping tape feeder to form a strapping tape tail end, and connecting the front end and the tail end of the strapping tape to each other. In this exemplary embodiment, the strapping tape delivery assembly 10, the strapping tape tensioning assembly TM, and the strapping tape sealing assembly SM are different modules that can be individually attached to and removed from the strapping machine frame. A guide G1 extends between the strapping tape delivery assembly 10 and the strapping tape tensioning assembly TM and is configured to guide the strapping tape as it moves between these assemblies. Similarly, guide G2 extends between the strap tensioning assembly TM and the strap sealing assembly SM, and is configured to guide the strap as it moves between these assemblies. In other embodiments, these assemblies form a strapping head that does not include a separately removable self-contained module.

[0041] Typically, the strapping tape delivery assembly 10 feeds the strapping tape from the strapping tape supplier (not shown) into the strapping tape groove CH and around the groove, and retracts the strapping tape so that it leaves the groove CH and contacts the load L. The following references... Figures 2 to 14D The strapping conveyor assembly 10 is described in more detail.

[0042] The strap tensioning assembly TM is configured to tension the strap around a load L. In short, the strap tensioning assembly includes a tensioning wheel driven by a tensioning actuator. Once the strap delivery assembly 10 retracts the strap to contact the load L, the tensioning actuator drives the tensioning wheel to tension the strap to a specified (typically preset) tension.

[0043] The strapping tape sealing assembly SM is configured to cut the strapping tape from the strapping tape supplier and form a strapping tape loop after the strapping tape tensioning assembly TM tensions the strapping tape to a specified tension. The method of attaching the front and rear ends of the strapping tape to each other depends on the type of strapping machine and the type of strapping tape. Some strapping machines configured for plastic strapping tape include strapping tape sealing assemblies with friction welders, heated blades, or ultrasonic welders configured to attach the front and rear ends of the strapping tape to each other. Some strapping machines configured for plastic or metal strapping tape include strapping tape sealing assemblies with jaws that are mechanically deformed (in the industry term "crimping") or have notches cut into sealing elements positioned around the front and rear ends of the strapping tape (in the industry term "notching") to attach them to each other. Other strapping machines configured for metal strapping include strapping sealing assemblies with punches and dies configured to form a set of mechanically interlocking cuts in the front and rear ends of the strapping to attach them to each other (referred to in the strapping industry as "no-seal" attachment). Further strapping machines configured for metal strapping include strapping sealing assemblies having spot welders, inert gas, or other welders configured to weld the front and rear ends of the strapping to each other.

[0044] Controller C includes a processing device (or multiple processing devices) communicatively connected to a memory device (or multiple memory devices). For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. The processing device may include any suitable processing device, such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more integrated circuits, and / or state machines. The memory device may include any suitable memory device, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the strapping machine 1. In some embodiments, the strapping machine includes a single controller, while in other embodiments, the strapping machine 1 has multiple controllers operating together. In some embodiments, controller C is part of the strapping tape delivery assembly 10, the strapping tape tensioning assembly TM, and / or the strapping tape sealing assembly SM.

[0045] Returning to the strapping delivery assembly 10, the strapping delivery assembly 10 feeds the strapping tape from the strapping tape supplier (not shown) into the strapping tape groove CH and around the strapping tape groove, and retracts the strapping tape so that it leaves the strapping tape groove CH and contacts the load L. The strapping tape delivery assembly 10 includes features that enable it to be adjusted to accommodate different strapping tape sizes (e.g., different strapping tape widths and thicknesses). Figures 2 to 14D An embodiment of a strapping tape delivery assembly 10 and its components is shown. The strapping tape delivery assembly 10 includes a strapping tape delivery assembly frame 100, a strapping tape drive assembly 200, a lower (first) strapping tape guide assembly 300, and an upper (second) strapping tape guide assembly 400.

[0046] Cable ties deliver component frame 100 (in Figure 5A and Figure 5B Other components (best shown in the image) directly or indirectly support the strapping conveyor assembly 10 and can be formed by any suitable components arranged in any suitable configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, the strapping conveyor assembly frame 100 includes: a front (first) frame member 110, a rear (second) frame member 120, an infeed-side (third) frame member 130, and an outlet-side (fourth) frame member 140; a first support member 150 and a second support member 160; first support member mounting elements 152, 154, 156, and 158; and second support member mounting elements 162, 164, 166, and 168.

[0047] The front frame member 110 and the rear frame member 120 are spaced apart from each other, and the feed-side frame member 130 and the discharge-side frame member 140 are spaced apart from each other. The feed-side frame member 130 extends between one end of the front frame member 110 and one end of the rear frame member 120, and the discharge-side frame member 140 extends between the other end of the front frame member 110 and the other end of the rear frame member 120. A first support member 150 extends adjacent to the feed-side frame member 130 between the front frame member 110 and the rear frame member 120, and is mounted to the front frame member 110 and the rear frame member 120 via first support member mounting elements 152, 154, 156 and 158, which are pins in this exemplary embodiment but can be any other suitable component (such as a threaded fastener). The second support member 160 is adjacent to the discharge side frame member 140 and extends between the front frame member 110 and the rear frame member 120. It is mounted to the front frame member 110 and the rear frame member 120 via second support member mounting elements 162, 164, 166 and 168, which are pins in this exemplary embodiment but may be any other suitable component (such as a threaded fastener).

[0048] Two covers 1000a and 1000b are removably attached to the strapping delivery assembly frame 100 to at least partially surround certain parts of the strapping drive assembly 200 and the lower strapping guide assembly 300.

[0049] Cable tie drive assembly 200 (in Figure 4 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B (Best shown in the middle) Engages the strapping tape, and with the aid of the upper strapping tape guide assembly 400, delivers the strapping tape to the strapping tape groove CH and retracts the strapping tape from the strapping tape groove. The strapping tape drive assembly 200 includes circumferentially spaced strapping tape engagement surfaces 210a and 210b. Figure 4 The strapping belt delivery assembly 100 comprises a feed wheel 210, a driven gear 220, a drive gear 230, a drive belt 240, and an actuator 250. The feed wheel 210 and driven gear 220 are both fixedly connected (e.g., via a keyed connection, splined connection, or other suitable connection) to a common drive shaft (not shown), which is then mounted to the strapping belt delivery assembly frame 100 via one or more bearings (not shown). This allows the drive shaft, feed wheel 210, and driven gear 220 to rotate together with the strapping belt delivery assembly frame 100 and the lower and upper strapping belt guide assemblies 300 and 400. The actuator 250 (here, an electric motor, but any suitable actuator can be used) is mounted to the strapping belt delivery assembly frame 100. The actuator 250 has an output shaft (not labeled), to which the drive gear 230 is fixedly mounted (e.g., via a keyed connection, splined connection, or other suitable connection), such that the output shaft and drive gear 230 rotate together with the strapping belt delivery assembly frame 100. A drive belt 240 (in this exemplary embodiment, a toothed belt) operatively connects the drive gear 230 and the driven gear 220. When the actuator 250 rotates its output shaft, the drive gear 230 rotates. The drive belt 240 transmits this rotation to the driven gear 220, which then rotates and (via the drive shaft) causes the feed wheel 210 to rotate. Accordingly, the actuator 250 is operatively connected to the feed wheel 210 (via the drive gear 230, the drive belt 240, and the driven gear 220, or in other embodiments via any suitable transmission component) to rotate the feed wheel 210.

[0050] Lower strapping guide assembly 300 (in Figure 4 and Figures 7A to 7F (Best shown in the image) Guide the strapping tape through the strapping tape delivery assembly 10 (together with the upper strapping tape guide assembly 400) and adjust it to accommodate different strapping tape widths. Figure 7BAs shown in the optimal configuration, the lower strapping guide assembly 300 includes: a first guide frame member 310 and a second guide frame member 320; a first outer guide member 330 and a second outer guide member 340; a first outer guide member guide 332, a second outer guide member guide 334, a third outer guide member guide 342, and a fourth outer guide member guide 344; a center guide member 350; a first strapping channel width adjuster 360a and a second strapping channel width adjuster 360b; a first spacer 370a, a second spacer 370b, a third spacer 370c, and a fourth spacer 370d; a first biasing element 380a, a second biasing element 380b, a third biasing element 380c, and a fourth biasing element 380d; a plurality of fasteners 390; a plurality of guide rollers 395; a plurality of strapping channel width adjuster retainers 398; and a plurality of lower strapping guide assembly retainers 399.

[0051] The first guide frame member 310 includes a body 312 having a first (feed) end 314 and a second (discharge) end 316. A mounting opening 314a is defined in the first (feed) end 314. The second (discharge) end 316 includes a foot 316a that includes a lower strap guide assembly retainer 399a. The second guide frame member 320 includes a body 322 having a first (feed) end 324 and a second (discharge) end 326. A mounting opening 324a is defined in the first (feed) end 324. The second (discharge) end 326 includes a foot 326a that includes a lower strap guide assembly retainer 399b. In other embodiments (not shown), the mounting opening is defined at the second (discharge) end of the first and second guide frame members, and the lower strap guide assembly retainer is included in the first (feed) end of the first and second guide frame members.

[0052] Lower cable tie guide assembly retainers 399a and 399b hold the lower cable tie guide assembly 300 on the cable tie delivery assembly frame 100, as described below. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower cable tie guide assembly retainer includes a spring plunger, but in other embodiments it may be any other suitable component. Figure 7F The lower cable tie guide assembly retainer 399a is shown (the lower cable tie guide assembly retainer 399b is the same and will not be shown or described separately for the sake of brevity). The lower cable tie guide assembly retainer 399a includes: a body 399a1, which is threadedly received in a foot 316a; a nose 399a2, which is securely received in a hole defined in the body 399a1; and a biasing element 399a3 (here, a compression spring) that biases the nose 399a2 toward the opening of the hole such that a portion of the nose 399a2 protrudes from the hole.

[0053] The first guide frame member 310, the second guide frame member 320, and the center guide member 350 (a plate in this exemplary embodiment) are fixedly connected to each other by spacers 370a to 370d and fasteners 390 to form a lower strapping guide assembly frame. In this exemplary embodiment, due to this fixed connection, there is a first fixed distance between the first guide frame member 310 and the second guide frame member 320, a second fixed distance between the first guide frame member 310 and the center guide member 350, and a third fixed distance (the same as the second fixed distance here) between the second guide frame member 320 and the center guide member 350. A first outer guide member 330 is slidably mounted between the first guide frame member 310 and the center guide member 350 to the spacers 370a to 370d (which extend through corresponding openings in the first outer guide member 330), such that the first outer guide member 330 can be positioned adjacent to the first guide frame member 310 relative to the frame member and the center guide member. Figure 7E The second position adjacent to the center guide member 350 Figure 7D The second outer guide member 340 is slidably mounted between the second guide frame member 320 and the center guide member 350 to spacers 370a to 370d (which extend through corresponding openings in the second outer guide member 340), such that the second outer guide member 340 can be positioned relative to the frame member and the center guide member in a first position adjacent to the second guide frame member 320. Figure 7E The second position adjacent to the center guide member 350 Figure 7D Move between ).

[0054] like Figure 7AAs best shown, a first feed roller receiving opening 300a is formed between a first outer guide member 330 and a central guide member 350, and a second feed roller receiving opening 300b is formed between a second outer guide member 340 and a central guide member 350. Two guide rollers of guide rollers 395 are mounted to the first outer guide member 330 on the feed side and discharge side of the first feed roller receiving opening 300a and partially extend into the strapping channel SC. Similarly, two guide rollers of guide rollers 395 are mounted to the second outer guide member 340 on the feed side and discharge side of the second feed roller receiving opening 300b and partially extend into the strapping channel SC. In this exemplary embodiment, guide rollers 395 are rotatable relative to the outer guide members 330 and 340, whereas in other embodiments, guide rollers are not rotatable relative to the outer guide members 330 and 340. As the strapping tape moves through the strapping tape channel SC, it engages with guide rollers. The guide rollers help keep the strapping tape laterally centered in the strapping tape channel SC and limit contact between the strapping tape and the outer wall of the strapping tape channel SC, thereby reducing the possibility of debris formation and strapping tape damage.

[0055] First biasing element 380a and second biasing element 380b bias the first outer guide member 330 to its first position, and third biasing element 380c and fourth biasing element 380d bias the second outer guide member 340 to its first position. In this exemplary embodiment, biasing elements 380a to 380d are compression springs. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment: a first biasing element 380a surrounds a portion of the first spacer 370a between the first guide frame member 310 and the central guide member 350 and engages the first outer guide member 330 and the central guide member 350; a second biasing element 380b surrounds a portion of the fourth spacer 370d between the first guide frame member 310 and the central guide member 350 and engages the first outer guide member 330 and the central guide member 350; a third biasing element 380c surrounds a portion of the first spacer 370a between the second guide frame member 320 and the central guide member 350 and engages the second outer guide member 340 and the central guide member 350; and a fourth biasing element 380d surrounds a portion of the fourth spacer 370d between the second guide frame member 320 and the central guide member 350 and engages the second outer guide member 340 and the central guide member 350.

[0056] The first strapping channel width adjuster 360a and the second strapping channel width adjuster 360b control the position of the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340, and thus control the width of the strapping channel partially defined by the lower strapping guide assembly 300, as described in detail below. In this exemplary embodiment, the first strapping channel width adjuster 360a and the second strapping channel width adjuster 360b are identical; therefore, only the first strapping channel width adjuster 360a is shown and described in detail. [Go to...] Figure 7C The first cable tie channel width adjuster 360a includes a head 362a, a neck 364a, a body 366a, and feet 368a. The head 362a is disc-shaped and has a toothed or knurled outer cylindrical surface to facilitate gripping and rotating the first cable tie channel width adjuster 360a (described below). In other embodiments, the head is coated with or made of a high-friction material (such as rubber). The neck 364a extends from the head 362a, and in this exemplary embodiment, the head 362a is attached to the neck 364a via a fastener (not labeled). The neck 364a is cylindrical and defines a plurality of aligned, circumferentially spaced recesses 364a1 on its outer cylindrical surface. The body 366a extends from the neck 364a (and in this exemplary embodiment, is integrally formed with the neck 364a). A first helical width control groove 366a1 and a second helical width control groove 366a2 are defined on the outer cylindrical surface of the body 366a. The width control grooves 366a1 and 366a2 are mirror images of each other. For example, if the width control groove 366a1 is a right-handed helix, then the width control groove 366a2 is a left-handed helix, and vice versa. The foot 368a is cylindrical and extends from the body 366a (and in this exemplary embodiment, is integrally formed with the body 366a). The first strapping channel width adjuster 360a defines the rotation axis A. 360a The second cable tie channel width adjuster 360b has the same components, which are replaced by "b" in the element numbering of the corresponding element number of the first cable tie channel width adjuster 360a, which is "a".

[0057] The first cable tie channel width adjuster 360a and the second cable tie channel width adjuster 360b extend through openings defined in the first guide frame member 310 and the second guide frame member 320, the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340, and the center guide member 350. The first cable tie channel width adjuster 360a and the second cable tie channel width adjuster 360b are fixed (e.g., via set screws, retaining clips or rings, or in any other suitable manner) such that these adjusters cannot be positioned relative to their respective axes of rotation A. 360a and A360b These components can move parallel or laterally, but can also move relative to their respective axis of rotation A. 360a and A 360b These components rotate. The first outer guide member guide 332 has a threaded body 332a and a protrusion 332b extending from the body 332a. The body 332a of the first outer guide member guide 332 is threadedly received in the first outer guide member 330, such that the protrusion 332b of the first outer guide member guide is received in the width control groove 366a1 of the body 366a of the first strapping tape channel width adjuster 360a. The second outer guide member guide 334 has a threaded body 334a and a protrusion 334b ​​extending from the body 334a. The body 334a of the second outer guide member guide 334 is threadedly received in the first outer guide member 330, such that the protrusion 334b ​​of the second outer guide member guide is received in the width control groove 366b1 of the body 366b of the second strapping tape channel width adjuster 360b. The third outer guide member guide 342 has a threaded body 342a and a protrusion 342b extending from the body 342a. The body 342a of the third outer guide member guide 342 is threadedly received in the second outer guide member 340, such that the protrusion 342b of the third outer guide member guide is received in the width control groove 366a2 of the body 366a of the first strapping tape channel width adjuster 360a. The fourth outer guide member guide 344 has a threaded body 344a and a protrusion 344b extending from the body 344a. The body 344a of the fourth outer guide member guide 344 is threadedly received in the second outer guide member 340, such that the protrusion 344b of the fourth outer guide member guide is received in the width control groove 366b2 of the body 366b of the second strapping tape channel width adjuster 360b.

[0058] like Figure 7A As shown in the optimal configuration, a strapping channel SC of width W is defined between the outer guide members 330 and 340 (together with the upper strapping guide assembly 400). When the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340 are in their respective second positions, referred to herein as the second (narrow) configuration, the width of the strapping channel SC is the minimum width W. MIN ( Figure 7D Conversely, when the first and second outer guide members are in their respective first positions, referred to herein as the first (wide) configuration, the width of the strapping channel SC is the maximum width W. MAX ( Figure 7E The width of the strapping channel SC can be adjusted to a minimum width W by rotating the first strapping channel width adjuster 360a and the second strapping channel width adjuster 360b. MIN With maximum width W MAXThe width of the strapping channel SC can be adjusted to accommodate different strapping sizes. In other words, the first strapping channel width adjuster 360a and the second strapping channel width adjuster 360b are operably connected to the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340 to move the first and second outer guide members between their respective first and second positions, thereby adjusting the width of the strapping channel SC.

[0059] Specifically, as explained above, the protrusion of the outer guide member guide is received in the spiral width control groove of the strapping channel width adjuster. When the strapping channel width adjuster rotates, the protrusion moves along the groove and forces the outer guide members to move toward or away from each other (depending on the direction of rotation). Figure 7D and Figure 7E The second strapping channel width adjuster 360b is shown. Figure 7D In the middle, the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340 are in a second (narrow) configuration (i.e., in their respective second positions), and the width of the strapping channel SC is W. MIN To move the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340 away from each other and toward the first (wide) configuration, the operator moves clockwise (from...) Figure 7D and Figure 7E (From the angle shown) rotate the second strapping channel width adjuster 360b. Initially, the protrusions 334b ​​of the second guide position guide 334 and 344b of the fourth guide position guide 344 (received respectively in the first width control groove 366b1 and the second width control groove 366b2 of the body 366b of the second strapping channel width adjuster 366) are positioned at the ends of the grooves closest to the longitudinal center of the body. As the second strapping channel width adjuster 360b rotates, the walls defining the width control grooves force the protrusions to move outward, causing them to move along the grooves and toward the ends of the grooves furthest from the longitudinal center of the body. This, in turn, forces the first outer guide member 330 and the second outer guide member 340 to move toward the first configuration, as shown. Figure 7E As shown.

[0060] The cable tie channel width adjuster retainer 398 engages the cable tie channel width adjusters 360a and 360b to help hold the cable tie channel width adjusters 360a and 360b in their rotated positions by preventing rotation. In this exemplary embodiment, the cable tie channel width adjuster retainer 398 includes a spring plunger, but in other embodiments it may be any other suitable component. Figure 7FA cable tie channel width adjuster retainer is shown, engaging a second cable tie channel width adjuster 360b (another identical cable tie channel width adjuster retainer engaging a first cable tie channel width adjuster 360a, not shown for simplicity). The cable tie channel width adjuster retainer 398 includes: a body 398a threadedly received in a first guide frame member 310; a nose 398b securely received within a hole defined in the body 398a; and a biasing element 398c (here, a compression spring) biasing the nose 398b toward the opening of the hole such that a portion of the nose 398b protrudes from the hole. The cable tie channel width adjuster retainer 398 is positioned such that the nose 398b is adjacent to and received in a recess 364b1 of the neck 364a of the cable tie channel width adjuster 360. To rotate the cable tie channel width adjuster, the force of the spring 398c must be overcome. This prevents unnecessary rotation of the strapping channel width adjuster.

[0061] like Figures 8A to 8D As shown, the lower strapping guide assembly 300 is removably mounted to the strapping delivery assembly frame 100, which is typically located above the strapping drive assembly 200. Specifically, the lower strapping guide assembly 300 is removably mounted to first (feed) and second (discharge) lower strapping guide assembly mounts of the strapping delivery assembly frame 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the first lower strapping guide assembly mount includes first support member mounting elements 152 and 154, which are accessible via a first platform 150 ( Figure 8A Access is defined by openings 150a and 150b. The second lower strapping guide assembly mount includes second support member mounting elements 162 and 164, which are accessible via a second platform 160 ( Figure 8A (Enter through the limited openings 160a and 160b.)

[0062] To mount the lower strapping guide assembly 300 to the strapping delivery assembly frame 100, the lower portions of the first ends 314 and 324 of the first guide frame member 310 and the second guide frame member 320 are respectively inserted into openings 150a and 150b in the first platform 150, and positioned such that the first support member mounting elements 152 and 154 (i.e., the first lower strapping guide assembly mounting elements in this exemplary embodiment) are received in their respective mounting openings 314a and 324a, as shown below. Figure 8BAs shown. The lower strapping guide assembly 300 then rotates about the first support member mounting elements 152 and 154 and toward the second platform 160 until: (1) the second end 316 of the first guide frame member 310 and the second end 326 of the second guide frame member 320 respectively lock onto the second support member mounting elements 162 and 164 (i.e., the second lower strapping guide assembly mounting element in this exemplary embodiment); and (2) the noses 399a2 and 399b2 of the lower strapping guide assembly retainers 399a and 399b respectively engage the second support member mounting elements 162 and 164, as shown. Figure 8C and Figure 8D As shown.

[0063] Once the lower cable tie guide assembly 300 is in this operating position, the lower cable tie guide assembly retainers 399a and 399b hold it in place. More specifically, the spring-biased noses 399a2 and 399b2 prevent the cable tie guide assembly 300 from rotating away from its operating position. To remove the lower cable tie guide assembly 300 from the cable tie delivery assembly frame 100, the operator reverses the above sequence to ensure sufficient force is applied to overcome the force of the springs 399a3 and 399b3 of the lower cable tie guide assembly retainers 399a and 399b. Therefore, the operator does not need any tools to remove the lower cable tie guide assembly from the cable tie delivery assembly frame (at least in this exemplary embodiment), making removal quick and easy.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second strapping guide assembly mount defines an opening sized to receive a portion of the nose when the strapping guide assembly is in its operating position.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower strapping guide assembly 300 (when mounted to the strapping delivery assembly frame 100) is positioned such that the strapping engagement surface 210a of the feed wheel 210 extends into the first feed wheel receiving opening 300a, and the strapping engagement surface 210b of the feed wheel 210 extends into the second feed wheel receiving opening 300b, such that these surfaces can engage the strapping (when the strapping is received in the strapping channel SC).

[0066] Upper strapping guide assembly 400 (e.g.) Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 9A to 14D (As best shown) the strapping tape is forced to press against the feed wheel 210 of the strapping tape drive assembly 200, and can be adjusted in two ways to accommodate different strapping tape thicknesses. The upper strapping tape guide assembly 400 includes a housing 405, a strapping tape channel cover 410, a reverse roller assembly 420, a reverse roller assembly mounting pin 430, and an offset assembly 440.

[0067] The upper strapping guide assembly 400 is mounted to the strapping delivery assembly frame 100 and is pivotally (not shown) relative to the strapping delivery assembly frame 100, the strapping drive assembly 200, and the lower strapping guide assembly 300 in a closed position. Figure 2 ) and opening position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 Pivots between ) . Gas spring 60 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 (e.g., ) or other suitable components help to pivot the upper cable tie guide assembly 400 from its closed position to its open position and hold the upper cable tie guide assembly 400 in the open position (until it is forced back to the closed position, overcoming the force of the gas spring). When the upper cable tie guide assembly 400 is in its closed position, locking pins 50 can be inserted through the two ears 105a and 105b of the upper cable tie guide assembly 400 and the cable tie delivery assembly frame 100 to lock the upper cable tie guide assembly 400 in place and prevent it from pivoting from its closed position to its open position. The locking pins 50 must be removed before the upper cable tie guide assembly 400 can pivot to its open position. Figure 3 (As shown).

[0068] The housing 405 supports some (or all) of the other components of the strapping guide assembly 400 and can be formed by any suitable components arranged in any suitable configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 405 includes a handle 405b for carrying the strapping delivery assembly 10.

[0069] The strapping channel cover 410 covers the lower strapping guide assembly 300 when the upper strapping guide assembly 400 is in its closed position, and together with the lower strapping guide assembly 300 forms a strapping channel SC. The strapping channel cover 410 includes a base comprising a first outer guide member 412a, a second outer guide member 412b, and a center guide member 414 extending along the lateral center of the base between the first and second outer guide members. Figure 9B As shown in the optimal configuration, a first reverse roller receiving opening 410a is formed between the first outer guide member 412a and the separator 414, and a second reverse roller receiving opening 410b is formed between the second outer guide member 412b and the separator 414.

[0070] The cable tie channel cover 410 is removably mounted to the housing 405 (hereinafter referred to as such) via a first eccentric mounting pin 470 and a second eccentric mounting pin 480. Figures 14A to 14D(Explanation to be provided). The eccentric mounting pins 470 and 480 are operable (rotatable in this example) to control the distance between the strapping channel cover 410 and the lower strapping guide assembly 300, and thus control the height of the strapping channel SC (not labeled). In this exemplary embodiment, the first eccentric mounting pin 470 and the second eccentric mounting pin 480 are identical; therefore, only the second eccentric mounting pin 480 is shown and described in detail. The second eccentric mounting pin 480 includes a head 482, a body 484, and a foot 486. The head 482 is cylindrical and defines a plurality of aligned, circumferentially spaced recesses 482a on the outer cylindrical surface of the head 482. The body 484 is cylindrical and extends from the head 482 (and in this exemplary embodiment, is integrally formed with the head 482). The foot 486 is cylindrical and extends from the body 484 (and in this exemplary embodiment, is integrally formed with the body 484). The head 482 and the foot 486 define a longitudinal axis A. 482 The body 484 is defined by the longitudinal axis A. 482 Lateral deviation of longitudinal axis A 484 ,like Figure 14C As best shown. In other words, the body 484 is eccentrically mounted on the head 482 and the feet 486. The first eccentric mounting pin 470 has the same components.

[0071] like Figure 14D As shown, the head 482 and foot 486 of the second eccentric mounting pin 480 are received in an opening (not labeled) in the housing 405, and the body 484 of the eccentric mounting pin 480 extends through openings (not labeled) in the first outer guide member 412a and the second outer guide member 412b of the base of the cable ties channel cover 410. Due to this mounting configuration, the second eccentric mounting pin 480 is oriented relative to the housing 405 and the cable ties channel cover 410 about a first longitudinal axis A. 482 Rotation. Due to the eccentric mounting of the body 484 to the head 482 and feet 486, the rotation of the second eccentric mounting pin 480 causes the body 484 to rotate around the first longitudinal axis A. 482 Rotation causes the strapping channel cover 410 to move further away from or closer to the lower strapping guide assembly 300, thereby increasing or decreasing the height of the strapping channel SC. Although not labeled for clarity, a spring-biased retainer (similar to the one described above) Figure 7F The cable tie channel width adjuster retainer 398 shown engages with recess 482a to prevent unnecessary rotation of the eccentric mounting pin 480.

[0072] Reverse roller assembly 420 (in) Figure 10(Best shown in the diagram) includes a support 421, a reverse roller 422, a reverse roller mounting pin 423, a height adjuster locking pin 424, a height adjuster 425, a height adjuster biasing element 426, a washer 427, and a retaining ring 428. The support 421 includes a generally L-shaped body formed by a biasing assembly engaging arm 421a and two spaced-apart reverse roller mounting arms 421b and 421c. A height adjuster receiving hole 421d is defined at the junction of arm 421a and arms 421b and 421c, extending through the support 421. The reverse roller 422 (including spaced-apart circumferential strapping engagement surfaces 422a and 422b) is mounted between the reverse roller mounting arms 421b and 421c via the reverse roller mounting pin 423. The reverse roller 422 is rotatable relative to the support 421 about the reverse roller mounting pin 423. In this exemplary embodiment, the reverse roller 422 includes a bearing (not labeled) through which a reverse roller mounting pin 423 extends. A height adjuster locking pin 424 is fixedly attached to and protrudes from the reverse roller mounting arm 421b of the support 421 adjacent to the height adjuster receiving hole 421d.

[0073] Height adjuster 425 (in) Figures 11A to 11C (Best shown in the diagram) includes a head 425a and a body 425b. The head 425a is disc-shaped and has an outer surface 425a1, an opposite inner surface 425a2, and a cylindrical peripheral surface 425a3 between the outer and inner surfaces. The peripheral surface 425a3 is toothed or knurled to facilitate gripping and rotating of the height adjuster 425 (described below) by a user. In other embodiments, the head is coated with or made of a high-friction material (such as rubber). A neck 425b extends from the head 425a and, in this exemplary embodiment, is integrally formed with the head 425a. The neck 425b is cylindrical, and a circumferential groove 425b1 is defined in the outer cylindrical surface of the neck 425b near the free end opposite to the head 425a.

[0074] like Figure 11C As shown, the head 425a and neck 425b share the longitudinal axis A. 425ab .like Figure 11B As shown, a curved groove 425a4 is defined in the inner surface 425a2 of the head 425a. In this exemplary embodiment, the groove 425a4 is radially positioned (relative to axis A). 425abThe recess 425a4 is located between the peripheral surface 425a3 of the head 425a and the body 425b. In this exemplary embodiment, the recess 425a4 extends approximately 180 degrees. A first locking pin receiving hole 425a5 is defined to pass through the head 425a and intersect the recess 425a4 at a first end; a third locking pin receiving hole 425a7 is defined to pass through the head 425a and intersect the recess 425a4 at a second end; and a second locking pin receiving hole 425a6 is defined to pass through the head 425a and intersect the recess 425a4 approximately midway between the first and third locking pin receiving holes 425a5 and 425a7.

[0075] like Figure 11C As shown in the optimal configuration, a mounting pin receiving hole 425c is defined, passing through the head 425a and the neck 425b. The mounting pin receiving hole 425c has an alignment with axis A. 425ab Parallel and offset (i.e., not coaxial) longitudinal axis A 425c The fact that these axes are offset (i.e., the mounting pin receiving hole 425c does not share the same longitudinal axis as the head 425a and neck 425b) allows the height of the reverse roller 422 to be adjusted relative to the feed roller 210 to accommodate different thicknesses of the strapping, as described below.

[0076] like Figure 10 and Figure 12B As best shown, the height adjuster 425 is mounted to the support 421. Specifically, the body 425b of the height adjuster 425 is received in and extends through the height adjuster receiving hole 421d of the support 421, such that the free end of the body 425b (opposite to the head 425a) protrudes from the height adjuster receiving hole 421d. A height adjuster biasing element 426 and a washer 427 surround the portion of the body 425b protruding from the height adjuster receiving hole 421d, and a retaining ring 428 is received in a recess 425b1. The height adjuster biasing element 426 and the washer 427 are thus sandwiched between the body 421 and the retaining ring 428. The height adjuster 425 is rotatably positioned such that a height adjuster locking pin 424 is received in a recess 425a4.

[0077] The height adjuster 425 is movable relative to the support 421 and the height adjuster locking pin 424 in two ways. First, the height adjuster 425 is movable relative to the support 421 and the height adjuster locking pin 424 parallel to axis A. 425ab It moves longitudinally between the locked and unlocked positions. When the height adjuster 425 is in its locked position ( Figure 9AThe height adjuster locking pin 424 is received in one of the locking pin receiving holes 425a5, 425a6, or 425a7 to prevent the height adjuster 425 from rotating. When the height adjuster 425 is in its unlocked position ( Figure 12B The height adjuster locking pin 424 is received in the recess 425a4 but removed from the locking pin receiving holes 425a5, 425a6, and 425a7, allowing the height adjuster 425 to rotate (as permitted by the recess 425a4). The height adjuster biasing element 426 biases the height adjuster 425 to its locked position. To move the height adjuster 425 from its locked position to its unlocked position, the operator must pull the height adjuster 425 with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of the height adjuster biasing element 426.

[0078] Second, the height adjuster 425 is rotatable (when in its unlocked position) relative to the support 421 and the height adjuster locking pin 424 between a first rotational position corresponding to the first locking pin receiving hole 424a5, a second rotational position corresponding to the second locking pin receiving hole 424a6, and a third rotational position corresponding to the third locking pin receiving hole 424a7. Specifically, when the height adjuster 425 is in its first rotational position, the height adjuster locking pin 424 is received (when the height adjuster 425 is in its locked position) in the first locking pin receiving hole 425a5 or in front of the first locking pin receiving hole 425a5 (when the height adjuster 425 is in its unlocked position). When the height adjuster 425 is in its second rotational position, the height adjuster locking pin 424 is received (when the height adjuster 425 is in its locked position) in the second locking pin receiving hole 425a6 or in front of the second locking pin receiving hole 425a6 (when the height adjuster 425 is in its unlocked position). When the height adjuster 425 is in its third rotational position, the height adjuster locking pin 424 is received in the third locking pin receiving hole 425a7 (when the height adjuster 425 is in its locked position) or in front of the third locking pin receiving hole 425a7 (when the height adjuster 425 is in its unlocked position). As described below, the rotational position of the height adjuster 425 controls the height of the reverse roller 422 above the feed roller 210.

[0079] Figures 12A to 12C The movement of the height adjuster 425 from its first rotational position to its second rotational position is shown. Figure 12A As shown, the height adjuster 425 is initially in its locked position and its first rotational position, such that the height adjuster locking pin 424 is received in the first locking pin receiving hole 425a5. To rotate the height adjuster 425 to its second rotational position, the operator must first move the height adjuster 425 to its unlocked position. For this purpose, as... Figure 12BAs shown, the operator pulls the head 425a away from the support 421, which compresses the height adjuster biasing element 426 and removes the height adjuster locking pin 424 from the first locking pin receiving hole 425a5 of the head 425a. This allows the height adjuster 425 to rotate freely. Figure 12C As shown, the operator rotates the height adjuster 425 to its second rotational position and releases the height adjuster 425. When this occurs, the height adjuster biasing element 426 forces the height adjuster back to its locked position, which causes the height adjuster locking pin 424 to enter the second locking pin receiving hole 425a6, thereby locking the height adjuster 425 in the rotational state.

[0080] The reverse roller assembly 420 is mounted to the housing 405 via a reverse roller assembly mounting pin 430. Specifically, the reverse roller assembly mounting pin 430 is received in and extends through a mounting pin receiving hole 425c of the height adjuster 425. The end of the reverse roller assembly mounting pin 430 is supported by the housing 405. Figure 12A As shown, the reverse roller assembly mounting pin 430 has an axis A 425c Coaxial axis of rotation A 430 Once installed, the reverse roller assembly 420 is rotatable relative to the rest of the upper strapping guide assembly 400 and relative to the feed wheel 210 about the reverse roller mounting pin 430. Furthermore, once installed, the strapping engagement surfaces 422a and 422b of the reverse roller 422 extend into the first reverse roller receiving opening 410a and the second reverse roller receiving opening 410b, respectively, such that these surfaces engage the strapping (when the strapping is received in the strapping channel) and force the strapping (via the biasing assembly 440, as described below) against the feed wheel 210 to ensure proper feeding and retraction.

[0081] Bias component 440 (in) Figure 9A(Best shown in the diagram) includes a rod 441, a reverse roller assembly biasing element 442, a rod support 443, and adjusters 444a and 444b. A first end (unlabeled) of the rod 441 is supported in a housing 405, and the opposite second end (unlabeled) of the rod 441 is supported by the rod support 443. The rod support 443 is mounted to the housing 405 via adjusters 444a and 444b, which can be manipulated (e.g., rotated to one side or the other) to change the distance between the rod support 443 and the housing 405, thereby changing the distance between the reverse roller assembly 420 (and therefore the reverse roller 422) and the feed wheel 210. A portion of the rod 441 is received in a cutout defined in the biasing assembly engaging arm 421a of the support 421 of the reverse roller assembly 420. The reverse roller assembly biasing element 442 (here, a compression spring) surrounds a portion of the rod 441 extending between the first end of the rod and the support 421. The biasing assembly 440 (particularly the reverse roller assembly biasing element 442) biases the reverse roller assembly 420 toward the feed roller 210.

[0082] The rotational position of the height adjuster 425 determines the distance between the strapping engagement surfaces 422a and 422b of the reverse roller 422 and the strapping engagement surfaces 210a and 210b of the feed roller 210. Specifically, as Figure 13A As shown, when the height adjuster 425 is in its first rotational position, the reverse roller 422 is in a first position in which the strapping engagement surfaces 422a and 422b of the reverse roller 422 are separated from the strapping engagement surfaces 210a and 210b of the feed roller 210 by a first distance D1. Figure 13B As shown, rotating the height adjuster 425 from its first rotational position to its second rotational position will cause the reverse roller 422 (due to deviation from axis A) to be reversed. 425ab and A 425c The device is raised to a second position, in which the strapping engagement surfaces 422a and 422b of the reverse roller 422 are separated from the strapping engagement surfaces 210a and 210b by a second distance D2 greater than the first distance. Figure 13C As shown, rotating the height adjuster 425 from its second rotational position to its third rotational position will cause the reverse roller 422 (due to deviation from axis A) to be deflected. 425ab and A 425c The height is raised to a third section, in which the strapping engagement surfaces 422a and 422b of the reverse roller 422 are separated from the strapping engagement surfaces 210a and 210b of the feed roller 210 by a third distance D3 greater than the second distance. Therefore, the height adjuster 425 is operably connected to the reverse roller 422 to move the reverse roller 422 toward and away from the feed roller 210.

[0083] In operation, the strapping tape is received in the inlet IN of the strapping tape channel SC defined by the strapping tape channel cover 410 of the lower strapping tape guide assembly 300 and the upper strapping tape guide assembly 400. Figure 7A The strapping is positioned in the clamp (not marked) between the feed roller 210 and the reverse roller 422. The biasing assembly 440 ensures that the reverse roller 422 presses the strapping against the feed roller 210. The actuator 250 then drives the feed roller 210, which moves the strapping through the remainder of the strapping channel SC, exiting the outlet OUT of the strapping channel SC defined by the strapping channel cover 410 of the lower strapping guide assembly 300 and the upper strapping guide assembly 400. Figure 2 The strapping tape enters the strapping tape groove CH and wraps around it, passing through the guide, tensioning, and sealing components. After the sealing component clamps the front end of the strapping tape, the actuator drives the feed wheel 210 in the opposite direction to retract the strapping tape from the strapping tape groove CH and wrap it around the load L.

[0084] The aforementioned strapping tape feeder improves upon existing strapping tape feeders by enabling the operator to quickly and easily (in some embodiments, tool-free) adjust the width of the strapping tape channel, the height of the strapping tape channel, and the distance between the reverse roller and the feed roller to accommodate different widths and / or thicknesses of the strapping tape. Specifically, as described in more detail above, by simply manipulating the strapping tape channel width adjuster, the eccentric mounting pin, and the height adjuster, the operator can ensure that these components are in the optimal position for the use of a particular strapping tape.

[0085] In other embodiments, the lower strapping guide assembly includes only one movable outer guide member that partially defines the strapping channel (together with another stationary outer guide member and / or the strapping guide assembly frame). In this embodiment, rotation of the strapping channel width adjuster moves the movable outer guide member as described above.

[0086] In other embodiments, the lower strapping guide assembly includes only one strapping channel width adjuster or more than one strapping channel width adjuster.

[0087] In other embodiments, the strapping delivery assembly includes an actuator operatively connected to and configured to manipulate the strapping channel width adjuster (or to the outer guide member) to move the outer guide member. In yet another embodiment, the strapping channel width adjuster includes an actuator directly connected to and configured to move the outer guide member.

[0088] In several different embodiments, the strapping tape feeding assembly includes only one of the following: (1) the lower strapping tape guide assembly includes one or more outer guide members movable to change the width of the strapping tape channel; and (2) the upper strapping tape guide assembly includes a height adjuster operable to change the distance between the reverse roller and the feed roller. In some embodiments, one or more of other components of the strapping machine (such as the strapping tape tensioning assembly and / or the strapping tape sealing assembly) include the lower strapping tape guide assembly and / or the upper strapping tape guide assembly.

Claims

1. A strapping delivery assembly, comprising: Cable ties deliver the component frame; A strapping drive assembly, supported by a strapping delivery assembly frame and including a feed wheel and an actuator operably connected to the feed wheel to drive the feed wheel; A first strapping guide assembly, supported by the strapping delivery assembly frame and including one or more guide members that partially define a strapping channel; as well as A second strapping guide assembly, supported by the strapping delivery assembly frame and comprising: The outer casing; and A reverse roller assembly, the reverse roller assembly comprising: Support members installed to the housing; A reverse roller, which is mounted to the support and is rotatable relative to the support; and A height adjuster operably connected to the reverse roller to move the reverse roller from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the reverse roller is separated from the feed roller by a first distance, and in the second position the reverse roller is separated from the feed roller by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; The height adjuster is capable of moving from a locked position to an unlocked position along a first longitudinal axis. In the locked position, the height adjuster cannot rotate from its first position to its second position. In the unlocked position, the height adjuster is capable of rotating from its first position to its second position.

2. The strapping conveyor assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The second strapping guide assembly further includes a biasing component that biases the reverse roller toward the feed roller.

3. The strapping conveyor assembly as described in claim 2, wherein, The biasing assembly includes a spring that biases the reverse roller toward the feed wheel.

4. The strap feed assembly of claim 1, wherein, The height adjuster can be manipulated to move the reverse roller from its first position to its second position.

5. The strap feed assembly of claim 4, wherein, The height adjuster is rotatable relative to the support to move the reverse roller from its first position to its second position.

6. The strapping conveyor assembly as described in claim 5, wherein, The height adjuster includes a head and a cylindrical body extending from the head, wherein the body of the height adjuster is received in a hole defined by the support and extends through the hole.

7. The strap feed assembly of claim 6, wherein, The support member is mounted to the housing via a mounting pin, allowing the support member to rotate about the mounting pin and relative to the housing.

8. The strap feed assembly of claim 7, wherein, The height adjuster defines a mounting pin receiving hole through which the mounting pin is received and extends through the mounting pin receiving hole to mount the support to the housing.

9. The strap feed assembly of claim 8, wherein, The height adjuster defines the first longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting pin receiving hole defines the second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are offset from each other and parallel.

10. The strap feed assembly of claim 1, wherein, The reverse roller assembly further includes a spring that biases the height adjuster to its locked position.

11. The strap feed assembly of claim 1, wherein, The head of the height adjuster defines a first locking pin receiving hole and a second locking pin receiving hole, wherein the reverse roller assembly further includes a locking pin supported by the support member, wherein the locking pin is positioned such that: (1) the locking pin is received in the first locking pin receiving hole when the height adjuster is in its locked position and its first rotational position; and (2) the locking pin is received in the second locking pin receiving hole when the height adjuster is in its locked position and its second rotational position.

12. The strap feed assembly of claim 11, wherein, The head of the height adjuster defines a curved groove that intersects the first locking pin receiving hole and the second locking pin receiving hole, wherein the locking pin and the groove are sized such that the locking pin is received in the groove when the height adjuster is in its unlocked position and when the height adjuster is in its locked position.

13. The strap feed assembly of claim 12, wherein, The second strapping guide assembly further includes a biasing component that biases the reverse roller toward the feed roller.

14. The strapping conveyor assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The biasing assembly includes a spring that biases the reverse roller toward the feed wheel.

15. The strapping conveyor assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The second strapping guide assembly further includes a strapping channel cover mounted to the housing, wherein the second strapping guide assembly is mounted to the strapping delivery assembly frame and is pivotable relative to the strapping delivery assembly frame, the strapping drive assembly, and the strapping guide assembly between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the strapping channel cover covers the first strapping guide assembly and partially defines the strapping channel, and in the open position the strapping channel cover does not cover the first strapping guide assembly.

16. The strap feed assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second strapping guide assembly further includes a strapping channel cover mounted to the housing, wherein the second strapping guide assembly is mounted to the strapping delivery assembly frame and is pivotable relative to the strapping delivery assembly frame, the strapping drive assembly, and the strapping guide assembly between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the strapping channel cover covers the first strapping guide assembly and partially defines the strapping channel, and in the open position the strapping channel cover does not cover the first strapping guide assembly.

17. The strap feed assembly of claim 16, wherein, The cable tie channel cover is movable relative to the housing to change the height of the cable tie channel.

18. The strap feed assembly of claim 17, wherein, The strapping channel cover is mounted to the housing via an eccentric mounting pin, wherein the eccentric mounting pin is shaped such that rotation of the eccentric mounting pin relative to the housing changes the distance between the strapping channel cover and the first strapping guide assembly and changes the height of the strapping channel.

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