Bundling tool

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool configured to tension a metal strap around a load, and after tensioning, to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other by cutting notches in a sealing element positioned around the overlapping portions of the strap and in the overlapping portions of the strap itself.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 225,055, filed July 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to strapping tools, and more particularly to strapping tools configured to tension strips around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strips to each other to form a tension strip loop around the load. Background Technology

[0004] The battery-powered strapping tool is configured to tension a strip around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strip to each other to form a tensioned strip loop around the load. To use one of these strapping tools to form a tensioned strip loop around the load, the operator first pulls the front end of the strip from the strip supply source, wraps the strip around the load, and positions the front end of the strip below another portion of the strip. The operator then introduces one or more of these overlapping strip portions (depending on the type of strapping tool) into the strapping tool and actuates one or more buttons to initiate: (1) a tensioning cycle, during which the tensioning assembly tensions the strip around the load; and (2) a sealing cycle following the completion of the tensioning cycle, during which the sealing assembly attaches the overlapping strip portions to each other (thus forming a tensioned strip loop around the load), and during the sealing cycle, the cutting assembly cuts the strip from the strip supply source.

[0005] How a strapping tool attaches the overlapping portions of the strips to each other during a sealing cycle depends on the type of strapping tool and the type of strip. Some strapping tools constructed for plastic strips (such as polypropylene or polyester strips) include friction welders, heated blades, or ultrasonic welders, which are configured to attach the overlapping portions of the strips to each other. Some strapping tools constructed for plastic or metal strips (such as steel strips) include grippers that are mechanically deformed (called "crimping" in the strapping industry) or cut notches (called "notching" in the strapping industry) in sealing elements positioned around the overlapping portions of the strips to attach them to each other. Other strapping tools constructed for metal strips include punches and dies, which are configured to form a set of mechanically interlocking cuts in the overlapping portions of the strips to attach them to each other (called "no-seal" attachment in the strapping industry). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a strapping tool configured to tension a metal strip around a load, and after tensioning, to attach the overlapping portions of the strip to each other by cutting notches in sealing elements positioned around the overlapping portions of the strip and in the overlapping portions of the strip itself. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the strapping tool disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A block diagram of some components of a binding tool.

[0009] Figures 3A to 3C yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the working components of the binding tool.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the tensioning component of the working component.

[0011] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A perspective view of the tensioning assembly, including the tensioning gear and tensioning wheel.

[0012] Figure 4C yes Figure 4B Tensioning assembly gear device and tensioning wheel edge Figure 4B A three-dimensional view of the cross section taken from line 4C-4C.

[0013] Figure 4D yes Figure 4B An exploded perspective view of the tensioning assembly gear device and tensioning wheel.

[0014] Figure 5A yes Figure 3A A 3D view of the disconnected components of the working components.

[0015] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Disconnection component along Figure 5A A three-dimensional view of the cross section taken from line 5B-5B.

[0016] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A An exploded perspective view of the disconnected connection component.

[0017] Figure 5D yes Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of a portion of the working components, including Figure 5A The disconnected connection components and Figure 4A The tensioning component.

[0018] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 3A A 3D view of a portion of the trigger component of the working component.

[0019] Figure 7A , Figure 8A and Figure 9A yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the working component (cut along different planes) shows the tensioning component in its tensioned strip position and the trigger in its original position.

[0020] Figure 7B , Figure 8B and Figure 9B yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the working component (cut along different planes) shows the tensioning component in its strip tensioned position and the trigger in its intermediate position.

[0021] Figure 7C , Figure 8C and Figure 9C yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the working component (cut along different planes) shows the tensioning component in its strip insertion position and the trigger in its actuated position.

[0022] Figure 10A yes Figure 3A An elevation view of a portion of the sealing assembly of the working component, with the grippers in their original positions.

[0023] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A An elevation view of the sealing assembly, with the grippers in their original positions.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a schematic elevation view of the strips and sealing elements positioned around the load before they are tensioned and sealed by the strapping tool.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a sealing element with a notch. Detailed Implementation

[0026] While the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be implemented in many different forms, the accompanying drawings and descriptions illustrate certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the description may be necessary, 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 corresponding component shown in the 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 mounting methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operative mounting, connecting, and other installation methods. 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.

[0027] Figures 1A to 3C An example embodiment of the strapping tool 50 (sometimes referred to as the “tool” in this embodiment for simplicity) and some of its components and parts are shown. The strapping tool 50 is configured to perform a strapping cycle comprising: (1) a tensioning cycle during which the strapping tool tensions a strip (a metal strip in this example embodiment) around a load; and (2) a sealing cycle during which, after tensioning the strip, the strapping tool attaches the overlapping portions of the strip to each other by cutting notches (referred to as “open notches” in the strapping industry and in this embodiment) in sealing elements positioned around the overlapping portions of the strip and in the overlapping portions of the strip itself, and cuts the strip from a strip supply source.

[0028] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100 ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B ), Working components 200 ( Figures 3A to 3C ), Display component 1300 ( Figures 1A to 2 ), Actuation component 1400 ( Figures 1A to 2 ); Power supply (not shown); Controller 1600 ( Figure 2 ) and one or more sensors 1700 ( Figure 2 ).

[0029] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe housing 100, best shown in the diagram, is formed of a plurality of components (not individually labeled) that collectively at least partially enclose and / or support some (or all) of the other components and parts of the strapping tool 50. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 includes: a front housing section that at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the working assembly 200, the display assembly 1300, and the actuation assembly 1400; a rear housing section that defines a socket 190 that is sized, formed, and otherwise configured to receive and at least partially enclose and / or support the power supply and controller 1600; and a connector housing section that extends between the bottom of the front housing section and the bottom of the rear housing section, connects the bottom of the front housing section and the bottom of the rear housing section, and defines a handle 150. This is only one example, and in other embodiments, the components of the strapping tool may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 can be formed from any suitable number of parts joined together in any suitable manner. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 is formed of plastic, but in other embodiments the housing can be made of any other suitable material.

[0030] exist Figures 3A to 3C The working assembly 200, best illustrated herein, includes most of the components of the strapping tool 50, which are configured to perform strapping cycles to tension the strip around a load, attach overlapping portions of the strip to each other, and cut the strip from a strip supply source. Specifically, the working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning assembly 400, a sealing assembly 500, a drive assembly 700 (which includes a switching assembly 800), a trigger assembly 900, and a disconnect assembly 1900.

[0031] exist Figures 3A to 3C The support member 300, best shown in the diagram, serves as a direct or indirect common support for the tensioning assembly 400, sealing assembly 500, drive assembly 700, trigger assembly 900, and disconnection assembly 1900. The support member 300 includes a body 310, a leg 320 extending laterally from the bottom of the body 310, a tensioning assembly mounting element 330 extending rearward from the body 310, and a drive and conversion assembly mounting element 340 extending upward from the body 310. A roller 380 is coupled to the leg 320 and is rotatable relative to the leg.

[0032] exist Figures 4A to 4DThe tensioning assembly 400, best shown in the diagram, is configured to tension a strip around a load during a tensioning cycle. The tensioning assembly 400 includes: a tensioning assembly support 410; a tensioning assembly gear assembly 420; a tensioning wheel 440 driven by the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420; and one or more covers (not labeled) attached to the tensioning assembly support 410 to partially or completely enclose certain components of the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420 and the tensioning wheel 440.

[0033] The tensioning gear assembly 420 includes: a driven gear 421; a first sun gear 422; first planetary gears 423a, 423b, and 423c; a carrier 424; a first ring gear 425; a support bushing 426; a second ring gear 427; a tension wheel support 428; second planetary gears 429a, 429b, and 429c; and a key 420k. The components of the tensioning gear assembly 420 (except for the key 420k) are centered on the tension wheel rotation axis 440a, and some of these components are rotatable about the tension wheel rotation axis. The carrier 424 includes: a first planetary gear carrier 424a to which the first planetary gears 423a-423c (e.g., via corresponding bearings and mounting pins) are rotatably mounted; and a second sun gear 424b, which is rotatable about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a with the planetary gear carrier 424a (and is integrally formed with the planetary gear carrier). The first ring gear 425 includes internal teeth 425it and external teeth 425ot. The second ring gear 427 includes internal teeth 427it. The tensioner carrier 428 includes a second planetary gear carrier 428a and a tensioner shaft 428b, which is rotatable (and integrally formed with) the second planetary gear carrier 428a about a tensioner rotation axis 440a. Second planetary gears 429a-429c are rotatably mounted to the second planetary gear carrier 428a (e.g., via corresponding bearings and mounting pins). The tensioner shaft 428b defines an opening (not marked) sized to receive a key 420k.

[0034] A first sun gear 422 (e.g., via a spline connection) is fixedly mounted to a driven gear 421, such that the driven gear and the first sun gear rotate together about the tensioner rotation axis 440a. The first sun gear 422 meshes with and is motive-engaged with first planetary gears 423a-423c. The first planetary gear meshes with the internal teeth 425it of the first ring gear 425. The second planetary gear meshes with the internal teeth 427it of the second ring gear 427. A support bushing 426 rotatably supports the first ring gear 425 and separates it from the driven gear 421. The second sun gear 424b meshes with and is motive-engaged with second planetary gears 429a-429c. The tensioner 440 is fixedly mounted to the tensioner shaft 428b via a key connection with a key 420k, such that the tensioner shaft and the tensioner rotate together about the tensioner rotation axis 440a. Specifically, the tensioner 440 defines a slot that is sized to receive the key 420k when the tensioner is pushed onto the tensioner shaft 428b.

[0035] The tensioning assembly gear assembly 420 is mounted to the tensioning assembly support 410. The second ring gear 427 is fixed in terms of rotation relative to the tensioning assembly support 410 about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a (i.e., the second ring gear 427 cannot rotate relative to the tensioning assembly support 410 about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a). In this example embodiment, a pin (shown but not labeled) is positioned between the outer surface of the second ring gear 427 and the tensioning assembly support 410 to prevent relative rotation, but any suitable component (such as a set screw, glue, or a high-friction component or fastener) can be used to do so. The disconnect coupling assembly 1900 (unless actuated, as described below) fixes the first ring gear 425 in terms of rotation relative to the tensioning assembly support 410 about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a (therefore the first ring gear cannot rotate relative to the tensioning assembly support 410 about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a).

[0036] During the tensioning cycle, drive assembly 700 drives driven gear 421, as described below. Driven gear 421 initially moves itself and the first sun gear 422 in the tensioning rotation direction (from […] in this example embodiment)... Figure 4BThe first sun gear 422 drives the first set of planetary gears 423a-423c. Because the disconnected coupling assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 425 from rotating around the tensioner rotation axis 440a, the rotation of the planetary gears 423a-423c causes the carrier 424 (including the second sun gear 424b) to rotate around the tensioner rotation axis 440a in the tensioning rotation direction. The second sun gear 424b drives the second set of planetary gears 429a-429c. Because the second ring gear 427 cannot rotate around the tensioner rotation axis 440a, the rotation of the planetary gears 429a-429c causes the tensioner support 428 and the tensioner 440 mounted thereon to rotate around the tensioner rotation axis 440a in the tensioning rotation direction. Accordingly, the tensioning assembly gear device 420 operatively connects the drive assembly 700 to the tensioning wheel 440 so that the tensioning wheel 440 rotates about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a in the tensioning rotation direction.

[0037] The tensioning assembly 400 is movably mounted to the tensioning assembly mounting element 330 of the support 300 and is configured to be in a tensioned position relative to the support 300—particularly relative to the foot 320 of the support 300—and about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a of the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405, under the control of the trigger assembly 900 (described below). Figure 7A and Figure 7B ) and the strip insertion position ( Figure 7C The tensioning assembly 400 pivots between the tensioning roller 440 and the support 300 roller 380 when the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioned position. When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioned position, the tensioning roller 440 is adjacent to (and in this embodiment contacts) the support 300 roller 380 (or, if the strip has been inserted into the strapping tool 50, adjacent to the upper surface of the strip). When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strip insertion position, the tensioning roller 440 is spaced apart from the roller 380 so that (as described below) the top of the strip can be inserted between the tensioning roller 440 and the roller 380. The tensioning assembly biasing element 400s ( Figure 3B (Although it is a torsion spring in this example embodiment, it could be any other suitable type of biasing element) biases the tensioning assembly 400 to the strip tension position.

[0038] exist Figures 5A to 5D The disconnect assembly 1900, best shown in the diagram, is configured to allow the tensioning wheel 440 to rotate about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tensioning rotation direction after the tensioning process is completed, in order to release tension and facilitate the removal of the tool 50 from the strip. The disconnect assembly 1900 includes a disconnect assembly shaft 1910, a disconnect assembly housing 1920, a first engageable element 1930, an expandable element 1940, and a second engageable element 1950.

[0039] The disconnectable assembly shaft 1910 includes a body 1912 having a first end 1912a with an irregular cross-section and a second end 1912b with teeth. A first bearing support 1914 extends from the first end 1912a, and a second bearing support 1916 extends from the second end 1912b. The disconnectable assembly housing 1920 includes a tubular body 1922 having teeth 1924 extending around its outer periphery. The body 1922 defines an opening therethrough. A first engageable element 1930 includes a tubular bushing having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface having a periphery that matches the periphery of the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the disconnectable assembly shaft 1910. An expandable element 1940 includes a torsion spring having a first end 1940a and a second end 1940b. The second engageable element 1950 includes a tubular body 1952 and an annular flange 1954 located at one end of the body 1952. An opening 1954o is defined through the flange 1954.

[0040] A first engageable element 1930 is mounted on a first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the disconnectable assembly shaft 1910 for rotation therewith, and is disposed within the body 1922 of the disconnectable assembly housing 1920. A second engageable element 1950 is also disposed within the body 1922 of the disconnectable assembly housing 1920, such that the body 1952 of the second engageable element 1950 is adjacent to the first engageable element 1930, and such that at least a portion of the disconnectable assembly shaft 1910 extends through the second engageable element 1950. An expandable element 1940 (a torsion spring in this example embodiment) is disposed within the body 1922 of the disconnectable assembly housing 1920 and surrounds the bodies 1952 of the first engageable element 1930 and the second engageable element 1950. The outer diameter of the first engageable element 1930 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the body 1952 of the second engageable element and is equal to or greater than the resting inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940. This means that the torsion spring 1940 applies a compressive force to the bodies 1952 of the first engageable element 1930 and the second engageable element, preventing those components (and the disconnect assembly shaft 1910) from rotating relative to each other. A first end 1940a of the expandable element 1940 is received in an opening 1954o defined by a flange 1954 passing through the second engageable element 1950, and a second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 is received in an opening 1922o defined in the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920. Bearings (not shown) are respectively mounted on a first bearing support 1914 and a second bearing support 1916 of the disconnect assembly shaft 1910.

[0041] like Figure 3B , Figure 5D and Figures 7A to 9C As best shown, the disconnect assembly 1900 is mounted to the tensioning assembly support 410 and operatively connected to the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420. More specifically, the disconnect assembly 1900 is mounted to the tensioning assembly support 410 via a fastener (not labeled) that secures the second engageable element 1950 relative to the tensioning assembly support 410 in terms of rotation, such that the second engageable element 1950 (and the first end 1940a of the expandable element 1940 received in the opening 1954o of the flange 1954 of the second engageable element 1950) cannot rotate relative to the tensioning assembly support 410. Figure 5D As shown, intermediate gears 1990a and 1990b (here, spur gears mounted to the tensioning assembly support 410 (and rotatable relative to the tensioning assembly support)) operatively connect the body 1912 to the first ring gear 425 of the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420. Specifically, the teeth on the second end 1912b of the body 1912 of the disconnecting coupling shaft 1910 mesh with the first gear 1990a, which meshes with the second gear 1990b, which meshes with the external teeth 425ot of the first ring gear 425 of the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420 of the tensioning assembly 400. Since the body 1952 is fixed in rotation relative to the tensioning assembly support 410 and the disconnecting coupling shaft 1910 is fixed in rotation with the first engageable element 1930, the disconnecting coupling shaft 1910 (and therefore the intermediate gears 1990a and 1990b) is fixed in rotation relative to the tensioning assembly housing 410. Since the intermediate gear 1990b meshes with the outer tooth 425ot of the first ring gear 425 of the tensioning assembly gear device 420, the disconnecting connection assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 425 from rotating around the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440a.

[0042] The disconnect assembly 1900 is actuable (e.g., via the trigger assembly 900 described below) to eliminate the connection between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1930, such that the first engageable element 1930 and the disconnect assembly shaft 1910 can rotate relative to the second engageable element 1930. As explained above, the first end 1940a of the second engageable element 1950 and the expandable element 1940 (i.e., received in the opening 1954o of the flange 1954 of the second engageable element 1950) is fixed in rotation relative to the tensioning assembly support 410. To eliminate the connection between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1930, the disconnect assembly housing 1920 is rotated relative to the tensioning assembly support 410, the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940, and the second engageable element 1950. The second end 1940b of the torsion spring 1940 (accepted in an opening 1922o defined in the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920) rotates with the disconnect assembly housing 1920. When this occurs, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 near its second end 1940b begins to expand and eventually expands sufficiently (thus reducing or completely eliminating the compressive force) to allow the first engageable element 1930 and the disconnect assembly shaft 1910 to rotate relative to the second engageable element 1950 (and the torsion spring 1940).

[0043] At the completion of the tensioning cycle, the tensioning wheel 440 maintains a significant tension in the belt, and the belt exerts a reaction force (or torque) on the tensioning wheel 440 in the opposite direction to the tensioning direction. Actuating the disconnecting coupling assembly 1900 allows the tensioning wheel 440 to rotate in the opposite direction to the tensioning direction, thereby releasing the tension in a controlled manner. Specifically, at the completion of the tensioning cycle, the disconnecting coupling shaft 1910 (via intermediate gears 1990a and 1990b) continues to prevent the first ring gear 425 of the tensioning coupling gear assembly 420 from rotating about the tensioning wheel rotation axis 440, which prevents the tensioning wheel 440 from rotating in the opposite direction to the tensioning direction. As the disconnecting coupling housing 1920 is rotated (e.g., via actuation of the trigger assembly 900 as described below), the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 near its second end 1940b begins to expand. Ultimately, the force exerted by the first ring gear 425 on the disconnect coupling assembly shaft 1910 exceeds the compressive force exerted by the torsion spring 1940 on the first engageable element 1930. When this occurs, the first ring gear 425 rotates about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. Since the first sun gear 422 is fixed in rotation (via the drive assembly 700), this causes the first planetary gears 423a-423c to rotate about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. This (as explained above) causes the tension wheel 440 to rotate about the tension wheel rotation axis 440a in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction.

[0044] In other embodiments, only one or more intermediate gears can operatively connect the disconnecting assembly shaft to the first ring gear. In other embodiments, the second end of the body of the disconnecting assembly shaft directly meshes with the external teeth of the first ring gear (rather than via one or more intermediate gears).

[0045] exist Figures 6A to 9C The trigger assembly 900, best shown in the diagram, is operatively connected to: (1) a tensioning assembly 400 and configured to move the tensioning assembly 400 relative to the support member 300 from a belt tensioned position to a belt insertion position; and (2) a disconnecting coupling assembly 1900 and configured to actuate the disconnecting coupling assembly, thereby enabling the tensioning wheel 440 to rotate in a direction opposite to the tensioning rotation direction. The trigger assembly 900 includes a trigger 910, a trigger pivot pin 910p1, a trigger travel pin 910p2, a trigger gear engagement pin 910p3, a trigger bias element 910s, a trigger gear 930, and a trigger gear bias element 930s.

[0046] Trigger 910 includes trigger body 912, and a travel pin slot 914s extending from trigger body 912 and defining travel pin slot 914s. Figures 9A to 9CThe trigger head 914 (shown) and the stop foot 916 extending downward from the trigger body 912. The trigger gear 930 includes a trigger gear mounting head 932 defining a stop surface 932a, a trigger gear arm 934 extending from the trigger gear mounting head 932, and a trigger gear foot 936 connected to the trigger gear arm 934 and including trigger gear teeth 936t.

[0047] The trigger pivot pin 910p1 and trigger travel pin 910p2 attach the trigger 910 to the tensioning assembly 400, so that the trigger 910 can be in its original position relative to the tensioning assembly 400. Figure 7A , Figure 8A and Figure 9A ) and the middle position ( Figure 7B , Figure 8B and Figure 9B The trigger pivot pin 910p1 extends through openings (not shown) defined by the tensioning assembly support 410 and the trigger head 914 of the trigger 910, allowing the trigger 910 to pivot about the trigger pivot pin 910p1 (which defines the trigger pivot axis (not shown)) and relative to the tensioning assembly 400 and the disconnect coupling assembly 1900. The trigger travel pin 910p2 extends through an opening (not shown) defined by the travel pin slot 914s of the trigger head 914, passing through the tensioning assembly support 410.

[0048] As the trigger 910 pivots about the trigger pivot pin 910p1 (and the trigger pivot axis) and relative to the tensioning assembly 400 and the support 300, the travel pin slot 914s moves relative to the trigger travel pin 910p2 (mounted to the tensioning assembly support 410). The size, shape, position, and orientation of the travel pin slot 914s constrain the pivoting movement of the trigger 910 about the pivot pin 910p1 between its original position and intermediate positions. Figure 9A As shown, when the trigger 910 is in its original position, the trigger travel pin 910p2 is positioned at and engages with the upper end (unmarked) of the travel pin slot 914s, thereby preventing the trigger 910 from rotating further clockwise relative to the tensioning assembly 400. Conversely, as... Figure 9BAs shown, when the trigger 910 is in its intermediate position, the trigger travel pin 910p2 is positioned at the lower end (unmarked) of the travel pin slot 914s, thereby preventing the trigger 910 from rotating further counterclockwise relative to the tensioning assembly 400. The trigger biasing element 910s (although a torsion spring in this example embodiment, it could be any other suitable component) biases the trigger 910 back to its original position. When the trigger 910 is in its original position, the blocking leg 916 engages the tensioning assembly 400 to prevent the trigger 910 from rotating further clockwise and to hold the trigger 910 in its original position.

[0049] like Figure 6A As best shown, the trigger gear mounting head 932 is mounted to the travel pin 910p2. The trigger gear biasing element 930s (via engagement with pin 930p) biases the stop surface 932a of the trigger gear mounting head 932 into contact with the trigger gear engagement pin 910p3, which is fixedly attached to the trigger 910. As a result, the trigger gear 930 can rotate about the travel pin 910p2 as the trigger rotates between its original position and intermediate position. That is, the trigger 910 is operatively connected to the trigger gear 930 and is configured to cause the trigger gear 930 to rotate about the trigger travel pin 910b when the trigger 910 pivots from its original position to its intermediate position. As the trigger gear 930 rotates, it actuates the disconnection assembly 1900, as described above. More specifically, as the trigger gear 930 rotates, its teeth 936t engage with the teeth 1924 of the body 1922 of the disconnect assembly housing 1920, thereby forcing the disconnect assembly housing 1920 to rotate (thus actuating the disconnect assembly 1900).

[0050] As described above and as Figure 9B As shown, once the trigger 910 reaches its intermediate position, the trigger travel pin 910p2 is positioned at the lower end of the travel pin slot 914s, thereby preventing the trigger 910 from rotating further counterclockwise relative to the tensioning assembly 400. At this time, if the tensioning assembly 400 is in its tensioned position, such as... Figure 7B As shown, a force is continued to be applied to the handle 150 on the trigger 910, causing the trigger 910 and the tensioning assembly 400 to rotate together about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a until the trigger 910 reaches the actuated position and the tensioning assembly 400 reaches its strip insertion position. Figure 7C The trigger 910 in its actuated position and the tensioning assembly 400 in its strip insertion position are shown.

[0051] exist Figure 3A , Figure 10A and Figure 10BThe sealing assembly 500, best shown in the diagram, is configured to attach the overlapping portions of the strip to each other during a sealing cycle to form a tensioned strip loop around a load by notching both the sealing element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strip and the overlapping portion of the strip itself. The sealing assembly 500 includes a front cover (not labeled), a rear cover (not labeled), and a jaw assembly 520 partially enclosing the front and rear covers. The rear cover is mounted to a support 300 (not shown).

[0052] The gripper assembly 520 includes a connector 522, a connector pivot 524, a first connector / gripper link 526 and a second connector / gripper link 528, a first gripper 536, a second gripper 538, a first gripper connector 550, a second gripper connector (not shown), a first link pin 540a and a second link pin 540b, and a first pivot pin 560a and a second pivot pin 560b. The first gripper 536 and the second gripper 538 form a pair of opposing grippers. The first connector / gripper link 526 and the second connector / gripper link 528 are both pivotally connected to the connector 522 via the connector pivot 524 near their respective upper ends. This pivotable connection allows the first connector / gripper link 526 and the second connector / gripper link 528 to pivot about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the connector pivot 524 relative to the connector 522 and the connector pivot 524. Here, the connector pivot 524 includes a pivot pin held via a retaining ring (not shown), although in other embodiments the connector pivot can be any other suitable pivot. The rear end of the connector pivot 524 is positioned in a slot (not labeled) defined in the rear cover, thus restricting vertical movement of the connector pivot 524 between an upper position and a lower position.

[0053] The upper portion of each of the first jaws 536 and the second jaws 538 is pivotally connected via link pins 540a and 540b to the lower ends of the connector / jaw links 526 and 528, respectively. These pivotable connections allow the jaws to pivot relative to the connector / jaw links about their respective longitudinal axes (not shown). The lower portion of each of the first jaws 536 and the second jaws 538 is pivotally connected via pivot pins 560a and 560b to the first jaw connector 550 and the second jaw connector. These pivotable connections allow the jaws to remain in their original positions relative to the jaw connectors about their respective longitudinal axes (not shown). Figure 10A ) and sealing position ( Figure 10B Pivot between them. Each jaw 536 and 538 has lower teeth 536a and 538a, which force the sealing element against the jaw connector during the sealing cycle (as described below) and cut a notch in the overlapping portion of the sealing element and the strip.

[0054] Although not shown here, the cutter is positioned and movable within a recess defined in the rear cover and is mounted to the connector pivot 524. Downward movement of the connector pivot 524 causes the connector pivot 524 to force the cutter downward to cut the strip from the strip supply source, and upward return movement of the connector pivot 524 causes the cutter to return upward.

[0055] exist Figure 3C The drive assembly 700, best shown in the diagram, is operatively connected to the tensioning assembly 400 and configured to rotate the tensioning pulley 440 to tension the strip, and is operatively connected to the sealing assembly 500 to attach overlapping portions of the strips to each other. The drive assembly 700 includes a working assembly actuator 710, a first transmission 720, a second transmission 730, a first belt 740, a third transmission 750, a second belt 760, and a conversion assembly 800.

[0056] In this example embodiment, the working component actuator 710 includes a motor (and is referred to herein as motor 710), particularly a brushless DC motor including a motor output shaft 712 having a rotation axis of the motor output shaft (though in other embodiments, motor 710 may be any other suitable type of motor). Motor 710 (via motor output shaft 712) is operatively connected to and configured to drive a first drive 720, which (described below) is configured to selectively transmit the output of motor 710 to either the tensioning assembly 400 or the sealing assembly 500. In other embodiments, the binding tool includes separate tensioning actuators and sealing actuators configured to actuate the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly, respectively, rather than a single actuator configured to actuate both the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly.

[0057] The first transmission 720 includes any suitable gear mechanism and / or other components configured to selectively transmit the output of motor 710 via a first belt 740 to a second transmission 730 and via a second belt 760 to a third transmission 750. More specifically, the first transmission 720 is configured such that: (1) rotation of the motor output shaft 712 in a first rotational direction causes the first transmission 720 to transmit the output of motor 710 via the first belt 740 to the second transmission 730 but not to the third transmission 750; and (2) rotation of the motor output shaft 712 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction causes the first transmission 720 to transmit the output of motor 710 via the second belt 760 to the third transmission 750 but not to the second transmission 730. Thus, in this embodiment, a single motor (motor 710) is configured to actuate both the tensioning assembly 400 and the sealing assembly 500.

[0058] To achieve this selective transmission of the motor output, the first transmission 720 includes: a first pulley 714a (or other suitable component) mounted on a first flywheel (unmarked) that is mounted on the motor output shaft 712; and a second pulley 714b (or other suitable component) mounted on a second flywheel (unmarked) that is mounted on the motor output shaft 712. The first pulley 714a (via a first belt 740) is operatively connected to the second transmission 730, while the second pulley 714b (via a second belt 760) is operatively connected to the third transmission 750. When the motor output shaft 712 rotates in a first direction: (1) the first flywheel and the first pulley 714a rotate with the motor output shaft 712, thereby transmitting the motor output to the second transmission 730 via the first belt 740; and (2) the motor output shaft 712 rotates freely via the second flywheel, which does not cause the second pulley 714b to rotate. Conversely, when the motor output shaft 712 rotates in the second direction: (1) the second flywheel and the second pulley 714b rotate with the motor output shaft 712, thereby transmitting the motor output to the third transmission 750 via the second belt 760; and (2) the motor output shaft 712 rotates freely via the first flywheel, which does not cause the first pulley 714a to rotate. This is merely one example embodiment of the first transmission 720, and in other embodiments, it may include any other suitable components.

[0059] An anti-rotation gear 790 is mounted to a flywheel (not shown), which is in turn rotatably mounted to a support 300 adjacent to a second belt 760, such that the second belt 760 operatively engages the anti-rotation gear 790. The flywheel is configured such that the anti-rotation gear 790 is rotatable along a second direction of rotation (from...). Figure 3C The view shown is clockwise) and it can rotate freely and cannot rotate along the first rotation direction (from... Figure 3C The view shown is in a counter-clockwise direction. Accordingly, when the motor output shaft 712 rotates in the second rotation direction, the second belt 760 drives the anti-rotation gear 790 to rotate when transmitting the output of the motor output shaft 712 to the third transmission device 750. Since the anti-rotation gear 790 cannot rotate in the first rotation direction and engages with the second belt 760, the anti-rotation gear 790 prevents the second belt 760 from rotating when the motor output shaft 712 rotates in the first rotation direction.

[0060] The second transmission 730 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission 720 to the tensioning assembly 400 to cause the tensioning pulley 440 to rotate. More specifically, the second transmission 730 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission 720 to the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420 of the tensioning assembly 400 to cause the tensioning pulley shaft 428b and the tensioning pulley 440 to rotate thereon. Accordingly, the motor 710 (via the first transmission 720, the first belt 740, the second transmission 730, the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420, and the tensioning pulley shaft 428b) is operatively coupled to the tensioning pulley 440 and configured to cause the tensioning pulley 440 to rotate. In this example embodiment, the second transmission 730 includes an intermediate gear assembly (not labeled) rotatably mounted (via bearings or any other suitable component) to the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405 and rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis 405a, such that the output of the motor 710 is transmitted to the tensioning assembly gear assembly 420 to rotate the tensioning wheel 440. The intermediate gear assembly is positioned such that the operational connection between the motor 710 and the tensioning assembly 400 is maintained as the tensioning assembly 400 pivots between its belt tensioned position and belt insertion position.

[0061] The third drive unit 750 is configured to transmit the output of the first drive unit 720 to the conversion assembly 800. The third drive unit 750 may include any suitable components, such as one or more gears and one or more shafts arranged in any suitable manner. The conversion assembly 800 is configured to transmit the output of the third drive unit 750 to the sealing assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle, which includes moving the jaws of the sealing assembly from their original position to their sealing position to cut notches in the sealing element and strip, and then returning to their original position to release the notched sealing element and strip. In doing so, in this embodiment, the conversion assembly 800 is configured to convert rotary motion (rotation of the shaft and gears) into linear motion (reciprocating translational movement of the coupling).

[0062] More specifically, the rotation of the motor output shaft 712 of the motor 710 in the second rotational direction causes the rotation of the second pulley 714b of the first transmission 720. The second belt 760 transmits the output of the first transmission 720 (in this case, the rotation of the second pulley 714b) to the third transmission 750, which in turn transmits the output of the first transmission 720 to the conversion assembly 800.

[0063] Display assembly 1300 includes a suitable display screen 1310 having a touch panel 1320. Display screen 1310 is configured (at least in this embodiment) to display information about the strapping tool, and touch screen 1320 is configured to receive operator input, such as desired strip tension, desired welding cooling time, and operator input as known in the art. A display controller (not shown) can control display screen 1310 and touch panel 1320, and in these embodiments, the display controller is communicatively connected to controller 1300 to send signals to and receive signals from controller 1300. Other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a touch panel. Other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a display assembly.

[0064] The actuation component 1400 is configured to receive operator input to initiate tensioning and sealing cycles. In this example embodiment, the actuation component 1400 includes a first button actuator 1410 and a second button actuator 1420, which initiate tensioning and / or sealing cycles according to the operating mode of the strapping tool 50, as described below. Other embodiments of the strapping tool 50 do not have the actuation component 1400, but instead integrate the functionality of the actuation component into the display component 1300. For example, in one of these embodiments, two areas of the touch panel define virtual buttons that function identically to the mechanical button actuators.

[0065] Controller 1600 includes a processing device (or 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 tool 50. Controller 1600 is communicatively and operatively connected to motor 710, display assembly 1300, actuation assembly 1400, and sensor 1700, and is configured to receive signals from and control those components. The controller 1600 is also communicatively connected to an external device, such as a computing device, to send information to and receive information from the external device (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocols).

[0066] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes: (1) manual operation mode; (2) semi-automatic operation mode; and (3) automatic operation mode. In manual operation mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to cause the tension wheel 440 to rotate in response to and while maintaining the actuation of the first button actuator 1410. The controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to cause the sealing assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle in response to and while maintaining the actuation of the second button actuator 1420. In semi-automatic operation mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 710 to cause the tension wheel 440 to rotate in response to and while maintaining the actuation of the first button actuator 1410. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strip has reached the (preset) desired strip tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor to cause the sealing assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator). In automatic operation mode, controller 1600 operates motor 710 to cause tension wheel 440 to rotate in response to actuation of first button actuator 1410. Once controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strip has reached the (preset) desired strip tension, controller 1600 automatically operates the motor to cause sealing assembly 500 to perform a sealing cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator).

[0067] A power source (via suitable wiring and other components) is electrically connected to and configured to power several components of the strapping tool 50, including a motor 710, a display assembly 1300, an actuation assembly 1400, a controller 1600, and a sensor 1700. In this example embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), although in other embodiments the power source can be any other suitable power source. The power source is sized, formed, and otherwise configured to be received in a socket 190 defined by the housing 100. The strapping tool 50 includes one or more battery retaining devices (not shown) to releasably lock the power source in place when it is received in the socket. A release mechanism of the strapping tool 50 or actuation of the power source unlocks the power source from the housing 100 and allows the operator to remove the power source from the housing 100.

[0068] A strapping cycle is performed using strapping tool 50, which includes: (1) a tensioning cycle in which strapping tool 50 tensions strip S around load L; and (2) a sealing cycle, described below, in which strapping tool 50 notches sealing element SE positioned around overlapping top and bottom portions of strip S and the top and bottom portions of strip itself, and cuts strip from strip supply source. Initially, tensioning assembly 400 is in its strip-tensioned position, jaws 536 and 538 of sealing assembly 500 are in their respective original positions, and trigger 910 is in its original position. For the purposes of this example, strapping tool 50 is in automatic mode.

[0069] The operator first pulls the front end of strip S from the strip supply source (not shown) and passes the front end of strip S through the sealing element SE. While holding the sealing element SE, the operator wraps the strip around the load L and positions the front end of strip S below another portion of strip S, passing the front end of strip S through the sealing element SE again. The sealing element SE is then positioned around the overlapping top and bottom portions of strip S. The operator then bends the front end of strip S backward and slides the sealing element SE along strip S until it encounters a bend. Figure 11 The position of the bend and sealing element SE at this time is shown.

[0070] The operator then pulls trigger 910 from its original position to its actuated position to move tensioning assembly 400 from its strip tensioned position to its strip insertion position. While holding trigger 910 in its actuated position, the operator introduces the top portion of strip S into the strip receiving opening behind sealing element SE, such that the top portion of strip S is between tensioning roller 440 and roller 380 of support leg 320 of support member 300. The operator then manually pulls strip S to eliminate slack and pushes strapping tool 50 toward sealing element SE until sealing element SE is positioned between jaws 536 and 538. At this point, the bottom portion of strip S is located below support leg 320.

[0071] The operator then releases trigger 910. This causes the tensioning assembly bias element 400s to force the tensioning assembly 400 back to its strip tensioned position, which causes the tensioning wheel 440 to engage the top portion of the strip S and press it against the roller 380. Trigger bias element 910s forces trigger 910 back to its original position. At this point, the bottom portion of the strip S is located below the support leg 320. The operator then actuates the first button actuator 1410 to initiate the strapping cycle. In response, controller 1600 initiates the tensioning cycle by controlling motor 710 to begin rotating the motor output shaft 712 in the first rotational direction, which causes the tensioning wheel shaft 428b and the tensioning wheel 440 thereon to begin rotating. As the tensioning wheel 440 rotates, the tensioning wheel pulls the top portion of the strip S, thereby tensioning the strip S around the load L. Throughout the tensioning cycle, controller 1600 monitors the current drawn by motor 710. When the current reaches a preset value related to the (preset) desired strip tension for this strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 710, thereby terminating the tensioning cycle.

[0072] The controller 1600 then automatically initiates the sealing cycle by controlling the motor 710 to start rotating the motor output shaft 712 in the second rotational direction. This causes the grippers 536 and 538 to: (1) pivot from their respective original positions to their respective sealing positions to cut notches in the top and bottom portions of the sealing element SE and the strip S within the sealing element SE; and then (2) pivot from their respective sealing positions back to their respective original positions to allow the binding tool 50 to be removed from the strip S. Figure 12 The notched sealing element SE and the strip S are shown.

[0073] While the sealing assembly includes grippers configured to cut into the sealing element to attach two portions of the strip to itself, in other embodiments, the sealing assembly may include other sealing mechanisms, such as friction welding assemblies or non-sealing attachment assemblies.

[0074] Other embodiments of the strapping tool may include fewer components, parts, and / or features than those included in the strapping tool 50 shown above and in the accompanying drawings. For example, other strapping tools may include fewer than all of the dual pivot triggers, disconnect coupling components, and anti-rotation gears (including only one of them). In other words, while strapping tool 50 includes all of these components, parts, and features, they are independent of each other and can be independently included in other strapping tools.

Claims

1. A binding tool, comprising: Support components; The tensioning assembly is mounted to the support and is pivotable relative to the support between a tensioned strip position and a strip insertion position. as well as The trigger component includes: A trigger, comprising a trigger body and a trigger head extending from the trigger body, wherein the trigger head defines a curved slot, wherein the trigger is mounted to the tensioning assembly via a trigger pivot pin and is pivotable relative to the tensioning assembly and about the trigger pivot pin between an initial position and an intermediate position, and is pivotable relative to the support member and about the pivot axis of the tensioning assembly from the intermediate position to an actuated position to move the tensioning assembly from the strip tensioned position to the strip insertion position; A travel pin, which is mounted to the tensioning assembly and extends through a slot in the trigger head to constrain the pivoting of the trigger relative to the tensioning assembly between the initial position and the intermediate position; and A trigger gear includes a trigger gear head defining a stop surface, a trigger gear arm extending from the trigger gear head, and a trigger gear support connected to the trigger gear arm and including trigger gear teeth, wherein the trigger gear head is rotatably mounted to the travel pin.

2. The binding tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The pivot axis of the tensioning assembly is different from that of the trigger pivot axis and they are parallel to each other.

3. The binding tool as described in claim 1, wherein, When the trigger is in the original position, the travel pin is located at the first end of the slot, and when the trigger is in the intermediate position, the travel pin is located at the opposite second end of the slot.

4. The binding tool as described in claim 3, wherein, When the trigger is in the actuated position, the travel pin is located at the second end of the slot.

5. The binding tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The trigger assembly further includes a trigger biasing element that biases the trigger to the original position.

6. The binding tool as described in claim 5, wherein, The trigger biasing element includes a torsion spring.

7. The binding tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The trigger assembly further includes: a trigger gear engagement member fixedly attached to the trigger; and a trigger gear biasing element biasing the stop surface of the trigger gear head into contact with the trigger gear engagement member.

8. The binding tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The trigger gear biasing element includes a torsion spring.

9. The binding tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The trigger gear engagement component includes a pin.

10. The binding tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The tensioning assembly includes a tensioning wheel and a tensioning assembly gear assembly operably connected to the tensioning wheel to cause the tensioning wheel to rotate about the tensioning wheel's rotation axis in the tensioning rotation direction. The binding tool further includes: A motor, operably connected to the tensioning assembly gear mechanism to drive the tensioning assembly gear mechanism; and Disconnect the coupling assembly, which is actuable to allow the tensioning wheel to rotate about its axis of rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of tensioning rotation. The trigger is operatively connected to the disconnect assembly to actuate the disconnect assembly when pivoting from the original position to the intermediate position.

11. The binding tool as described in claim 10, wherein, The disconnect assembly includes a disconnect assembly housing having a tubular body mounted to the tensioning assembly and rotatable relative to the tensioning assembly, the body including teeth extending around the outer periphery of the body.

12. The binding tool as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The trigger assembly further includes: a trigger gear engagement member fixedly attached to the trigger; and a trigger gear biasing element biasing the stop surface of the trigger gear head into contact with the trigger gear engagement member, such that the trigger pivots from the original position to the actuated position causing the trigger gear teeth to engage the teeth of the body of the disconnect assembly housing and causing the disconnect assembly housing to rotate relative to the tensioning assembly.

13. The binding tool as described in claim 11, wherein, The disconnect component further includes: Disconnect coupling component shaft, which is at least partially disposed within the disconnect coupling component housing; A first engageable element is at least partially disposed within the disconnectable assembly housing and mounted to the disconnectable assembly shaft to rotate together with the disconnectable assembly shaft; A second engageable element, which is at least partially disposed within the housing of the disconnect assembly and is fixed in rotation relative to the tensioning assembly; and An expandable element is at least partially disposed within the disconnect assembly housing and surrounds at least a portion of the first engageable element and at least a portion of the second engageable element, and has a first end fixed to the second engageable element and a second end fixed to the disconnect assembly housing, wherein the expandable element is sized such that when stationary, the expandable element applies a compressive force to the first engageable element and the second engageable element, the compressive force preventing the first engageable element and the second engageable element from rotating relative to each other.

14. The binding tool as described in claim 13, wherein, The rotation caused by the trigger moving the disconnect assembly housing from the original position to the intermediate position causes the second end of the expandable element to rotate relative to the first end of the expandable element, thereby causing the inner diameter of the expandable element to expand and enabling the first engageable element to rotate relative to the second engageable element.

15. The binding tool as described in claim 14, wherein, The expandable element includes a torsion spring.

16. The binding tool as described in claim 13, wherein, The tensioning assembly gear device includes a ring gear with external teeth, wherein the disconnecting assembly shaft includes teeth, and the binding tool further includes an intermediate gear device that operatively connects the external teeth of the ring gear to the teeth of the disconnecting assembly shaft, wherein the disconnecting assembly shaft and the intermediate gear device prevent the ring gear from rotating unless the disconnecting assembly is actuated.

17. The binding tool of claim 1, wherein the trigger is configured to cause the trigger gear to rotate about the trigger travel pin when the trigger pivots from its original position to its intermediate position.

18. The strapping tool of claim 1, wherein the tensioning assembly is pivotable relative to the support member about the tensioning assembly pivot axis between the strip tension position and the strip insertion position, and the trigger pivot pin defines the trigger pivot axis, and wherein the tensioning assembly pivot axis and the trigger pivot axis are different and parallel to each other.

19. A binding tool, comprising: Support components; A sealing assembly, which is mounted to the support and includes a plurality of jaws, the plurality of jaws being movable from their respective original positions to their respective sealing positions; The motor includes a motor output shaft; A first flywheel is mounted to the motor output shaft, wherein the first flywheel is configured to rotate with the motor output shaft when the motor output shaft rotates in a first rotation direction, and not to rotate with the motor output shaft when the motor output shaft rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; A pulley, which is mounted to the first flywheel; A belt that operatively connects the pulley to the sealing assembly. A second flywheel, which is mounted to the support member; and An anti-rotation gear is mounted to the second flywheel and engaged by the belt, wherein the second flywheel is configured such that the belt can drive the anti-rotation gear to rotate in the first rotation direction and prevent the belt from driving the anti-rotation gear to rotate in the second rotation direction.

20. The strapping tool of claim 19, further comprising a tensioning assembly mounted to the support and pivotable relative to the support between a strap tension position and a strap insertion position, wherein, The tensioning assembly includes: a tensioning wheel; and a tensioning assembly gear assembly operatively connected to the tensioning wheel to rotate the tensioning wheel, wherein the motor is operatively connected to the tensioning assembly gear assembly to drive the tensioning assembly gear assembly.

21. The binding tool of claim 20, further comprising: The third flywheel, which is mounted to the motor output shaft, wherein... The third flywheel is configured to rotate with the motor output shaft when the motor output shaft rotates in the second rotation direction, and not to rotate with the motor output shaft when the motor output shaft rotates in the first rotation direction. The second pulley is mounted to the third flywheel; as well as A second belt operatively connects the second pulley to the tensioning assembly gear mechanism.

Images