Automatic strapping tool device with guide unit for deformed and / or loose one-piece strapping

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic bundling tool device (ABT) for bundling items (OPT) by means of a one-piece strap, comprising a holding unit configured to receive, hold and release the OPT provided to the ABT from an external reservoir of the OPT, a motion guiding unit configured to guide the holding unit in motion between a receiving position in which the holding unit receives the OPT during intended use and a releasing position in which the holding unit releases the OPT during intended use, a claw unit configured to guide the strap of the OPT around the bundled items, and a tip guiding unit having a guiding flap element configured to guide a tip of a respective OPT towards an entrance of the claw unit when the OPT is moved by the holding unit from the receiving position to the releasing position towards the releasing position, thereby providing an improved automatic bundling tool device capable of reliably handling one-piece straps with deformations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an Automatic Bundling Tool (ABT) for bundling bundled items using one-piece cable ties (OPT), particularly using cable ties, and preferably using loose cable ties. The ABT includes: a holding unit configured to receive, hold, and release a corresponding one-piece cable tie supplied to the ABT from an external storage container of the one-piece cable tie; a motion guiding unit configured to guide movement of the holding unit between a receiving position and a releasing position, wherein in the receiving position the holding unit receives the corresponding one-piece cable tie for intended use, and in the releasing position the holding unit releases the corresponding one-piece cable tie for intended use; and a claw unit configured to guide the strap or tail of the corresponding one-piece cable tie around the bundled items for intended use. Background Technology

[0002] In automated strapping devices, typically cable ties, or more generally, one-piece cable ties, are guided in a set of claws or gripper elements surrounding a bundle of items until a loop is formed around the bundle. The end of the one-piece cable tie is positioned longitudinally in front of the head of the one-piece cable tie and is then pushed along the guide gripper elements through an opening or window in the head to close the loop. A tensioning or tightening system then clamps the strap portion of the one-piece cable tie and tightens or pulls the bundle. One possibility for transporting one-piece cable ties in automated strapping devices is to use a mechanical slider combined with a retaining clamp that holds the one-piece cable tie through its head, thus realizing a movable retaining unit for the one-piece cable tie. This slider can be driven longitudinally to move the one-piece cable tie forward toward the bundle of items and is typically designed to hold a particular given type of one-piece cable tie. Such a solution is shown in EP18903233A1.

[0003] Alternative methods rely on pneumatic components or mechanical guides implemented by a bandoleer pre-attached to the cable ties. Compare, for example, EP19747727A1 or EP3712076A1.

[0004] All known methods share a common problem: the reliability of automated bundling devices heavily depends on the correct shape of the one-piece cable tie, i.e., on the straightness of the strap or tail of the one-piece cable tie. In particular, this hinders the use of loose one-piece cable ties, preferably loose wire harness cable ties, as one-piece cable ties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention can be considered as providing an improved automatic strapping tool device that can reliably, and in particular more reliably than existing solutions, handle deformable one-piece cable ties, i.e., non-straight straps.

[0006] This problem is addressed by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0007] One aspect relates to an automatic bundling tool, or ABT, for bundling items using one-piece cable ties, or OPTs, preferably automatically tightening the OPTs via the ABT. Specifically, the ABT is configured to bundle items using cable ties as OPTs, preferably automatically tightening the bundled wires via the ABT. The ABT can be a non-static ABT. The one-piece cable tie can be a loose one-piece cable tie or a loose wire bundle cable tie, as commonly sold in bags or sacks.

[0008] Generally speaking, OPT, as a broad concept of standard cable ties, has a cable tie head (part) with a window, and a cable tie strip (part) or tail (part) that slides sequentially through the window to form a loop for bundling cables, etc., and also includes a neck (part) that connects the foot (part) to the head (part). The foot part includes various types of securing devices, such as an arrowhead (also called a spruce section), which can be used to secure the OPT to an object, such as a hole in the object. OPTs can belong to one or more given types, wherein OPTs belonging to different types differ in the geometry or shape of the foot part, and / or the geometry or shape of the neck part, and / or the geometry or shape of the head part, and / or the geometry or shape of the tail part, particularly the length and / or thickness and / or width of the tail part.

[0009] The ABT described herein also includes a holding unit configured to receive, hold, and release a corresponding OPT supplied to the ABT from an external storage device of the OPT. The ABT also includes a motion guiding unit configured to guide the holding unit back and forth between a receiving position and a releasing position, in which the holding unit receives the corresponding OPT processed by the ABT during intended use, and in the releasing position, the holding unit releases the OPT during intended use. The motion guiding unit is preferably a linear motion guiding unit configured to guide the holding unit linearly in the longitudinal direction during back and forth movement between the receiving and releasing positions. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main extension direction of the OPT held by the holding unit, with the end of the OPT oriented in a forward direction from the receiving position to the releasing position, and the head portion of the OPT oriented in a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction. This definition applies to an ideal OPT, i.e., an undeformed OPT with a straight band portion. The motion guiding unit or linear motion guiding unit enables low-friction guidance of the holding unit and allows for high processing speeds. Furthermore, the ABT may include a drive unit configured to move the holding unit along a motion guide unit or a linear motion guide unit. The motion guide unit may include corresponding guide rail elements arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The holding unit may include two clamping elements movably arranged on a common base element such that they are capable of moving laterally in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Herein and hereinafter, “transverse” may mean “substantially vertical,” i.e., “vertical” or “vertical with a given deviation.” The deviation may typically be, for example, less than 5°, less than 2°, or less than 1°. Each clamping element may have a corresponding clamping profile for receiving, holding, and releasing a corresponding OPT during the intended use of the ABT. The profile is then specifically adapted to the corresponding OPT to be processed by the ABT. Each clamping element may be configured to move from an open position for receiving and releasing the corresponding OPT to a closed position for holding the corresponding OPT, and vice versa. In the open position, the distance between the two clamping elements is greater than the distance in the closed position. Therefore, the OPT can be placed between or removed from between the clamping elements. The profile may at least partially surround the head portion and / or neck portion and / or foot portion of the corresponding OPT in the closed position to hold the OPT with the holding unit, particularly in a form-fitting manner.

[0011] Preferably, in both the released and received positions of the retaining unit, the retaining unit can be configured as a locking mechanism with the clamping element in a closed position and an unlocking mechanism with the clamping element in an open position. This allows the ABT to handle different types of OPTs, particularly loose wire harnesses. Specifically, the ABT may include all the features of the ABT of German Utility Model DE 20 2021105 773 U, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0012] Furthermore, the ABT includes a claw unit configured to guide the strap or tail of the corresponding OPT around the bundled item during intended use. The claw unit may include a first claw or gripper element as a fixed claw element, and a second claw or gripper element as a movable claw element. Herein and hereinafter, "fixed" and "movable" may refer to movement relative to the motion guiding unit and / or the housing and / or the handle of the ABT.

[0013] The ABT also includes an end-guide unit, which may also be referred to as a baffle unit, having at least one guide vane element (preferably only one guide vane element), which may also be referred to as a baffle element. The end-guide unit is configured to guide or deflect the end of the corresponding OPT toward or through the inlet or entrance of the claw unit as the respective OPT moves forward toward the release position of the holding unit, i.e., from the receiving position to the release position. This allows deformed or bent OPTs, i.e., OPTs with deformed or bent bands, where the end portions are laterally displaced away from the OPT track determined by the movement of the holding unit, to also be correctly moved into the claw unit by the holding unit. In other words, the guide vanes are configured to temporarily straighten deformed or bent OPTs such that their ends move into and through the inlet or entrance of the claw unit as if they were ideal (i.e., straight) OPTs. The guide vane elements may be movable guide vane elements or static guide vane elements, as described in more detail below.

[0014] In addition to the guide vane elements of the end-guide unit, there may be an additional static guide structure for the claw unit, which is not part of the end-guide unit and includes a set of two or more converging surfaces, which simplifies the introduction of the OPT tape into the claw unit. The at least two surfaces converging in the forward direction can effectively form the inlet or entrance of the claw unit. For example, the surfaces may transition to the wall and / or bottom of the OPT channel in one of the claw or gripper elements used to guide the OPT tape around the bundled item.

[0015] This provides the advantage that the ends of deformed or bent OPTs automatically align with the inlet of the claw unit, overcoming the problem of misguided OPT tape, which could otherwise lead to strapping failure. Therefore, the requirement for the straightness of the OPT tape being processed is reduced. This results in the advantage that the automated strapping tool device described herein can handle loose OPTs, particularly loose cable ties, which are likely to be bent, without increasing the failure rate. This also provides an economic advantage, as loose cable ties are cheaper than, for example, cable ties provided in the form of carrier tape. Furthermore, higher processing speeds can be achieved because loose cable ties can be more easily refilled during the strapping process than empty carrier tape is replaced with new carrier tape.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one distance (i.e., one or more distances) between at least one guide vane element and the OPT track decreases in the direction toward the claw unit, along which the corresponding OPT moves from an receiving position to a releasing position by a motion guide unit and / or a holding unit. Thus, this distance decreases with increasing proximity to the claw unit. This distance is measured at several corresponding positions along the track in a direction perpendicular to the track. Preferably, the end (proximal end) of at least one guide vane element near the claw unit forms a door or part of a door that guides the end (into) the entrance to the claw unit. Therefore, the OPT track travels parallel to the strip of the ideal (i.e., straight) OPT processed by the ABT. Thus, at least one guide vane element and the OPT track converge such that at least one guide vane element guides or deflects the OPT strip toward the OPT track, and thus, simultaneously, the OPT moves longitudinally toward the entrance to the claw unit by the holding unit. As will be apparent from the description provided below, at least one guide vane element may also include a converging (inner) surface that guides the end of the OPT toward the inlet of the claw unit and thus the belt. The corresponding converging (side) surface may be formed by a single guide vane element, or multiple guide vane elements, preferably exactly two guide vane elements. The corresponding converging (inner) surface may form an angle preferably less than 90°. In particular, the (inner top) surface of the at least one guide vane element is configured to deflect the belt bending in the upward direction (the thickness direction of the OPT), and the angle between the OPT track and the (inner top) surface of the at least one guide vane element may be less than 50°. This provides the advantage that the forward movement of the OPT (which is necessary and therefore achieved in any way) serves to straighten the belt, allowing it to be reliably guided into the claw unit without the need for an additional actuator.

[0017] In a particular advantageous embodiment, at least one distance is measured perpendicular to the OPT track as a y-distance in the thickness direction (upward direction) of the corresponding OPT, wherein the OPT is considered to be an ideal (i.e., straight) OPT for measurement. Preferably, the at least one distance measured includes two distances perpendicular to the track, as the y-distance of the corresponding OPT in the thickness direction, and additionally, as the z-distance of the corresponding OPT in the width direction (lateral direction to the upward direction of travel). Depending on the shape of at least one guide vane element, a single guide vane element can reduce the y-distance by an upper inner (deflection) surface, or by reducing the y-distance by an upper inner (deflection) surface, and by reducing the z-distance by two converging side inner (deflection) surfaces. Alternatively, several, preferably exactly two guide vane elements can achieve the one or more distances. The y-distance preferably covers a larger range than the z-distance, meaning that the maximum (largest) y-distance can be greater than the maximum (largest) z-distance. The y-distance includes a maximum y-distance that can be greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 19 mm. The z-distance includes a maximum z-distance that can be greater than 8 mm, preferably greater than 16 mm. This provides the advantage that, when OPTs (especially loose OPTs) tend to bend in their thickness direction, which corresponds to the plane in which they form loops to bind the corresponding bundled items, the bent OPTs can be guided to the claw unit's inlet with increased reliability. Therefore, in the width direction, the expected deviation of the strip from the ideally straight OPT strip is smaller.

[0018] Therefore, at least one guide vane element can form a section of a funnel-shaped member that narrows toward the claw unit, wherein the narrow (proximal) end forms a door or gate portion configured to guide the end into the inlet of the claw unit. This section preferably covers more than 180° in the circumferential direction around the OPT track in a plane perpendicular to the OPT track. Also as shown, at least one guide vane element can extend primarily in the main extension of the straight OPT track, i.e., in the x-direction (especially when the guide vane element is in the guide position). This provides the advantage that various OPTs with different curvatures can be reliably guided to the inlet of the claw unit.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one guide vane element is arranged to be movable relative to the body of the ABT and / or the handle and / or OPT track of the OPT. Here, at least one guide vane element is movable between a guide position and a retractable position. In the guide position, the end of at least one guide vane element near the claw unit (the proximal end, which is the narrow end in the OPT track direction) forms a door or gate portion that guides the end of the OPT to the entrance of the claw unit. In the retractable position, the distance between the proximal end and the OPT track increases compared to the guide position. Therefore, when moving from the guide position to the retractable position, at least one guide vane element moves away from the OPT track at least in some portions, thereby providing space for the holding unit, which can then approach the claw unit without being obstructed by the end guide unit. Thus, despite the presence of the guide vane element, the OPT can still be moved very close to the claw unit by the holding unit. This further increases the reliability of the ABT, as all OPTs can be held by the holding elements for a larger portion of the binding process.

[0020] At least one guide vane element is rotatably arranged about a corresponding axis of rotation, preferably perpendicular to the OPT track and / or at a non-zero distance from the OPT track. Therefore, the axis of rotation is preferably arranged in a plane perpendicular to the OPT track. In one possible embodiment, the axis of rotation is arranged parallel to the width direction of the corresponding OPT. Particularly advantageous is that the end-guide unit comprises only a single guide vane element, thus enabling it to be removed from the OPT track in a simple, reliable, and rapid manner.

[0021] Alternatively, particularly in combination with the use of exactly two guide vane elements, the corresponding axis of rotation can be arranged parallel to the thickness direction of the corresponding ideal or straight OPT. Thus, in the first alternative, at least one guide vane element moves away in the upward direction, while in the second alternative, the at least one guide element, such as both guide elements, can move away from the OPT track in the lateral direction. Both alternatives have proven particularly useful because they allow for rapid clearing of the OPT track, even if the path from the holding unit to the claw unit is clear. However, the first alternative is a better option because it requires fewer parts. However, choosing one or the other alternative may be suitable for adapting the system to holding units of different shapes.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one guide vane element is configured to be held in a guided position by an elastic element and moved into a disengaged position by bringing the retaining unit close to the claw unit. Specifically, at least one guide vane element is configured to move into the disengaged position by mechanical interaction between the retaining unit and at least one guide vane element, wherein the mechanical interaction can be achieved by direct physical contact between the retaining unit and the end guide unit, particularly at least one guide vane element, or by using a suitable intermediary device such as a lever. This provides the advantage that the end guide unit does not require a separate actuator, and the timing of the movement of at least one guide vane element can be adjusted by its mechanical design, thus independent of control programs, etc., which therefore does not require adjustment according to the improved functionality of the ABT. Preferably, the retaining unit and / or the end guide unit, particularly at least one guide vane element, has a corresponding sliding element configured to realize the mechanical interaction. The sliding element can be configured to avoid mechanical contact between the bundling tool device and the OPT. This minimizes the risk of mechanical damage to the cable ties.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one guide vane element is configured to be locked in a displaced position by a locking element, wherein the locking element is configured to release at least one guide vane element when the distance between the holding unit and at least one guide vane element exceeds a preset or predetermined distance. The locking element may be configured to release at least one guide vane element by means of mechanical interaction with the holding unit, which is achieved by a suitable mediating device such as a lever. This provides the advantage that the holding unit can be designed to be more independent of at least one guide vane element because the possibility of entanglement between the holding unit and at least one guide vane element is reduced.

[0024] Preferably, the inner (deflection) surface of at least one guide vane element (the surface of at least one guide vane element oriented toward the OPT track) has a smooth surface and / or a coated surface. The orientation of the surface can be determined as is mathematically known, i.e., by the orientation of its normal vector. This further supports guiding the end of the OPT strip toward the entrance of the claw unit, as it reduces the likelihood of the end of the OPT strip becoming entangled with at least one guide vane element.

[0025] On the other hand, a method is provided for bundling items using an automatic bundling tool device, namely ABT, with the aid of a one-piece cable tie, namely OPT, particularly for bundling items with the aid of a wire harness cable tie as a one-piece cable tie, preferably with a loose wire harness cable tie as a one-piece cable tie. The method includes the following steps: providing a corresponding OPT from an external storage device to the ABT; moving the corresponding OPT toward the bundled items via a motion guiding unit and / or a holding unit, wherein the end of the corresponding OPT is in front; if the corresponding OPT has a curved band, i.e., a non-autonomous, non-straight band, guiding the end of the corresponding OPT and the band of the corresponding OPT toward the entrance of a claw unit via at least one guide vane element of an end guiding unit positioned in a guiding position; after the end enters the claw unit, moving at least one guide vane element in a removed position further away from the OPT track than in the guiding position; and guiding the end (and thus the band) of the corresponding OPT around the bundled items and through a window in the head (part) of the corresponding OPT via the claw unit.

[0026] The advantages and advantageous embodiments of this method correspond to the advantages and advantageous embodiments of the automatic strapping tool device.

[0027] The aforementioned features and combinations thereof, including the general portion of the specification and the features and combinations thereof disclosed in the accompanying drawings or individual drawings, may be used not only individually or in the described combinations, but also in conjunction with other features, or without some of the disclosed features, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, embodiments not explicitly shown and described in the drawings but which can be produced by individually combining the various features disclosed in the drawings are also part of this disclosure. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features excluding all features of the initially proposed independent claims should be considered disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that differ from or extend beyond the feature combinations described in the dependent claims will be considered disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The exemplary embodiments are further described below with the aid of schematic diagrams. In the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary automatic strapping tool device is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Side view of an automatic strapping tool device;

[0031] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view showing details of the automatic strapping tool device; and

[0032] Figure 4 It shows from another perspective Figure 3 Details. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the accompanying drawings, features that are identical or have the same function have the same reference numerals.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic bundling tool device 1, or ABT 1, is shown, which is used to bundle items using a one-piece cable tie 2, or OPT 2. In this example, the one-piece cable tie 2 is a loose cable tie. OPT 2 has an end 2a, a strap 2b, and a head 2c.

[0035] ABT 1 also includes a holding unit 3 configured to receive, hold, and release a corresponding OPT 2 provided to ABT 1 from an external storage device of the OPT. In this example, the holding unit 3 is configured as a slider on which two clamping elements 3a and 3a' are mounted. The clamping elements 3a and 3a' can be moved from an open position to a holding position, in which the head 2c of the OPT 2 can be received, and in the holding position, a contour 3b defined by the shapes of the individual clamping elements 3a and 3a' establishes a shape-fitting connection with at least a portion of the head 2c of the OPT 2. In this example, the two clamping elements 3a and 3a' can move linearly laterally in the forward direction LO (i.e., in the z-direction), which in the current figure corresponds to the x-direction.

[0036] ABT 1 also includes a motion guiding unit 4, configured to guide the holding unit 3 to move between a receiving position and a releasing position, wherein in the receiving position, the holding unit 3 receives the corresponding OPT 2 during intended use, and in the releasing position, the holding unit releases the corresponding OPT 2 during intended use. Note that in Figure 1 In the diagram, motion guide unit 4 is shown in the receiving position. Motion guide unit 4 is near the release position. Figure 2 As shown in the figure. In this example, the motion guide unit 4 is a linear motion guide unit 4 having a linear guide rail 4a that defines the OPT track 5.

[0037] ABT 1 also includes a claw unit 6 configured to guide the corresponding OPT 2's strap 2b around the bundled items. In this example, claw unit 6 includes an upper gripper as a first gripper element 6a, which is static because it is immovable relative to the housing or handle of ABT 1 and the motion guide unit 4. Claw unit 6 also includes a lower gripper as a second gripper element 6b, which is movable, specifically opening and closing, to form a guide for the loop around the bundled items for the strap 2b.

[0038] The ABT of this embodiment features an end guide unit 7 having at least one guide vane element 7a configured to guide the end 2a toward the inlet 6c of the claw unit 6 and thus the band 2b of the corresponding OPT 2 toward the release position of the holding unit 3 in the forward direction LO when the corresponding OPT 2 moves toward the release position of the holding unit 3 from the receiving position to the release position surface by the holding unit 3.

[0039] In this example, at least one distance is measured perpendicular to OPT track 5, in this case at least two distances. The first distance measurement is the y-distance in the y-direction, which is the thickness direction of the corresponding OPT 2. The second distance measurement is the z-distance of the corresponding OPT 2 in the width direction. This is in Figure 3 This is illustrated in detail. Therefore, in this example, at least one guide vane element 7a forms a funnel-shaped section (funnel section) that narrows toward the claw unit 6 (in the forward direction LO), wherein the narrow end of the funnel forms a gate 7d (i.e., forming the gate 7d or a portion thereof), which is configured to guide the end 2a to or into the entrance 6c of the claw unit 6. To form the funnel section, the guide vane element 7a includes an upper inner (deflecting) surface 7b and two side inner (deflecting) surfaces 7c, 7c', wherein the inner surfaces 7c, 7c' converge in the positive x-direction (i.e., the forward direction LO), and the upper inner surface 7b converges toward the OPT track 4a in the same direction. This is in Figure 4 It is shown in more detail below.

[0040] In this example, at least one guide vane element 7a is arranged to be movable relative to the body of ABT 1. It Figure 1 The guide position shown and Figure 2 The shown retraction positions are movable. In the guide position, at least one guide vane element 7, near the end 7e of the claw unit 6, i.e., the proximal end 7e, forms the gate 7d or a portion of the gate 7d, which guides the end 2a of the OPT 2 to the entrance 6c of the claw unit 6 or into the entrance 6c of the claw unit 6. In the retraction position, compared to the guide position, the distance dp between the proximal end 7e and the OPT track 5, or the corresponding movement of the OPT 2 along the OPT track 5, increases. Figure 2 As shown, the distance dp can be increased so that the holding unit 3 can move into the space previously occupied by the guide vane element 7a.

[0041] The movement of at least one guide vane element 7a can be linear or rotational, as shown in this example. Accordingly, in this example, at least one guide vane element 7a is arranged to be rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation R, which in this example is arranged transversely to the OPT track 5. Advantageously, the distance dr between the axis of rotation and the OPT track 5 is not zero, for example, greater than at least five or at least ten times the thickness of the OPT to be processed by ABT 1. In this example, the axis of rotation R is also arranged parallel to the width direction of the corresponding OPT 2.

[0042] An alternative solution would be to arrange two movable guide vane elements, preferably each guide vane element arranged to be rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation, wherein the two axes of rotation travel in parallel and the guide vane elements open laterally, i.e., in the z-direction. Although the illustrated embodiment includes fewer movable parts, such alternative embodiments can be selected for the corresponding current application depending on the shape of the holding unit and the available space.

[0043] As shown in the figure, when the retaining unit 3 is in the receiving position, one or more rotation axes R are preferably arranged in the x-direction between the claw unit 6 and the retaining unit 3. Alternatively or additionally, the figure also shows that a portion (e.g., half as viewed in the x-direction) of the guide vane element 7a including the proximal end 7e may be further away from one or more rotation axes R than another portion (e.g., another half) of the guide vane element 7a, which includes an end opposite to the proximal end 7e (in the x-direction).

[0044] In the example shown here, at least one guide vane element 7a is configured to be held in a guide position by an elastic element 8 and moved to a retracted position by bringing the retaining unit 3 close to the claw unit 6, which in this example is achieved through mechanical interaction between the retaining unit 3 and at least one guide vane element 7a. Furthermore, in the example shown, at least one guide vane element 7a is configured to be locked in the retracted position by a locking element 9, which is configured to release at least one guide vane element 7a when the distance between the retaining unit 3 and at least one guide vane element 7a in the forward direction (i.e., in the x-direction) exceeds a predetermined distance, at which point the retaining unit 3 retracts from the released position to the receiving position. The inner surfaces 7b, 7c, and 7c' can be smooth surfaces and / or coated surfaces.

[0045] Therefore, the function of ABT 1 shown herein can be described by the following exemplary method steps. First, when the holding unit 3 is in the receiving position (e.g. Figure 1When (as shown), OPT 2 is supplied from the external storage to ABT 1. OPT 2 is fixed in position, for example, by engaging with two clamping elements 3a and 3a' in a shape-fitting manner. The corresponding OPT 2 is then able to move toward the bundled items (not shown) in the forward direction LO (i.e., the positive x direction), with the end 2a of the corresponding OPT 2 in front. Consider the case where OPT 2 is not the ideal straight OPT shown in the current figure, but a curved OPT 2, which is an OPT 2 with a non-autonomous non-straight band 2b, such that there is a non-zero distance between the end 2a and the OPT track 5 that the end 2a should occupy, so as to meet the inlet 6c without any additional interaction. When the corresponding OPT 2 has a curved band 2b, the end 2a and band 2b of the corresponding OPT 2 are positioned in a guide position (as shown). Figure 3 At least one guide vane 7a of the end guide unit 7 (as shown) is guided toward the inlet 6c of the claw unit 6. Then, after the end 2a enters the claw unit 6, guidance from the end guide unit 7 is no longer needed. Therefore, at least one guide vane element 7a moves to a removed position further away from the guide position than the OPT track 5 (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown). With at least one guide vane element 7a in the removed position, the holding unit 3 can approach the inlet 6c of the claw unit 6 to the same extent as if the end guide unit 7 were not present. Therefore, the strap 2b is guided by the claw elements 6a and 6b around the bundled items, returns through the head 2c of the corresponding OPT 2, and forms a loop as usual. However, in this exemplary embodiment, bent OPTs, particularly loose cable ties, can be reliably handled without causing the automatic strapping process to fail.

Claims

1. An automatic bundling tool device (1) for bundling items by means of one-piece cable ties (2), comprising: - A holding unit (3) configured to receive, hold and release a corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) provided from an external storage of the one-piece cable tie (2) to the automatic strapping tool device (1). - Motion guiding unit (4), the motion guiding unit is configured to guide the holding unit (3) to move between a receiving position and a releasing position of the holding unit (3), in the receiving position, the holding unit (3) receiving the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) during intended use, and in the releasing position, the holding unit (3) releasing the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) during intended use. - Claw unit (6), the claw unit is configured to guide the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2b) around the bundled items; Its features are, - End guiding unit (7), the end guiding unit having at least one guide vane element (7a), the guide vane element (7a) being configured to guide the end (2a) of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) toward the inlet (6c) of the claw unit (6) as the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) moves toward the release position from the receiving position by the holding unit (3). The corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) moves from the receiving position to the releasing position along the one-piece cable tie track (5), and the y-distance (dy) in the thickness direction and the z-distance (dz) in the width direction of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) between the at least one guide vane element (7a) and the one-piece cable tie track (5) decrease in the direction toward the claw unit (6), wherein the y-distance (dy) in the thickness direction and the z-distance (dz) in the width direction of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) are both measured perpendicular to the one-piece cable tie track (5).

2. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The at least one guide vane element (7a) forms a segment of a funnel that narrows toward the claw unit (6), wherein the narrow end forms a gate (7d) configured to guide the end (2a) into the inlet (6c) of the claw unit (6).

3. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, The at least one guide vane element (7a) is arranged to be movable relative to the body of the automatic strapping tool device (1) and movable between a guide position and a retracted position, wherein in the guide position, the proximal end (7e) of the at least one guide vane element (7a) near the end (7e) of the claw unit (6) forms the door (7d) or a portion of the door (7d), the door (7d) or the portion of the door (7d) guiding the end (2a) of the one-piece cable tie (2) into the entrance (6c) of the claw unit (6), and in the retracted position, the distance (dp) between the proximal end (7e) and the one-piece cable tie track (5) increases compared to the guide position.

4. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 3. Its features are, The at least one guide vane element (7a) is arranged to be rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation (R), the axis of rotation (R) being arranged perpendicular to the one-piece cable tie track (5) and / or the axis of rotation (R) having a non-zero distance (dr) from the one-piece cable tie track (5).

5. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 4. Its features are, The rotation axis (R) is arranged parallel to the width direction of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2).

6. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 3. Its features are, The at least one guide vane element (7a) is configured to be held in the guide position by an elastic element (8) and moved to the removable position by the retaining unit (3) approaching the claw unit (6).

7. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 3. Its features are, The at least one guide vane element (7a) is configured to be locked in the removed position by a locking element (9), the locking element (9) being configured to release the at least one guide vane element (7a) when the distance between the holding unit (3) and the at least one guide vane element (7a) exceeds a preset distance.

8. The automatic strapping tool device (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The inner surface (7b, 7c, 7c') of the surface (7b, 7c, 7c') of the at least one guide vane element (7a) oriented toward the one-piece cable tie track (5) is a smooth surface and / or a coated surface.

9. A method for bundling items using an automatic bundling tool device (1) and one-piece cable ties (2), including: - Provide the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) from the external storage to the automatic strapping tool device (1); - Move the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) toward the bundled items, with the end (2a) of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) in front; - If the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) has a curved band (2b), the end (2a) of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) is guided toward the inlet (6c) of the claw unit (6) by at least one guide vane element (7a) positioned in the guide position, wherein the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) moves from the receiving position to the releasing position along the one-piece cable tie track (5), and the y-distance (dy) in the thickness direction and the z-distance (dz) in the width direction of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) between the at least one guide vane element (7a) and the one-piece cable tie track (5) decrease in the direction toward the claw unit (6), wherein the y-distance (dy) in the thickness direction and the z-distance (dz) in the width direction of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) are both measured perpendicular to the one-piece cable tie track (5); - After the end (2a) enters the claw unit (6), the at least one guide vane element (7a) in the removed position is moved further away from the one-piece cable tie track (5) than in the guide position. - The strap (2b) of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2) is guided around the bundled items by the claw unit (6) and passes through the head (2c) of the corresponding one-piece cable tie (2).

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