Binding device with combined tensioning and welding assembly

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device with a combined tensioning and welding assembly. The tensioning and welding assembly includes a tensioning and welding wheel that: (1) is rotatable about a tensioning and welding wheel axis of rotation to tension a strap about a load; and (2) is movable longitudinally along the tensioning and welding wheel axis of rotation to seal the two overlapping portions of the strap together.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 374,449, filed on September 2, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to strapping devices, and more particularly to strapping devices configured to tension a plastic strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other via friction welding to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. Background Art

[0004] The strapping device is used to tension the strap around the load and attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. One type of strapping device is a battery-powered strapping tool used with a plastic strap (such as a polypropylene strap or a polyester strap) that uses friction welding to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other. To form a tensioned strap loop around the load using one of these strapping tools, the operator first pulls the front end of the strap from the strap supply, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the front end of the strap under another portion of the strap. The operator then introduces these overlapping strap portions between the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate of the strapping tool. The operator presses a button to start the tensioning cycle, during which the strapping tool rotates the tensioning wheel to tension the strap around the load. After completing the tensioning cycle, the strapping tool automatically starts a sealing cycle, during which the strapping tool presses the welding pad onto the overlapping strap portions and causes the welding pad to oscillate rapidly. The combination of the pressure and rapid oscillation of the welding pad melts the two overlapping portions of the strap and fuses them together. The tensioning wheel and tensioning plate are typically located near the front of the strapping tool, and the welding pad is located behind and aligned with the tensioning wheel and tensioning plate.

[0005] One problem with some known strapping tools is that they include separate components (and sometimes even separate motors) for tensioning and sealing the strap, which can make these tools relatively heavy. Since strapping tool operators may use a handheld strapping tool hundreds of times per day, it is desirable to make the strapping tool as light as possible (without sacrificing performance).

[0006] Another problem with some known strapping tools is that their base plates are relatively long. The base plate separates the tensioning wheel and welding pad from the load and rests on the load during the tensioning cycle and the sealing cycle. Since the welding pad is behind the tensioning wheel and aligned with the tensioning wheel, the base plate is relatively long. This prevents operators from using the strapping tool to strap loads with relatively small radius bends, such as small bundles of metal pipes, because the length of the base plate prevents the strap from maintaining sufficient tension after the strapping tool is removed from the load. Since this limits the potential applications of these strapping tools, there is a need for strapping tools with shorter base plates. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device having a combined tensioning and welding assembly that includes a tensioning and welding wheel that: (1) is rotatable about a tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis to tension a strap around a load; and (2) is longitudinally movable along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis to seal two overlapping portions of a strap together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A block diagram of some components of a strapping tool.

[0010] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C yes Figure 1A Diagrammatic view of a lashing tool securing a load to a pallet.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the working components and support members of a strapping tool.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the working components and support of a strapping tool with the rocker removed.

[0013] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the tensioning and welding components of the working assembly.

[0014] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Exploded perspective view of the tensioning and welding assembly.

[0015] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A The tensioning and welding components are along Figure 5A A cross-sectional stereogram taken along line 5C-5C.

[0016] Fig. 6A yes FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A perspective view of the mounting parts of the tensioning and welding assembly.

[0017] Figure 6B and Figure 6C They are Fig. 6A Left and right elevation views of the mounting components.

[0018] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B yes FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A perspective view of a tensioning and welding wheel of a tensioning and welding assembly.

[0019] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Right side elevation view of the tensioning and welding wheel.

[0020] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B yes FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A perspective view of a welding actuator with tensioning and welding assembly.

[0021] Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A Front elevation view of a welding actuator.

[0022] Fig.8D yes Fig. 8A Left side elevation view of the welding actuator.

[0023] 9A to 9E When the welding actuator rotates and the tensioning and welding wheels move longitudinally relative to the tensioning plate when the strapping tool performs part of the sealing cycle, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Tensioning and welding components and Figure 3 Front elevation view of the tensioning plate of the support member.

[0024] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a working assembly and a support member of another embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Although the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented in various forms, the drawings illustrate and the specification describes certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be required, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components; the shape, size, and material of the components; and the manner in which the components are connected may vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise specified, any direction mentioned in the specification reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms related to installation methods such as mounting, connecting, etc. are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods, but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operative installation methods, connecting, etc. This specification is intended to be regarded as a whole and interpreted according to the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] FIG. 1A to FIG. 9E An example embodiment of a strapping device and certain components and parts thereof of the present disclosure is shown in the form of a strapping tool 50. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown, the strapping tool 50 is configured to perform a strapping cycle to tension and seal a strap S (a plastic strap in this example embodiment) around a load L on a pallet P to form a tensioned strap loop that secures the load L to the pallet P. An operator pulls the strap S from a strap supply (not shown) and wraps the strap around the load L and through an opening in the pallet P until a lower portion LP of the strap S (which includes a leading end of the strap S) is located below an upper portion UP of the strap S, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A Then, the operator introduces the overlapping upper portion UP and lower portion LP of the strap S into the strapping tool 50 and actuates one or more buttons to start the strapping cycle. Figure 2B As shown, the strapping tool 50 performs a tensioning cycle during which the strapping tool 50 tensions the strap S around the load L. Once a preset tension is achieved in the strap S, the strapping tool 50 performs a sealing cycle during which the strapping tool 50 welds the upper portion UP and the lower portion LP of the strap S together via friction welding and cuts the strap S from the strap supply. Figure 2C The tie is shown after welding and cutting.

[0027] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100 ( Figure 1A )、Working component 200( Figure 3 and Figure 4 )、Display component 1300( Figure 1A and Figure 1B )、Actuating assembly 1400( Figure 1A and Figure 1B )、power supply (not shown), controller 1600 ( Figure 1B ), and one or more sensors 1700 ( Figure 1B ).

[0028] exist Figure 1A The housing 100, best shown in FIG. 1 , is formed of a plurality of components (not individually labeled) that together 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 110, a rear housing section 120, and a handle section 150. The front housing section 110 at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the working assembly 200 and the actuation assembly 1400. The rear housing section 120 at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the display assembly 1300 and defines a receptacle 122 that is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive and at least partially enclose and / or support a power source and controller 1600. The housing handle section 150 extends between and connects the top and bottom of the front housing section 110 and the top and bottom of the rear housing section 120 and defines a handle that can be used by an operator. This is merely one example, and in other embodiments, components of the strapping tool may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 may take any suitable shape and be formed from any suitable number of components joined together in any suitable manner. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 is formed from plastic, but in other embodiments, the housing may be made from any other suitable material.

[0029] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The working assembly 200 best shown in FIG. 1 includes most of the components of the strapping tool 50 that are configured to perform a strapping cycle to tension the strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other. The working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning and welding assembly 400, a transmission assembly 500, a motor 600, a rocker 700, and a rocker lever 800.

[0030] exist Figure 3 and Figure 41 and 10. The support 300, best shown in FIG. 1 , serves as a direct or indirect common mounting for the tensioning and welding assembly 400, the transmission assembly 500, the motor 600, the rocker 700, and the rocker lever 800. The support 300 includes a base 310 having generally planar upper and lower surfaces, a support arm 320 extending upwardly from the upper surface of the base 310 and having a first mounting ear 322 and a second mounting ear 324, and a tensioning plate 330 on the upper surface of the base 310. The tensioning plate 330 has a base 332 and a concave tensioning surface 334. In this example embodiment, the tensioning surface 334 is textured (e.g., knurled) to help grip the tie band when the tensioning and welding wheels press the tie band against the tensioning surface 334 during tensioning and welding.

[0031] Tensioning and welding assembly 400 (in Figure 3 A to Figure 8C ) is configured to tension the band around a load during a tensioning cycle and to attach overlapping portions of the band to each other via friction welding to form a tensioning band loop around the load during a sealing cycle. The tensioning and welding assembly 400 includes a tensioner 410, a welding actuator 420, a plurality of spacers 430, a welding actuator bearing 440, a tensioning and welding wheel 450, a plurality of supports 460, a tensioning and welding wheel biasing element 470, and a mount bearing 480.

[0032] exist FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The mounting member 410, best shown in FIG. 4, directly or indirectly supports the other components of the tensioning and welding assembly 400 and defines a longitudinally extending tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A. 450 ( FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C ). Certain components of the tensioning and welding assembly 400 are arranged with respect to the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A 450 The mounting member 410 includes a driven shaft 412, a welding actuator mounting member 414, a collar 415, a tensioning and welding wheel axle 416, and a flange 418, all of which are integrally formed with one another in this example embodiment (although in other embodiments, the mounting member may be formed of any suitable number of parts attached to one another in any suitable manner), and all of which are centered about the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A. 450 is the center and can rotate around it.

[0033] The driven shaft 412 is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to be drivingly engaged with the transmission assembly 500 (e.g., via a spline, key, or gear connection), as described below. The welding actuator mount 414 is connected to the driven shaft 412. The welding actuator mount 414 is cylindrical and sized and shaped so that the welding actuator bearing 440 (described below) can be mounted thereon via an interference fit. In this example embodiment, the diameter of the welding actuator mount 414 is greater than the diameter of the driven shaft 412. A circumferential groove 414c is defined around the outer surface of the welding actuator mount 414, and the size and shape of the circumferential groove are designed to receive a retainer (explained below). The collar 415 is connected to the welding actuator mount 414, is cylindrical, and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the welding actuator mount 414.

[0034] The flange 418 is disc-shaped, connected to the collar 415, and has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the collar 415. The flange 418 defines five longitudinally extending cylindrical spacer receiving holes 418o. Each of the spacer receiving holes 418o is sized and shaped to receive one of the spacers 430, as described below. Figure 6C As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the center of each spacer receiving hole 418o is located at a radius R from the center of the flange 418. E The center of the flange is located on the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A 450 On. Figure 6C As shown, in this example embodiment, the spacer receiving apertures 418o are circumferentially equally spaced such that the center of each spacer receiving aperture 418o is angularly offset from the center of each adjacent spacer receiving aperture 418o by an angle α.

[0035] The tensioning and welding wheel shaft 416 is connected to the other side of the flange 418 so that the flange 418 separates the tensioning and welding wheel shaft 416 from the collar 415. The tensioning and welding wheel shaft 416 is generally cylindrical and is longitudinally oriented (along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A). 450 ) is slightly tapered toward its free end, which facilitates mounting of the tensioning and welding wheel 450, as described below. In other words, and as Figure 6B As shown, the tensioning and welding axle 416 has a first radius R where it meets the flange 418. 416,O and has a radius smaller than the first radius R at its free end. 416,O The second radius R 416,IA plurality of distinct, longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced support member receiving channels 416c are defined around the outer surface of the tensioning and welding wheel axle 416. Each support member receiving channel 416c extends longitudinally (along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A) from an open channel end at a free end of the tensioning and welding wheel mounting member 416. 450 ) to the wall 416w inboard of the free end. Each support member receiving channel 416c is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to receive a plurality of supports 460, as described below.

[0036] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D The welding actuator 420 best shown in the figure can be actuated by the transmission assembly 500 to cause the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to move longitudinally to seal the two overlapping belt portions together. The welding actuator 420 includes an annular driven portion 422 and an annular actuating portion 424, which is connected to (and in this example embodiment, is integrally formed with) the driven portion 422 and is coaxial with the driven portion. The driven portion 422 includes teeth 422t extending around its outer surface, which are sized, shaped, positioned and oriented and otherwise configured to drivingly engage with the transmission assembly 500, as described below. As shown in Figure 8B As best shown in FIG. 4 , the inner diameter of the actuating portion 424 is smaller than the inner diameter of the driven portion 422, so the actuating portion 424 extends radially inward from the driven portion 422. The actuating portion 424 includes an annular actuating surface 424s. The center of the actuating surface 424s is located at a radius R from the center of the actuating portion 424. E When the welding actuator 420 is mounted on the mounting member 410, the center of the actuating portion corresponds to the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A. 450 , as described below. Fig. 8A and 8C As best shown in FIG. 4 , the actuation surface 424s has a wavy profile defining alternating peaks 424p and valleys 424v (five of each, but any suitable number may be used). The actuation surface 424s is farthest from the driven portion 422 at the peaks 424p and closest to the driven portion 422 at the valleys 424v. Fig.8D As shown, the peaks 424p are equally spaced apart such that each peak 424p is angularly offset from each adjacent peak 424p by an angle α, and the valleys 424v are equally spaced apart such that each valley 424v is angularly offset from each adjacent valley 424v by an angle α.

[0037] Tensioning and welding wheel 450 (in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C) is rotatable to tension the strap around a load, and is longitudinally movable to seal two overlapping portions of the strap together. The tensioning and welding wheel 450 includes an annular body 452 having a textured (e.g., knurled) outer surface 452s, an annular biasing element seat 454 extending from one side of the body 452 and coaxial with the body, and a spacer seat 456 extending from the other side of the body 452 and coaxial with the body. As shown in Figure 7C As best shown in FIG. 4 , the spacer seat 456 includes a generally annular hub 456h and five spokes 456s extending radially from the hub 456h and each having an end (not labeled). The approximate center of each end (labeled EP) is at a radius R from the center of the hub 456h, and when the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is mounted on the mounting member 410, the center of the hub corresponds to the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A 450 , as described below. Additionally, the approximate center EP of the end of each spoke 456s is angularly offset from the approximate center EP of the end of each adjacent spoke 456s by an angle α.

[0038] A plurality of distinct, longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced support member receiving passages 458c are defined around the cylindrical inner surface of the body 452, the biasing element seat 454, and the spacer seat 456. Each support member receiving passage 458c extends longitudinally (along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A) from an open end of the passage at the spacer seat 456. 450 ) to the wall 458w inside the spacer seat 456. Each support member receiving channel 458c is sized, shaped, positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to receive a plurality of supports 460, as described below. The tensioning and welding wheel 450 has the same number of support member receiving channels 458c as the mounting member 410 has. In addition, the angular spacing of the support member receiving channels 458c relative to the center of the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is the same as the angular spacing of the support member receiving channels 416c relative to the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A. 450 The angular spacing matches.

[0039] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The assembled tensioning and welding assembly 400 is best shown. The outer race of the welding actuator bearing 440 is press-fitted into the driven portion 422 of the welding actuator 420, and the inner race of the welding actuator bearing 440 is press-fitted onto the welding actuator mount 414 of the mount 410, so that the actuating surface 424s of the actuating portion 424 of the welding actuator 420 faces the flange 418 of the mount 410. This mounting configuration enables the welding actuator 420 to be moved relative to the mount 410 (via the welding actuator bearing 440) about the tensioner axis A. 450A retainer (not shown), such as a retainer ring, is received in the groove 414c of the welding actuator mount 414 and, together with the collar 415, prevents the welding actuator bearing 440 and the welding actuator 420 from moving longitudinally relative to the mount 410 (along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A). 450 ).

[0040] The tensioning and welding wheel 450 is mounted to the tensioning and welding wheel axle 416 of the mounting member 410 via the supports 460 such that the spacer seat 456 of the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is adjacent to the flange 418 of the mounting member 410. Specifically, three of the supports 460 (which are rolling elements, such as rolling balls in this example embodiment, but may be any other suitable components) are captured respectively between the tensioning and welding wheel axle 416 and each pair of opposing support receiving channels 416c and 458c of the tensioning and welding wheel 450. The supports 460 collectively fix the tensioning and welding wheel 450 in rotation relative to the mounting member 410 while enabling the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to move longitudinally (along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A) relative to the mounting member 410. 450 ), as described below.

[0041] Each spacer 430 is received in a different one of the spacer receiving holes 418o of the flange 418 and is positioned between one of the ends of one of the spokes 456s of the spacer seat 456 and the actuation surface 424s of the actuation portion 424 of the welding actuator 420 due to the above-described shapes, sizes, positions, and orientations of the different components of the tensioning and welding assembly 400. While this embodiment includes five spacers, other embodiments may have any suitable number of one or more spacers.

[0042] The inner race of the mount bearing 480 is press fit onto the free end of the tensioning and welding wheel axle 416 of the mount 410. A tensioning and welding wheel biasing element 470, which in this example embodiment includes one or more coil springs, but may include any other suitable spring or other type of biasing element, is positioned between the mount bearing 480 and the biasing element seat 454 of the tensioning and welding wheel 450. The tensioning and welding wheel biasing element 470 biases the tensioning and welding wheel 450 toward the flange 418, which in turn forces the spacer seat 456 to force the spacer 430 into engagement with the actuation surface 424s of the actuation portion 424 of the welding actuator 420.

[0043] Due to the wavy shape of the actuation surface 424s (with peaks 424p and valleys 424v) and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 being rotated along the tensioning and welding wheel axis A via the support 460, 450The ability to move longitudinally, the rotational position of the welding actuator 420 will control the longitudinal position of the tensioning and welding wheel 450. When the welding actuator 420 is in a position such as Fig. 9A In the initial rotational position shown, the valley 424v of the actuation surface 424s is aligned with the spacer 430, and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is in the tensioning longitudinal position. In this example embodiment, the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is in the closest position that can be close to the flange 418 when in the tensioning longitudinal position. When the welding actuator 420 begins to rotate about the mounting member 410 and relative to the spacer 430 and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 in the welding rotational direction WD under the control of the transmission assembly 500 (as described below), the portion of the actuation surface 424s that engages the spacer 430 begins to transition from the valley 424v toward the peak 424p, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B This forces the spacer 430 to move toward the tensioning and welding wheel 450 , which in turn forces the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to move longitudinally away from the welding actuator 420 against the biasing force of the tensioning and welding wheel biasing element 470 .

[0044] Eventually, and in this example embodiment, after rotating half of the angle α from the original rotational position, the welding actuator 420 reaches an actuated rotational position in which the peak 424p of the actuating surface 424s is aligned with the spacer 430 and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is in an actuated longitudinal position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9C In this example embodiment, the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is at the furthest position that can be away from the flange 418 (at least via the rotation of the welding actuator 420) when in the actuated longitudinal position. As the welding actuator 420 continues to rotate in the welding rotational direction WD, the portion of the actuation surface 424s that engages the spacer 430 begins to transition from the peak 424p toward the valley 424v, as shown in FIG. Fig.9D As shown. When this occurs, the biasing force of the tensioning and welding wheel biasing element 470 forces the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to move longitudinally toward the welding actuator 420 to maintain the spacer 430 in engagement with the actuating surface 424s. Eventually, and in this example embodiment, after rotating half of the angle α from the actuated rotational position, the welding actuator 420 reaches the original rotational position where the valley 424v of the actuating surface 424s is again aligned with the spacer 430 and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is in the tensioned longitudinal position, as shown. Fig.9E shown.

[0045] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4The motor 600 shown in FIG. 6B includes a motor housing 600h and a rotatable output shaft 600s extending from the motor housing 600h. The motor 600 is configured to rotate the output shaft 600s in opposite tensioning rotation directions TD and welding rotation directions WD ( Figure 4 ) to perform a tensioning cycle and a sealing cycle, respectively. In this example embodiment, the motor 600 comprises an electric motor (but may comprise any suitable motor in other embodiments).

[0046] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The transmission assembly 500, best shown in FIG. 5 , is driven by a motor 600 and is operably connected to the tensioning and welding assembly 400 and is configured such that the tensioning and welding assembly 400 tensions the band around the load during a tensioning cycle and attaches overlapping portions of the band to each other via friction welding to form a tensioned band loop around the load during a sealing cycle. The transmission assembly 500 includes a first transmission gear assembly 510 and a second transmission gear assembly 520.

[0047] The first transmission gear assembly 510 operably connects the motor 600 to the mounting member 410 of the tensioning and welding assembly 400 so that the motor 600 can rotate the mounting member 410 and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 thereon. Specifically, the first transmission gear assembly 510 includes a suitable gear transmission device (a planetary gear transmission device in some embodiments) and other components (such as one or more free wheels) that operably connect the output shaft 600s of the motor 600 to the drive shaft 412 of the mounting member 410 of the tensioning and welding assembly 400 so that the first transmission gear assembly 510: (1) transmits the rotational movement of the output shaft 600s in the tensioning rotation direction TD to the drive shaft 412 to rotate the mounting member 410 in the tensioning rotation direction TD; and (2) does not transmit the rotational movement of the output shaft 600s in the welding rotation direction WD to the drive shaft 412. In this exemplary embodiment, the components of the first transmission gear assembly 510 are oriented about the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A. 450 This is an exemplary configuration of the first transmission gear assembly 510 , and in other embodiments, the first transmission gear assembly 510 may take any other suitable configuration.

[0048] The second transmission gear assembly 520 operably connects the motor 600 to the welding actuator 420 of the tensioning and welding assembly 400, so that the motor 600 can rotate the welding actuator 420 and longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel 450. The second transmission gear assembly 520 includes a driving gear 522, a driving gear freewheel 522f, a driven shaft 524, a first driven gear 526, a second driven gear 528, a first connector 520b1, and a second connector 520b2.

[0049] The drive gear freewheel 522f is mounted on, engaged with, and circumscribed to the output shaft 600s of the motor 600. The drive gear 522 (a gear pulley in this example embodiment) is mounted on, engaged with, and circumscribed to the drive gear freewheel 522f. The drive gear freewheel 522f is configured to: (1) transmit the rotational motion of the output shaft 600s in the welding rotation direction WD to the drive gear 522, so that the drive gear 522 and the output shaft 600s together rotate around the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A in the welding rotation direction WD; 450 and (2) not transmitting the rotational motion of the output shaft 600s in the tensioning rotation direction TD to the drive gear 522, so that the output shaft 600s rotates around the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A in the tensioning rotation direction TD 450 Rotates relative to the drive gear 522.

[0050] The driven shaft 524 is rotatably mounted (e.g., via suitable bearings) to and extends between the first mounting ear 322 and the second mounting ear 324 of the support arm 320 of the support 300, such that the driven shaft 524 can rotate relative to the support 300 about the driven gear shaft axis A. 524 In this example embodiment, the driven gear shaft rotates along the axis A. 524 Parallel to the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A 450 , but in other embodiments these axes may be transverse to each other. A first driven gear 526 (a gear pulley in this example embodiment) is fixedly mounted to the driven shaft 524 near one end thereof and a second driven gear 528, which is a gear pulley in this example embodiment, is fixedly mounted to the driven shaft 524 near the opposite end thereof, such that the driven shaft 524 and the first driven gear 526 and the second driven gear 528 rotate together about the driven gear shaft axis A 524 Rotate.

[0051] The first connector 520b1 operably connects the driving gear 522 and the first driven gear 524, and the first connector is a toothed belt in this example embodiment, but can be any suitable connector. The second connector 520b2 operably connects the second driven gear 528 and the driven portion 422 of the welding actuator 420, and the second connector is a toothed belt in this example embodiment, but can be any suitable connector.

[0052] When the motor 600 rotates the output shaft 600s in the tensioning rotation direction TD, the first transmission gear assembly 510 transmits this rotational motion to the drive shaft 412 of the mounting member 410 of the tensioning and welding assembly 400, which causes the mounting member 410 and the tensioning and welding wheel 450 thereon to rotate around the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A in the tensioning rotation direction TD. 450 The drive gear freewheel 522f does not transmit the rotational motion of the output shaft 600s to the drive gear 522, and the drive gear remains stationary.

[0053] Conversely, when the motor 600 rotates the output shaft 600s in the welding rotation direction WD, the drive gear freewheel 522f transmits this rotational motion to the drive gear 522, which rotates around the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A in the welding rotation direction WD. 450 The first connector 520b1 transmits the rotational movement of the driving gear 522 to the first driven gear 526, which also starts to rotate in the welding rotation direction WD. Because the driven shaft 524 and the first and second driven gears 526 and 528 are fixed in rotation, this rotation of the first driven gear 526 causes the driven shaft 524 and the second driven gear 528 to rotate around the driven shaft rotation axis A together with the first driven gear 526. 524 The second connector 520b2 transmits the rotational motion of the second driven gear 528 to the driven portion 422 of the welding actuator 420, thereby causing the welding actuator 420 to rotate around the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A. 450 Rotates in the welding rotation direction WD. The first transmission gear assembly does not transmit the rotational movement of the output shaft 600s to the drive shaft 412 of the mounting member 410 of the tensioning and welding assembly 400.

[0054] Figure 3 The rocker 700 shown supports the tensioning and welding assembly 400, the transmission assembly 500 and the motor 600. The rocker 700 includes a body 710 having a cylindrical hole therethrough, and two opposing mounting arms 720 and 730 extending from the body 710. The first transmission gear assembly 510 of the transmission assembly 500 is mounted within the body 710 of the rocker 700. Therefore, the rocker 700 supports the first transmission gear assembly 510 and the tensioning and welding assembly 400 and the motor 600 connected thereto. The rocker 700 (and the first transmission gear assembly 510, the tensioning and welding assembly 400 and the motor 600 supported by the rocker 700) are movably mounted to the driven shaft 524 of the transmission assembly 500 via the mounting arms 720 and 730, and are configured to rotate relative to the support 300 (particularly relative to the base 310 and the tensioning plate 330) and about the driven gear shaft axis A under the control of the rocker lever 800 or the motor (depending on the embodiment). 524In tensioning and welding position ( Figure 3 and 9A to 9E ) and a strap insertion position (not shown). When the rocker 700 is in the tensioning and welding position, the outer surface 452s of the tensioning wheel 450 is adjacent to (and in this embodiment contacts) the tensioning surface 334 of the tensioning plate 330 (or the upper surface of the upper portion of the strap if the strap has been inserted into the strapping tool 50). When the rocker 700 is in the strap insertion position, the tensioning and welding wheel 450 is spaced apart from the tensioning surface 334 of the tensioning plate 330 so that two overlapping portions of the strap can be inserted between the tensioning and welding wheel 450 and the tensioning surface 334. One or more springs or other biasing elements (not shown) bias the rocker 700 to the tensioning and welding position. In other embodiments, the motor 600 is operably connected to the transmission assembly 500 in any suitable manner that enables the motor 600 to be fixed relative to the rocker 700 (i.e., not pivotable relative to the rocker).

[0055] Figure 1A The rocker lever 800 shown in the drawing is operably connected to the rocker 700 (directly or via a suitable linkage, gear transmission and / or other components) and is configured to move the rocker 700 from the tensioning and welding position to the strap insertion position relative to the support 300. Specifically, the rocker lever 800 can be moved from an initial position ( ) spaced from the handle section 150 of the housing 100 of the strapping tool 50 to the strapping tool 50. Figure 1A 14 and 15. The handle section 150 is shown in the figure to be pivoted to an actuated position (not shown) closer to the handle section 150 to move the rocker 700 from the tensioning and welding position to the lace insertion position.

[0056] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B The display assembly 1300 shown in FIG. 1 includes a suitable display screen 1310 having a touch panel 1320. The display screen 1310 is configured to display information about the strapping tool 50 (at least in this embodiment), and the touch screen 1320 is configured to receive operator input, such as a desired strap tension and a desired weld cooling time. A display controller (not shown) can control the display screen 1310 and the touch panel 1320, and in these embodiments, the display controller is communicatively connected to the controller 1600 to send signals to the controller 1600 and receive signals from the controller 1600. Other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a touch panel. Still other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a display assembly. Certain embodiments of the strapping tool include a separate button panel rather than a touch panel located below or integrated with the display screen.

[0057] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe actuation assembly 1400 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to receive operator input to initiate operation of a tensioning cycle and a sealing cycle. In this example embodiment, the actuation assembly 1400 includes a first button actuator 1410 and a second button actuator 1420 that initiate a tensioning cycle and / or a sealing cycle depending on the operating mode of the strapping tool 50, as described below. Other embodiments of the strapping tool 50 do not have the actuation assembly 1400, but instead incorporate the functionality of the actuation assembly into the display assembly 1300. For example, in one of these embodiments, two areas of the touch panel define virtual buttons that have the same functionality as mechanical button actuators.

[0058] exist Figure 1B The controller 1600 shown in the figure includes (one or more) processing devices that are communicatively connected to (one or more) memory devices. For example, the controller can be a programmable logic controller. The processing device can 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, one or more field programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or a state machine. The memory device can include any suitable memory device, such as but not limited to a read-only memory, a random access memory, one or more digital registers, a 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 that can be executed by the processing device to control the operation of the strapping tool 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operably connected to the motor 600, the display assembly 1300, the actuation assembly 1400, and (one or more) sensors 1700, and is configured to receive signals from these components and control these components. Controller 1600 may also be communicatively connected to an external device, such as a computing device (eg, via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocol) to send and receive information to and from the external device.

[0059] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes (as set by an operator): (1) a manual operating mode; (2) a semi-automatic operating mode; and (3) an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode, in response to the first button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to cause the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to rotate. In response to the second button actuator 1420 being actuated, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to cause the welding actuator 420 to longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to perform a sealing cycle. In the semi-automatic operating mode, in response to the first button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to cause the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to rotate. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap reaches the (pre-set) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 600 to cause the welding actuator 420 to move the tensioning and welding wheel 450 longitudinally to perform a sealing cycle (no additional input from the operator is required). In the automatic operation mode, in response to the first button actuator 1410 being actuated, the controller 1600 operates the motor 600 to cause the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to rotate. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap reaches the (pre-set) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 600 to cause the welding actuator 420 to move the tensioning and welding wheel 450 longitudinally to perform a sealing cycle (no additional input from the operator is required).

[0060] The sensors 1700 include any suitable sensors, such as micro switches, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic position sensors, etc., which are configured to detect the position of certain components of the strapping tool 50 and send appropriate signals to the controller 1600. The sensors 1700 may include, for example: one or more rocker position sensors configured to detect when the rocker 700 is in its tensioning and welding position and / or its strap insertion position; one or more actuation assembly sensors configured to detect actuation of the first button actuator 1410 and the second button actuator 1420; and one or more tensioning and welding wheel sensors configured to detect when the tensioning wheel is in or has moved away from its tensioning longitudinal position.

[0061] The power source is electrically connected (via suitable wiring and other components) to several components of the strapping tool 50 and is configured to provide power to these components, including the motor 600, the display assembly 1300, the actuation assembly 1400, the controller 1600, and the sensor (s) 1700. In this example embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), but in other embodiments the power source can be any other suitable power source. The size, shape, and other aspects of the power source are designed to be received in the receiving seat 122 defined by the rear housing section 120 of 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 the power source is received in the receiving seat. Actuation of the release device of the strapping tool 50 or the power source unlocks the power source from the housing 100 and enables the operator to remove the power source from the receiving seat 122.

[0062] The following describes the use of the strapping tool 50 to perform a strapping cycle, which includes: (1) a tensioning cycle, in which the strapping tool 50 tensions the strap around the load; and (2) a sealing cycle, in which the strapping tool 50 attaches two overlapping portions of the strap to each other via friction welding and cuts the strap from the strap supply. Initially, the rocker 700, the rocker lever 800, and the welding actuator 420 are in their respective home positions, meaning that the tensioning wheel is initially in its tensioning longitudinal position. For the purposes of this example, the strapping tool 50 is in automatic mode.

[0063] The operator first pulls the front end of the strap from the strap supply, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the front end of the strap under another portion of the strap. The operator then pulls the rocker lever 800 from its original position to its actuated position to lift the rocker 700 from its tensioning and welding position to its strap insertion position. While holding the rocker lever 800 in its actuated position, the operator introduces the overlapping portion of the strap between the tensioning and welding wheel 450 and the tensioning surface 334 of the tensioning plate 330. The operator then releases the rocker lever 800, which causes one or more biasing elements to force the rocker 700 and the rocker lever 800 back to their respective original positions. This causes the outer surface 452s of the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to engage the top surface of the upper portion of the strap and forces the bottom surface of the lower portion of the strap against the tensioning surface 334 of the tensioning plate 330.

[0064] The operator then actuates the first button actuator 1410 to start the strapping cycle. In response, the controller 1600 starts the tensioning cycle by controlling the motor 600 to begin rotating the output shaft 600s in the tensioning rotational direction TD. As described above, this causes the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to begin rotating in the tensioning rotational direction TD and pull the upper portion of the strap onto the lower portion of the strap, thereby tensioning the strap around the load. Throughout the tensioning cycle, the controller 1600 monitors the current drawn by the motor 600. When the current reaches a preset value associated with the (preset) desired strap tension for this strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 600, thereby completing the tensioning cycle.

[0065] The controller 1600 then automatically starts the sealing cycle by controlling the motor 600 to start rotating the motor output shaft 600s in the welding rotation direction WD. As explained in detail above, this causes the welding actuator 420 to rotate in the welding rotation direction WD relative to the mounting member 410 and the tensioning and welding wheel 450, which causes the tensioning and welding wheel 450 to rotate in the longitudinal direction (along the tensioning and welding wheel rotation axis A) as the spacer 430 is sequentially brought into contact and out of contact with the peaks 424p and valleys 424v of the actuating surface 424s of the welding actuator 420. 450 ) oscillation. The combination of the downward pressure exerted on the band by the tensioning and welding wheel 450 and the rapid longitudinal oscillation of the tensioning and welding wheel 450 causes the two overlapping portions of the band to melt and fuse them together. After a certain period of time, the controller 1600 stops the motor 600, thereby completing the sealing cycle.

[0066] The strapping tool of the present disclosure solves the above problems. First, the use of tensioning and welding wheels to tension and weld the strap eliminates the need for a separate welding assembly (and in some embodiments, a separate welding motor), which makes the tool lighter and easier to use for extended periods of time than conventional strapping tools. Second, the elimination of a separate welding assembly enables the base of the support to be shorter (in the longitudinal direction of the strap) than the base of conventional strapping tools, which enables the strapping tool of the present disclosure to be used in more applications (such as strapping bending loads with relatively small radii).

[0067] Other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a rocker lever that the operator pulls to pivot the rocker from the tensioning and welding position to the strap insertion position. Instead, in these embodiments, the motor is operably connected to the rocker (via suitable gear transmissions, linkages, and / or other components) and is configured to pivot the rocker from the tensioning and welding position to the strap insertion position. In these embodiments, the strapping tool includes a suitable input device, such as a trigger supported by the handle portion of the housing, which can be actuatable to cause the motor to pivot the rocker from the tensioning and welding position to the strap insertion position.

[0068] In the example embodiments described above, only one motor is used to drive the mounting member and the welding actuator of the tensioning and welding assembly during the tensioning cycle and the sealing cycle. In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes separate tensioning motors and sealing motors. In these embodiments, the tensioning motor is operably connected to the first transmission gear assembly to rotate the mounting member and the tensioning and welding wheel mounted thereto during the tensioning cycle, and the sealing motor is operably connected to the second transmission gear assembly to rotate the welding actuator (and thereby oscillate the tensioning and welding wheel in the longitudinal direction) during the sealing cycle. Fig.10 The working components and support of one such strapping tool are shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the motor 600 is a first motor operably connected to the tensioning and welding wheel via a first transmission gear assembly. The strapping tool includes a second motor M2, which is operably connected to the welding actuator via a second transmission gear assembly. For example, the second motor M2 directly drives the driven shaft. In a further embodiment in which the strapping tool includes a motor operably connected to the rocker and configured to pivot the rocker, the strapping tool includes a third motor for this purpose.

[0069] In the example embodiments described above, the flange of the mounting member of the tensioning and welding assembly is rotationally fixed relative to the welding actuator, which is rotatable relative to the flange (driven by the second transmission gear assembly). In other embodiments, the welding actuator is rotationally fixed relative to the mounting member (such as via a keyed or splined connection), and the flange is rotatable relative to the welding actuator and is driven to rotate by the second transmission gear assembly.

[0070] Other embodiments of strapping tools may include fewer components, parts, and / or features than those included in the strapping tool 50 described above and shown in the figures. In other words, although the strapping tool 50 includes all of the components, parts, and features described above, they are independent of each other and may be independently included in other strapping tools.

[0071] In the above exemplary embodiments, the tensioning and welding assembly is used as part of a portable handheld strapping tool. The tensioning and welding assembly can be incorporated into any other type of strapping device, such as a universal strapping machine, or a strapping head of a dedicated strapping machine.

[0072] Other embodiments of the strapping device may use any suitable components and / or transmissions to operatively connect the motor to the tensioning and welding wheel so that the motor can longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel between the tensioning longitudinal position and the actuated longitudinal position. For example, in some embodiments, the strapping device includes a linear actuator operatively connected to the tensioning and welding wheel and configured to longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel between the tensioning longitudinal position and the actuated longitudinal position.

Claims

1. A strapping device, comprising: tensioning plate; Tensioning and welding wheel, the tensioning and welding wheel: rotatable relative to the tensioning plate; and is longitudinally movable relative to the tensioning plate between a tensioning longitudinal position and an actuated longitudinal position; and at least one motor operably connected to the tensioning and welding wheel to rotate the tensioning and welding wheel and to longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel.

2. The strapping device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one motor includes a single motor operably connected to the tensioning and welding wheel to rotate the tensioning and welding wheel and to longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel.

3. The strapping device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one motor includes a first motor operably connected to the tensioning and welding wheel to rotate the tensioning and welding wheel and a second motor operably connected to the tensioning and welding wheel to longitudinally move the tensioning and welding wheel.

4. The strapping device according to claim 1, further comprising a welding actuator, wherein: The at least one motor is operably connected to the welding actuator to drive the welding actuator to cause longitudinal movement of the tensioning and welding wheel.

5. The strapping device of claim 4, further comprising a rotatable mount to which the tensioning and welding wheel is mounted such that the tensioning and welding wheel is rotationally fixed relative to the mount and is longitudinally movable relative to the mount.

6. The strapping device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one motor is operably connected to the mount to rotate the mount and the tensioning and welding wheel mounted to the mount.

7. The strapping device according to claim 6, wherein: The mounting member includes a shaft to which the tensioning and welding wheel is mounted, and the shaft includes one or more supports that rotationally fix the tensioning and welding wheel relative to the shaft while allowing the tensioning and welding wheel to move longitudinally relative to the shaft.

8. The strapping device according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more supports include one or more rolling elements.

9. The strapping device according to claim 5, wherein: The welding actuator is mounted to the mount such that the welding actuator is rotatable relative to the mount.

10. The strapping device according to claim 9, further comprising: a spacer between the tensioning and welding wheel and the welding actuator; as well as A tensioning and welding wheel biasing element biases the tensioning and welding wheel toward the welding actuator so that the tensioning and welding wheel forces the spacer into engagement with the actuation surface of the welding actuator.

11. The strapping device according to claim 10, wherein: The mount includes a flange defining a hole therethrough, wherein the spacer is received in the hole.

12. The strapping device according to claim 10, wherein: The actuation surface has an undulating profile including alternating peaks and valleys.

13. The strapping device according to claim 12, wherein: The tensioning and welding wheel is in the tensioning longitudinal position when the spacer engages one of the valleys of the actuation surface, and the tensioning and welding wheel is in the actuating longitudinal position when the spacer engages one of the peaks of the actuation surface.

14. The strapping device according to claim 13, wherein: A complete rotation of the welding actuator causes the tensioning and welding wheel to oscillate between the tensioning longitudinal position and the actuating longitudinal position.

15. The strapping device according to claim 4, further comprising: a first transmission gear assembly operatively connecting the at least one motor to the tensioning and welding wheel to rotate the tensioning and welding wheel; as well as A second transmission gear assembly operably connects the at least one motor to the welding actuator to drive the welding actuator to cause longitudinal movement of the tensioning and welding wheel.

16. A method of tying a load using a tying device, the method comprising: rotating the tensioning and welding wheel relative to the tensioning plate to tension the strap about the load; as well as The tensioning and welding wheel is longitudinally moved relative to the tensioning plate between a tensioning longitudinal position and an actuating longitudinal position to seal the two overlapping portions of the strap to each other.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising rotating the tensioning and welding wheel and longitudinally moving the tensioning and welding wheel via a single motor.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising driving a welding actuator to cause the tensioning and welding wheel to move longitudinally between the tensioning longitudinal position and the actuating longitudinal position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rotating the welding actuator to cause the tensioning and welding wheel to move longitudinally between the tensioning longitudinal position and the actuating longitudinal position.

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