Strapping device with offset coupling

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device that includes a support, a tensioning assembly movable relative to the support between a tensioned position and a strap insertion position, a motor, and an offset coupling. The tensioning assembly includes a tensioning wheel and a driven shaft operably connected to the tensioning wheel to drive the tensioning wheel. An offset coupling operably connects the motor to the driven shaft to transfer an output of the motor to the driven shaft when the tensioning assembly is in the tensioned position and when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position to rotate the driven shaft.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 478,223, filed on January 3, 2023, 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 strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. Background Art

[0004] A strapping device is configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioning strap loop around the load. A battery-powered strapping device is one type of strapping device. To form a tensioning strap loop around a load using one of these strapping devices, an operator first pulls a front end of the strap from a 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 one or more of these overlapping strap portions (depending on the type of strapping device) into the strapping device and actuates one or more buttons to initiate: (1) a tensioning cycle, during which the tensioning assembly tensions the strap around the load; and (2) a locking cycle after the tensioning cycle is completed, during which the locking assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to each other (thereby forming a tensioning strap loop around the load) and cuts the strap from the strap supply.

[0005] Because strapping device operators may use handheld strapping devices hundreds of times per day, there is a continuing need to make strapping devices as easy to use as possible (without sacrificing performance) and to reduce operator fatigue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device including a support, a tensioning assembly movable relative to the support between a tensioning position and a strap insertion position, a motor, and an offset coupling. The tensioning assembly includes a tensioning pulley and a driven shaft operatively connected to the tensioning pulley to drive the tensioning pulley. When the tensioning assembly is in the tensioning position and when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position, the offset coupling operatively connects the motor to the driven shaft to transmit the motor output to the driven shaft, thereby rotating the driven shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a strapping device of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1Cyes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A block diagram of some components of the strapping device.

[0009] Figures 2A to 2C yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B Diagrammatic view of a lashing device securing a load to a pallet.

[0010] Figure 2D is Figure 1A A perspective view of a strapping device formed to attach two overlapping portions of a strap to form a friction welded strap joint.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a working assembly of a strapping device, wherein a tensioning assembly of the working assembly is in a tensioning position and an offset coupling of the working assembly is in a first configuration.

[0012] Figure 3C is similar to Figure 3B A perspective view of the device with the tensioning assembly in the tether insertion position and the offset coupling in the second configuration.

[0013] Figure 4A yes Figures 3A to 3C A perspective view of the tensioning assembly of the working assembly.

[0014] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Exploded perspective view of the tensioning assembly.

[0015] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A The tensioning assembly follows Figure 4A A sectional stereoscopic view taken along line 4C-4C.

[0016] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A Front elevation view of the rocker mover of the tensioning assembly.

[0017] Figure 5A yes Figures 3A to 3C A perspective view of the disconnect assembly of the working assembly.

[0018] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Exploded perspective view of the disconnect coupling assembly.

[0019] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A The disconnect assembly is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional perspective view taken along line 5C–5C.

[0020] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figures 3A to 3C A perspective view of the actuating assembly of the working assembly.

[0021] Figure 7A and Figure 7B yes Figures 3A to 3C A perspective view of the cam engagement assembly of the working assembly of FIG. 1 , wherein the actuating assembly coupler is in its original position and actuated position, respectively.

[0022] Figures 8A to 8G yes Figures 3A to 3C A side view of a portion of one side of a working assembly showing the tensioning assembly moving from its tensioning position to its strap insertion position and back to its tensioning position. For clarity, certain components of the working assembly are not shown.

[0023] Figures 9A to 9G corresponds to Figures 8A to 8G of Figures 3A to 3C For clarity, certain parts of the working assembly are not shown.

[0024] Figure 10A and Figure 10B They are Figures 3A to 3C Assembled and exploded perspective views of the offset coupling of the working assembly.

[0025] Figure 11A It is in the first configuration Figure 10A and Figure 10B Front elevation of the offset connector.

[0026] Figure 11B Corresponding to Figure 11A , but the first driven element of the offset coupling is removed.

[0027] Figure 12A It is in the second configuration Figure 10A and Figure 10B Front elevation of the offset connector.

[0028] Figure 12B Corresponding to Figure 12A , but the first driven element of the offset coupling is removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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 components; and the manner of connecting components 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 drawing and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms related to installation methods such as mounting and connecting are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods, but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operatively mounted, connected, etc. installation methods. This specification is intended to be considered as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] Figures 1A to 12B FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the strapping device of the present disclosure and certain of its components and parts, the strapping device being in the form of a battery-powered portable strapping device 50. As Figures 2A to 2C shown, the strapping device 50 is configured to perform a strapping cycle to tension and seal a strap S (in this exemplary embodiment, a plastic strap) around a load L on a pallet P to form a tensioned strap loop that secures the load L to the pallet P. The operator pulls the strap S from a strap supply source (not shown) and wraps the strap around the load L and through an opening in the pallet P until the lower portion LP of the strap S (which includes the front end of the strap S) is positioned below the upper portion UP of the strap S, as Figure 2A shown. Then, the operator inserts the overlapping upper portion UP and lower portion LP of the strap S into the strapping device 50 and actuates one or more buttons to initiate the strapping cycle. As Figure 2B shown, a motor-driven tensioning assembly performs a tensioning cycle during which the strapping device 50 tensions the strap S around the load L. Once a preset tension is reached in the strap S, as Figure 2C shown, a motor-driven sealing assembly performs a sealing cycle during which the strapping device 50 connects the upper portion UP and lower portion LP of the strap S to each other via friction welding to form a strap joint SJ, as Figure 2D shown, and cuts the strap S from the strap supply source.

[0031] The strapping device 50 includes a housing 100 ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B ), a working assembly 200 ( Figures 3A to 3C ), a cover 1300 ( Figure 1A ), a first button actuator 1410 and a second button actuator 1440 ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B )、Display component 1490( Figures 1A to 1C )、Power supply 1500、Controller 1600( Figure 1C ), and one or more sensors 1700 ( Figure 1C ).

[0032] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B The housing 100 shown in FIG. 1 is formed from a plurality of components (not individually labeled) that collectively at least partially enclose and / or support some (or all) of the other components and parts of the strapping device 50. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 includes a front housing section 110, a rear housing section 120, a motor housing section 130, 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. The rear housing section 120 at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the display assembly 1490 and defines a receptacle that is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive and at least partially enclose and / or support the power supply 1500 and the controller 1600. The motor housing section 130 extends between and connects the bottom of the front housing section 110 and the bottom of the rear housing section 120, and at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the working assembly 200 (including the motor 1100). The handle housing section 150 extends between and connects the top of the front housing section 110 and the top of the rear housing section 120, and defines a handle used by the operator. This is merely an example, and in other embodiments, the components of the strapping device may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 may 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. A cover 1300 is attached to the front housing section 110 and covers a portion of the working assembly 200.

[0033] exist Figures 3A to 3C The working assembly 200, best shown in FIG, includes most of the components of the strapping device 50 that are configured to perform a strapping cycle to tension the strap around a load, attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other, and cut the strap from a supply of strap. The working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning assembly 400, a disconnect coupling assembly 500, an actuating assembly 600, a camming assembly 700, an offset coupling 800, a blocking assembly 900, a transmission 1000, and a motor 1100.

[0034] exist Figures 3A to 3CThe support member 300, best shown in FIG, serves as a common mounting member for the tensioning assembly 400, the disconnect coupling assembly 500, the actuating assembly 600, the camming assembly 700, the offset coupling 800, the lockout assembly 900, the transmission 1000, and the motor 1100, either directly or indirectly. The support member 300 includes a base 300b and a frame 300f extending from the base 300b. The base 300b supports the tensioning plate 312 below the tensioning wheel 400w of the tensioning assembly 400 (described below) and supports the welding plate 314 below the welding shoe 912 of the lockout assembly 900 (described below).

[0035] exist Figures 4A to 4D The tensioning assembly 400, best shown in FIG, is operable (using a motor 1100) to tighten the strap around a load during a tensioning cycle and to move the tensioning assembly 400 relative to the support 300. The tensioning assembly 400 includes a rocker 400r, a rocker cover 400c, a tensioning assembly gear arrangement, and a tensioning pulley 400w driven by the tensioning assembly gear arrangement. The tensioning pulley 400w is supported by the tensioning assembly gear arrangement, which in turn is supported by the rocker 400r.

[0036] The tensioner assembly gearing includes: a driven shaft 410; a tensioner assembly flywheel 412; a first set of planetary gears 414a, 414b, and 414c; a gear cover 415; a rocker shifter 420; a rollback ring gear 430; a rollback intermediate gear 431; a planet carrier 432; a second set of planetary gears 434a, 434b, 434c, and 434d; a third set of planetary gears 436a, 436b, and 436c; and bearings 405b1, 405b2, 405b3, and 405b4. Certain components of the tensioner assembly gearing are centered about, and rotatable about, the tensioner rotation axis A400w. The driven shaft 410 includes a shaft portion 410a having a driven end 410a1 and a first sun gear 410b at an end opposite the driven end 410a1. A first set of planetary gears 414a-414c are rotatably mounted to the rocker cover 400c (e.g., via corresponding bearings and mounting pins) and secured in place by a gear cover 415. Rollback ring gear 430 includes internal teeth 430it and external teeth 430ot. Planet carrier 432 includes a planetary gear carrier 432a and a second sun gear 432b, to which a second set of planetary gears 434a-434d are rotatably mounted (e.g., via corresponding bearings and mounting pins). The second sun gear 432b rotates with the planetary gear carrier 432a about the tensioner rotation axis A400w (here, integrally formed with the planetary gear carrier). A third set of planetary gears 436a-436c are rotatably mounted to the rocker 400r (e.g., via corresponding bearings and mounting pins).

[0037] exist Figure 4D The rocker mover 420, best shown in FIG. , includes a ring gear 421 having internal teeth 421 it and supporting an annular cam support 422, which includes a first cam 424, a second cam 426, and a third cam 428 spaced apart at an angle. The first cam 424 has a front end 424 le and a rear end 424 te connected by a convex curved finger-engaging surface 424 s. The finger-engaging surface 424 s has a vertex 424 s', which corresponds to the point on the finger-engaging surface 424 s farthest from the center of the cam support 422. The vertex 424 s' of the finger-engaging surface 424 s is spaced a distance Rmax from the center of the cam support 422, while the rear end 424 te of the cam 424 is spaced a distance Rmin from the center of the cam support 422. Rmax is greater than Rmin, such that the vertex 424 s' is further from the center of the cam support 422 than the rear end 424 te. The portion of the finger-engaging surface 424s extending between the apex 424s' and the rear end 424te is curved such that the distance between the finger-engaging surface 424s and the center of the cam support 422 decreases as one moves from the apex 424s' to the rear end 424te. The second cam 426 and the third cam 428 are identical to the first cam 424 and are not described separately for the sake of brevity. Components of the second and third cams are identified herein with similar reference numerals as those of the first cam 424, with the leading "424" replaced with "426" and "428," respectively. The first cam 424, the second cam 426, and the third cam 428 are equiangularly spaced such that each cam is spaced apart from one another by the same angle α, which in this example embodiment is 120 degrees. While the rocker mover includes three cams in this example embodiment, in other embodiments the rocker mover may include any suitable number of one or more cams.

[0038] A shaft portion 410a of the driven shaft 410 extends through and engages with a tensioning assembly flywheel 412, which is itself supported by and positioned within an aperture defined through a cover 400c attached to the rocker 400r. The tensioning assembly flywheel 412 is configured to permit rotation of the driven shaft 410 relative to the rocker 400r in a tensioning rotational direction T (referred to as the tensioning direction T) and to prevent rotation of the driven shaft 410 in a rollback direction TREV, which is a rotational direction opposite to the tensioning direction T. The first sun gear 410b of the driven shaft 410 is meshed and drivingly engaged with a first set of planetary gears 414a to 414c. The first set of planetary gears 414a to 414c meshes with internal teeth 421it of a ring gear 421 of the rocker mover 420. A bearing 405b1 rotatably supports the rocker mover 420 and separates it from the rocker 400r and the cover 400c. The first sun gear 410b of the driven shaft 410 extends through the gear cover 415 and meshes with and drivingly engages with the second set of planetary gears 434a to 434d. The second set of planetary gears 434a to 434d meshes with the internal teeth 430it of the rollback ring gear 430. Bearing 405b2 rotatably supports the planet carrier 432 so that the planet carrier 432 can rotate relative to the rocker 400r. The second sun gear 432b of the planet carrier 432 meshes with and drivingly engages with the third set of planetary gears 436a to 436c. The tensioner 400w is rotatably mounted to the rocker 400r via bearings 405b3 and 405b4, so that the third set of planetary gears 436a to 436c meshes with the internal teeth (not labeled) of the tensioner 400w, thereby drivingly engaging with the tensioner 400w. The tensioning pulley 400w is held in position longitudinally (in the direction of the tensioning pulley axis A400w) via suitable retainers and suitable fasteners (not shown for clarity).

[0039] The tensioning assembly 400 is connected to the rocker 400r and the tensioning assembly mounting shaft 395 ( Figures 3A to 3C ) is movably mounted to the support 300 and is configured to move relative to the support 300, particularly relative to the base 300b of the support 300 and about the rocker pivot axis A400r, in a tensioning position ( Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 8G ) and the strap insertion position ( Figures 8D to 8F). When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioning position, the tensioning wheel 400w is adjacent the tensioning plate 312 of the support member 300 (or, if the strap has been inserted into the strapping device 50, adjacent the upper surface of the upper portion of the strap). When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the tensioning wheel 400w is spaced apart from the tensioning plate 312 to enable the overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap to be inserted between the tensioning wheel 400w and the tensioning plate 312. The weight of the tensioning assembly 400 and one or more springs or other biasing elements (not shown) bias the tensioning assembly 400 into the tensioning position.

[0040] Specifically, the tensioning assembly mounting shaft 395 extends through an opening defined by the frame 300f of the support member 300 and through an opening defined by the first mounting ear 400r1 and the second mounting ear 400r2 of the rocker 400r. The rollback intermediate gear 431 is rotatably mounted to the tensioning assembly mounting shaft 395 and positioned between the mounting ears 400r1 and 400r2 of the rocker 400r so that the teeth of the rollback intermediate gear 431 mesh with the outer teeth 430ot of the rollback ring gear 430.

[0041] exist Figures 5A to 5C The disconnect coupling assembly 500, best shown in FIG, controls whether the rollback ring gear 430 can rotate about the tensioner axis A400w. Typically, when the disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in the coupled configuration, the disconnect coupling assembly 500 prevents the rollback ring gear 430 from rotating about the tensioner axis A400w, which enables the motor 1100 to drive the tensioner 400w to tension the tether and enables the tensioner 400w to maintain tension in the tether after the tensioning cycle is complete. Conversely, when the disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in the released configuration, the rollback ring gear 430 can rotate about the tensioner axis A400w, allowing the tensioner 400w to release the maintained tension. The disconnect coupling assembly 500 includes a disconnect coupling assembly shaft 510, a first engageable element 520, a second engageable element 530, an expandable element 540, a sleeve 550, a threaded fastener 560, a spacer 570, and a gear 580.

[0042] Disconnect assembly shaft 510 includes a body 512 having an irregular cross-section at a first end 512a and teeth extending radially around its circumference at a second end 512b. A first support member 514 extends from first end 512a. A first engageable element 520 includes a tubular bushing having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface having a perimeter that matches the perimeter of first end 512a of body 512 of disconnect assembly shaft 510. A second engageable element 530 includes a tubular body 532 and an annular flange 534 at one end of body 532. An opening 534o is defined through flange 534. An expandable element 540 includes a torsion spring having a first end 540a and a second end 540b. A sleeve 550 includes a tubular body 552 having teeth 554 extending around its perimeter. Body 552 defines an opening 554o.

[0043] As in Figure 5C As best shown in FIG, a first engageable element 520 is mounted on a first end 512a of the body 512 of the disconnect assembly shaft 510 for rotation therewith about the disconnect assembly rotation axis A500. A second engageable element 530 surrounds the first support 514 of the body 512 of the disconnect assembly shaft 510 and is positioned such that the body 532 is adjacent to and coaxial with the first engageable element 520. An expandable element 540 surrounds the bodies 532 of the first and second engageable elements 520, 530. The outer diameter of the first engageable element 520 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the body 532 of the second engageable element 530 and is equal to or greater than the resting inner diameter of the expandable element 540. This means that when the disconnect assembly 500 is in the coupled configuration (described below), the expandable element 540 applies a compressive force to the bodies 532 of the first and second engageable elements 520, 530, which prevents these components (and the disconnect assembly shaft 510) from rotating relative to each other about the disconnect assembly rotation axis A500. Second end 540b of expandable element 540 is received in opening 534o defined through flange 534 of second engageable element 530. Disconnect assembly shaft 510, first engageable element 520, second engageable element 530, and at least a portion of expandable element 540 are housed within and surrounded by sleeve 550. First end 540a of expandable element is received in opening 554o defined through body 552 of sleeve 550. Gear 580 is mounted to second end 512b of body 512 of disconnect assembly shaft 510, such that gear 580 is rotationally fixed to disconnect assembly shaft 510. Spacer 570 separates first engageable element 520 and gear 580.

[0044] As in Figure 5CAs best shown in FIG, the disconnect assembly 500 is mounted to the frame 300f of the support member 300 and operatively connected to the tensioning assembly gearing. More specifically, the disconnect assembly 500 is mounted to the frame 300f via fasteners 560, which rotationally secure the second engageable element 530 relative to the frame 300f such that the second engageable element 530 (and the second end 540b of the expandable element 540, which is received in the opening 534o of the flange 534 of the second engageable element 530) cannot rotate relative to the frame 300f about the disconnect assembly rotation axis A500. Gear 580 operatively connects the body 512 of the disconnect assembly shaft 510 to the rollback ring gear 430 of the tensioning assembly gearing. Specifically, the teeth on the gear 580 mesh with the teeth of the rollback intermediate gear 431, which in turn meshes with the outer teeth 430ot of the rollback ring gear 430. In other embodiments, there is no rollback intermediate gear, and the teeth of the gear of the disconnect coupling assembly mesh directly with the external teeth of the rollback ring gear.

[0045] The decoupling assembly 500 has a coupled configuration and a released configuration. Figure 5C The disconnect assembly 500 is shown in a coupled configuration. When the disconnect assembly 500 is in the coupled configuration, the expandable element 540 applies a compressive force to the bodies 532 of the first and second engageable elements 520, 530, which prevents them from rotating relative to each other about the disconnect assembly rotation axis A500. Because the body 532 of the second engageable element 530 is rotationally fixed relative to the frame 300f of the support 300 and the disconnect assembly shaft 510 is rotationally fixed to the first engageable element 520, the disconnect assembly shaft 510 (and therefore the gear 580) is rotationally fixed relative to the frame 300f. Because the gear 580 meshes with the rollback intermediate gear 431, when in the coupled configuration, the disconnect assembly 500 prevents the rollback intermediate gear 431 from rotating about the rocker axis A400r, thereby preventing the rollback ring gear 430 from rotating about the tensioner axis A400w.

[0046] The disconnect assembly 500 can be switched from a coupled configuration to a released configuration (e.g., by an actuation assembly 600 as described below) to enable the first engageable element 520 and the disconnect assembly shaft 510 to rotate relative to the second engageable element 530 about a disconnect assembly rotation axis A500. As explained above, the second engageable element 530 and the second end 540b of the expandable element 540 (received in the opening 534o of the flange 534 of the second engageable element 530) are rotationally fixed relative to the frame 300f. To switch the disconnect assembly 500 from the coupled configuration to the released configuration, the sleeve 550 is rotated about the disconnect assembly rotation axis A500 relative to the frame 300f, the second end 540b of the expandable element 540, and the second engageable element 530 in a release direction R550 from a coupled position to a released position. Because the first end 540a of the expandable element 540 is received in the opening 554o defined in the body 552 of the sleeve 550, the first end 540a rotates with the sleeve 550. As this occurs, the inner diameter of the expandable element 540 near its first end 540a begins to expand, and eventually expands sufficiently (thereby reducing or completely eliminating the compressive force) to enable the first engageable element 520 and the disconnect assembly shaft 510 to rotate relative to the second engageable element 530 (and the expandable element 540) about the disconnect assembly rotation axis A500. When the sleeve 550 is released, the first end 540a of the expandable element 540 biases the sleeve 550 to rotate in a coupled direction C550, which is opposite to the release direction R550, until the sleeve 550 reaches the coupled position (meaning that the disconnect assembly 500 returns to its coupled configuration).

[0047] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B The actuating assembly 600, best shown in FIG, is operably connected to the disconnect coupling assembly 500 to switch the disconnect coupling assembly between a coupled configuration and a released configuration. The actuating assembly 600 includes an actuating assembly body 610 and a disconnect coupling assembly actuator 620. The actuating assembly body 610 includes a trigger 612, a first mounting ear 614a and a second mounting ear 614b spaced apart extending from the trigger 612, a cam engaging assembly actuator 616 extending from the second mounting ear 614b, and an actuating rod 618 extending between the mounting ears 614a and 614b. Each mounting ear 614a and 614b defines a vertically extending slot therethrough. The disconnect coupling assembly actuator 620 includes an actuated arm 622, a gear arm 624 connected to the actuated arm 622, and a gear 626 at the free end of the gear arm 624.

[0048] The first and second mounting ears 614a, 614b of the actuator assembly body 610 are pivotally mounted to the frame 300f via a pivot pin (not labeled). The disconnect assembly actuator 620 is pivotally mounted to an actuator mounting pin 690, which extends through a slot defined by the first and second mounting ears 614a, 614b of the actuator assembly body 610 and is secured to the frame 300f (e.g., via a retaining ring). The actuated arm 622 of the disconnect assembly actuator 620 is positioned above the actuator rod 618.

[0049] The actuator body 610 can be positioned relative to the frame 300f around the actuator body axis A610 in an original position ( Figure 8A 、 Figure 8F and Figure 8G ) and actuation position ( Figures 8B to 8E ) between the first and second mounting ears 614a, 614b. A biasing element (not shown), such as a compression spring or a torsion spring, biases the actuator assembly body 610 to the home position. When the actuator assembly body 610 is in the home position, the actuator mounting pin 690 is positioned at the top of the slot defined by the first mounting ear 614a and the second mounting ear 614b of the actuator assembly body 610. Conversely, when the actuator assembly body 610 is in the actuated position, the actuator mounting pin 690 is positioned at the bottom of the slot. The actuator mounting pin 690 and the slot thus define the range of (pivotal) movement of the actuator assembly body 610.

[0050] The disconnect assembly actuator 620 can be positioned relative to the frame 300f about the actuator axis A620 in an original position ( Figure 8A ) and actuation position ( Figures 8B to 8G ) pivots between the disconnect assembly actuator 620 and the disconnect assembly actuator 620. A biasing element 620b (which is a torsion spring in this example embodiment, but can be any suitable biasing element) biases the disconnect assembly actuator 620 to its home position. The actuation assembly body 610 is operably connected to the disconnect assembly actuator 620 to move the disconnect assembly actuator 620 from its home position to its actuated position. Specifically, when the actuation assembly body 610 moves from its home position toward its actuated position, the actuation rod 618 engages the actuated arm 622 of the disconnect assembly actuator 620 and forces it to pivot about the actuator axis A620 until it (and the actuation assembly body 610) reaches its actuated position.

[0051] The disconnect assembly actuator 620 is positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to control which configuration the disconnect assembly 500 is in. Specifically, when the disconnect assembly actuator 620 is in its original position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8AAs shown, the disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in its coupled configuration. The teeth of the gear 626 are disengaged from the teeth 554 of the sleeve 550, and the sleeve 550 is in its coupled position. When the disconnect coupling assembly actuator 620 is moved from its original position to its actuated position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown, gear 626 engages teeth 554 of sleeve 550 and rotates sleeve 550 in a release direction R550 until sleeve 550 reaches its release position and disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in its released configuration. When disconnect coupling assembly actuator 620 moves from its actuated position back to its original position, gear 626 moves to enable sleeve 550 to rotate in a coupling direction C550 back to its coupled position, placing disconnect coupling assembly 500 in its coupled configuration. In this embodiment, gear 626 disengages from teeth 554 of sleeve 550 near the end of its movement.

[0052] Cam engagement assembly 700 (in Figure 7A and Figure 7B ) can be moved by the actuating assembly 600 into a position engaging one of the cams 424, 426, and 428 of the rocker mover 420 of the tensioning assembly 400 to raise the tensioning assembly 400 from its tensioning position to its tether insertion position. The cam engaging assembly 700 includes a cam engager 710, an actuating assembly engager 720, and a biasing element 730. The cam engager 710 includes a cam engager body 712 and a cam engaging finger 714 extending from the cam engager body 712. The actuating assembly engager 720 includes an actuating assembly engager body 722, an actuator engaging finger 724 extending from the actuating assembly engager body 722, and a stop 726. The actuating assembly engager 720 is pivotally connected to the cam engager 710 such that the actuating assembly engager 720 can be moved relative to the cam engager 710 about the cam engaging assembly rotational axis A700 in an original position ( Figure 7A ) and actuation position ( Figure 7B ) pivots between. A biasing element 730 (which is a compression spring in this example embodiment, but may be any other suitable biasing element) biases the actuation assembly adapter 720 to its original position.

[0053] As in Figures 9A to 9G As best shown in FIG, the cam engagement assembly 700 (particularly the cam engager 710 and the actuating assembly engager 720) is pivotally mounted to the tensioning assembly mounting shaft 395 and is configured to pivotally engage the tensioning assembly about the rocker axis A400r relative to the support member 300f in the original configuration ( Figure 9A and Figure 9G ), cam engagement configuration ( Figure 9B ) and the stop configuration ( Figures 9C to 9G). When the cam engagement assembly 700 is in the home configuration, the actuating assembly engager 720 is in its home position relative to the cam engager 710, the actuator engaging finger 724 is below the cam engagement assembly actuator 616, and the cam engaging finger 714 is in the home position removed from the rotational path of the first cam 424, the second cam 426, and the third cam 428 of the rocker mover 420. A biasing element, which is an extension spring or any other suitable spring, biases the cam engagement assembly 700 to the home configuration. When the cam engagement assembly 700 is in the cam engaged configuration, the actuating assembly engager 720 is in its home position relative to the cam engager 710, and the cam engaging finger 714 is in the cam engaged position and intersects the rotational path of the first cam 424, the second cam 426, and the third cam 428 of the rocker mover 420. When the cam engagement assembly 700 is in the stop configuration, the actuating assembly engager 720 is in its home position relative to the cam engager 710 and the cam engagement finger 714 is in the stop position and engages the stop 390 mounted to the frame 300 f.

[0054] exist Figure 3A The lockout assembly 900, best shown in FIG, is configured to attach overlapping portions of a strap to each other via friction welding to form a tensioned strap loop around a load during a lockout cycle. The lockout assembly 900 includes a welding arm 910, a welding shoe 912, a cutter 914, a linkage 916, and an eccentric shaft (not shown). The welding shoe 912 is slidably mounted to the welding arm 910 so that the welding shoe 912 can oscillate relative to the welding arm 910. The cutter 914 is mounted to the welding arm 910. The welding arm 910 is pivotally mounted to the support 300 and can be moved relative to the support 300 and the welding plate 314 about the welding arm axis A910 in an original position ( Figure 3A ) and a welding position (not shown), in which the welding shoe 912 is spaced apart from the welding plate 314, and in which the welding shoe 912 is adjacent to the welding plate 314 and is positioned to weld the strap. A linkage 916 operably connects the transmission 1000 to the welding arm 910 so that the transmission 1000 can move the welding arm 910 from the released home position to the welding position (and vice versa in some embodiments). The eccentric is operably connected to the welding shoe 912 and is configured to cause the welding shoe 912 to oscillate when rotated. A toothed belt 900b operably connects the transmission 1000 to the eccentric to cause the eccentric to rotate.

[0055] exist Figures 3A to 3CThe transmission 1000, best shown in FIG, is driven by a motor 1100, operably connected to the tensioning assembly 400 and configured to rotate the tensioning wheel 400w in a tensioning direction T to tension the tether and to pivot the tensioning assembly 400 to its tether insertion position, and operably connected to the blocking assembly 900 and configured to cause the blocking assembly 900 to attach overlapping portions of the tether to one another. The transmission 1000 includes a transmission gear arrangement including a drive gear 1012 (a bevel pinion in this example embodiment). The transmission gear arrangement is mounted to the support 300 such that the drive gear 1012 is operably connected to the offset coupling 800, as described below.

[0056] Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C ,as well as 10A to 12B The offset coupling 800 is shown configured to transfer rotation of the drive gear 1012 of the transmission 1000 to the driven shaft 410 of the transmission assembly gearing of the tensioning assembly 400 to rotate the driven shaft 410 regardless of the position of the transmission assembly 400 (i.e., regardless of whether the transmission assembly 400 is in the tensioning position, the belt insertion position, or therebetween). The offset coupling 800 includes a first driven element 810 coupled to a second driven element 880 via a reconfigurable offset coupling transmission 820. The offset coupling transmission 820 is configured to cause the offset coupling 800 to rotate from a first configuration (a first configuration) when the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioning position to a second configuration (bearing position). Figure 3B 、 Figure 11A and Figure 11B ) switches to the second configuration when the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position ( Figure 3C 、 Figure 12A and Figure 12B ), and in both configurations the rotation of the drive gear 1012 is transmitted to the driven shaft 410.

[0057] The first driven element 810 is configured to be driven by the drive gear 1012 of the transmission 1000 to rotate about a first rotational axis A810 and includes an annular first body 812 and a driven gear 814 (a bevel gear in this example embodiment) that is rotationally fixed to the first body 812. In this example embodiment, the driven gear 814 is integrally formed with the first body 812, but in other embodiments, the driven gears can be separate components connected in any suitable manner (such as via fasteners) for rotational fixation. The first body 812 defines a first opening 812o1, a second opening 812o2, and a third opening 812o3 that are angularly spaced apart.

[0058] The second driven element 880 is configured to be driven by the offset coupling transmission 820 to rotate about the second rotational axis A880 and, in turn, drive the driven shaft 410 of the transmission assembly gearing of the transmission assembly 400 to rotate the driven shaft 410. The second driven element 880 includes an annular second body 882 defining angularly spaced first, second, and third openings 882o1, 882o2, and 882o3, and a central driven shaft opening 882do having a periphery shaped to receive and drivingly engage the driven shaft 410 (here, in a hexagonal shape that matches the hexagonal periphery of the driven shaft 410).

[0059] The offset coupling transmission 820 is configured to transmit the rotation of the first driven element 810 to the second driven element 880 to drive the second driven element 880, and includes a first coupling 830, a second coupling 840, a third coupling 850, and a coupling mount 860. Generally, the first coupling 830, the second coupling 840, and the third coupling 850 are mounted to the coupling mount 860, are independently rotatable about a common transmission rotation axis A820, and are each pivotally connected to both the first driven element 810 and the second driven element 880.

[0060] Specifically, the first coupling 830 includes a first link 832, a first connector 834, and a second connector 836. The first link 832 includes an annular body 832a and a first arm 832b and a second arm 832c extending from opposite sides of the body 832a. The first connector 834 is pivotally connected to the first arm 832b at one end and pivotally connected to the first body 812 of the first driven element 810 at its other end by receiving a pivot 834p in a first opening 812o1 of the first body 812. The second connector 836 is pivotally connected to the second arm 832c at one end and pivotally connected to the second body 882 of the second driven element 880 at its other end by receiving a pivot 836p in a first opening 882o1 of the second body 812.

[0061] The second coupling 840 includes a first link 842, a first connector 844, and a second connector 846. The first link 842 includes an annular body 842a and a first arm 842b and a second arm 842c extending from opposite sides of the body 842a. The first connector 844 is pivotally connected to the first arm 842b at one end and pivotally connected to the first body 812 of the first driven element 810 at its other end by receiving a pivot 844p in a second opening 812o2 of the first body 812. The second connector 846 is pivotally connected to the second arm 842c at one end and pivotally connected to the second body 882 of the second driven element 880 at its other end by receiving a pivot 846p in a second opening 882o2 of the second body 812.

[0062] The third coupling 850 includes a first link 852, a first connector 854, and a second connector 856. The first link 852 includes an annular body 852a and a first arm 852b and a second arm 852c extending from opposite sides of the body 852a. The first connector 854 is pivotally connected to the first arm 852b at one end and pivotally connected to the first body 812 of the first driven element 810 at its other end by receiving a pivot 854p in a third opening 812o3 of the first body 812. The second connector 856 is pivotally connected to the second arm 852c at one end and pivotally connected to the second body 882 of the second driven element 880 at its other end by receiving a pivot 856p in a third opening 882o3 of the second body 812.

[0063] The coupler mount 860 includes an annular base 862 and a tubular mounting shaft 864 extending centrally from the base 862. The first, second, and third couplers are rotatably mounted to the coupler mount 860. Specifically, the mounting shaft 864 of the coupler mount 860 extends through circular openings defined through the centers of the bodies 832a, 842a, and 852a of the links 832, 842, and 852 of the first, second, and third couplers 830, 840, and 850. A retainer 870 (here, a retaining clip) is mounted to the free end of the mounting shaft 864 to retain the couplers on the coupler mount 860.

[0064] The offset coupling 800 operatively connects the drive gear 1012 of the transmission 1000 to the driven shaft 410 of the tensioning assembly 400. Specifically, the first driven element 810 of the offset coupling is mounted to the support 300 via a bearing (not shown), such as a bracket 810 ( Figure 3C), so that the drive gear 1012 drivingly engages the driven gear 814 of the first driven element 810 to rotate the first driven element 810 about the first rotation axis A810 relative to the support 300. The driven end 410a1 of the shaft portion 410a of the driven shaft 410 extends through a driven shaft opening 882do defined in the second body 882 of the second driven element 880 to mount the second driven element 880 to the driven shaft 410 such that the second rotation axis A880 of the second driven element 880 and the tensioner rotation axis A400w are coaxial.

[0065] When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioning position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown, the offset coupling 800 is in Figure 3B 、 Figure 11A and Figure 11B When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C As shown, the offset coupling 800 is in Figure 3C 、 Figure 12A ,as well as Figure 12B 82do. As the tensioning assembly 400 moves from the tensioning position to the tether insertion position, the tensioning assembly drives the second follower element 880 with it due to the follower shaft 410 being received in the follower shaft opening 882do. When this occurs, the first follower element 810 remains in place (supported by the support 300) and the first coupler 830, the second coupler 840, and the third coupler 850 are reconfigured (via rotation about the mounting axis 864, which is achieved through their respective pivotable connections to the first follower element 810 and the second follower element 880) to enable the second follower element 880 to move with the tensioning assembly 400. As shown in Figure 11B and Figure 12B As best shown in FIG. 1 , in this example embodiment, when the offset coupler 800 is in the first configuration, the orientations of the first link 832, the second link 842, and the third link 852 are transverse to their corresponding orientations when the offset coupler is in the second configuration. Additionally, in this example embodiment, the first link 832, the second link 842, and the third link 852 are transverse to one another, regardless of whether the offset coupler 800 is in the first configuration or the second configuration. Furthermore, in this example embodiment, the coupler mount 860 is oriented transversely to one another in both the vertical and horizontal positions (from 0.05 to 0.06) when the offset coupler 800 is in the first configuration. Figures 11A to 12B 800 is in the first configuration or the second configuration. Further, in this example embodiment, the first rotational axis A810, the transmission rotational axis A820, and the second rotational axis A820 are not coaxial with each other when the offset coupling 800 is in either the first configuration or the second configuration (although in other embodiments, one or more of them may be coaxial).

[0066] This is merely one example offset coupling, and the strapping device may include any suitable offset coupling that operably connects the transmission to the tensioning assembly to drive the tensioning assembly.

[0067] The transmission gearing includes suitable components (e.g., gears, bearings, and a flywheel) that transmit rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor 1100 in a first drive direction to the drive gear 1012, causing the drive gear 1012 to rotate (but in this example embodiment, does not drive any components of the lockout assembly 900). The drive gear 1012 drives the offset coupling 800, which in turn drives the driven shaft 410, regardless of whether the offset coupling 800 is in the first configuration or the second configuration. Specifically, the drive gear 1012 drives the driven gear 814 of the first driven element 810 of the offset coupling 800 to rotate in the tensioning direction T. The first driven element 810 transmits this rotation to the offset coupling transmission 820 via the pivots 834p, 844p, and 854p, which in turn transmits this rotation to the second driven element 880 via the pivots 836p, 846p, and 856p, causing the second driven element 880 to rotate in the tensioning direction T. The second driven element 880 is rotationally fixed to the driven shaft 410 and thus transmits its rotational motion to the driven shaft 410 to drive the driven shaft 410 in the tensioning direction T. Accordingly, the offset coupling 800 operatively connects the drive gear 1012 to the driven shaft 410 such that the drive gear 1012 can drive the driven shaft 410 regardless of whether the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioning position or the lace insertion position.

[0068] Components of the transmission gear arrangement transmit rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor 1100 in a second drive direction opposite to the first drive direction to: (1) the linkage 916 of the locking assembly 900 to move the welding arm 910 from its home position to its welding position; and (2) the toothed belt 990 to rotate the eccentric and oscillate the welding shoe 912 (but without driving the drive gear 1012 in this example embodiment).

[0069] This is merely one example transmission assembly, and the strapping device may include any suitable transmission assembly or assemblies that operatively connect one or more motors to the tensioning assembly and the locking assembly to drive these assemblies.

[0070] exist Figures 3A to 3CThe motor 1100, best shown in FIG. 1 , is operably connected to the tensioning assembly 400 and the locking assembly 900 via a transmission 1000 and is configured to drive these assemblies as explained herein. The motor 1100 includes the output shaft (not shown) mentioned above. In this example embodiment, the motor 1100 is an electric motor, but may be any suitable motor.

[0071] exist Figures 1A to 1C The display assembly 1490 shown in FIG. 1 includes a suitable display screen 1492 having a touch panel 1494. The display screen 1492 is configured to display information about the strapping device 50 (at least in this embodiment), and the touch panel 1494 is configured to receive operator input, such as desired strap tension and desired weld cooling time. A display controller (not shown) can control the display screen 1492 and the touch panel 1494, and in these embodiments, the display controller is communicatively connected to the controller 1600 to send and receive signals to and from the controller 1600. Other embodiments of the strapping device do not include a touch panel. Still other embodiments of the strapping device do not include a display assembly. Some embodiments of the strapping device include a separate button panel rather than a touch panel located below or integrated with the display screen.

[0072] The first button actuator 1410 and the second button actuator 1440 are operable to initiate a tensioning cycle and / or a locking cycle, as described below. Other embodiments of the strapping device 50 do not have button actuators, but instead incorporate the functionality of the button actuators into the display assembly 1490. 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.

[0073] exist Figure 1CThe controller 1600 shown in FIG. 1 includes one or more processing devices communicatively connected to one or more memory devices. For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller (PLC). The processing device may include any suitable processing device, such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or a state machine. The memory device may include any suitable memory device, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as an integrated hard drive and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the strapping device 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operatively connected to the motor 1100, the display assembly 1490, the button actuators 1410 and 1440, and the sensor 1700, and is configured to receive signals from 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.

[0074] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping device in one of three operating modes to perform a strapping cycle: (1) a manual operating mode; (2) a semi-automatic operating mode; and (3) an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to rotate the tensioning wheel 400w in response to the first button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. The controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to cause the locking assembly 900 to perform a locking cycle in response to the second button actuator 1440 being actuated. In the semi-automatic operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to rotate the tensioning wheel 400w in response to the first button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in its actuated state. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached a (preset) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 1100 to cause the locking assembly 900 to perform a locking cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator). In the automatic operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to rotate the tensioning wheel 400w in response to actuation of the first button actuator 1410. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap reaches the (preset) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 1100 to cause the lockout assembly 900 to perform a lockout cycle (without requiring additional input from the operator).

[0075] 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 device 50 and send appropriate signals to the controller 1600. The sensors 1700 may include, for example: one or more tensioning assembly position sensors configured to detect when the tensioning assembly 400 is in its tensioning position and / or its strap insertion position; one or more trigger position sensors configured to detect when the actuator assembly body 610 is in its home position and / or its actuated position; and one or more actuator assembly sensors configured to detect actuation of the first button actuator 1410 and the second button actuator 1440.

[0076] The power supply 1500 is electrically connected (via appropriate wiring and other components) to several components of the strapping device 50 and is configured to power these components, including the motor 1100, the display assembly 1490, the controller 1600, and the sensor 1700. In this exemplary embodiment, the power supply 1500 comprises a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), although in other embodiments the power supply 1500 may be any other suitable power supply. The power supply 1500 is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be received in the receptacle defined by the rear housing section 120 of the housing 100. The strapping device 50 includes one or more power supply securing devices (not shown) to releasably lock the power supply 1500 in place when received in the receptacle. Actuation of the release device of the strapping device 50 or the power supply 1500 unlocks the power supply 1500 from the housing 100 and enables an operator to remove the power supply 1500 from the receptacle.

[0077] The following describes forming a tensioning strap loop around a load using the strapping device 50. Initially, the tensioning assembly 400 is in its tensioning position, the actuating assembly body 610 is in its home position (meaning the disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in its coupled configuration), the cam engaging assembly 700 is in its home configuration, and the welding arm 910 is in its home position, as shown. Figure 8A and Figure 9A For the purposes of this example, the strapping device 50 is in automatic mode.

[0078] The operator first pulls the front end of the strap from a strap supply source (not shown), wraps the strap around the load, and positions the front end of the strap S under another portion of the strap to form the upper and lower portions of the strap. The operator then pulls the trigger 612, and in doing so, moves the actuator assembly body 610 from the original position to the actuated position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B and Figure 9B As shown. When this occurs, as described above, the disconnect assembly actuator 620 switches the disconnect assembly 500 from the coupled configuration to the released configuration. Additionally, the pivoting of the actuator assembly body 610 causes the cam engagement assembly actuator 616 to engage the actuator engagement finger 724 and force the cam engagement assembly 700 to move to its cam engagement configuration. Once one of the sensors 1700 detects that the actuator assembly body 610 has reached the actuated position, the controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to rotate the output shaft in the first drive direction.

[0079] As explained above, the transmission 1000 transmits this rotational motion of the output shaft to the drive shaft 410 of the tensioning assembly 400 via the drive gear 1012 and the offset coupling 800, causing it to rotate in the tensioning direction T. This causes the first sun gear 410b to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T. The first sun gear 410b drives the first set of planetary gears 414a to 414c. Since the first set of planetary gears 414a to 414c are fixed in rotation about the tensioner rotation axis A400w, they drive the rocker mover 420 to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T. Eventually, the front end of one of the cams 424, 426, and 428 (here, the front end 4241e of the first cam 424) engages the cam engagement finger 714 and forces the cam engagement finger 714 to pivot until it engages the stop 390, thereby moving the cam engagement assembly 700 to its stopped configuration, as shown. Figure 8C and Figure 9C Because the stop 390 prevents the cam engaging finger 714 from further pivoting and the cam 424 abuts the cam engaging finger 714, continued rotation of the rocker mover 420 forces the rocker 400r and the entire tensioning assembly 400 to pivot upward about the rocker axis A400r toward its lace insertion position.

[0080] The first sun gear 410b also drives the second set of planet gears 434a to 434d. Since the disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in its released configuration, the return ring gear 430 can rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w, and the rotation of the second set of planet gears 434a to 434d causes the return ring gear 430 to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T, rather than causing the second planet carrier 430 (and the tensioner 400w) to rotate (although there may be a small amount of rotation due to the drag torque). Once the controller 1600 determines that the tensioning assembly 400 has reached its belt insertion position (e.g., based on feedback from one of the sensors 1700), as shown Figure 8D and Figure 9DAs shown, the controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to stop rotating the output shaft. Typically, when the tensioning assembly 400 is in its lace insertion position, the vertex 424s' of the finger-engaging surface 424s of the cam 424 engages the cam-engaging finger 714. In other words, the bearing point of the cam 424 against the cam-engaging finger 714 is the vertex 424s'. The tensioning assembly flywheel 412 prevents the driven shaft 410 from reversing, thereby ensuring that the tensioning assembly 400 remains in the lace insertion position. Accordingly, the tensioning assembly gear arrangement operatively connects the motor 1100 and the transmission 1000 to the tensioning assembly 400 to move the tensioning assembly 400 from its tensioning position to its lace insertion position.

[0081] With the tensioning assembly 400 in its strap insertion position, while continuing to pull the trigger 612 to hold the actuation assembly body 610 in the actuated position, the operator introduces the overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap between the tensioning wheel 400w and the tensioning plate 312 and between the welding shoe 912 and the welding plate 314, as shown in FIG. Figure 8E and Figure 9E The operator then releases the trigger 612, allowing an appropriate biasing element to force the actuator assembly body 610 back to its original position, as shown. Figure 8F and Figure 9F A snap (not shown) engages and holds the protrusion 622a of the actuated arm 622 of the disconnect assembly actuator 620 in place, thereby holding the disconnect assembly 500 in its released configuration.

[0082] Once one of the sensors 1700 detects that the actuation assembly body 610 has reached the home position (or has left the actuation position, depending on the embodiment), the controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to rotate the output shaft in the first drive direction. As explained above, this causes the rocker mover 420 to rotate in the tensioning direction T about the tensioner rotation axis A400w. As the rocker mover 420 rotates, the cam 424 is offset from its apex 424s' toward the rear end 424te of the cam 424 against the bearing point of the cam engaging finger 714 (i.e., the engagement point where the finger engaging surface 424s of the cam 424 engages the cam engaging finger 714). The curved shape and orientation of the finger engaging surface 424se causes the tensioning assembly 400 to be gradually lowered from its strap insertion position toward its tensioning position while the cam engages the cam engaging finger 714, as Figure 8F and Figure 9F Continued rotation of the rocker mover 420 eventually disengages the cam from the cam engaging finger 714, at which point a suitable biasing element forces the tensioning assembly 400 to complete its movement to its lace tensioning position and moves the cam engaging assembly 700 back to its original position, as shown. Figure 8G and Figure 9GOnce the controller 1600 determines that the tensioning assembly 400 has reached its tensioned position (eg, based on feedback from one of the sensors 1700 ), the controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to stop rotating the output shaft.

[0083] The operator then actuates first button actuator 1410, which (via a pivoting lever) disengages the catch from protrusion 622a of actuated arm 622 of disconnect coupling assembly 620. As described above, this enables disconnect coupling assembly 500 to switch from its released configuration to its coupled configuration via the biasing force applied by expandable element 540 and biasing element 620b, thereby enabling motor 1100 to operate to tension strap S. Once one of sensors 1700 detects actuation of first button actuator 1410, controller 1600 initiates the strapping cycle. Controller 1600 initiates the tensioning cycle by controlling motor 1100 to rotate the output shaft in a first drive direction. As explained above, transmission 1000 transmits this rotational motion of the output shaft to drive shaft 410 of tensioning assembly 400 via drive gear 1012 and offset coupling 800, causing it to rotate in tensioning direction T. This causes the first sun gear 410b to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T. The first sun gear 410b drives the first set of planetary gears 414a to 414c. Since the first set of planetary gears 414a to 414c are fixed with respect to rotation about the tensioner rotation axis A400w, they drive the rocker mover 420 to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T. Since the cam engagement assembly 700 is in its original configuration, the cam engagement finger 714 is not in the rotational path of the cams 424, 426, and 428 of the rocker mover 420, and the tensioning assembly 400 does not pivot from its tensioning position.

[0084] The first sun gear 410b also drives the second set of planet gears 434a to 434d. Because the disconnect coupling assembly 500 is in its coupled configuration, it prevents the rollback ring gear 430 from rotating about the tensioner rotation axis A400w, and the rotation of the second set of planet gears 434a to 434d causes the planet carrier 432 (including the second sun gear 432b) to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T. The second sun gear 432b drives the third set of planet gears 436a to 436c, thereby rotating the tensioner 400w about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T. Accordingly, the tensioning assembly gear arrangement operably connects the motor 1100 and the transmission 1000 to the tensioner 400w so that the tensioner 400w rotates about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the tensioning direction T.

[0085] As the tensioning wheel 400w rotates in the tensioning direction T, it pulls the upper portion of the strap S over the lower portion of the strap S, thereby tensioning the strap S around the load. Throughout the tensioning cycle, the controller 1600 monitors the current drawn by the motor 1100. When this current reaches a preset value associated with the (preset) desired strap tension for the strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 1100, thereby terminating the tensioning cycle. At this point, the strap applies torque to the tensioning wheel 400w in the rollback direction TREV. The tensioning wheel 400w transmits this torque to the third set of planetary gears 436a-436c, which transmit this torque to the second sun gear 432b of the planet carrier 432. The second set of planetary gears 434a-434d transmits this torque to the first sun gear 410b of the driven shaft 410 and the rollback ring gear 430. The tensioning assembly flywheel 412 prevents the driven shaft 410 from rotating in the roll direction TREV. The decoupling assembly 500 is in its coupled configuration and prevents the roll ring gear 430 from rotating in the roll direction TREV. Accordingly, the torque applied by the belt to the tensioning pulley 400w is absorbed by the components of the tensioning assembly 400 and the decoupling assembly 500, thereby enabling the tensioning pulley 400w to maintain tension in the belt without rotating in the roll direction TREV.

[0086] After completing the tensioning cycle, controller 1600 automatically initiates the blocking cycle by controlling motor 1100 to begin rotating the output shaft in the second drive direction. This causes transmission 1000 to drive toothed belt 900b to begin rotating the eccentric and oscillating welding shoe 912, pivoting welding arm 910 to its welding position. When welding arm 910 reaches the welding position, welding shoe 912 forces the overlapping upper and lower layers of the strap against welding plate 314, while cutter 914 simultaneously cuts the upper layer of the strap from the strap supply. The oscillating movement of welding shoe 912 partially melts a portion of the upper layer of the strap together with a portion of the lower layer of the strap. After the motor output shaft has rotated for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of revolutions, controller 1600 controls motor 1100 to stop rotating the output shaft, thereby completing the blocking cycle.

[0087] After the lockout cycle is complete, the operator pulls trigger 612 again, and in doing so, moves the actuator assembly body 610 from the original position to the actuated position. When this occurs, as described above, the disconnect assembly actuator 620 switches the disconnect assembly 500 from the coupled configuration to the released configuration. After the lockout cycle is complete, the strap continues to apply torque to the tensioning wheel 400w that acts in the rollback direction TREV. Switching the disconnect assembly 500 from the coupled configuration to the released configuration enables the tensioning wheel 400w to rotate in the rollback direction TREV, thereby releasing this torque in a controlled manner.

[0088] Specifically, upon completion of the strapping process, the decoupling assembly 500 continues to prevent the rollback ring gear 430 of the tensioning assembly gearing from rotating in the rollback direction TREV. As explained above, this prevents the tensioning pulley 400w from rotating in the rollback direction TREV after tensioning, thereby allowing the tensioning pulley 400w to maintain tension in the strap. When the operator moves the actuation assembly body 610 to its actuated position, the decoupling assembly actuator 620 begins to rotate the sleeve 550 of the decoupling assembly 500 to its released position, and the inner diameter of the expandable element 540 of the decoupling assembly 500 begins to expand. Eventually, the torque applied by the rollback ring gear 430 (via the rollback intermediate gear 431 and the gear 580 of the decoupling assembly 500) to the decoupling assembly shaft 510 of the decoupling assembly 500 exceeds the compressive force applied by the expandable element 540 to the first engageable element 520. When this happens, the roll ring gear 430 begins to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the roll direction TREV, thereby enabling the second set of planetary gears 434a to 434d and the planet carrier 432 to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the roll direction TREV. This causes the tensioner 400w to rotate about the tensioner rotation axis A400w in the roll direction TREV to release the torque applied by the tensioning band.

[0089] Once one of the sensors 1700 detects that the actuator assembly body 610 has reached the actuated position, the controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to rotate the output shaft in the first drive direction to raise the tensioning assembly 400 to its strap insertion position, as explained above. The operator then removes the strapping device 50 from the tensioning strap loop.

[0090] The offset coupling of the present disclosure may be used in any suitable strapping device in which a tensioning wheel is supported by a movable rocker.The above configurations and methods of raising and lowering the rocker are merely examples.

[0091] Although the blocking assembly of the above-described example embodiments of the strapping device is configured to form a friction welded strap joint, the blocking assembly may include other blocking mechanisms (such as a notched jaw assembly, a crimped jaw assembly, a seamless joint assembly, an ultrasonic welding assembly, or a hot knife assembly) configured in other embodiments to block any suitable type of strap (such as a metal strap, a plastic strap, or a paper strap).

[0092] The above-described exemplary embodiment of the strapping device includes a single motor configured to drive both the tensioning assembly and the blocking assembly. In other embodiments, the strapping device includes separate motors configured to drive the tensioning assembly and the blocking assembly, respectively, and may include separate transmissions for each motor.

[0093] Other embodiments of strapping devices may include fewer components, parts, and / or features than those included in the strapping device 50 described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. In other words, although the strapping device 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 devices.

[0094] Although the strapping device described above is a handheld strapping device, in other embodiments, the strapping device may be any other suitable strapping device, such as a standalone automatic or semi-automatic strapping machine.

Claims

1. A strapping device comprising: Support members; a tensioning assembly movable relative to the support member between a tensioning position and a tether insertion position, the tensioning assembly comprising a tensioning wheel and a driven shaft operatively connected to the tensioning wheel to drive the tensioning wheel; motor; as well as An offset coupling operatively connects the motor to the driven shaft to transmit the output of the motor to the driven shaft to rotate the driven shaft when the tensioning assembly is in the tensioning position and when the tensioning assembly is in the lace insertion position.

2. The strapping device according to claim 1, wherein: The offset coupling comprises: a first driven element; a second driven element; and An offset coupling transmission operatively connects the first driven element to the second driven element to transfer rotation of the first driven element to the second driven element, thereby rotating the second driven element.

3. The strapping device according to claim 2, wherein: When the tensioning assembly is in the tensioning position, the offset coupler has a first configuration, and when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position, the offset coupler has a second configuration different from the first configuration.

4. The strapping device according to claim 3, wherein: The offset coupling transmission includes a first coupling and a second coupling, wherein each of the first coupling and the second coupling is connected to the first driven element and the second driven element.

5. The strapping device according to claim 4, wherein: The first coupler includes a first link and the second coupler includes a second link, wherein an orientation of the first link and the second link relative to each other when the offset coupler is in the first configuration is different than an orientation of the first link and the second link relative to each other when the offset coupler is in the second configuration.

6. The strapping device according to claim 5, wherein: The first link and the second link are transverse to each other when the offset coupling is in the first configuration and the second configuration.

7. The strapping device according to claim 4, wherein: The first link and the second link are rotatably connected to a common coupler mount.

8. The strapping device according to claim 7, wherein: The first driven element is rotatable about a first rotational axis, wherein the second driven element is rotatable about a second rotational axis, and wherein the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatable about a transmission rotational axis, wherein the positions of the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis relative to each other when the offset coupling is in the first configuration are different from the positions of the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis relative to each other when the offset coupling is in the second configuration.

9. The strapping device according to claim 8, wherein: The first rotational axis is not coaxial with the second rotational axis when the offset coupling is in the first configuration and the second configuration.

10. The strapping device according to claim 8, wherein: The first and second rotational axes are separated by a first distance when the offset coupling is in the first configuration, and the first and second rotational axes are separated by a second distance greater than the first distance when the offset coupling is in the second configuration.

11. The strapping device according to claim 7, wherein: The first connector includes a first connector pivotally connecting the first connector to the first driven element and a second connector pivotally connecting the first connector to the second driven element, wherein the second connector includes a first connector pivotally connecting the second connector to the first driven element and a second connector pivotally connecting the second connector to the second driven element.

12. The strapping device of claim 1, further comprising a drive gear, wherein The motor is operably connected to the drive gear and is configured to drive the drive gear, wherein when the tensioning assembly is in the tensioning position and when the tensioning assembly is in the lace insertion position, the offset coupling operably connects the drive gear and the driven shaft to transmit rotation of the drive gear to the driven shaft, thereby rotating the driven shaft.

13. The strapping device according to claim 12, wherein: The offset coupling comprises: a first driven element comprising a driven gear drivingly engaged by the drive gear; a second driven element; and An offset coupling transmission operatively connects the first driven element to the second driven element to transfer rotation of the first driven element to the second driven element, thereby rotating the second driven element.

14. The strapping device according to claim 13, wherein: The offset coupling transmission includes a first coupling, a second coupling, and a third coupling, wherein each of the first coupling, the second coupling, and the third coupling is connected to the first driven element and the second driven element.

15. The strapping device according to claim 14, wherein: The first connector includes a first link, the second connector includes a second link, and the third connector includes a third link, wherein the orientation of the first link, the second link, and the third link relative to each other when the offset connector is in the first configuration is different from the orientation of the first link, the second link, and the third link relative to each other when the offset connector is in the second configuration.

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