Strapping tool with rocker position indicator

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device including a tensioning plate, a rocker movable between a home position and a strap insertion position, a rotatable tensioning wheel, and a rocker position indicator. The tensioning wheel is a first distance from the tensioning plate when the rocker is in the home position and a second distance from the tensioning plate when the rocker is in the strap insertion position. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The rocker position indicator has a first configuration and a second configuration. Movement of the rocker from the home position to the strap insertion position causes the rocker position indicator to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration to indicate that the rocker is in the strap insertion position.

Description

[0001] priority This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 517,230, filed August 2, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to strapping devices, and more specifically to strapping devices configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping layers of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. Background Technology

[0003] The strapping device is configured to tension the strap around a load and attach overlapping layers of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. To use one of these strapping devices to form the tensioned strap loop around the load, the operator first pulls the front end of the strap from the strap supply source, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the lower layer of the strap (including the front end) below the upper layer. The operator separates the tensioning wheel from the tensioning plate, introduces overlapping strap layers between the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate, and presses a button to initiate a tensioning cycle. During the tensioning cycle, the tensioning wheel rotates, causing the upper strap layer to move over the lower strap layer, thereby tensioning the strap around the load. After the tensioning cycle is complete, a locking cycle is initiated. During the locking cycle, a locking device (such as a friction welder) joins portions of the overlapping strap layers together, thereby attaching the upper and lower strap layers to form a tensioned strap loop.

[0004] In some strapping devices, the tension wheel is supported by a pivotable rocker arm. To separate the tension wheel from the tension plate, the operator pulls a lever to actuate one or more mechanical linkages that pivot the rocker arm from a lower position to an upper position, in which the tension wheel is adjacent to the tension plate and in which the tension wheel is spaced apart from the tension plate in the upper position. These strapping devices include a cover that at least partially encloses the rocker arm and the tension wheel. When the strapping tool is used, the cover conceals the rocker arm and the tension wheel from the operator's viewpoint, making them invisible. This prevents the operator from quickly and easily verifying the position of the rocker arm, i.e., whether it is in the lower or upper position, by rapidly scanning the tool. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a strapping device including a tension plate, a rocker arm movable between an initial position and a strap insertion position, a rotatable tension wheel, and a rocker arm position indicator. When the rocker arm is in the initial position, the tension wheel is at a first distance from the tension plate, and when the rocker arm is in the strap insertion position, the tension wheel is at a second distance from the tension plate. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The rocker arm position indicator has a first configuration and a second configuration. Moving the rocker arm from the initial position to the strap insertion position causes the rocker arm position indicator to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration to indicate that the rocker arm is in the strap insertion position. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the strapping device disclosed herein.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of some components of the binding device.

[0008] Figures 3A to 3C yes Figure 1 A diagram showing how the strapping device secures the load to the pallet.

[0009] Figure 3D It is by Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a strapping device forming a friction-welded strap joint for attaching two overlapping strap layers.

[0010] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the working components of the strapping device.

[0011] Figures 5A to 5F yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side elevation view of a portion of one side of the working assembly, showing the tensioning assembly moving from its original position to the strap insertion position and then from the strap insertion position to the tensioned position after being inserted into the strapping device. For clarity, some parts of the working assembly are not shown.

[0012] Figure 6A yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B The front view of the working component shows the locking component in its original configuration.

[0013] Figure 6B It is similar to Figure 6A The front view shows the blocking assembly positioned between the original configuration and the blocking configuration, forcing the overlapping upper and lower strap layers against the welding plate.

[0014] Figure 6C It is similar to Figure 6A and Figure 6B The front view shows the locking component in the locking configuration and the weld shoe oscillating.

[0015] Figure 7A yes Figure 1 Side view of the strapping device's strapping guide and the strapping guide's rocker position indicator.

[0016] Figure 7B Is it installed to Figure 1 The cover of the housing of the strapping device Figure 7A A cross-sectional side view of the strap guide.

[0017] Figure 8A and Figure 8B They are Figure 1 A perspective view and a side view of the strapping device, with the tensioning assembly in its original position. Figure 7A The strap guide is in the lower position, and the rocker position indicator of the strap guide is in the first configuration.

[0018] Figure 8C It is basically along Figure 8A The line cut from 8C-8C Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the binding device.

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 9B These are the conditions after the tensioning assembly has moved to the strap insertion position, the strap guide has moved to the upper position, and the strap guide's lever position indicator has switched to the second configuration. Figure 1 A perspective view and a side view of the binding device.

[0020] Figure 9C It is basically along Figure 9A The line cut from 9C-9C Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the binding device.

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10B They are located in the upper and lower layers of the overlapping bands, respectively. Figure 4A and Figure 4B After the tensioning assembly's tensioning wheel is positioned between the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate of the working assembly, and after the tensioning assembly has moved to the tensioned position... Figure 1 The perspective and side view of the strapping device, in the tensioned position, show the tensioning wheel forcing the overlapping strap layers against the tensioning plate.

[0022] Figure 10C It is basically along Figure 10A The line cut at 10C-10C Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the binding device.

[0023] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The upper and lower layers of the overlapping straps have been inserted into the strapping device and are secured thereon. Figure 7A Below the support leg of the strap guide Figure 1 A perspective view and a side view of the binding device.

[0024] Figure 11C It is basically along Figure 11A The line 11C-11C cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the binding device.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a part of the strapping device, in which the housing cover has been removed.

[0026] Figure 13 It is basically along Figure 12 The line 13-13 was cut off Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-section view of a portion of the binding device.

[0027] Figures 14A to 14C This is a front elevation view of a portion of the strapping device during the installation of the housing cover. Detailed Implementation

[0028] While the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be implemented in various forms, the accompanying drawings and the specification describe certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the specification may be necessary, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components; the shape, size, and material of components; and the manner in which components are connected may vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise stated, any orientation mentioned in the specification reflects the orientation of the corresponding component shown in the drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms relating to installation methods such as mounting and connecting are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operatively mounted, connected, etc. This specification is intended to be considered as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of this disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] Figures 1 to 14C An example embodiment of the strapping device of this disclosure is shown, along with certain sub-components and parts thereof, which takes the form of a battery-powered portable strapping device 50. (See also...) Figures 3A to 3CAs shown, the strapping device 50 is configured to perform a strapping cycle to tension and lock the strap S (a plastic strap in this example embodiment) around a load L on the tray P, forming a tensioned strap loop that secures the load L to the tray 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 tray P until the lower layer LL of the strap S (which includes the front end of the strap S) is below the upper layer UL of the strap S, as shown. Figure 3A As shown. The operator then introduces the overlapping upper UL and lower LL of the strap S into the strapping device 50 and actuates one or more buttons to initiate the strapping cycle. As... Figure 3B As shown, the motor drives the tensioning assembly to perform a tensioning cycle, during which the strapping device 50 tensions the strapping band S around the load L. Once the preset tension is reached in the strap S, as... Figure 3C As shown, the motor-driven locking assembly performs a locking cycle, during which the strapping device 50 connects the upper UL and lower LL of the strap S to each other via friction welding to form a strap joint SJ, as shown. Figure 3D As shown, the strap S is cut from the strap supply source.

[0030] The strapping device 50 includes a housing 100, a working component 200, a strap guide 700, a rocker position indicator 750, a first button actuator 1410 and a second button actuator 1440, a display component 1490, a power supply 1500, a controller 1600, and one or more sensors 1700.

[0031] exist Figure 1 The housing 100, best shown in the illustration, 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 device 50. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 includes a front housing section 110, a housing cover 115, 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 housing cover 115 includes a cover body 115b that at least partially encloses some of the components of the working assembly 200 (including the tension wheel 400w) and supports the strap guide 700 described below. The upper surface of the cover body 115b defines an opening 115o through it. The size and shape of the opening 115o are designed such that a portion of the joystick position indicator 750 (attached to the strap guide 700 in this example embodiment) can extend into or through the opening 115o, depending on the embodiment, as described below.

[0032] 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 receiving seat 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 for operator use. This is merely an example, and in other embodiments, components of the strapping device may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 can be formed from any suitable number of components joined together in any suitable manner. In this example embodiment, the housing 100 is formed of plastic, but in other embodiments, the housing can be made of any other suitable material.

[0033] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B The working assembly 200, best shown in the diagram, includes most of the components of the strapping device 50, which are configured to perform strapping cycles to tension the straps around a load, attach overlapping layers of the straps to each other, and cut the straps from a strap supply source. The working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning assembly 400, a trigger 600, a locking assembly 900, a drive 1000, and a motor 1100.

[0034] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B The support 300, best shown in the diagram, serves as a direct or indirect common mounting for the tensioning assembly 400, trigger 600, locking assembly 900, transmission 1000, and motor 1100. The support 300 includes a base 300b and a frame 300f extending from the base 300b. The base 300b supports a toothed tensioning plate 312 beneath the tensioning wheel 400w of the tensioning assembly 400 (described below) and supports a toothed welding plate 314 beneath the welding shoe 942 of the locking assembly 900 (described below).

[0035] The tensioning assembly 400 is operable via a motor 1100 to tension the belt around a load during a tensioning cycle. The tensioning assembly 400 includes a rocker arm 400r, a tensioning assembly gear assembly (not labeled), a tensioning wheel 400w, and a tensioning wheel cover 400c. The tensioning wheel 400w is supported by the tensioning assembly gear assembly, which in turn is supported by the rocker arm 400r. Figure 12The tensioning wheel cover 400c, as best shown, is attached to the tensioning assembly gear mechanism such that it partially covers and holds the tensioning wheel 400w in place. The tensioning assembly gear mechanism is configured to cause the tensioning wheel 400w to rotate about the tensioning wheel axis A. 400w It rotates in the tensioning rotation direction to tension the belt around the load. The tensioning assembly 400 is connected to the tensioning assembly mounting shaft 395 via a rocker arm 400r. Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is movably mounted to the support 300 and configured to pivot about the rocker pivot axis A relative to the support 300 (particularly relative to the base 300b of the support 300 and the tension plate 312). 400r In the original position ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B ), strap insertion position ( Figures 5C to 5E ) and tension position ( Figure 5F The tensioning assembly 400 pivots between the tensioning roller 400w and the tension plate 312 of the support 300 when the tensioning assembly 400 is in its original position. When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the tensioning roller 400w is spaced apart from the tension plate 312 so that the overlapping upper and lower strap layers can be inserted between the tensioning roller 400w and the tension plate 312. When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioned position and the overlapping strap layers are between the tensioning roller 400w and the tension plate 312, the tensioning roller 400w engages the upper strap layer and forces the strap layer onto the tension 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 back to its original position.

[0036] Trigger 600 is operable (here, pivotable) to move tensioning assembly 400 from its original position to its strap insertion position. In this example embodiment, when trigger 600 is pulled, the trigger activates a switch, causing motor 1100 to cooperate with tensioning assembly 400 to pivot tensioning assembly 400 from its original position to its strap insertion position. In other embodiments, trigger 600 is operably connected to tensioning assembly 400 via one or more mechanical linkages, such that pulling trigger 600 forces tensioning assembly 400 to pivot from its original position to its strap insertion position.

[0037] exist Figures 6A to 6C The locking assembly 900, best shown in the diagram, is configured to attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other via friction welding during a locking cycle to form a tensioned strap loop around a load. The locking assembly 900 includes a first linkage arm 910, a second linkage arm 920, a first locking assembly biasing element 930, a second locking assembly biasing element 932, a welding arm 940, a welding shoe 942, a cutter 944, and an eccentric shaft (not shown). The welding shoe 942 is slidably mounted to the welding arm 940 such that the welding shoe 942 can be positioned relative to the welding arm 940 in the transverse direction of the strap (from... Figures 6A to 6C From a visual perspective, the eccentric shaft oscillates (left and right). The eccentric shaft is operatively connected to the welding shoe 942 and configured to cause the welding shoe 942 to oscillate when rotated. A toothed belt 900b operatively connects the transmission 1000 to the driven gear 905 to rotate the driven gear 905. The driven gear 905 is fixed to the eccentric shaft in rotation, such that rotation of the driven gear 905 causes rotation of the eccentric shaft and oscillation of the welding shoe 942. A cutter 944 is removably mounted to the welding arm 940.

[0038] The welding arm 940 is pivotally mounted to the support 300 and can be positioned relative to the support 300 and the welding plate 314 around the welding arm axis A. 940 In the original position ( Figure 4A and Figure 6A ) and the location of the blockade ( Figure 6C The first linkage arm 910 and the second linkage arm 920 pivot between the welding arm 940 and the welding plate 314. In the original position, the welding shoe 942 is spaced apart from the welding plate 314. In the closed position, the welding shoe 942 is adjacent to the welding plate 314 and positioned as a welding band. The first linkage arm 910 and the second linkage arm 920 operatively connect the transmission 1000 to the welding arm 940, such that the transmission 1000 can move the welding arm 940 from the original position to the closed position. The first linkage arm 910 is pivotally mounted to the support 300 via a first pivot 900p1 (e.g., a pivot pin). The second linkage arm 920 links the first linkage arm 910 and the welding arm 940. Specifically, one end of the second linkage arm 920 is pivotally connected to one end of the first linkage arm 910 via a second pivot 900p2 (e.g., a pivot pin), and the other end of the second linkage arm 920 is pivotally connected to the welding arm 940 via a third pivot 900p3 (e.g., a pivot pin). The first blocking assembly biasing element 930 surrounds the second link arm 920 and, as explained below, biases the blocking assembly 900 to its blocking configuration. The second blocking assembly biasing element 932 biases the blocking assembly to its original configuration.

[0039] When the blocking component 900 is in the welding arm 940 in the original position ( Figure 3A and Figure 6A In the original configuration shown, the first link arm 910 and the second link arm 920 are oriented such that they form an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees (i.e., an acute or obtuse angle). When the locking assembly 900 is in the locking position, the welding arm 940 is in the locking position. Figure 6C In the blocking configuration shown, the first link arm 910 and the second link arm 920 form an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees (i.e., the anomalous angle). As described in detail below, the transmission device 1000 is configured to switch the blocking assembly 900 from its original configuration to its blocking configuration by manipulating the orientation of the first link arm 910 and the second link arm 920.

[0040] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B The transmission 1000, best illustrated, is driven by a motor 1100, operably connected to the tensioning assembly 400 and configured such that the tensioning wheel 400w rotates in the tensioning direction to tension the strap, and operably connected to the locking assembly 900 and configured such that the locking assembly 900 attaches overlapping portions of the straps to each other. The transmission 1000 includes a transmission gear assembly comprising a drive gear 1012 (a small bevel gear in this example embodiment) and a variable offset coupling 800. The transmission gear assembly and the variable offset coupling 800 are mounted to the support 300 such that the drive gear 1012 is configured to drive the variable offset coupling 800.

[0041] The transmission gear assembly includes suitable components (such as gears, bearings, and a flywheel) that transmit rotational movement of the output shaft of motor 1100 in a first drive direction to drive gear 1012 to rotate drive gear 1012 (but does not drive any components of the locking assembly 900 in this example embodiment). Drive gear 1012 drives variable offset coupling 800, which transmits rotational movement of drive gear 1012 to tensioning assembly gear assembly to rotate tension wheel 400w.

[0042] The transmission gear mechanism transmits the rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor 1100 in a second drive direction opposite to the first drive direction to the blocking assembly 900, switching the blocking assembly 900 from its original configuration to its blocking configuration and driving the toothed belt 900b to rotate the driven gear 905 and the eccentric shaft and cause the weld shoe 942 to oscillate (but not driving the drive gear 1012 in this example embodiment). More specifically, the transmission gear mechanism includes a cam 1010c ( Figure 6A When the output shaft of motor 1100 rotates in the second drive direction, the cam is driven to rotate by the output shaft. Cam 1010c engages the free end (not shown) of the first link arm 910 of the blocking assembly 900, causing the first link arm 910 of the blocking assembly 900 to rotate clockwise about the first pivot 900p1 (from... Figures 6A to 6C (From the perspective shown), the second pivot 900p2 is raised and the blocking assembly 900 is switched to the blocking configuration, thereby moving the welding arm 940 to its blocking position.

[0043] This is merely an example of a drive assembly, and the strapping device may include any suitable one or more drive assemblies that operatively connect one or more motors to the tensioning and locking assemblies to drive them.

[0044] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe motor 1100, best illustrated herein (via transmission 1000), is operatively connected to the tensioning assembly 400 and the locking assembly 900, and is configured to drive these assemblies as explained herein. The motor 1100 includes the aforementioned output shaft (not shown). In this example embodiment, the motor 1100 is an electric motor, but it can be any suitable motor.

[0045] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B The strap guide 700, best shown in the diagram, includes a body 710 and a neck 720 extending laterally from the body 710. The body 710 has opposing front ends 712 and rear ends 714. The front end 712 includes a downwardly extending front guide 712f, and the rear end 714 includes a downwardly extending rear guide 714f. The neck 720 includes a rocker position indicator 750 at its free end. The body 710 and neck 720 define a first groove 710s1 and a second groove 710s2 that facilitate mounting the strap guide 700 to the housing cover 115, as described below. The body 710 includes a spring mount 710m extending into the bottom of the second groove 710s2. The neck 720 defines an opening 720o that facilitates mounting the strap guide 700 to the tensioning assembly 400, as explained below.

[0046] like Figure 7B As shown, the strap guide 700 is slidably mounted to the housing cover 115. Specifically, the cover body 115b includes a first strap guide mount 115g extending from the inner surface of the cover body 115b. The first strap guide mount 115g is received in a first groove 710s1 of the strap guide 700. The cover body 115b also includes a spring mount 115r extending from the inner surface of the cover body 115b. The spring mount 115r extends through a second groove 710s2 of the strap guide 700. A strap guide spring 700s (in this example embodiment, a compression spring, but in other embodiments, it could be any other suitable biasing element) is mounted to the spring mount 115r of the cover body 115b and the spring mount 710m of the strap guide 700 and extends between them.

[0047] like Figure 8C , Figure 9C , Figure 10C , Figure 11C and Figure 12As best shown, when the housing cover 115 is attached to the housing 100, the strap guide 700 is mounted to the tensioning assembly 400 via a second strap guide mount 790 (a retractable pin in this example embodiment), which is supported by the cover 400c and extends into the opening 720o (in some embodiments, it extends through the opening). The strap guide 700 is positioned such that the front guide 712f is in front of the tensioning plate 312 and the rear guide 714f is behind the welding plate 314.

[0048] The strap guide 700 can be in a lower position relative to the other components of the strapping device 50 (including the housing cover 115 and the support 300). Figures 8A to 8C ), upper position ( Figures 9A to 9C ) and tension position ( Figures 10A to 10C Vertical movement between ( ). The strap guide spring 700s biases the strap guide 700 to the lower position. The second strap guide mount 790 operatively connects the tensioning assembly 400 to the strap guide 700, such that the position of the tensioning assembly 400 controls the position of the strap guide 700. Specifically, when the tensioning assembly 400 is in the initial position, the strap guide 700 is in the lower position; when the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the strap guide 700 is in the upper position; when the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioned position, the strap guide 700 is in the tensioned position. Accordingly, movement of the tensioning assembly 400 between these positions causes movement of the strap guide 700 between these positions.

[0049] When the strap guide 700 is in the lower position, such as Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the free end of the front guide 712f is received in a recess defined in the base 300b of the support 300, and the rear guide 714f extends below and behind the upper surface of the base 300b. When the strap guide 700 is in the upper position, as... Figures 9A to 9C As shown, the front guide 712f and the rear guide 714f are located above the space between the tensioning wheel 400w and the tensioning plate 312, and above the space between the welding shoe 942 and the welding plate 314. When in the upper position, the belt guide 700 does not interfere with the belt insertion into these spaces. When the belt guide is in the tensioned position, as... Figures 10A to 10C As shown, the front guide 712f and the rear guide 714f extend below the lower layer LL of the strap S to prevent the strap S from moving laterally from below the tensioning roller 400w and / or the welding pad 942 (from... Figure 10B and Figure 10C (The view shown is from the perspective of moving out of the page).

[0050] The joystick position indicator 750 is configured to indicate to the operator that the joystick 400r is in the strap insertion position, allowing the operator to insert the strap into the strapping device 50. Generally, the joystick position indicator 750 has a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The joystick position indicator 750 is in the first configuration when the joystick 400r is in its original position, in the second configuration when the joystick 400r is in the strap insertion position, and in the third configuration when the joystick 400r is in the tensioned position. Moving the joystick 400r from its original position to the strap insertion position switches the joystick position indicator 750 from the first configuration to the second configuration; moving the joystick 400r from the strap insertion position to the tensioned position switches the joystick position indicator 750 from the second configuration to the third configuration; and moving the joystick 400r from the tensioned position to its original position switches the joystick position indicator 750 from the third configuration back to the first configuration.

[0051] In this example embodiment, the joystick position indicator 750 is connected to the free end (in this case, an integral part of) the neck 720 of the strap guide 700, and the first, second, and third configurations are the first, second, and third positions, respectively. When the strap guide 700 is in the lower position, the joystick position indicator 750 is in the first position, in which the joystick position indicator 750 does not extend through the opening 115o of the housing cover 115, as... Figures 8A to 8C As shown. When the strap guide 700 is in the upper position, the rocker position indicator is in the second position, in which at least a portion of the rocker position indicator 750 extends through the opening 115o of the housing cover 115, as shown. Figures 9A to 9C As shown. When the strap guide 700 is in the tensioned position, the rocker position indicator 750 is in the third position, in which the rocker position indicator 750 does not extend through the opening 115o of the housing cover 115, as shown. Figures 10A to 10C As shown. Since the opening 115o is positioned within the operator's line of sight, the operator can quickly and easily verify that the joystick 400r is in the strap insertion position and ready to receive the strap by confirming that the joystick position indicator 750 extends from the opening.

[0052] The size, shape, orientation, and position of the front guide 712f and the rear guide 714f are designed and otherwise configured to prevent the tensioning wheel 400w from tensioning the belt in the event that the belt is misaligned and the belt is sandwiched between either the front guide 712f or the rear guide 714f and the base 300b of the support 300. Figures 11A to 11CThe illustration depicts a scenario where the upper UL and lower LL of the strap S are caught between the front guide 712f and the rear guide 714f and the base 300b of the support 300. In this example embodiment, the bottom ends of the front guide 712f and the rear guide 714f are below the tensioning wheel 400w, meaning that the tensioning wheel 400w does not engage with the upper UL of the strap S (or, if the strap is bent, engages only slightly). In either case, the tensioning wheel 400w cannot apply sufficient pressure to the strap S to force it against the tensioning plate 312, thus preventing the tensioning wheel 400w from tensioning the strap as it rotates. In other words, if the tensioning process is initiated with the strap caught between one or both of the front and rear guides and the base of the support, the strapping device will not tension the strap.

[0053] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As best shown, the second belt guide mount 790 includes a cylindrical head 790h and a cylindrical body 790b extending from the head 790h. The second belt guide mount 790 extends through a hole defined by the tension wheel cover 400c, and its rear end is secured via a retainer 794, which in this example embodiment is a retaining clip. A spring 792 (in this example embodiment, a compression spring, but in other embodiments, it could be any other suitable biasing element) surrounds the body 790b and extends between the head 790h and the rear wall of the hole in the tension wheel cover 400c. The second belt guide mount 790 is available in an extended position relative to the cover 400c. Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14A and Figure 14C ) and retraction position ( Figure 14B The head 790h moves between the extended position and the retracted position, where at least a portion of the head 790h protrudes from the cover 400c, and where the head 790h is substantially completely retracted into the hole in the tension wheel cover 400c. The spring 792 biases the second belt guide mount 790 to the extended position.

[0054] The retractable second strap guide mount 790 facilitates attachment of the housing cover 115 to the housing 100 and, in doing so, operatively connects the tensioning assembly 400 to the strap guide 700. As explained above, the tensioning assembly 400 is operatively connected to the strap guide 700 by inserting the second strap guide mount 790 into the opening 720° of the strap guide 700. Figure 14A As shown, in some cases, when the operator moves the housing cover 115 into place relative to the housing 100, the opening 720o and the second strap guide mount 790 may not be aligned. When this occurs, as Figure 14BAs shown, the strap guide 700 engages the second strap guide mount 790 and forces it to a retracted position. Later, as the second strap guide mount 790 moves relative to the strap guide 700 together with the tensioning assembly 400 (since there is no operative connection between them at this time), the second strap guide mount 790 eventually aligns with the opening 720°, and the spring 792 forces the second strap guide mount 790 back to its extended position to operatively connect the tensioning assembly 400 to the strap guide 700, as... Figure 14C As shown.

[0055] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display component 1490 shown includes a suitable display screen 1492 with 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 screen 1494 is configured to receive operator input, such as desired operating mode (described below), desired strap tension, and desired welding 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 signals to and receive signals 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 component. Some embodiments of the strapping device include a separate button panel instead of a touch panel located below or integrated with the display screen.

[0056] 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 integrate 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 function identically to mechanical button actuators.

[0057] exist Figure 2The controller 1600 shown includes one or more processing devices communicatively connected to one or more memory devices. For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. The processing devices may include any suitable processing devices, such as, but not limited to, general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, digital signal processors, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more integrated circuits, and / or state machines. The memory devices may include any suitable memory devices, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory devices store instructions executable by the processing devices to control the operation of the strapping device 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operatively connected to the motor 1100, display assembly 1490, push-button actuators 1410 and 1440, and sensor 1700, and is configured to receive signals from and control these components. The controller 1600 can also be communicatively connected to an external device, such as a computing device, to send information to and receive information from the external device (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication or other suitable wireless communication protocols).

[0058] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping device in one of three operating modes to perform strapping cycles: (1) manual operation mode; (2) semi-automatic operation mode; and (3) automatic operation mode. In manual operation mode, in response to the actuation of the first button actuator 1410 and its actuation state, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to rotate the tension wheel 400w. In response to the actuation of the second button actuator 1440, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to perform a locking cycle with the locking assembly 900. In semi-automatic operation mode, in response to the actuation of the first button actuator 1410 and its actuation state, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to rotate the tension wheel 400w. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strapping has reached the (preset) desired strapping tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 1100 to perform a locking cycle with the locking assembly 900 (without requiring additional input from the operator). In automatic operation mode, in response to the actuation of the first button actuator 1410, the controller 1600 operates the motor 1100 to rotate the tension wheel 400w. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached the (preset) desired strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically operates the motor 1100 to cause the locking assembly 900 to perform a locking cycle (no additional input from the operator is required).

[0059] Sensor 1700 includes any suitable sensor, such as a microswitch, optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, magnetic position sensor, etc., configured to detect the position of certain components of the strapping device 50 and send appropriate signals to the controller 1600. Sensor 1700 may include, for example: one or more tensioning component position sensors configured to detect when the tensioning component 400 is in its original position and / or its strap insertion position; one or more trigger position sensors configured to detect when the trigger 600 is pulled; and one or more actuation component sensors configured to detect actuation of the first button actuator 1410 and the second button actuator 1440.

[0060] A power supply 1500 (via suitable wiring and other components) is electrically connected to and configured to power several components of the strapping device 50, including a motor 1100, a display assembly 1490, a controller 1600, and a sensor 1700. In this example embodiment, the power supply 1500 includes a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), although in other embodiments the power supply can be any other suitable power supply. The power supply 1500 is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be received in a housing defined by a 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 housing. A release mechanism of the strapping device 50 or an actuation of the power supply 1500 unlocks the power supply 1500 from the housing 100 and allows an operator to remove the power supply 1500 from the housing.

[0061] The following describes the use of the strapping device 50 to perform a strapping cycle to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. Initially, the tensioning assembly 400 is in its original position, and the locking assembly 900 is in its original configuration, as... Figure 5A and Figure 6A As shown. For the purposes of this example, the strapping device 50 is in automatic mode.

[0062] The operator first pulls the front end of cable tie S from the cable tie supply source (not shown), wraps cable tie S around the load, and positions the lower layer LL of cable tie S (including the front end of cable tie S) below the upper layer UL of the cable tie. Then, the operator pulls trigger 600, as... Figure 5B As shown, the tensioning assembly 400 is raised to its strap insertion position, as... Figure 5CAs shown. As explained above, this causes the rocker position indicator 750 to extend through the opening 115o and prompt the operator that the strapping device is ready to receive the strap. With the tensioning assembly 400 in its strap insertion position, while continuing to pull the trigger 600, the operator introduces the overlapping upper UL and lower LL layers of the strap S between the tensioning roller 400w and the tensioning plate 312 and between the welding shoe 942 and the welding plate 314, as shown. Figure 5D As shown. Then, the operator releases trigger 600, as... Figure 5E As shown, a suitable biasing element enables the tensioning assembly 400 to pivot to its tensioned position, clamping the overlapping upper strap layer UL and lower strap layer LL between the tensioning roller 400w and the tensioning plate 312, as... Figure 5F As shown.

[0063] Then, the operator actuates the first button actuator 1410. Once one of the sensors 1700 detects the actuation of the first button actuator 1410, the controller 1600 initiates the tensioning cycle by controlling the motor 1100 to rotate the output shaft in the first drive direction. As explained above, the transmission 1000 transmits this rotational movement of the output shaft to the tensioning assembly gear mechanism, which in turn causes the tensioning wheel 400w to rotate about the tensioning wheel axis A. 400w The tensioning wheel 400 rotates in the tensioning direction. As it rotates, it pulls the upper layer UL of the strap S over the lower layer LL 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 related to the (preset) desired strap tension for that strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 1100, thereby terminating the tensioning cycle.

[0064] In this example embodiment, after the tensioning cycle is completed, the controller 1600 automatically initiates the locking cycle by controlling the motor 1100 to begin rotating the output shaft in the second drive direction. This causes the transmission 1000 to drive the toothed belt 900b to begin rotating the eccentric shaft and causing the weld shoe 942 to oscillate, switching the locking assembly 900 from its original configuration to its locking configuration, and in doing so, pivoting the weld arm 940 to its locking position. When the weld arm 940 reaches the locking position, the weld shoe 942 forces the overlapping upper strap UL and lower strap LL against the welding plate 314, while the cutter 944 cuts the upper strap UL from the strap supply source. Figure 6B and Figure 6CThis movement of the welding arm 940 and the oscillation of the welding shoe 942 are illustrated. As explained above, the oscillation of the welding shoe 942 is fast enough to generate sufficient friction and heat to partially melt and bond the overlapping strap layers, thereby attaching the upper strap layer UL and the lower strap layer LL to form a tensioned strap loop. The controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to stop rotating the output shaft, thus completing the locking cycle. The operator can then pull the trigger 600 to raise the tensioning assembly 400 and switch the locking assembly 900 back to its original configuration to release the tensioned strap loop.

[0065] The above-described example embodiment of the strapping device includes a single motor configured to drive both the tensioning assembly and the locking assembly. In other embodiments, the strapping device includes separate motors configured to drive the tensioning assembly and the locking assembly respectively, and may include separate transmissions for each motor.

[0066] Other embodiments of the strapping device may include fewer components, parts, and / or features than those included in the strapping device 50 described above and shown in the figures. In other words, although the strapping device 50 includes all of the aforementioned components, parts, and features, they are independent of each other and can be independently included in other strapping devices.

[0067] Although the above-described strapping device is a handheld strapping device, in other embodiments, the strapping device can be any other suitable strapping device, such as a stand-alone automatic or semi-automatic strapping machine.

[0068] In the aforementioned strapping device, a movable rocker arm supports the tension wheel, and when the rocker arm pivots between the original position, the strap insertion position, and the tensioned position, the tension wheel moves relative to the stationary tension plate. In other embodiments, the movable rocker arm supports the tension plate, and a support member of the working assembly supports the tension wheel. In these embodiments, when the rocker arm pivots between the original position, the strap insertion position, and the tensioned position, the movable rocker arm moves the tension plate relative to the stationary tension wheel.

[0069] In some embodiments, the joystick position indicator is a different color than the cover. This contrast provides an additional benefit to the operator, making it easy for them to distinguish the joystick position indicator from the cover.

[0070] In some embodiments, when in the first and third configurations, the joystick position indicator is positioned such that it is not visible to the operator through an opening in the cover. When in the second configuration, the joystick position indicator is positioned such that it is visible to the operator through an opening in the cover. In these embodiments, when in the second configuration, the joystick position indicator does not extend through the opening in the cover.

[0071] In other embodiments, the joystick position indicator includes a light. In the first and third configurations, the light is off, while in the second configuration, the light is on. In these embodiments, the controller is configured to control the light to switch from off to on (i.e., from the first configuration to the second configuration) in response to the joystick reaching the strap insertion position. In some of these embodiments, one of the sensors is a joystick sensor configured to detect the joystick, and the controller is configured to switch the light based on feedback from the sensor. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect the joystick when it reaches the strap insertion position, and the controller is configured to switch the light from off to on in response to that detection.

[0072] In some embodiments, the display screen is or acts as a joystick position indicator. The display screen has a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the display screen does not indicate that the joystick is in the strap insertion position, and in the second configuration, the display screen indicates that the joystick is in the strap insertion position. In these embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the display screen from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to sensor feedback.

[0073] In some embodiments, the joystick position indicator includes a haptic device. When in a first configuration, the haptic device does not generate haptic feedback, and when in a second configuration, the haptic device generates haptic feedback (e.g., vibration). In these embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the haptic device from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to sensor feedback. For example, the haptic device is located within the handle portion of the cable tie housing and is configured to vibrate when in the second configuration to indicate to the operator that the joystick is in the cable tie insertion position.

[0074] In some embodiments, the joystick position indicator includes an auditory output device. When in a first configuration, the auditory output device does not generate audio output (e.g., a beep or a sequence of beeps), and when in a second configuration, the auditory output device generates audio output (e.g., a beep or a sequence of beeps). In these embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the auditory output device from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to sensor feedback. For example, the auditory output device is configured to output a beep or a sequence of beeps when in the second configuration to indicate to the operator that the joystick is in the strap insertion position.

Claims

1. A strapping device comprising: a tensioning plate; a rocker movable between an original position and a strap insertion position; a rotatable tensioning wheel, wherein the tensioning wheel is a first distance from the tensioning plate when the rocker is in the original position and a second distance from the tensioning plate when the rocker is in the strap insertion position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; and a rocker position indicator having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein movement of the rocker from the original position to the strap insertion position causes the rocker position indicator to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration to indicate that the rocker is in the strap insertion position.

2. The bundling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the rocker position indicator is in a first position when in the first configuration and in a second position when in the second configuration, wherein the rocker is operably connected to the rocker position indicator and is configured to move the rocker position indicator from the first position to the second position when the rocker moves from the original position to the strap insertion position.

3. The strapping apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a cover at least partially enclosing the tensioning wheel, wherein, the cover defines an opening therethrough, wherein a portion of the rocker position indicator is visible through the opening when in the second position and not visible through the opening when in the first position.

4. The strapping apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a cover at least partially enclosing the tensioning wheel, wherein, the cover defines an opening therethrough, wherein a portion of the rocker position indicator protrudes from the opening when in the second position and does not protrude from the opening when in the first position.

5. The bundling apparatus of claim 4, wherein, the portion of the rocker position indicator has a first color and a portion of the cover surrounding the opening has a second color different from the first color.

6. The strapping apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a strap guide, the strap guide comprising the rocker position indicator, wherein, the strap guide is movable between a down position and an up position, wherein the rocker position indicator is in the first position when the strap guide is in the down position and in the second position when the strap guide is in the up position.

7. The strapping device of claim 6, further comprising a link operably connecting the rocker to the strap guide.

8. The bundling apparatus of claim 6, wherein, the strap guide comprises a body, a front guide extending downward from the body forward of the tensioning plate, and a rear guide extending downward from the body rearward of the tensioning plate.

9. The bundling apparatus of claim 8, wherein, the front and rear guides extend below the tensioning plate when the strap guide is in the down position.

10. The strapping apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a cover at least partially enclosing the tensioning wheel, wherein, the cover defines an opening therethrough, wherein a portion of the rocker position indicator protrudes from the opening when in the second position and does not protrude from the opening when in the first position.

11. The bundling apparatus of claim 10, wherein, the portion of the rocker position indicator has a first color and a portion of the cover surrounding the opening has a second color different from the first color.

12. The strapping apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a support member that supports the tensioning plate, wherein, the tensioning wheel is carried by the rocker and is movable relative to the tensioning plate with the rocker.

13. The strapping apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a support member that supports the tensioning wheel, wherein, the tensioning plate is carried by the rocker and is movable with the rocker.

14. The strapping device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the shift of the rocker position indicator from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the rocker reaching the strap insertion position.

15. The strapping apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a rocker position sensor configured to detect the rocker, wherein, the controller is configured to control the shift of the rocker position indicator from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to feedback from the rocker position sensor.

16. The bundling apparatus of claim 15, wherein, the rocker position sensor is configured to detect the rocker when the rocker is in the strap insertion position.

17. The bundling device of claim 14, wherein, the rocker position indicator comprises a light, wherein the light is off when in the first configuration and on when in the second configuration.

18. The strapping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support member that supports the tensioning plate, wherein, the tensioning wheel is carried by the rocker and is movable with the rocker relative to the tensioning plate.

19. The strapping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support member that supports the tensioning wheel, wherein, the tensioning plate is carried by the rocker and is movable with the rocker.

20. A strapping device comprising: a support comprising a base; a tensioning plate supported by the base; a rocker movable between an original position and a strap insertion position; a rotatable tensioning wheel carried by the rocker and movable with the rocker, wherein the tensioning wheel is a first distance from the tensioning plate when the rocker is in the original position and a second distance from the tensioning plate when the rocker is in the strap insertion position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; and a strap guide comprising a body, a front guide extending downwardly from the body forward of the tensioning plate, and a rear guide extending downwardly from the body rearward of the tensioning plate, wherein the strap guide is movable between a lower position and an upper position.

21. The bundling device of claim 20, wherein, the body, the front guide, and the rear guide are integrally formed.

22. The bundling device of claim 20, wherein, the front guide and the rear guide each have a bottom end, wherein the bottom ends of the front guide and the rear guide are below a bottom of the tensioning wheel.

23. The bundling device of claim 20, wherein, the strap guide is in the lower position when the rocker is in the original position and in the upper position when the rocker is in the strap insertion position.

24. The bundling device of claim 23, wherein, the rocker is operatively connected to the strap guide to move the strap guide from the lower position to the upper position when the rocker is moved from the original position to the strap insertion position.

25. The bundling device of claim 24, wherein, the rocker is operatively connected to the strap guide to move the strap guide from the upper position to the lower position when the rocker is moved from the strap insertion position to the original position.

26. The strapping device of claim 25, further comprising a connector operatively connecting the rocker to the strap guide.

27. The bundling device of claim 26, wherein, the connector comprises a pin.

28. The strapping apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a welding plate supported by the base and a welding pad movable relative to the welding plate, wherein, the rear guide extends downwardly from the body rearward of the welding plate and the welding pad.

29. The bundling device of claim 20, wherein, The belt guide further comprises a rocker position indicator having a first position when the belt guide is in the lower position and a second position when the belt guide is in the upper position, wherein, when in the second position, the rocker position indicator indicates that the rocker is in the belt insertion position.

30. The strapping apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a cover at least partially enclosing the tensioning wheel, wherein, The cover defines an opening therethrough, wherein a portion of the rocker position indicator is visible through the opening when in the second position and not visible through the opening when in the first position.

31. The strapping apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a cover at least partially enclosing the tensioning wheel, wherein, The cover defines an opening therethrough, wherein a portion of the rocker position indicator protrudes from the opening when in the second position and does not protrude from the opening when in the first position.

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