Binding device

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device comprising: a welding plate; a motor; the welding arm comprises a welding pad and can move between an original position and a blocking position of the welding arm; the connecting rod can move from a first position to a second position, so that the welding arm moves from the original position of the welding arm to the blocking position; a cam adapter supported by the link and movable between a cam adapter home position and an actuated position; and a cam configured such that rotation of the cam in one direction moves the cam adapter from the cam adapter home position to the actuated position, and rotation of the cam in the other direction moves the link from the first position to the second position to move the welding arm from the welding arm home position to the blocking position.

Description

priority

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 587,556, filed October 3, 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 tool 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. Many strapping tools utilize friction welding to attach overlapping upper and lower strap layers to each other. To form a tensioned strap loop around a load using one of these strapping tools, 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 introduces the overlapping strap layers into the strapping tool and presses a button to initiate the tensioning process, during which a tensioning wheel rotates to move the upper strap layer above the lower strap layer and tension the strap around the load. After the tensioning process is complete, a sealing process is initiated. During the sealing process, toothed welding feet force the strap layers against a toothed welding plate. As the welding feet apply welding force to the strap layers, a motor causes the welding feet to oscillate at a high frequency. The oscillating welding shoe causes the upper layer of the strap to oscillate relative to the lower layer, which generates friction between the overlapping portions of the strap layers, causing these portions to melt locally. The motor stops oscillating the welding shoe, but the welding shoe continues to apply welding force. The molten portions of the overlapping strap layers join together and solidify as they cool, thus attaching the upper and lower strap layers to form a tensioned strap loop. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a strapping device comprising: a support member; a welding plate supported by the support member; a motor; a welding arm including a welding pad, the welding arm being movable between an initial position and a locked position, wherein the welding pad is closer to the welding plate when the welding arm is in the locked position than when the welding arm is in the initial position; a link movable from a first position to a second position to move the welding arm from the initial position to the locked position; and a cam engageer supported by the linker and movable relative to the linker in the initial position of the cam engageer. The cam moves between active positions; and a rotatable cam is positioned such that when the welding arm is in its original position, the connecting rod is in its first position, and the cam engage is in its original position: rotation of the cam in a first rotational direction moves the connecting rod from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the welding arm from its original position to the locked position; and rotation of the cam in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction moves the cam engage from its original position toward the actuated position, thereby enabling the cam to continue rotating in the second rotational direction. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the strapping device disclosed herein.

[0006] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A block diagram of some components of the binding device.

[0007] Figure 2A To Figure 2C is Figure 1A and Figure 1B A diagram showing how the strapping device secures the load to the pallet.

[0008] Figure 2D It is by Figure 1A and Figure 1B A three-dimensional view of the friction-welded strap joint formed by the binding device.

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A three-dimensional view of the working components of the strapping device.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B A side view of a portion of one side of the working assembly, showing the tensioning assembly in its original position. For clarity, some parts of the working assembly are not shown.

[0011] Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A However, it shows the tensioning assembly in the strap insertion position after the strap has been inserted into the strapping device.

[0012] Figure 4C Similar to Figure 4A and Figure 4B However, it shows that the tensioning component is in the tensioned position.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B A 3D view of the locking component of the working component.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Exploded perspective view of the first link and movable cam engagement of the locking assembly.

[0015] Figure 7A It corresponds to Figure 5 The front view shows the locking components in their original configuration.

[0016] Figure 7B It is similar to Figure 7A The front view, but after the cam of the transmission gear device has moved in the first rotational direction and engaged the cam engager of the locking assembly.

[0017] Figure 7C It is similar to Figure 7B The front view, but after the cam of the transmission gear mechanism has continued to move in the first rotational direction and forced the first link to pivot and move the blocking assembly from the original configuration to the blocking configuration.

[0018] Figure 7D It is similar to Figure 7C The front view, but after the cam of the transmission gear device has been manually moved in the second rotational direction to disengage from the cam engagement of the locking assembly.

[0019] Figure 7E It is similar to Figure 7D The front view, but after the cam of the transmission gear mechanism continues to move manually in the second rotational direction.

[0020] Figure 7F It is similar to Figure 7E The front view, but after the cam of the transmission gear device continues to move manually in the second rotational direction, it has caused the cam to engage the cam engageor of the locking assembly and move the cam engageor toward its actuated position. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figures 1A to 7F An example embodiment of the strapping device of this disclosure is shown, along with some of its components and parts, which takes the form of a battery-powered portable strapping device 50. (See also...) Figure 2A As shown in Figure 2C, the strapping device 50 is configured to perform a strapping process 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 positioned below the upper layer UL of the strap S, as shown. Figure 2A 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 process. As... Figure 2B As shown, the motor drives the tensioning assembly to perform a tensioning process, 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 shown in Figure 2C, the motor drives the locking assembly to perform a locking process, 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 2D As shown, the strap S is cut from the strap supply source.

[0023] The strapping device 50 includes a housing 100, a working component 200, a cover 1300, 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.

[0024] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B The housing 100 shown is formed by 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 example 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 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. Motor housing section 130 extends between and connects the bottoms of the front housing section 110 and 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). Housing handle section 150 extends between and connects the tops of the front housing section 110 and the rear housing section 120, and defines a handle sized and shaped for operator grip. 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 housing 100. Housing 100 may be formed from any suitable number of components joined together in any suitable manner. In this example embodiment, housing 100 is formed of plastic, but in other embodiments, housing may be made of any other suitable material. Cover 1300 is attached to the front housing section 110 and covers a portion of the working assembly 200.

[0025] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B The working assembly 200, best illustrated herein, includes most of the components of the strapping device 50, which are configured to perform an opening process to prepare the strapping device 50 to receive the strapping, and to perform a strapping process to tension the strapping around a load, attach overlapping layers of the strapping to each other, and cut the strapping from a strapping 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.

[0026] The support member 300 serves as a direct or indirect common mounting for the tensioning assembly 400, trigger 600, locking assembly 900, transmission device 1000, and motor 1100. The support member 300 includes a base 300b and a frame 300f extending from the base 300b. The base 300b supports a toothed tensioning plate 312 below the tensioning wheel 400w of the tensioning assembly 400 (described below) and supports a toothed welding plate 314 below the welding shoe 962 of the locking assembly 900 (described below).

[0027] The tensioning assembly 400 is operable to tension the belt around a load during the tensioning process. The tensioning assembly 400 includes a rocker arm 400r, a tensioning assembly gear mechanism, and a tensioning wheel 400w. The tensioning wheel 400w is supported and driven by the tensioning assembly gear mechanism, which in turn is supported by the rocker arm 400r. The tensioning assembly 400 is movably mounted to the support member 300 via the rocker arm 400r and the tensioning assembly mounting shaft 395, and is configured to pivot about the rocker arm axis A relative to the support member 300 (particularly relative to the base 300b of the support member 300). 400r exist Figure 4A The original position shown Figure 4B The strap insertion position shown and Figure 4C The tensioning assembly 400 pivots between the tensioned positions shown. When the tensioning assembly 400 is in its initial position, the tensioning wheel 400w is adjacent to the tensioning plate 312 of the support 300. When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the tensioning wheel 400w is spaced apart from the tensioning plate 312 so that the overlapping upper UL and lower LL layers of the strap S can be inserted between the tensioning wheel 400w and the tensioning plate 312. When the tensioning assembly 400 is in the tensioned position and the overlapping strap layers are between the tensioning wheel 400w and the tensioning plate 312, the tensioning wheel 400w engages the upper UL layer of the strap S and forces the strap layers onto 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 back to its initial position.

[0028] Trigger 600 is actuable to move tensioning assembly 400 from its initial or tensioned position to its strap insertion position. In this example embodiment, actuation of trigger 600 activates motor 1100 to move tensioning assembly 400 from its initial or tensioned position to its strap insertion position via a suitable component in the tensioning assembly gear assembly. In other embodiments, trigger 600 is mechanically connected to tensioning assembly 400, for example, via one or more linkages, such that actuation of trigger 600 raises tensioning assembly 400 to its strap insertion position.

[0029] exist Figure 3A and Figures 5 to 7FThe blocking assembly 900, best shown in the diagram, is configured to attach overlapping portions of the straps to each other via friction welding during the blocking process to form a tensioned strap loop around a load. The blocking assembly 900 includes a first link 910, a cam engager 920, a second link 940, a first blocking assembly biasing element 950, a second blocking assembly biasing element 952, a welding arm 960, a welding shoe 962, a cutter 964, a cam engager biasing element 990, and an eccentric shaft (not shown).

[0030] like Figure 6 As best shown, the first link 910 includes a body 912 and spaced-apart, substantially parallel first arms 914 and second arms 916 extending from one end of the body 912. First slots 914s and second slots 916s are defined and substantially aligned through the first arms 914s and 916s. The cam engager 920 includes a roller support 925 and a tubular roller 930. The roller support 925 includes a disc-shaped head 925a and a cylindrical shaft 925b extending from the head 925a. The roller 930 is positioned between the first arms 914 and 916 of the first link 910, and the shaft 925b of the roller support 925 extends through the first slots 914s and 916s and a central bore (not marked) of the roller 930. Suitable retainers (such as retaining clips) prevent the roller support 925 from slipping out of the slots and the roller. Because the first slot 914s and the second slot 916s are longer than the diameter of the shaft 925b of the roller support 925, the cam engagement 920 can move relative to the first link 910. Specifically, the cam engagement 920 can be in its original position when the shaft 925b is at one end of the first slot 914s and the second slot 916s. Figures 7A to 7E (As shown) and the actuation position when shaft 925b is at the opposite end of the first slot 914s and the second slot 916s ( Figure 7F The cam engager 920 moves between the two positions shown. The cam engager biasing element 990 (which is a torsion spring in this example embodiment, but could be any other suitable biasing element) biases the cam engager 920 back to its original position.

[0031] Welding shoe 962 is slidably mounted to welding arm 960, allowing welding shoe 962 to oscillate relative to welding arm 960. An eccentric shaft is operatively connected to welding shoe 962 and configured to cause welding shoe 962 to oscillate upon rotation. Toothed belt 900b operatively connects drive unit 1000 to eccentric shaft to cause eccentric shaft to rotate. Cutter 964 is removably mounted to welding arm 960. Welding arm 960 is pivotally mounted to support 300 and can oscillate relative to support 300 and welding plate 314 around welding arm axis A. 960 In the original position ( Figure 5 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7E and Figure 7F ) and the location of the blockade ( Figure 7C and Figure 7D Pivot between the welding feet 962 and the welding plate 314 in the original position, and in the closed position, the welding feet 962 are adjacent to the welding plate 314 and are positioned as welding bands.

[0032] The first link 910, the cam engagement 920, and the second link 940 operably connect the transmission 1000 to the welding arm 960, such that the transmission 1000 can move the welding arm 960 from its original position to a locked position. The first link 910 is pivotally mounted to the support 300 via a first pivot 900p1 (e.g., a pivot pin), and can be in a first position ( Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7E and Figure 7F ) and the second position ( Figure 7C and Figure 7D The first link 910 can move between (here, it can pivot about the first pivot 900p1). The second link 940 links the first link 910 and the welding arm 960. Specifically, one end of the second link 940 is pivotally connected to one end of the body 912 of the first link 910 via the second pivot 900p2 (e.g., a pivot pin), and the other end of the second link 940 is pivotally connected to the welding arm 960 via the third pivot 900p3 (e.g., a pivot pin). In this example embodiment, the first pivot 900p1 is between the second pivot 900p2 and slots 914s and 916s, such that the first link 910 can move about the first link axis A. 910 Pivot. The first blocking assembly bias element 950 surrounds the second link 940.

[0033] When the blocking component 900 is in the welding arm 960 in the original position ( Figure 5 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7E and Figure 7F In the original configuration shown, the first link 910 and the second link 940 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 blocking assembly 900 is in the blocking position and the welding arm 960 is in the blocking position (as shown), Figure 7C and Figure 7DIn the blocking configuration shown, the first link 910 and the second link 940 form an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees (i.e., the acuminate angle). As described in detail below, the transmission 1000 is configured to switch the blocking assembly 900 from its original configuration to its blocking configuration by actuating the first link 910 and the second link 940 via a movable cam engage 920. The blocking assembly biasing element 950 holds the blocking assembly 900 in the blocking configuration. The blocking assembly 900 switches back from its blocking configuration to its original position in response to actuation of the trigger 600. Specifically, when actuated, the trigger 600 actuates one or more release components to force the second pivot 900p2 downward, which, together with the various biasing elements, moves the blocking assembly 900 back to its original configuration.

[0034] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B The transmission 1000, best illustrated in the diagram, is driven by a motor 1100, operably connected to the tensioning assembly 400 and configured to rotate the tensioning wheel 400w to tension the belt, and operably connected to the locking assembly 900 and configured to attach overlapping layers of the belt to each other. The transmission 1000 includes a transmission gear assembly comprising suitable components (e.g., gears, bearings, and flywheels) that transmit rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor 1100 in a first drive direction to the tensioning assembly gear assembly to rotate the tensioning wheel 400w, but does not drive any components of the locking assembly 900 in this example embodiment. The components of the transmission gear assembly are also configured to transmit rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor 1100 in a second drive direction opposite to the first drive direction to: (1) a ring gear 1010 including a cam 1010c, such that the ring gear in the first rotational direction (from...) Figure 7A (1) Rotating in a counterclockwise direction from the perspective shown; and (2) Toothed belt 990 to rotate the eccentric and cause the weld shoe 962 to oscillate (but in this example embodiment, the tension wheel 400w is not driven).

[0035] The size, shape, orientation, and position of the cam 1010c are designed, and otherwise configured, to engage the cam engager 920 of the blocking assembly 900 when the blocking assembly 900 is in its original configuration and when the cam engager 920 is in its original position. When the blocking assembly 900 is in its original configuration, the cam 1010c engages the cam engager 920 of the blocking assembly 900 in the first rotational direction (from...). Figure 7A The rotation of the cam 1010c in a counter-clockwise direction (as seen from the perspective shown) causes the locking assembly to move into the locking configuration. Conversely, when the locking assembly 900 is in the original configuration, the cam 1010c rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction (from...). Figure 7AThe rotation in the clockwise direction (as shown in the diagram) causes the cam 1010c to force the cam engagement 920 to move to the actuated position so that the cam 1010c can continue to rotate in the second rotational direction.

[0036] Figure 7A The diagram shows the locking assembly 900 in its original configuration and the cam engager 920 in its original position. When the motor 1100 rotates the ring gear 1010, the cam 1010c moves in the first rotational direction (counterclockwise) to contact the cam engager 920, and specifically the roller 930, as shown. Figure 7B As shown. Since the cam engager 920 is located at the bottom of slots 914s and 916s and therefore cannot move within the slots, the continued rotation of the ring gear 1010 and the cam 1010c in the first rotational direction causes the cam 1010c to force the first link 910 to pivot about the first pivot 910p1 from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the second link 940 to pivot to force the welding arm 960 to the blocking position, thus completing the movement of the blocking assembly 900 to the blocking configuration, as shown. Figure 7C As shown.

[0037] When cam 1010c is in the position of cam 1010c engagement or adjacent to cam engager 920 and prevents first link 910 from pivoting back to the first position, motor 1100 may be deactivated. This prevents locking assembly 900 from returning to its original configuration. To correct this, the operator can manually rotate ring gear 1010 (e.g., via a screwdriver or other tool) in the second rotational direction (clockwise) to move cam 1010c to disengage from cam engager 920. When the operator rotates ring gear 1010 in the second rotational direction, cam 1010c eventually moves to disengage from cam engager 920 or otherwise away from cam engager, such as... Figure 7D As shown. At this point, the first link 910 pivots freely again, and the locking assembly 900 can move back to its original configuration, as shown. Figure 7E As shown. At this point, the operator can stop rotating the ring gear 1010. However, if the operator continues to rotate the ring gear 1010, the cam 1010c will eventually re-engage the cam engageor 920 from the opposite side. Figure 7F As shown, the cam engager 920 is positioned such that continued rotation of the ring gear 1010 and the cam 1010c in the second rotational direction causes the cam 1010c to force the cam engager 920 to move to the actuated position, and then, after the cam 1010c disengages from the cam engager 920, allows the cam engager 920 to move back to its original position. In other words, in this configuration, the ring gear 1010 can rotate continuously in the second rotational direction.

[0038] This ability of the ring gear to rotate continuously in the second rotational direction when the locking assembly is in its original configuration is an improvement over some prior art strapping devices. Specifically, some prior art strapping devices include a cam engager fixedly attached to the first link. In these devices, if the operator rotates the ring gear back to engage with the cam engager after the locking assembly has moved to its original configuration, the cam engager will prevent the ring gear from continuing to rotate. If the operator does not recognize this and continues to attempt to rotate the ring gear, the transmission may be damaged, requiring costly repairs. Because the cam engager of this disclosure is movable, it allows the ring gear to rotate continuously and eliminates the possibility that manual rotation of the ring gear will damage the transmission.

[0039] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B The 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.

[0040] exist Figures 1A to 1C 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 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.

[0041] The first button actuator 1410 and the second button actuator 1440 are operable to initiate a tensioning process and / or a locking process, as described below. Other embodiments of the strapping device 50 do not have button actuators, but instead integrate the functionality of a button actuator 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.

[0042] exist Figure 1CThe 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).

[0043] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping device to perform the strapping process in one of three operating modes: (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 the sealing process of 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 the sealing process of 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 the locking process (no additional input from the operator is required).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The following describes an example of forming a tensioned strap loop around a load using the strapping device 50. Initially, the tensioning assembly 400 is in its original position, and the locking assembly 900 is in its original configuration. For the purposes of this example, the strapping device 50 is in automatic mode.

[0047] The operator first pulls the front end of the strap from the strap supply source (not shown), wraps the strap around the load, and positions the front end of the strap S below another layer of straps to form an upper and lower strap layer. Then, the operator pulls trigger 600 to cause tensioning assembly 400 to rotate around rocker axis A. 400rPivot upwards to its strap insertion position. 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 wheel 400w and the tensioning plate 312, and between the welding shoe 962 and the welding plate 314. The operator then releases the trigger 600, thereby enabling the appropriate biasing element to force the tensioning assembly 400 to move to its tensioned position.

[0048] 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 strapping process by first performing a tensioning process. The controller 1600 controls 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 of the tensioning assembly 400, causing the tensioning wheel 400w to rotate about the tensioning wheel axis A. 400w Rotation. As the tensioning wheel 400w rotates in the tensioning direction T, it pulls the upper layer UL of the strap S above the lower layer LL of the strap S, thereby tensioning the strap S around the load. Throughout the tensioning process, 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 this strapping process, the controller 1600 stops the motor 1100, thereby terminating the tensioning process.

[0049] After the tensioning process is complete, the controller 1600 automatically initiates the sealing process by controlling the motor 1100 to start rotating the output shaft in the second drive direction. This causes the transmission 1000 to drive the toothed belt 900b to start rotating the eccentric member and oscillating the welding shoe 962, and to start rotating the ring gear 1010 and the cam 1010c thereon in the first rotation direction. As explained above, the cam 1010c eventually engages the cam engager 920, forcing the cam engager 920 to move to the actuated position, and then forcing the first link 910 to pivot to move the sealing assembly 900 to its sealing configuration. When the welding arm 960 reaches the welding position, the welding shoe 962 forces the overlapping upper and lower layers of the strap against the welding plate 314, while the cutter 964 cuts off the upper layer of the strap from the strap supply source. The oscillating movement of the welding shoe 962 partially melts a portion of the upper layer and a portion of the lower layer of the strap together. After a preset time period or a preset number of revolutions of the motor output shaft, the controller 1600 controls the motor 1100 to stop rotating the output shaft, thereby completing the blocking process.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

Claims

1. A strapping device, comprising: Support components; A welding plate, the welding plate being supported by the support member; motor; A welding arm, the welding arm including a welding pad, the welding arm being movable between an original position and a blocked position, wherein the welding pad is closer to the welding plate when the welding arm is in the blocked position than when the welding arm is in the original position; A connecting rod, which is movable from a first position to a second position, so that the welding arm moves from its original position to the blocking position; A cam engageer, the cam engageer being supported by the link and movable relative to the link between an original position and an actuated position of the cam engageer; and A rotatable cam, positioned such that when the welding arm is in its original position, the connecting rod is in its first position, and the cam connector is in its original position: The rotation of the cam in the first rotational direction causes the connecting rod to move from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the welding arm from its original position to the blocking position; and The rotation of the cam in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction causes the cam engagement to move from its original position toward the actuated position, so that the cam can continue to rotate in the second rotational direction.

2. The binding device of claim 1, further comprising a second link operably connecting the first link to the welding arm, such that movement of the link from the first position to the second position causes the second link to move to force the welding arm from its original position to the blocking position.

3. The binding device as described in claim 1, wherein, The connecting rod is pivotable between the first position and the second position, and the welding arm is pivotable between the original position of the welding arm and the blocking position.

4. The binding device as described in claim 1, wherein, The cam engager includes a rotatable roller.

5. The binding device as described in claim 4, wherein, The link includes a body, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body, wherein the roller is positioned between the first arm and the second arm of the link.

6. The binding device as described in claim 5, wherein, The cam engager further includes a roller support for supporting the roller, wherein a first slot and a second slot are defined through a first arm and a second arm of the link, respectively, and wherein the roller support extends through at least one of the first slot and the second slot, such that the at least one of the first slot and the second slot constrains movement of the cam engager between the original position and the actuated position of the cam engager.

7. The binding device as described in claim 6, wherein, The roller support includes a shaft, wherein when the cam engage is in its original position, the shaft is positioned at one end of at least one of the first slot and the second slot, and when the cam engage is in the actuated position, the shaft is positioned at opposite ends of at least one of the first slot and the second slot.

8. The strapping device of claim 1, further comprising a cam connector biasing element that biases the cam connector to its original position.

9. The binding device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The cam is positioned to engage the cam engageor to move the cam engageor from its original position to the actuated position.

10. The binding device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The cam is positioned such that after the cam engages with the cam connector, the continued rotation of the cam in the second rotational direction disengages the cam from the cam connector, so that the cam connector biasing element can force the cam connector back to its original position.

11. The binding device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The cam is positioned such that after the cam disengages from the cam engageor and the cam engageor returns to its original position, the continued rotation of the cam causes the cam to re-engage the cam engageor and move the cam engageor from its original position to the actuated position without moving the first link.

12. The binding device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The cam engager includes a rotatable roller that can be engaged by the cam.

13. The binding device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The link includes a body, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body, wherein the roller is positioned between the first arm and the second arm of the link.

14. The binding device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The cam engager further includes a roller support for supporting the roller, wherein a first slot and a second slot are defined through a first arm and a second arm of the link, respectively, and wherein the roller support extends through at least one of the first slot and the second slot, such that the at least one of the first slot and the second slot constrains movement of the cam engager between the original position and the actuated position of the cam engager.

15. The binding device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The roller support includes a shaft, wherein when the cam engage is in its original position, the shaft is positioned at one end of at least one of the first slot and the second slot, and when the cam engage is in the actuated position, the shaft is positioned at opposite ends of at least one of the first slot and the second slot.

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