Improved cable tie fastening device with cutting function

Abstract

To provide an improved cable tie fastening device with cutting function.SOLUTION: A cable tie fastening device with cutting function 1 includes a gripping unit that is configured to grip a strap of a cable tie and pull it until an adjustable force limit is reached, a cutting unit 4 configured to cut the strap, an actuator unit 5 configured to actuate the gripping unit and the cutting unit, and a force adjustment unit 6 configured to adjust the adjustable force limit. The gripping unit is attached to a piston element 5a on one side of the actuator unit and the force adjustment unit 6 comprises a holding element 6b that is configured to hold a cylinder element 5b in a given position until the force limit is reached, and the holding element is directly connected to the cylinder element when holding the cylinder element in the given position, and is disengaged from the cylinder element at or above the adjustable force limit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cable tie tightening device with a cutting function, the device comprising: a gripping unit configured to grip a strap of a cable tie and pull the strap of the cable tie until an adjustable force limit is reached; a cutting unit configured to cut the strap of the cable tie; an actuator unit configured to automatically actuate the gripping unit and the cutting unit; and a force adjustment unit configured to adjust the adjustable force limit, wherein the gripping unit is attached to a piston element of the actuator unit on one side of the actuator unit, and the force adjustment unit comprises a holding element configured to hold a cylinder element of the actuator unit in a given position until the adjustable force limit is reached. [Background technology]

[0002] Cable management is a critical aspect of the modern industrial infrastructure, ensuring organization, safety, and efficiency in industries ranging from telecommunications to construction. Among the myriad tools that perform this process, cable ties stand out as an essential component for bundling and securing cables in place. Demand for efficient, ergonomic, and versatile cable tie tightening devices with cutting capabilities, often referred to as "cable tie guns," has steadily increased to meet the evolving needs of professionals across diverse sectors.

[0003] The operating principle of such cable tie guns revolves around efficiently tightening and cutting cable ties with precision and ease. By combining the functions of tensioning and cutting into a single ergonomic tool, users can achieve more efficiency and precision in their cable management efforts.

[0004] The proposed approach aims to address the challenges inherent in traditional cable tie tools by building on the foundation of existing solutions, such as the HellermannTyton Evo 7. As such, this patent application seeks to enhance the user experience, streamline operation, and improve overall performance in cable management operations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem is to provide an improved cable tie tightening device with a cutting function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0007] One aspect relates to a cable tie tightening device with a cutting function. Such a tool is also referred to as a "cable tie gun." The device includes a gripping unit configured to grip and pull the cable tie strap until an adjustable force limit is reached; a cutting unit configured to cut the cable tie strap when the force limit is reached or exceeded; an actuator unit configured to automatically, i.e., pneumatically, hydraulically, and / or electrically, actuate the gripping unit and the cutting unit; and a force adjustment unit configured to adjust the adjustable force limit, particularly manually adjust the adjustable force limit. The gripping unit is attached to a piston element of the actuator unit on one (first / front) side of the actuator unit, and the force adjustment unit includes a holding element configured to hold a cylinder element of the actuator unit in a given position until the adjustable force limit is reached.

[0008] Here, the retaining element is configured to be connected to the cylinder element, i.e., directly engaged, when holding the cylinder element in a given position, i.e., it is configured to be connected to the cylinder element without additional levers and / or pivots. Direct engagement therefore designates engagement with an integral part of the cylinder element. A cylinder element, or an integral part of some other unit, can be understood as a part that has a fixed position relative to the cylinder element or other parts of the other unit, i.e., it is a part that cannot move relative to the cylinder element or other parts of the other unit. However, when not held in place by the retaining element, the cylinder element as a whole is movable (axially). In particular, the cylinder element can be movable along its longitudinal axis. This longitudinal axis can be aligned with the main extension direction of the cylinder element. Preferably, the longitudinal axis extends along the axial direction. Consequently, the retaining element is configured to disengage from the cylinder element, i.e., to be disengaged, when an adjustable force limit is exceeded and / or reached. Therefore, the temporarily established mechanical connection / coupling between the holding element and the cylinder element can also be referred to as a leverless connection / coupling. In particular, the actuator unit can be leverless, i.e. it does not (permanently) comprise any lever element involved in actuating the gripping unit and / or the cutting unit.

[0009] Thus, the actuator unit can be held and released in a given position directly by the force adjustment unit without any intermediate mechanical transmission. This means fewer moving parts are involved in gripping / tightening / cutting the cable tie, and therefore less weight, tolerances, and space required within the device housing. This reduces friction and improves efficiency. As a result, the user experience is improved by better device operation, especially in small spaces, increased precision with respect to the adjustable force limits, and a longer device lifespan. Furthermore, the proposed design allows for repositioning of the force adjustment unit, resulting in optimal alignment of the applied force, further improving the device's precision and predictability and reducing wear.

[0010] In one embodiment, the retaining element and / or force adjusting unit are arranged on a second (rear) side of the actuator unit, opposite the first side. In particular, the retaining element and / or force adjusting unit can be arranged completely rearward of the second side in the axial direction of the device (see below for a possible definition of the axial direction). A plane perpendicular to the axial direction then divides the actuator unit on one side and the retaining element and / or force adjusting unit on the other side. This results in better adjustment of the applied force. Compared to known approaches in which the force adjusting unit is arranged in the handle portion of the device, the proposed configuration provides more space in the handle portion. This space in the handle unit can be used for valve elements (aerodynamic or hydraulic), which simplifies the overall design and improves repairability.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the retaining element and / or the force adjusting unit are arranged coaxially with the piston element. Thus, the piston element is arranged axially in front of the retaining element and / or the force adjusting unit. The axial direction can be determined by the direction of movement of the piston element and / or the cylinder element during intended use. The piston element and / or the cylinder element can be configured to only move linearly along the axial direction during intended use. This further improves the adjustment of the applied force.

[0012] In particular, the force adjustment unit may comprise a spiral spring element, the extension of which in the axial direction (and thus the spring force of the spiral spring element) is configured to be adjusted to adjust the adjustable force limit. The spiral spring element may be configured such that the central axis of the spring element (preferably along the axial direction) extends along (preferably along the axial direction) the central axis of the piston element, preferably aligned with the central axis of the piston element. This further improves the adjustment of the applied force.

[0013] In another embodiment, the retaining element is a hook element configured to engage with an eyelet or pin (which can be any type of suitable protrusion) of the cylinder element when connected to the cylinder element in order to hold the cylinder element in a given position. The eyelet / pin can be fixed to the cylinder element or to a part thereof so that it can only move axially during intended use. The hook element is also configured to disengage from the cylinder element when the retaining element is removed from the cylinder element. Such a hook element is particularly suitable for further optimizing the alignment of the application force by positioning the application point of the restraining force.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cylinder element has a drive element configured to actuate the cutting unit by (linear) movement of the drive element along the cutting unit in an axially extending direction. Therefore, the mechanical connection / coupling between the cylinder element and the cutting unit can also be referred to as a leverless connection / coupling in the above sense. This provides the same advantages of reduced part count and improved force regulation.

[0015] In particular, the cutting unit can comprise a lever element, one end of which is connected to a blade element configured to cut the cable tie strap, and whose opposite end forms a guide surface. The lever's two ends can be separated by a pivot. The ends can be axially opposite. The guide surface converts the axial movement of the drive element into a radial movement of the lever element extending laterally in the axial direction. The blade element can be configured to cut the cable tie strap with a linear (upward) radial movement, as known from the prior art. This design allows a slim profile of the device at its front side, while the gripping unit grips the cable tie strap while maintaining a high level of precision.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the force adjusting unit comprises a lever element, one end of which comprises or is connected to the retaining element and whose opposite end (axially) is adapted to be connected to a further element of the force adjusting unit, in particular to a spiral spring element, which in particular allows for a precise alignment of the force adjusting unit / spiral spring element with the piston unit, resulting in a further improvement of the adjustment of the acting force, with the advantages mentioned.

[0017] In another embodiment, the gripping unit, the cutting unit, the actuator unit, and the force adjustment unit are arranged at least partially (i.e., partially or completely) in a housing unit that forms the handle portion. In that case, the gripping unit, the cutting unit, the actuator unit, and the force adjustment unit are arranged on the same side of the handle portion, in particular on the same (above) side of a trigger element configured to trigger the actuator unit. The trigger element can, for example, be configured to open an air valve element arranged in the handle portion. This arrangement, in particular, improves ergonomics and therefore leads to better adjustment of the applied force when the device is used in the field.

[0018] Another aspect relates to a method for tightening and cutting cable ties, the method comprising the method steps of gripping a strap of the cable tie with a gripping unit, pulling the gripped strap of the cable tie until an adjustable force limit is reached by moving a piston element of an actuator unit attached to the gripping unit relative to a cylinder element of the actuator unit, (directly) disengaging a holding element of the force adjustment unit from the cylinder element, thereby allowing axial movement of the cylinder element relative to the housing, and actuating a lever element of a cutting unit, one end of which is connected to a blade element, by direct interaction of an opposite end of the lever element with the axially moving cylinder element.

[0019] The advantages of the latter aspect, and advantageous embodiments thereof, correspond to those described for the former aspect, and vice versa.

[0020] The described features and combinations of features, including the general introduction, and features and combinations of features disclosed in the description of the figures or in the figures alone, may be used not only alone or in the combinations described, but also with other features or without some of the disclosed features without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, embodiments may also be created by separately combining individual features disclosed in the figures, although they are part of the invention not explicitly shown or described in the figures. Thus, embodiments and combinations of features that do not originally explicitly recite in the independent claims should also be considered disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features should be considered disclosed apart from or in addition to the features or combinations recited in the dependent claims.

[0021] In the context of the present disclosure, "lateral / right" should be understood to mean "at least substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., "vertical / parallel" or "substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., perpendicular / parallel other than a predetermined displacement. The predetermined displacement can be, for example, at most 15°, preferably at most 5°, and particularly preferably at most 3°. Therefore, "facing away" in the context of the present disclosure can be understood to mean "at least substantially facing away," i.e., "facing at least substantially non-parallel." The restriction "substantially" can also refer to a percentage of a predetermined maximum allowable displacement, for example, at most 15%, preferably at most 5%, and particularly preferably at most 3%. The terms "up," "down," "front," and "rear" refer to the position of the device in a typical use case, i.e., when a user holds a device similar to a pistol with a handle facing the ground, in front of them. In this case, the rear side of the device faces the user, and "down" refers to the direction toward the ground.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cable tie tightening device having a cutting function in a first state. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 in a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In the figures, identical or functionally identical features are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0025] The figure shows an exemplary embodiment of the cable tie tightening device 1 in a side view with portions of the housing unit 2 and some further parts, such as an air hose, removed for clarity. FIG. 1 shows the cable tie tightening device 1 in a first state, which corresponds to an initial configuration in which the cable tie tightening device 1 is about to be used. FIG. 2 shows the cable tie tightening device 1 in a second state, which corresponds to a final configuration in which the cable tie tightening device 1 has been used and has just cut the strap of the cable tie. After the second state, the cable tie tightening device 1 can automatically reconfigure to the first state.

[0026] The cable tie tightening device with cutting function 1 comprises a gripping unit 3, a cutting unit 4, an actuator unit 5, and a force adjustment unit 6, which are at least partially disposed within a housing unit 2 (wherein the actuator unit 5 is completely disposed within the housing unit 2). In this example, the housing unit 2 comprises a handle portion 2a and a trigger element 2b. The trigger element 2b is configured to trigger the actuator unit 5.

[0027] The gripping unit 3 is configured to grip a cable tie strap (not shown) and pull it (here, in the positive x-direction, towards the actuator unit 5) until an adjustable force limit is reached. The cutting unit 4 is configured to cut the cable tie strap when the force limit is reached / exceeded. The actuator unit 5 is configured to actuate the other units 3, 4, here pneumatically, to automatically actuate the gripping unit 3 and the cutting unit 4. The force adjustment unit 6 is configured to adjust the adjustable force limit. This can be achieved, for example, by an adjustment wheel 6a. In this example, the units 3, 4, 5, 6 are arranged on the same side of the handle portion 2a, i.e., here, the upper side (positive y-direction) above the trigger element 2b. This configuration creates space in the handle portion 2a, so that the air valve element 2c can be arranged there. This allows for a slim design of the upper side of the housing unit 2 and, thereby, the cable tie tightening device 1.

[0028] The gripping unit 3 is attached to the piston element 5a of the actuator unit 5 on one side of the actuator unit 5 (here, the front side facing the negative x-direction). The force adjustment unit 6 comprises a holding element 6b configured to hold the cylinder element 5b of the actuator unit 5 in a given position until an adjustable force limit is reached. This given position is the position of the cylinder element 5b in the first state shown in FIG. 1. When holding the cylinder element 5b in a given position, the holding element 6b is configured to be directly connected to the cylinder element 5b, so that it engages with an integral part of the cylinder element 5b, here the pin 5b'. An integral part of the unit can be understood as a part that is fixed with respect to the rest of the unit, i.e., a part that cannot move with respect to the rest of the unit. The holding element 6b is also configured to disengage from the cylinder element 5b when the adjustable force limit is reached or exceeded (see FIG. 2). For this reason, it is formed here as a hook element. As a result, the cylinder element 5b itself is axially movable (when not held in place by the holding element 6b). The longitudinal axis of the cylinder element 5b, which may be aligned with its main extension direction, extends in this example along the axial direction (here in the x direction). This is implemented in the present example by one or more holders 2d of the housing unit 2, which hold the cylinder element 5b in a fixed position but allow the cylinder element 5b to slide back and forth (here in the x direction) relative to the holder 2d, i.e. relative to the housing unit 2.

[0029] In this example, the retaining element 6b and the force adjusting unit 6 are arranged on a second side of the actuator unit 5 opposite the first side (here, the rear side facing the positive x-direction). This is done so that the retaining element 6b and the force adjusting unit 6 are arranged coaxially with the piston element 5a. In particular, the force adjusting unit 6 comprises a spiral spring element 6c, the axial extension of which (here, in the x-direction), and thus its spring force, is configured to adjust the adjustable force limit. This spiral spring element 6c is arranged so that the central axis A (along the axial direction) of the spring element 6 is aligned here with the central axis B of the piston element 5a (which is also the central axis of the cylinder element 5b). Advantageously, the pin 5b', i.e., which is an integral part of the cylinder element 5b with which the retaining element 6b interacts (engages / disengages), is aligned with the central axis A, B.

[0030] Here, the cylinder element 5b has a drive element 5b" formed here as a separate integral part. The drive element 5b" is configured to actuate the cutting unit 4 by movement of the drive element 5b" along the cutting unit 4 in an axial direction (here in the negative x direction), here along the guide surface 4a' of the lever element 4a. The guide surface 4a' is configured to convert the axial movement of the drive element 5b" into a radial movement of the lever element 4a (here in the y direction). In this example, when the cylinder element 5b with the drive element 5b" moves forward (in the negative x direction) due to the pivot 4c and the (rear) end of the lever element 4a with the guide surface 4a' is driven downwards (here in the negative y direction), the (front) end of the lever element 4a with the blade element 4b moves upwards (here in the positive y direction).

[0031] During intended use, the illustrated exemplary cable tie tightening device 1 can be used to grip a cable tie strap using the gripping unit 3 and pull it backward (in the positive x-direction). In this process, as long as a pulling force is applied to the cable tie strap (by the gripping unit 3), the piston element 5a will move (backward, in the positive x-direction) relative to the associated cylinder element 5b. Because the retaining element 6b is engaged with the cylinder element 5b, i.e., with the pin 5b', the cylinder element 5b will remain in the position shown in FIG. 1, even though it can move axially (here, in the x-direction) on its own. Thus, the pulling force acts on the retaining element 6b, i.e., on the force adjustment unit 6.

[0032] When the tensile force reaches / exceeds the set / adjusted force limit, the holding element 6b disengages from the cylinder element 5b, which in this case is a pin 5b', allowing the cylinder element 5b to move forward (here in the negative x-direction) and the drive element 5b" activates the cutting unit 4. The final position reached is shown in Figure 2, where the blade element 4b moves upward and cuts the strap of the cable tie. Compared to Figure 1, the cylinder element 5b is now located closer to the front of the cable tie tightening device 1 (in the negative x-direction, at the end of the cable tie tightening device 1). The holding element 6b disengages from the cylinder element 5b by rotating around the pivot 6d. This rotation is prevented by the tensile force of the spiral spring element 6c rising or falling relative to the adjusted force limit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 Cable tie tightening device 2 Housing Units 2a Handle part 2b Trigger Elements 2c Air valve element 2d holder 3 Grip unit 4 Cutting Unit 4a Lever element 4a' Guide surface 4b Blade element 4c Axis 5 Actuator Unit 5a Piston element 5b Cylinder element 5b' pin 5b” driving element 6 Force adjustment unit 6a Adjustment wheel 6b Retention element 6c Spiral spring element 6d Axis A center axis B Center axis

Claims

1. A cable tie tightening device (1) with a cutting function, a gripping unit (3) configured to grip the strap of the cable tie and pull the strap of the cable tie until an adjustable force limit is reached; a cutting unit (4) configured to cut the strap of the cable tie; an actuator unit (5) configured to automatically activate the gripping unit (3) and the cutting unit (4); a force adjustment unit (6) configured to adjust the limits of said adjustable force; Equipped with the gripping unit (3) is attached to a piston element (5a) of the actuator unit (5) on one side of the actuator unit (5); a force adjusting unit (6) comprising a holding element (6b) configured to hold a cylinder element (5b) of the actuator unit (5) in a given position until the adjustable force limit is reached, The cable tie tightening device (1), characterized in that the holding element (6b) is configured to be directly connected to the cylinder element (5b) when holding the cylinder element (5b) in a given position, and is configured to disengage from the cylinder element (5b) when the adjustable force limit is reached or exceeded.

2. 2. The cable tie tightening device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding element (6b) and / or the force adjustment unit (6) are arranged on a second side of the actuator unit (5) opposite the first side.

3. 3. The cable tie tightening device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element (6b) and / or the force adjustment unit (6) are arranged coaxially with the piston element (5a).

4. 4. The cable tie tightening device according to claim 1, wherein the force adjustment unit (6) comprises a spiral spring element (6c), the axial extension of which, and therefore the spring force thereof, is configured to be adjusted to adjust the adjustable force limit, and the spiral spring element (6c) is configured such that a central axis (A) of the spiral spring element (6c) extends along a central axis (B) of the piston element (5a), preferably aligned with the central axis (B) of the piston element (5a).

5. 5. The cable tie tightening device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element (6b) is a hook element configured to engage with an integral part of the cylinder element (5b), in particular with an eyelet or pin (5b') of the cylinder element (5b), when the retaining element (6b) is connected to the cylinder element (5b) in order to hold the cylinder element (5b) in a given position, and configured to disengage from the integral part of the cylinder element (5b) when the retaining element (6b) is removed from the cylinder element (5b).

6. 6. The cable tie tightening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder element (5b) has a drive element (5b") configured to actuate the cutting unit (4) by moving the drive element (5b") in a direction extending axially along the cutting unit (4).

7. 7. The cable tie tightening device (1) of claim 6, characterized in that the cutting unit (4) comprises a lever element (4a) connected at one end to a blade element (4b) configured to cut the strap of the cable tie, and at its opposite end forming a guide surface (4a') configured to convert an axial movement of the drive element (5b") into a radial movement of the lever element (4a) extending transversely to the axial direction.

8. 8. The cable tie tightening device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the force adjustment unit (6) comprises a lever element, one end of which comprises or is connected to the holding element (6b) and the opposite end of which is connected to a further element of the force adjustment unit (6), in particular a spiral spring element (6c).

9. 9. The cable tie tightening device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping unit (3), the cutting unit (4), the actuator unit (5) and the force adjustment unit (6) are at least partially arranged within a housing unit (2) forming a handle portion (2a), and the gripping unit (3), the cutting unit (4), the actuator unit (5) and the force adjustment unit (6) are arranged on the same side of the handle portion (2a), in particular on the same side of a trigger element (2b) configured to trigger the actuator unit (5).

10. 1. A method for tightening and cutting a cable tie, comprising: gripping the strap of the cable tie using a gripping unit (3); pulling the strap of the gripped cable tie until an adjustable force limit is reached by moving a piston element (5a) of an actuator unit (5) attached to the gripping unit (3) relative to a cylinder element (5b) of the actuator unit (5); disengaging a holding element (6b) of the force adjusting unit (6) from an integral part of said cylinder element (5b), thereby allowing axial movement of said cylinder element (5b) relative to the housing unit (2); actuating a lever element (4a) of the cutting unit (4), one end of which is connected to a blade element (4b), by interaction of the opposite end of said lever element (4a) with said cylinder element (5b) which moves axially; A method comprising:

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