Wire Binding Machine

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wire tie machine (100) adapted to tie wire knots (153) that secure rebar (105, 106) together. The wire tie machine (100) includes a lid (160), a body (102), a trigger (140), and a spool compartment (155) adapted to house a wire spool (150) having a length of wire (151) behind the lid (160). The wire tie machine (100) is configured to feed (110) a free end (152) of the wire (151) through an opening in the tie head (101) of the wire tie machine (100). The wire bundling machine (100) comprises a control unit arrangement (130) and a sensor arrangement (120), the sensor arrangement (120) being adapted to detect whether the lid (160) is in a closed position (A) or an open position (B) and output a signal to the control unit arrangement (130), the signal indicating whether the lid (160) is in the closed position (A) or the open position (B).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a wire tie machine for bundling rebar to form rebar structures, for example, for reinforcing concrete and other settable materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Concrete has high strength in compression but often relatively low tensile strength. Therefore, rebar is often used to strengthen concrete structures, significantly increasing the tensile strength of the concrete.

[0003] The most common type of rebar is carbon steel, usually consisting of hot-rolled steel bars with a deformation pattern. Other readily available types include stainless steel and composite bars made from glass, carbon, or basalt fibers. Steel rebar can also be coated with an epoxy resin designed to resist the effects of corrosion, which occurs primarily in saltwater environments but also in land-based construction.

[0004] Rebar elements are typically connected together in a rebar structure or grid by bundling them with steel wire. For bundling epoxy-coated rebar or galvanized steel bars, epoxy-coated wire or galvanized steel wire is typically used. Steel wire may also be coated with plastic or other materials to prevent corrosion.

[0005] In larger rebar structures, where there are many connection points between rebar elements, it is desirable to automate wire bundling.

[0006] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an automatic rebar wire bundling machine for bundling rebar. Such wire bundling machines use wire on coils or spools as a consumable item that must be replaced when the wire spool is empty. The wire spool is secured behind a lid to hold it in place and operate correctly during the bundling process, and the lid acts as a protection for the user and the wire bundling machine. The lid must be opened when the wire spool is replaced, and it is important that protection for the user and the wire bundling machine is maintained during this time.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved automatic wire bundling machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] EP 2666932 B1 [Patent Document 2] WO 2021086253 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved automatic wire tie machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This object is at least partially achieved by a wire bundling machine adapted to tie wire knots that secure rebar together, the wire bundling machine comprising: a lid, a body, a trigger, and a spool compartment adapted to accommodate a wire spool having a length of wire behind the lid. The wire bundling machine is configured to feed a free end of the wire through an opening in a bundling head of the wire bundling machine. The wire bundling machine comprises a control unit arrangement and a sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement being adapted to detect whether the lid is in a closed position or an open position and to output a signal to the control unit arrangement, the signal indicating whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position.

[0011] This means that the control unit arrangement is informed about the lid position and is enabled to set certain appropriate operating states depending on the lid position.

[0012] According to some aspects, if the sensor arrangement detects that the lid is set in a closed position, this is communicated to a control unit arrangement adapted to set the wire tie machine to a normal operating state.

[0013] According to some aspects, the wire tie machine is configured such that, in normal operation, when a trigger is pressed, the wire tie machine feeds a free end of the wire out of an opening in the tie head, causing the wire to extend along an arcuate path to surround the rebars tied together and then be received back into the tie head, and the wire tie machine is configured to perform a tie procedure such that a knot is formed on the wire, e.g., the wire is held and rotated about an axis of the wire tie head, which rotation forms a knot on the wire.

[0014] This means that when the lid is detected to be in the closed position, the wire tie machine is allowed to perform normal operating procedures, including tying knots.

[0015] According to some aspects, when the sensor configuration detects that the lid is set in the open position, this is communicated to a control unit configuration adapted to set the wire tie machine to a reload state, whereby the wire tie machine is configured to feed the free end of the wire toward the tie head without forming a knot on the wire when the trigger is pressed.

[0016] This means that the trigger functions differently depending on whether the lid is in the open or closed position, meaning the same trigger has two different functional states depending on the detected position of the lid. When the sensor configuration detects that the lid is set in the open position, no knot is tied, significantly reducing the risk of wire tangling and the risk of personal injury while loading a new wire spool. Furthermore, the wire tie machine is configured to feed the free end of the wire toward the strapping head when pressed in the reload state, simplifying the loading of new wire.

[0017] According to some aspects, if the sensor arrangement detects that the lid is set in the open position, this is communicated to a control unit arrangement adapted to set the wire bundling machine to a reload state, thereby disabling the trigger.

[0018] This means that the trigger functions differently depending on whether the lid is in the open or closed position, with the same trigger having two different functional states depending on the detected position of the lid. When the sensor arrangement detects that the lid is set in the open position, no knot is tied, significantly reducing the risk of wire tangling as well as the risk of personal injury while loading a new wire spool.

[0019] According to some aspects, the wire strapping machine further includes a separate reload trigger configured to feed the free end of the wire toward the strapping head when the reload trigger is pressed without forming a knot on the wire.

[0020] This means that wire feeding can be performed by a separate trigger, which is advantageous if, for example, the normal trigger is disabled.

[0021] According to some aspects, the sensor arrangement includes a first magnet adapted to be separated when the lid is moved from a closed position to an open position, and a Hall sensor element arrangement adapted to measure a magnetic field generated by the magnet and output a signal to the control unit arrangement, the signal indicating whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position.

[0022] This means that standard components can be used, resulting in reliability and low cost.

[0023] According to some aspects, a first magnet is positioned on the lid and a Hall sensor element arrangement is mounted in a fixed position on the body portion.

[0024] This means that if a hardwired connection to the Hall sensor element arrangement is used, no wires need to be run between the lid and the Hall sensor element arrangement.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the wire tie machine includes a first metal pad adapted to attract a first magnet, whereby the lid is adapted to be held in a closed position by magnetic force between the first magnet and the first metal pad.

[0026] This means that the same magnet can be used in the sensor configuration to hold the lid in the closed position.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the sensor arrangement comprises one or more electrical switches.

[0028] This means that many different types of components, and possibly combinations of different types of components, are contemplated for the sensor configuration.

[0029] According to some aspects, the signal indicating whether the lid is in a closed or open position is constituted by the presence or absence of an electrical current. According to some further aspects, when the lid is in the closed position, an electrical current is output to the control unit arrangement, and when the lid is in the open position, no electrical current is output to the control unit arrangement.

[0030] This provides extra safety as if the current signal is interrupted due to an accident, the wire tie machine will be set to reload regardless of whether the lid is in the open or closed position, thus reducing the risk of wire tangling and personal injury.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the signal indicating whether the lid is in a closed or open position comprises a light signal or a digital word.

[0032] Thus, many different options are available for transmitting a signal indicating whether the lid is in a closed or open position.

[0033] According to some aspects, the wire tie machine further includes a retaining clip including a resilient member, an attachment member, and a common member, the retaining clip being attached to the body portion such that the resilient member protrudes into the spool compartment and is positioned between the rim portions of an inserted wire spool, thereby being adapted to retain the inserted wire spool within the spool compartment.

[0034] This means that if the lid is accidentally opened, an inserted wire spool will be prevented from falling out by a resilient member engaging the rim closest to the bottom of the spool compartment.

[0035] According to some aspects, the retaining clip is attached to a spool compartment wall contained in the body portion, such that the retaining clip faces the attached wire spool.

[0036] This means that the retaining clip' is mounted on the side of the spool compartment wall facing the attached wire spool and is therefore easily accessible.

[0037] According to some aspects, the common member extends along the periphery of the spool compartment wall and is at least partially retained by a surrounding body rim.

[0038] This means that the retaining clips are held to a common member that faces away from the bottom of the spool compartment.

[0039] According to some aspects, the resilient member and the attachment member extend primarily parallel from a common member.

[0040] This means that the retaining clip does not necessarily protrude into the spool compartment.

[0041] According to some aspects, at least one of the attachment member and the common member includes a slot adapted to receive a corresponding ridge formed in the spool compartment.

[0042] According to some embodiments, at least one slot is formed between the protrusion and the retaining member on the mounting member, the protrusion and the retaining member being contained within the mounting member.

[0043] This provides additional stability so that the retaining clip is prevented from moving across its longitudinal extension.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the retaining member extends toward the attached wire spool and to the remainder of the attachment member at a first angle, the first angle being in the interval of 140° to 170°, meaning that the retaining member conforms to the shape of the bottom of the spool compartment.

[0045] In some embodiments, the common member is bent so that the elastic member extends along a first plane and the attachment member extends along a second plane, and the elastic member and the attachment member are brought together. A second angle is formed between the first plane and the second plane, and the second angle is in the interval of 145° to 175°. This means that the retaining clip conforms to the shape of the spool compartment wall.

[0046] Having the retaining clip conform to the shape of the inside of the spool compartment allows the retaining clip to be securely attached without the use of additional attachment means.

[0047] According to some aspects, the resilient member includes an arcuate portion having an outer periphery adapted to face the attached wire spool, the arcuate portion protruding into the spool compartment such that the resilient member is adapted to be positioned between the rims of an inserted wire spool and thus retain the inserted wire spool within the spool compartment.

[0048] This means that the wire spool can be inserted into or removed from the spool compartment simply by moving the wire spool with sufficient force.

[0049] According to some aspects, the elastic member includes a handle portion extending away from the remainder of the elastic member, thereby allowing a user to insert or release an inserted wire spool by depressing the handle portion so that the elastic member passes through the rim portion.

[0050] This means that the resilient member can be easily removed when the wire spool is inserted into or removed from the spool compartment, which also means that the resilient member can have any suitable shape to provide the desired retention characteristics.

[0051] Also disclosed herein are methods, computer programs, control unit configurations, retaining clips, and wire tie machines associated with the above-mentioned advantages.

[0052] In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted in accordance with their ordinary meaning in the art unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." should be interpreted without limitation as referring to at least one example of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless otherwise specified. The steps of methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order disclosed, unless otherwise specified. Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0053] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wire bundling machine. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state immediately before the lid of the wire binding machine is opened. [Figure 2B] 1 shows how the lid of the wire tie machine is opened. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 illustrates how a new wire spool is loaded. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates how wires are loaded and inserted into a wire bundling machine. [Figure 5] 1A-1C show examples of how rebar is joined by knots formed by a wire tie machine. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wire tie machine with the lid in a partially open position. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wire tie machine with the lid in a more open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control unit configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a computer program product. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a wire tie machine about to be loaded with a new wire spool, with the lid having a retaining clip according to a first embodiment in an open position; FIG. [Figure 13] 13 shows the wire bundling machine of FIG. 12 loaded with a new wire spool. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of a retaining clip according to a first embodiment; [Figure 15] 1 is a side view of a retaining clip according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a top view of a retaining clip according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spool compartment having a retaining clip according to a first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of FIG. 16 with a wire spool loaded. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a retaining clip in the spool compartment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a retaining clip according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spool compartment having a retaining clip according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of a spool compartment having a retaining clip according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The present invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several aspects of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0056] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and shown in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] 1 and 5, there is a wire tie machine 100 adapted to tie wire knots 153 that secure rebars 105, 106 so as to secure a rebar structure 107. Also referring to FIG. 4, which shows how a wire is loaded and inserted into the wire tie machine, the wire tie machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) a free end 152 of a wire 151 from an opening in a tie head 101 of the wire tie machine 100 when a trigger 140 included in the wire tie machine 100 is depressed. The wire 151 is wound before being fed out of the wire tie head 101, and therefore assumes a bow shape due to being wound inside the tie head 101. Patent Document 1 discusses a winding that extends in a bow shape when it exits the wire tie head. Therefore, the winding configuration for winding rebar tie wire will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0058] The wire 151 extends along an arcuate path to surround the rebars 105, 106 that have been tied together, and is then re-received (111) by the tie head 101, where it is held about the wire tie head axis H and rotated (112) about the wire tie head axis H, which rotation forms a knot 153 on the wire 151. The wire 151 is held by a wire locking mechanism, for example, that is included within the wire tie head 101 as is already known, and the wire locking mechanism is rotated (112) about the wire tie head axis H to form the knot 153.

[0059] The wire bundling machine 100 is also configured to cut the wire 151 according to some embodiments.

[0060] The entire knot tying process is performed sequentially and automatically when the wire tie machine is triggered by an operator using trigger 140. Thus, wire tie machine 100 allows for convenient and efficient bundling of rebar structures 107. Although the knot tying process has been described as the wire being held about wire tie head axis H and rotated 112 about wire tie head axis H, which rotation forms knots 153 on wire 151, the knot tying process can be performed in numerous other ways, and generally, wire tie machine 100 is configured to perform the bundling procedure such that knots 153 are formed on wire 151.

[0061] 2A, 2B, and 3, wire tie machine 100 includes a body portion 102 and, according to some embodiments, a lid 160 connected to body portion 102 by at least one hinge arrangement 125, 126. Body portion 102 includes a handle 103, and, according to some embodiments, trigger 140 is positioned on or adjacent to handle 103.

[0062] The wire tie machine 100 further includes a spool compartment 155 adapted to accommodate a wire spool 150 comprising a length of wire 151 behind a lid 160. According to some embodiments, the spool compartment 155 is positioned adjacent to the handle 103. The wire spool 150 is secured within the spool compartment 155 behind the lid 160 to hold the wire spool 150 in place and for proper operation during the bundling process, and the lid 160 serves as a protection for the user as well as the wire tie machine 100. The wire spool 150 needs to be replaced when the wire 151 is depleted, and replacing the wire spool 150 requires opening the lid 160. During the replacement procedure, it is important to prevent the wire tie machine 100 from accidentally initiating a bundling operation. A bundling operation could result in injury to the operator and / or damage to the wire tie machine 100, and could at least tangle the wire 151.

[0063] According to the present disclosure, the wire bundling machine 100 includes a control unit arrangement 130 and a sensor arrangement 120, which is adapted to detect whether the lid 160 is in a closed position indicated by "A" or an open position indicated by "B" and output a signal to the control unit arrangement 130, which signal indicates whether the lid 160 is in the closed position A or the open position B. In Figure 2A, arrows indicate how the lid 160 is moved from the closed position A to the open position B.

[0064] This means that the control unit arrangement 130 is informed of the lid position and is enabled to set certain appropriate operating states depending on the lid position.

[0065] According to some embodiments, if the sensor arrangement 120 detects that the lid 160 is set to the closed position A, this is communicated to the control unit arrangement 130, which is adapted to set the wire tie machine 100 to a normal operating state. According to some further embodiments, the normal operating state includes performing the automatic knot tying process described above when the trigger 140 is pressed. The normal operating state is maintained as long as the sensor arrangement 120 detects that the lid 160 is in the closed position A.

[0066] This means that when the lid 160 is detected to be in the closed position A, the wire tie machine 100 is able to perform normal operating procedures.

[0067] If the sensor configuration 120 detects that the lid 160 is set to the open position B, this is communicated to the control unit configuration 130, which sets the wire tie machine 100 to a reloading state. Thus, when the trigger 140 is pressed, the wire tie machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward the opening of the strapping head 101, and in some embodiments, from the opening of the strapping head 101, without forming a knot 153 on the wire 151. This means that the complete strapping process is not performed. The reloading state is maintained as long as the sensor configuration 120 detects that the lid 160 is in the open position B.

[0068] This means that the function of the trigger 140 differs depending on whether the lid 160 is in the open position B or the closed position A, and the same trigger 140 has two different functional states depending on the detected position of the lid 160.

[0069] In particular, this means that the trigger functions differently depending on whether the lid is in the open or closed position, with the same trigger having two different functional states depending on the detected position of the lid. When the sensor configuration detects that the lid is set in the open position, no knot is tied, significantly reducing the risk of wire entanglement and the risk of personal injury while loading a new wire spool. Furthermore, because the wire tie machine is configured to feed the free end of the wire toward the strapping head when pressed in the reload state, loading a new wire is simplified.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the lid 160 comprises a first lid portion 160a and a second lid portion 160b, where the first lid portion 160a is adapted to cover the spool compartment 155 and the second lid portion 160b is adapted to cover the wire 152 as the wire 152 is fed from the wire spool 150 toward the opening of the strapping head 101.

[0071] 6A, 6B, and 7, the sensor arrangement 120 includes a first magnet 120a positioned on the lid 160 and a Hall sensor element arrangement 120b mounted in a fixed position on the body 102. FIG. 6A shows the lid 160 in a partially open position, FIG. 6B shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 6A, and FIG. 7 shows the lid 160 in a further open position. For illustrative purposes, a wall portion of the body 102 has been removed to at least partially expose the Hall sensor element arrangement 120b. This means that when making a wired connection to the Hall sensor element arrangement, no wires need to be extended between the lid and the lid.

[0072] The Hall sensor element arrangement 120b is adapted to measure the magnetic field generated by the first magnet 120a and output a signal to the control unit arrangement 130, which signal indicates whether the lid 160 is in a closed position A or an open position B. The control unit arrangement 130 is adapted to set and maintain the function of the trigger 140 accordingly.

[0073] This means that standard components can be used, providing reliability and low cost.

[0074] The first magnet 120a and the Hall sensor element configuration 120b may be mounted in reverse positions, such that the Hall sensor element configuration 120b is mounted to the lid 160 and the first magnet 120a is mounted to the body portion 102. Thus, in general, the sensor configuration 120 comprises a first magnet 120a and a Hall sensor element configuration 120b adapted to be separated when the lid 160 is moved from a closed position A to an open position B.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the Hall sensor element configuration 120b comprises two or more Hall sensor elements 120b mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 127. Having multiple Hall sensor elements 120b provides redundancy, which more reliably detects whether the lid 160 is in the closed position A or the open position B, for example, if one Hall sensor element 120b is malfunctioning.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 120 is connected to the control unit arrangement 130 by one or more wires or a wireless connection. Optional connections are also envisioned.

[0077] According to some embodiments, when the lid 160 is in the closed position A, the Hall sensor element configuration 120b detects the magnetic field from the first magnet 120a, and a current is output to the control unit configuration 130. When the lid 160 is in the open position B, the Hall sensor element configuration 120b no longer detects the magnetic field from the first magnet 120a, and no current is output to the control unit configuration 130. This provides extra safety because if the current signal is accidentally interrupted, the wire tie machine 100 is set to a reload state regardless of whether the lid 160 is in the open position B or the closed position A. In this way, the risk of wire tangles and personal injury is reduced.

[0078] Generally, according to some embodiments, the signal indicating whether the lid 160 is in closed position A or open position B comprises the presence or absence of current. Of course, numerous other alternatives are contemplated, and the above example is merely one of many possible examples.

[0079] The present disclosure provides several advantages. For example, the interface between the wire tie machine 100 and the user can be streamlined and minimized, requiring only a single trigger 140. This allows new users to easily use the wire tie machine 100 without requiring a high level of proficiency. Furthermore, the risk of a user believing the wire tie machine 100 is in a reload state when it is actually in a normal operating state is minimized. Even if the trigger 140 is accidentally cavitated into the reload state, the wire tie machine 100 will simply feed the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward, and possibly through, the opening in the strapping head 101, significantly reducing the risk of injury during a wire spool replacement operation.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the wire tie machine 100 includes an optional on-off switch 141 that allows the trigger 140 to be operable in an "on" setting and disengaged and therefore inoperable in an "off" setting.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the wire tie machine 100 includes a first metal pad 122 adapted to attract a first magnet 120a such that the lid 160 is adapted to be held in the closed position A by a magnetic force between the first magnet 120a and the first metal pad 122. The first metal pad 122 can be mounted, for example, on a first pin 128a formed in the body portion 102, and the first magnet 120a can be mounted, for example, on a second pin 128b formed in the lid 160.

[0082] This means that the same magnet 120a can be used in the sensor arrangement 120 and to hold the lid 160 in the closed position A.

[0083] In this example, the first metal pad 122 is attached to a fixed position on the body portion 102. As described above, the first magnet 120a and Hall sensor element arrangement 120b can be attached in the reverse position, and then the first metal pad 122 is attached to the lid 160.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the wire tie machine 100 includes a second metal pad 123 attached to the lid 160 and a second magnet 124 attached to a fixed position on the body 102, the second metal pad 123 adapted to attract the second magnet 124 such that the lid 160 is adapted to be held in the closed position A by a magnetic force between the second magnet 124 and the second metal pad 123. In this manner, the lid 160 can be more securely held in the closed position A. For example, the second magnet 124 can be attached to a central pin 129 adapted to engage with a central hole 154 of the wire spool 150 as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0085] The second metal pad 123 and the second magnet 124 may be mounted in reverse, such that the second magnet 124 is mounted to the lid 160 and the second metal pad 123 is mounted to the body portion 102 .

[0086] According to some embodiments, a second magnet 124 and an additional Hall sensor element configuration can be included in the sensor configuration to provide more reliable detection of whether the lid 160 is in the closed position A or the open position B.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the sensor configuration may alternatively include one or more electrical switches, possibly combined with one or more magnets and a Hall sensor element configuration. This means that the sensor configuration can include many different types of components, and possibly combinations of different types of components. Such an electrical switch may be connected to a current source, for example, and configured to be closed when the lid 160 is in the closed position A, thereby outputting a current to the control unit configuration 130. When the lid 160 is in the open position B, the switch is opened, and no current is output to the control unit configuration 130. In this case, the signal indicating whether the lid 160 is in the closed position A or the open position B is constituted by the presence or absence of a current. Of course, the switch can be open when the lid 160 is in the closed position A and closed when the lid 160 is in the open position B. The switch may also be an optical type switch, whereby the signal indicating whether the lid 160 is in the closed position A or the open position B is constituted by the presence or absence of an optical signal.

[0088] According to some embodiments, generally, when the lid 160 is in the closed position A, a current or other signal, such as a light signal, is output to the control unit arrangement 130, and when the lid 160 is in the open position B, no current or other signal is output to the control unit arrangement 130. Alternatively, when the lid 160 is in the open position B, a current or other signal, such as a light signal, is output to the control unit arrangement 130, and when the lid 160 is in the closed position A, no current or other signal is output to the control unit arrangement 130.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the sensor configuration may instead include one or more digital switches, whereby the signal indicating that the lid 160 is in closed position A or open position B is constituted by different digital words communicated to the control unit configuration 130.

[0090] It will be apparent that many different options are available for transmitting a signal indicating whether the lid 160 is in the closed position A or the open position B.

[0091] The lid 160 may be held in the closed position A by locking means other than the magnetic means described above, for example by a snap lock member or screws.

[0092] 8 illustrates, in terms of several functional units, components of the control unit arrangement 130 according to the embodiments discussed herein. For example, the processing circuitry 210 is provided using any combination of one or more suitable central processing units CPU, multiprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors DSPs, etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product, for example in the form of a storage medium 230. The processing circuitry 210 may further be provided as at least one application specific integrated circuit ASIC, or field programmable gate array FPGA.

[0093] In particular, processing circuitry 210 is configured to cause control unit 130 to perform a set of operations or steps. For example, storage medium 230 may store a set of operations, and processing circuitry 210 may be configured to retrieve the set of operations from storage medium 230 to cause control unit 130 to perform the set of operations. The set of operations may be provided as a set of executable instructions, thereby causing processing circuitry 210 to be configured to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0094] The storage medium 230 may also comprise persistent storage, which may be, for example, a single or combination of magnetic, optical, solid-state, or possibly remotely attached memory.

[0095] The control unit 130 may further comprise an interface 220 for communication with at least one external device, such as the sensor arrangement 120. Thus, the interface 220 may comprise one or more transmitters and receivers, the transmitters and receivers comprising analog and digital components and a suitable number of ports for wired or wireless communication.

[0096] Processing circuitry 210 controls the general operation of control unit 130, for example, by sending data and control signals to interface 220 and storage medium 230, receiving data and reports from interface 220, and retrieving data and instructions from storage medium 230. Other components of the control node, as well as associated functionality, are omitted so as not to obscure the concepts presented herein.

[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates a computer program product 300 including computer-executable instructions 310 on a computer medium 320 for performing any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0098] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program 310 for controlling the loading and insertion of rebar ties into a wire tie machine 100 comprising a lid 160, a trigger 140, a sensor arrangement 120, and a strapping head 101, the lid 160 adapted to at least partially cover a spool compartment 155 adapted to accommodate a wire spool 150. The computer program 310 comprises computer code that, when executed on the processing circuit 210 of the control unit arrangement 130, causes the control unit arrangement 130 to control a function of the trigger 140 in response to a signal received from the sensor arrangement 120.

[0099] When the received signal indicates that the lid 160 is in the closed position A, the wire tie machine 100 is set to a normal operating state, and thus the function of the trigger 140 is controlled so that when the trigger 140 is pressed, the wire tie machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 on the wire spool 150 out of the opening in the tie head 101, thereby causing the wire 151 to extend along an arcuate path to surround the rebar 105, 106 to be tied, and then be received again by the tie head 101 (111), and the wire tie machine 100 is configured to perform a tie procedure so that a knot 153 is formed on the wire 151.

[0100] Also, when the received signal indicates that the lid 160 is in the open position B, the wire bundling machine 100 is set to a reload state, and therefore the function of the trigger 140 is controlled so that the wire bundling machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward the bundling head 101 without forming a knot 153 on the wire 151 when the trigger 140 is pressed.

[0101] The present disclosure also relates to a control unit arrangement 130 adapted to control the function of the trigger 140 included in the wire strapping machine 100, which also includes a lid 160, a trigger 140, a sensor arrangement 120, and a strapping head 101. The lid 160 is adapted to at least partially cover a spool compartment 155 adapted to accommodate a wire spool 150, and the control unit arrangement 130 is adapted to control the function of the trigger 140 in response to a signal received from the sensor arrangement 120.

[0102] When the received signal indicates that the lid 160 is in the closed position A, the wire tie machine 100 is set to a normal operating state, and thus the function of the trigger 140 is controlled so that when the trigger 140 is pressed, the wire tie machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 on the wire spool 150 out of the opening in the tie head 101, thereby causing the wire 151 to extend along an arcuate path to surround the rebar 105, 106 to be tied, and then be received again by the tie head 101 (111), and the wire tie machine 100 is configured to perform a tie procedure so that a knot 153 is formed on the wire 151.

[0103] Also, when the received signal indicates that the lid 160 is in the open position B, the wire bundling machine 100 is set to a reload state, and therefore the function of the trigger 140 is controlled so that the wire bundling machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward the bundling head 101 without forming a knot 153 on the wire 151 when the trigger 140 is pressed.

[0104] 10 , the present disclosure also relates to a method for controlling the loading and insertion of rebar ties into a wire tie machine 100 comprising a lid 160, a trigger 140, a sensor arrangement 120, and a tie head 101. The lid 160 is adapted to at least partially cover a spool compartment 155 adapted to accommodate a wire spool 150.

[0105] The method includes step S100 of determining whether the received signal indicates that the lid 160 is in closed position A, and if so, step S200 of setting the wire tie machine 100 to a normal operating state, such that the wire tie machine 100 is configured to, when the trigger 140 is pressed, feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 on the wire spool 150 out of the opening in the tie head 101, whereby the wire 151 extends along an arcuate path to surround the rebar 105, 106 to be tied and then be received (111) by the tie head 101 again, and the wire tie machine 100 is configured to perform a tie procedure such that a knot 153 is formed on the wire 151.

[0106] The method further includes step S300 of determining whether the received signal indicates that the lid 160 is in open position B, and if so, step S400 of setting the wire tie machine 100 to a reload state, such that the wire tie machine 100 is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward the tie head 101 without forming a knot 153 on the wire 151 when the trigger 140 is pressed.

[0107] 11 , the present disclosure also relates to a method for loading and inserting rebar ties into a wire tie machine 100 that includes a lid 160, a trigger 140, and a strapping head 101. The method includes a step T100 of opening the lid 160 to an open position B to provide access to a spool compartment 155 adapted to accommodate a wire spool 150, a step T200 of removing the old wire spool if present, and a step T300 of inserting a new wire spool 150 having a length of wire 151. While the lid 160 is in the open position B, the method further includes a step T400 of pressing the trigger 140 to prompt the wire tie machine 100 to feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward an opening in the strapping head 101 without forming a knot 153 on the wire 151, and a step T500 of closing the lid 160 to a closed position A.

[0108] The present disclosure is not limited to the above examples and may be freely modified within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the metal pads 122, 123 may be made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the wire bundling machine 100 is configured to, when the trigger 140 is pressed in the reload state, feed (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 a predetermined distance and / or for a predetermined time (156, 110) and then stop.

[0110] According to some embodiments, if the sensor arrangement 120 detects that the lid 160 is set to the open position B, this is communicated to the control unit arrangement 130 adapted to set the wire tie machine 100 to a reload state, thereby disabling the trigger 140. This means that in the reload state, the trigger is decoupled from any function.

[0111] 1 , the wire tie machine 100 includes a separate reload trigger 142, which, when pressed, feeds (156, 110) the free end 152 of the wire 151 toward the strapping head 101 without forming a knot 153 on the wire 151. In this manner, the reload trigger 142 can be used when the trigger 140 is disabled. The illustrated location of the reload trigger 142 is by way of example only, and the reload trigger 142 can have any suitable location on the wire tie machine 100.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the main body 102 comprises the entire wire tie machine 100 excluding the lid 160 .

[0113] According to some embodiments, as shown schematically in Figure 1, the wire tie machine 100 includes a rechargeable battery 104 (shown only installed in Figure 1) used as an energy source, and the wire tie machine 100 includes a battery receptacle 108 in the body 102 for receiving the battery 104. Other types of energy sources are also contemplated, such as, for example, a mains power source.

[0114] 1 , the present disclosure also relates to a wire tie machine 100 adapted to tie wire knots 153 securing rebar 105, 106, the wire tie machine 100 comprising a body 102, a trigger 140 for activating a knot-tying procedure, a wire tie head 101 at a front end F of the wire tie machine 100, a battery receptacle 108 in the body 102 for receiving a battery 104, and a spool compartment 155 configured to accommodate a wire spool 150 comprising a length of wire 151. The wire tie machine 100 is configured to feed (110) a free end 152 of the wire 151 through an opening in the wire tie head 101 and receive the free end 152 in another opening in the wire tie head 101, and the wire tie machine 100 is configured to perform the tying procedure such that the knot 153 is formed on the wire 151. The battery receptacle 108 is located at the rear end R of the wire tie machine 100 opposite the front end F.

[0115] The wire 151 is held in the strapping head 101 and rotated 112 about the wire tie head axis H to form a knot 153 on the wire 151. The trigger 140 is disposed between the wire tie head axis H and the spool compartment 155, and the wire tie head axis H intersects with the battery 104 when the battery 104 is inserted into the battery receptacle 108. This means that the battery receptacle 108 and the strapping head 101 are positioned on opposite sides of the wire tie head axis H, with the battery receptacle 108 being the portion of the wire strapping machine 100 positioned farthest from the strapping head 101 along the wire tie head axis H. When installed, the battery 104 is positioned farther from the strapping head 101 along the wire tie head axis H.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the battery 104 is replaceable, and the battery receptacle 108 is adapted to allow easy connection / disconnection of the battery 104 so that when one battery 104 becomes depleted, it can be replaced with another battery. The depleted battery can then be recharged, and the wire tie machine 100 can be used while it is being recharged.

[0117] According to some embodiments, and referring also to FIG. 6A, a plane P extending parallel to the wire tie head axis H also extends between the tie head 101 and battery receptacle 108 and the spool compartment 155.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the trigger 140 is positioned between the wire tie head axis H and the spool compartment 155 .

[0119] According to some embodiments, when the battery 104 is inserted into the battery receptacle 108, the shortest distance D1 between the spool compartment 155 and the trigger 140 is less than the shortest distance D2 between the spool compartment 155 and the battery 104.

[0120] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, trigger 140 may include: a first line L1 extending between the intersection point between the wire tie head axis H and the wire tie head 101 and the center 201 of the spool compartment 155; a second line L2 extending between the center 201 of the spool compartment 155 and the intersection between the wire tie head axis H and the attached battery 104; and The wire tie head is positioned within a triangle L1, L2, L3 formed by a third line L3 extending between the two other lines L1, L2 along the wire tie head axis H. Thus, the third line partially coincides with the wire tie head axis H.

[0121] 12-22, a wire tie machine 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein further includes a retention clip 500, 500'. First, a first example of the retention clip 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12-19, and then a second example of the retention clip 500' will be described with reference to FIGS. 20-22.

[0122] As will be understood below, most of the features described for the first example of retaining clip 500 are applicable to the second example of retaining clip 500', and only minor details distinguish the two examples of retaining clip 500, 500'.

[0123] The retaining clip 500 includes a resilient member 501, an attachment member 502, and a common member 503, and is attached to the body portion 102 such that the resilient member 501 protrudes into the spool compartment 155. The resilient member 501 is adapted to be positioned between rim portions 520, 521 of an inserted wire spool 150 so that the inserted wire spool 150 is retained within the spool compartment 155, as shown particularly in FIG. 18 . The rim portions 520, 521 provide ends of a cylindrical portion about which the wire is wound. Typically, the rim portions 520, 521 are portions of the wire spool 150 that have the largest diameter and constitute the outer limits for the roll of wire.

[0124] This means that if the lid 160 is accidentally opened, the inserted wire spool 150 will be prevented from falling out by the resilient member 501 engaging the rim portion 521 closest to the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155.

[0125] According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the retaining clip 500 is attached to a spool compartment wall 510 included in the main body 102, such that the retaining clip 500 faces the attached wire spool 150.

[0126] This means that the retaining clip 500 is mounted on the side of the spool compartment wall 510 that faces the attached wire spool 150 and is therefore easily accessible.

[0127] According to some embodiments, common member 503 extends around and is partially retained by a circumferential body rim 512 around spool compartment wall 510, as shown, for example, in FIGS.

[0128] This means that the retaining clip 500 is held to a common member 503 that faces away from the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155 .

[0129] According to some embodiments, the resilient member 501 and the attachment member 502 extend primarily parallel from the common member 503, as shown, for example, in FIG. 14. According to some further embodiments, the resilient member 501 and the attachment member 502 extend primarily along a longitudinal extension 515 along the spool compartment wall 510. This means that the retaining clip 500 does not necessarily protrude into the spool compartment 155. However, as previously mentioned, the resilient member 501 protrudes into the spool compartment 155 so that it can perform its retaining function.

[0130] According to some embodiments, at least one of the attachment member 502 and the common member 503 includes slots 508, 509 adapted to receive corresponding ridges 511 formed in the spool compartment 155. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 , the corresponding ridges 511 are formed in the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155. FIGS. 12 and 17 illustrate the optional ridges, and more specifically FIG. 18 illustrates the ridge received in one slot formed in the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155. Another slot 509 may be received in a ridge formed closer to the periphery of the spool compartment wall 510, which is covered by the body rim 512.

[0131] As explained above, according to some embodiments, retaining clip 500 is securely attached to spool compartment 155 due to the shape of retaining clip 500 relative to spool compartment wall 510, without the need for additional fastening means such as screws, adhesives, etc. According to some embodiments, retaining clip 500 is formed as one integral piece, or according to some further embodiments, formed from flexible sheet metal or the like. This means that only one item needs to be manufactured and attached to accomplish the retention function of retaining clip 500.

[0132] According to some embodiments, at least one slot 508 is formed in the mounting member 502 between the protrusion 507 and the retaining member 506, which are contained within the mounting member 502. This provides additional stability such that the retaining clip 500 is prevented from moving across its longitudinal extension 515.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the retaining member 506 extends toward the attached wire spool 150 and to the remainder of the attachment member 502 at a first angle α, the first angle α being in the interval between 140° and 170°. More preferably, the first angle α is in the interval between 150° and 160°. This means that the retaining member 506 follows the shape of the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155, as suggested in FIG. 19 .

[0134] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16 , the common member 503 is bent so that the elastic member 501 extends along a first plane 530 and the attachment member 502 extends along a second plane 531, and the elastic member 501 and the attachment member 502 are brought closer to each other. A second angle β is formed between the first plane 530 and the second plane 531, and the second angle β is in the interval between 145° and 175°. More preferably, the second angle β is in the interval between 155° and 165°. This means that the retaining clip 500 conforms to the shape of the spool compartment wall 510.

[0135] According to some embodiments, and specific to the first example of retaining clip 500 described above, resilient member 501 includes an arcuate portion 504 having an outer periphery 505 adapted to face an attached wire spool 150. Arcuate portion 504 protrudes into spool compartment 155 such that resilient member 501 is positioned between rim portions 520, 521 of an inserted wire spool 150, and thus is adapted to retain the inserted wire spool 150 within spool compartment 155.

[0136] This means that by adjusting the shape of the arched portion 504 in view of the elastic properties of the elastic member 501, a user can insert a new wire spool 150 by pushing the new wire spool 150 into the spool compartment 155, so that the rim portion 521 closest to the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155 engages with the arched portion 504 and presses the arched portion 504 against the spool compartment wall 510. Once the rim portion 521 passes the arched portion 504, the arched portion 504 returns to its original position and is positioned between the rim portions 520, 521, preventing the wire spool 150 from accidentally falling out of the spool compartment 155.

[0137] Just before the wire spool 150 is to be removed from the spool compartment 155, the user pulls the wire spool 150 out of the spool compartment, causing the rim portion 521 closest to the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155 to engage the arcuate portion 504 and press the arcuate portion 504 against the spool compartment wall 510. Once the rim portion 521 passes the arcuate portion 504, the arcuate portion 504 returns to its original position, and the wire spool 150 is released from the retaining clip 500.

[0138] This means that the wire spool 150 can be inserted into or removed from the spool compartment 155 simply by moving the wire spool 150 using sufficient force.

[0139] According to some embodiments, and specific to the second example of retaining clip 500′ described above, resilient member 501′ includes a handle portion 513′ that extends away from the remainder of resilient member 501′, thereby allowing a user to insert or release wire spool 150 by depressing handle portion 513′ so that resilient member 501 passes rim portions 520, 521.

[0140] According to some embodiments, the handle portion 513 ″ extends primarily in a direction away from the remainder of the resilient member 501 ′ perpendicular to the longitudinal extension 515 .

[0141] This means that a user can insert a new wire spool 150 by pushing the handle portion 513' towards the spool compartment wall 510 and lower the spool without the resilient member 501' engaging the rim portion 521 which is closest to the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155. Once the rim portion 521 has cleared the resilient member 501, the user can release the handle portion 513', which causes the resilient member 501' to return to its original position, thus positioning itself between the rim portions 520, 521 and preventing the wire spool 150 from accidentally falling out of the spool compartment 155.

[0142] Just before the wire spool 150 is to be removed from the spool compartment 155, the user can press the handle portion 513' toward the spool compartment wall 51, pulling the wire spool 150 out of the spool compartment so that the rim portion 521 closest to the bottom 514 of the spool compartment 155 does not engage the elastic member 501'. Once the rim portion 521 has cleared the elastic member 501', the user can release the handle portion 513', causing the elastic member 501' to return and the wire spool 150 to be released from the retaining clip 500'.

[0143] This means that the elastic member 501' can be easily removed just before inserting or removing the wire spool 150 into or from the spool compartment 155. This also means that the elastic member 501' can have any suitable shape to provide the desired retention characteristics. As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the elastic member 501' has a flat shape without an arched portion, which provides a secure retention function. However, the elastic member can have an arched portion as described for the first embodiment, or any other suitable shape.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the retaining clip 500, 500′ allows the wire spool 150 to rotate about the central pin 129 adapted to engage the central bore 154 of the wire spool 150 as shown in FIG. 12 , but prevents the wire spool 150 from moving along the insertion / removal axis 129 that extends along the longitudinal extension of the central pin 129.

[0145] The present disclosure also relates to a retaining clip 500 adapted to hold a wire spool 150 inserted into a spool compartment 155 of a wire tie machine 100, the retaining clip 500 comprising a resilient member 501, an attachment member 502, and a common member 503. The retaining clip 500 is adapted to be attached to the body portion 102 of the wire tie machine 100, such that the resilient member 501 can protrude into the spool compartment 155 and can be positioned between rim portions 520, 521 of the inserted wire spool 150, thereby retaining the inserted wire spool 150 within the spool compartment 155.

[0146] According to some embodiments, the retaining clip 500 is adapted to be attached to a spool compartment wall 510 included in the main body 102 of the wire bundling machine 100, such that the retaining clip 500 is adapted to face the attached wire spool 150.

[0147] According to some embodiments, common member 503 extends along the periphery of spool compartment wall 510 and is adapted to be at least partially retained by a surrounding body rim 512 .

[0148] According to some embodiments, the resilient member 501 and the attachment member 502 extend primarily parallel from a common member 503 .

[0149] According to some embodiments, at least one of the attachment member 502 and the common member 503 includes slots 508 , 509 adapted to receive corresponding ridges 511 formed in the spool compartment 155 .

[0150] According to some embodiments, at least one slot 508 is formed in the mounting member 502 between the protrusion 507 and the retaining member 506 , the protrusion 507 and the retaining member 506 being included in the mounting member 502 .

[0151] According to some embodiments, the retaining member 506 extends toward the attached wire spool 150 to the remainder of the attachment member 502 at a first angle α, the first angle α being in the interval between 140° and 170°.

[0152] According to some embodiments, common member 503 is bent such that elastic member 501 extends along first plane 530, attachment member 502 extends along second plane 531, and elastic member 501 and attachment member 502 are brought closer to each other, and there is a second angle β between first plane 530 and second plane 531, and second angle β is in the interval between 145° and 175°.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the elastic member 501 comprises an arcuate portion 504 having an outer periphery 505 adapted to face the attached wire spool 150, and the arcuate portion 504 is adapted to protrude into the spool compartment 155, whereby the elastic member 501 is positioned between the rim portions 520, 521 of the inserted wire spool 150, and thus the inserted wire spool 150 is adapted to be retained within the spool compartment 155.

[0154] According to some embodiments, the elastic member 501' includes a handle portion 513' that extends away from the remainder of the elastic member 501', thereby allowing a user to insert or release an inserted wire spool 150 by depressing the handle portion 513' to allow the elastic member 501' to pass through the rim portions 520, 521.

[0155] According to some embodiments, the above-described retaining clips 500, 500' correspond to the retaining clips 500, 500' previously described as being included in the wire tie machine 100, and include the same features and advantages.

[0156] The present disclosure also relates to a method for using a wire tie machine 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein, the method including the steps of controlling the wire tie machine 100 to feed (156, 110) a free end 152 of a wire 151 on a wire spool 150 through an opening in the tie head 101, whereby the wire 151 extends along an arcuate path to surround the rebars 105, 106 to be tied together, and then being received by the tie head 101 again (111); and further controlling the wire tie machine 100 to perform a tie procedure such that a knot 153 is formed on the wire 151.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the method includes rotating (112) the strapping head 101 about a wire strapping head axis H while the wire 151 is held within the strapping head 101, thereby forming a knot 153 on the wire 151. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 100 Wire Binding Machine 101 Binding Head 102 Main body 103 Handle 104 Battery 105, 106 Reinforced concrete 107 Reinforced Concrete Structure 108 Battery Receptacle 120 Sensor Configuration 120a First magnet 120b Hall sensor element configuration 122 First metal pad 123 Second Metal Pad 124 Second Magnet 125, 126 Hinge configuration 129 Center Pin 130 Control Unit Configuration 140 Trigger 150 wire spool 151 Wire 152 Free end 153 Wire Knot 154 Central hole 155 spool compartment 160 Lid 160a First lid portion 160b Second lid portion 201 Center 210 Processing circuit 220 Interface 230 Storage medium 300 Computer Program Products 310 Computer Executable Instructions 320 Computer Media 500, 500' Retaining Clip 501, 501' Elastic member 502 Mounting material 503 Common parts 504 Arcuate part 505 Outer circumference 506 Retaining member 507 Protrusion 508, 509 slots 510 Spool compartment wall 511 Ridge 513' Handle 514 Bottom 515 Longitudinal extension 520, 521 rim section 530 First Plane 531 Second Plane D1, D2 Shortest distance F Front end H Wire binding head shaft L1 First Line L2 Second line L3 Third Line R rear end

Claims

1. A wire bundling machine (100) adapted to tie wire knots (153) that secure rebars (105, 106) together, comprising a lid (160), a body (102), a trigger (140), and a spool compartment (155) adapted to accommodate a wire spool (150) with a length of wire (151) behind the lid (160), with a free end (152) of the wire (151) fed out (110) from an opening in a bundling head (101) of the wire bundling machine (100). ) The wire bundling machine (100) is configured to:

2. 2. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, wherein when the sensor configuration (120) detects that the lid (160) is set to the closed position (A), this is communicated to the control unit configuration (130) adapted to set the wire bundling machine (100) to a normal operating state.

3. 3. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 2, wherein when the trigger (140) is pressed under normal operating conditions, the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to feed (110) the free end of the wire from the opening of the bundling head (101), thereby causing the wire (151) to extend along an arcuate path to surround the rebars (105, 106) that are bundled together, and the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to perform a bundling procedure such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151).

4. 4. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, wherein when the sensor configuration (120) detects that the lid (160) is set to the open position (B), this is communicated to the control unit configuration (130) adapted to set the wire bundling machine (100) to a reloading state, whereby the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) toward the bundling head (101) without forming a knot (153) on the wire (151) when the trigger (140) is pressed.

5. 4. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, wherein when the sensor configuration (120) detects that the lid (160) is set to the open position (B), this is communicated to the control unit configuration (130) adapted to set the wire bundling machine (100) to a reloading state, thereby disabling the trigger (140).

6. 6. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 5, further comprising a separate reload trigger (142), wherein when the reload trigger (142) is pressed, the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) toward the bundling head (101) without forming a knot (153) on the wire (151).

7. 7. The wire bundling machine of claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a first magnet adapted to be separated when the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position, and a Hall sensor element arrangement adapted to measure a magnetic field generated by the magnet and output a signal to the control unit arrangement, the signal indicating whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position.

8. 8. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 7, wherein the first magnet (120a) is positioned on the lid (160) and the Hall sensor element arrangement (120b) is mounted in a fixed position on the body portion (102).

9. 9. The wire bundling machine of claim 8, further comprising a first metal pad adapted to attract the first magnet, whereby the lid is adapted to be held in the closed position by a magnetic force between the first magnet and the first metal pad.

10. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises one or more electrical switches.

11. 11. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, wherein the signal indicating whether the lid (160) is in the closed position (A) or the open position (B) is constituted by the presence or absence of an electric current.

12. 12. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 11, wherein when the lid (160) is in the closed position (A), a current is output to the control unit configuration (130), and when the lid (160) is in the open position (B), no current is output to the control unit configuration (130).

13. 13. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, wherein the signal indicating whether the lid (160) is in the closed position (A) or the open position (B) is constituted by an optical signal or a digital word.

14. 14. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, further comprising a retaining clip (500) comprising an elastic member (501), an attachment member (502), and a common member (503), the retaining clip (500) being attached to the body portion (102) such that the elastic member (501) protrudes into the spool compartment (155) and is positioned between rim portions (520, 521) of an inserted wire spool (150), thereby being adapted to retain the inserted wire spool (150) within the spool compartment (155).

15. 15. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 14, wherein the retaining clip (500) is attached to a spool compartment wall (510) included in the main body (102), whereby the retaining clip (500) faces the attached wire spool (150).

16. 16. The wire tie machine (100) of claim 15, wherein the common member (503) extends around the periphery of the spool compartment wall (510) and is at least partially retained by a body rim (512) that covers the periphery.

17. 17. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the elastic member (501) and the attachment member (502) extend primarily parallel from the common member (503).

18. 18. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 17, wherein at least one of the attachment member (502) and the common member (503) comprises slots (508, 509) adapted to receive corresponding ridges (511) formed in the spool compartment (155).

19. 20. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 18, wherein at least one slot (508) is formed between a protrusion (507) on the mounting member (502) and a retaining member (506), and the protrusion (507) and the retaining member (506) are included in the mounting member (502).

20. 20. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 19, wherein the retaining member (506) extends toward the attached wire spool (150) to the remainder of the attachment member (502) at a first angle (α), the first angle (α) being in the interval of 140° to 170°.

21. 21. The wire bundling machine (100) according to claim 17, wherein the common member (503) is bent so that the elastic member (501) extends along a first plane (530), the attachment member (502) extends along a second plane (531), and the elastic member (501) and the attachment member (502) are brought closer together, and there is a second angle (β) between the first plane (530) and the second plane (531), and the second angle (β) is in the interval of 145° to 175°.

22. 22. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 14, wherein the elastic member (501) comprises an arcuate portion (504) having an outer periphery (505) adapted to face an attached wire spool (150), the arcuate portion (504) protruding into the spool compartment (155), whereby the elastic member (501) is adapted to be positioned between the rim portions (520, 521) of an inserted wire spool (150), and thus to retain the inserted wire spool (150) in the spool compartment (155).

23. 23. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the elastic member (501') comprises a handle portion (513') extending in a direction away from the remainder of the elastic member (501'), thereby enabling a user to insert a wire spool (150) or release an inserted wire spool (150) by pressing down on the handle portion (513') so that the elastic member (501') passes through the rim portions (520, 521).

24. A method for controlling the loading and insertion of rebar tie wire into a wire tie machine (100) comprising a lid (160), a trigger (140), a sensor arrangement (120), and a tie head (101), wherein the lid (160) is adapted to at least partially cover a spool compartment (155) adapted to accommodate a wire spool (150), the method comprising: determining (S100) whether the received signal indicates that the lid (160) is in a closed position (A); and if so, a step (S200) of setting the wire bundling machine (100) to a normal operating state, whereby the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to, when the trigger (140) is pressed, feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) on the wire spool (150) from an opening in the bundling head (101), so that the wire (151) extends along an arcuate path to surround the rebars (105, 106) to be bundled together, and then be received (111) by the bundling head (101) again, and the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to perform a bundling procedure such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151); determining (S300) whether the received signal indicates that the lid (160) is in a closed position (A); and if so, and a step (S400) of setting the wire bundling machine (100) to a reloading state, whereby the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) toward the bundling head (101) without forming a knot (153) on the wire (151) when the trigger (140) is pressed.

25. 1. A computer program (310) for controlling the loading and insertion of rebar ties into a wire tie machine (100) comprising a lid (160), a trigger (140), a sensor arrangement (120), and a tie head (101), wherein the lid (160) is adapted to at least partially cover a spool compartment (155) adapted to accommodate a wire spool (150), the computer program comprising computer code, which, when executed on a processing circuit (210) of a control unit arrangement (130), causes a function of the trigger (140) to be controlled in response to a signal received from the sensor arrangement (120), thereby: When the received signal indicates that the lid (160) is in the closed position (A), the wire tie machine (100) is set to a normal operating state, whereby the wire tie machine (100) is configured to, when the trigger (140) is pressed, feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) on the wire spool (150) from the opening of the tie head (101), so that the wire (151) extends along an arcuate path to surround the rebars (105, 106) to be tied together, and then be received (111) by the tie head (101) again; and the wire tie machine (100) is configured to perform a tie procedure such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151); When the received signal indicates that the lid (160) is in an open position (B), the wire bundling machine (100) is set to a reload state, whereby the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) toward the bundling head (101) without forming a knot (153) on the wire (151) when the trigger (140) is pressed.

26. A control unit arrangement (130) adapted to control a function of a trigger (140) included in a wire bundling machine (100) comprising a lid (160), a trigger (140), a sensor arrangement (120), and a bundling head (101), wherein the lid (160) is adapted to at least partially cover a spool compartment (155) adapted to accommodate a wire spool (150), wherein the control unit arrangement (130) is adapted to control the function of the trigger (140) in response to a signal received from the sensor arrangement (120), thereby: When the received signal indicates that the lid (160) is in the closed position (A), the wire tie machine (100) is set to a normal operating state, whereby the wire tie machine (100) is configured to, when the trigger (140) is pressed, feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) on the wire spool (150) from the opening of the tie head (101), so that the wire (151) extends along an arcuate path to surround the rebars (105, 106) to be tied together, and then be received (111) by the tie head (101) again; and the wire tie machine (100) is configured to perform a tie procedure such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151); When the received signal indicates that the lid (160) is in the open position (B), the wire bundling machine (100) is set to a reload state, whereby the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to feed (156, 110) the free end (152) of the wire (151) toward the bundling head (101) without forming a knot (153) on the wire (151) when the trigger (140) is pressed.

27. A wire bundling machine (100) adapted to tie wire knots (153) for securing rebars (105, 106), the wire bundling machine (100) comprising: a body (102); a trigger (140) for actuating a knot-tying procedure; a wire bundling head (101) at a front end (F) of the wire bundling machine (100); a battery receptacle (108) in the body (102) for receiving a battery (104); and a spool compartment (155) adapted to accommodate a wire spool (150) having a length of wire (151), the wire bundling machine (100) feeding (110) a free end (152) of the wire (151) from an opening in the wire bundling head (101) and feeding (110) a wire spool (150) having a length of wire (151) from another opening in the wire bundling head (101). the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to receive the free end (152) in a battery receptacle (108), the wire bundling machine (100) is configured to perform a bundling procedure such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151), and the battery receptacle (108) is located at a rear end (R) of the wire bundling machine (100) opposite the front end (F). In the wire bundling machine (100), the wire (151) is held within the bundling head (101) and rotated (112) about a wire bundling head axis (H) to thereby form a knot (153) on the wire (151), and the wire bundling head axis (H) intersects the battery (104) when the battery (104) is inserted into the battery receptacle (108).

28. 28. The wire tie machine (100) of claim 27, wherein the wire (151) is held within the tie head (101) and rotated (112) about a wire tie head axis (H) to form a knot (153) on the wire (151), and the trigger (140) is disposed between the wire tie head axis (H) and the spool compartment (155).

29. 29. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 27 or 28, wherein the wire (151) is held in the bundling head (101) and rotated (112) about a wire bundling head axis (H), thereby forming a knot (153) on the wire (151), and wherein a plane (P) extending parallel to the wire bundling head axis (H) also extends between the bundling head (101) and the battery receptacle (108), and the spool compartment (155).

30. 30. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein a minimum distance (D1) between the spool compartment (155) and the trigger (140) is shorter than a minimum distance (D2) between the spool compartment (155) and the battery (104) when the battery (104) is inserted into the battery receptacle (108).

31. 31. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 27 to 30, further comprising a retaining clip (500) comprising an elastic member (501), an attachment member (502), and a common member (503), the retaining clip (500) being attached to the body portion (102) such that the elastic member (501) protrudes into the spool compartment (155) and is positioned between rim portions (520, 521) of an inserted wire spool (150), thereby being adapted to retain the inserted wire spool (150) within the spool compartment (155).

32. 32. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 31, wherein the retaining clip (500) is attached to a spool compartment wall (510) included in the main body (102), whereby the retaining clip (500) faces the attached wire spool (150).

33. 33. The wire tie machine (100) of claim 32, wherein the common member (503) extends around the periphery of the spool compartment wall (510) and is at least partially retained by a body rim (512) that covers the periphery.

34. 34. The wire tie machine (100) of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the elastic member (501) and the attachment member (502) extend primarily parallel from the common member (503).

35. 35. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 34, wherein at least one of the attachment member (502) and the common member (503) comprises slots (508, 509) adapted to receive corresponding ridges (511) formed in the spool compartment (155).

36. 36. The wire bundling machine (100) of claim 35, wherein at least one slot (508) is formed between a protrusion (507) on the mounting member (502) and a retaining member (506), and the protrusion (507) and the retaining member (506) are included in the mounting member (502).

37. 37. The wire tie machine (100) of claim 36, wherein the retaining member (506) extends toward the attached wire spool (150) to the remainder of the attachment member (502) at a first angle (α), the first angle (α) being in the interval of 140° to 170°.

38. 38. The wire bundling machine (100) according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the common member (503) is bent so that the elastic member (501) extends along a first plane (530), the attachment member (502) extends along a second plane (531), and the elastic member (501) and the attachment member (502) are brought closer together, and there is a second angle (β) between the first plane (530) and the second plane (531), and the second angle (β) is in the interval of 145° to 175°.

39. 39. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the elastic member (501) comprises an arcuate portion (504) having an outer periphery (505) adapted to face an attached wire spool (150), the arcuate portion (504) protruding into the spool compartment (155), whereby the elastic member (501) is positioned between the rim portions (520, 521) of an inserted wire spool (150), and thus adapted to retain the inserted wire spool (150) within the spool compartment (155).

40. 40. The wire bundling machine (100) of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the elastic member (501') comprises a handle portion (513') extending in a direction away from the remainder of the elastic member (501'), thereby enabling a user to insert a wire spool (150) or release an inserted wire spool (150) by pressing down on the handle portion (513') so that the elastic member (501') passes through the rim portions (520, 521).

41. A retaining clip (500) adapted to hold a wire spool (150) inserted into a spool compartment (155) of a wire tie machine (100), the retaining clip (500) comprising an elastic member (501), an attachment member (502), and a common member (503), the retaining clip (500) adapted to be attached to a body portion (102) of the wire tie machine (100) so that the elastic member (501) protrudes into the spool compartment (155) and can be positioned between rim portions (520, 521) of the inserted wire spool (150), thereby retaining the inserted wire spool (150) in the spool compartment (155).

42. 42. The retaining clip (500) of claim 41, wherein the retaining clip (500) is adapted to be attached to a spool compartment wall (510) included in a main body (102) of a wire bundling machine (100), whereby the retaining clip (500) is adapted to face an attached wire spool (150).

43. 43. The retaining clip (500) of claim 42, wherein the common member (503) extends along the periphery of the spool compartment wall (510) and is adapted to be at least partially retained by a body rim (512) that covers the periphery.

44. 44. A retaining clip (500) according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein said resilient member (501) and said attachment members (502) extend primarily parallel from said common member (503).

45. 45. The retaining clip (500) of claim 44, wherein at least one of the attachment member (502) and the common member (503) comprises slots (508, 509) adapted to receive corresponding ridges (511) formed in the spool compartment (155).

46. 46. The retaining clip (500) of claim 45, wherein at least one slot (508) is formed between a protrusion (507) on the mounting member (502) and a retaining member (506), and the protrusion (507) and the retaining member (506) are included in the mounting member (502).

47. 47. The retaining clip (500) of claim 46, wherein the retaining member (506) extends toward the attached wire spool (150) to the remainder of the attachment member (502) at a first angle (α), the first angle (α) being in the interval of 140° to 170°.

48. 48. A retaining clip (500) according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the common member (503) is bent so that the elastic member (501) extends along a first plane (530), the attachment member (502) extends along a second plane (531), and the elastic member (501) and the attachment member (502) are brought closer together, and there is a second angle (β) between the first plane (530) and the second plane (531), and the second angle (β) is in the interval of 145° to 175°.

49. 49. A retaining clip (500) according to any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein the elastic member (501) comprises an arcuate portion (504) having an outer periphery (505) adapted to face an attached wire spool (150), the arcuate portion (504) protruding into the spool compartment (155), whereby the elastic member (501) is positioned between the rim portions (520, 521) of an inserted wire spool (150), and thus adapted to retain the inserted wire spool (150) within the spool compartment (155).

50. The resilient member (501′) comprises a handle portion (513′) extending away from the remainder of the resilient member (501′), thereby enabling a user to insert or release an inserted wire spool (150) by depressing the handle portion (513′) to allow the resilient member (501′) to pass through the rim portions (520, 521). A retaining clip (500) according to any one of claims 41 to 49.

51. A wire tie machine comprising the retaining clip (500) according to any one of claims 41 to 50.

52. 10. A method for using the wire bundling machine (100) of claim 1, comprising the steps of: controlling the wire bundling machine (100) to feed (156, 110) a free end (152) of the wire (151) on the wire spool (150) out of the opening of the bundling head (101), whereby the wire (151) extends along an arcuate path to surround rebars (105, 106) to be bundled together, and then being received (111) by the bundling head (101); and further controlling the wire bundling machine (100) to perform a bundling procedure such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151).

53. 53. The method of claim 52, comprising rotating (112) a strapping head (101) about a wire strapping head axis (H) while the wire (151) is held within the strapping head (101) such that a knot (153) is formed on the wire (151).

Images