Stripping tool

Abstract

To reduce the weight of a strapping tool by interlocking a fixation assembly for fixing a strap and a jaw part.SOLUTION: A strapping tool comprises; a fixation assembly 500 movable with respect to a support body between a fixing position and a home position; a plurality of jaw parts 530, 534, 538, 542; a conversion assembly 800 for moving the fixation assembly between the fixing position and the home position; and a coupler 840 for moving the jaw part between a jaw part home position and a jaw part fixing position. The conversion assembly changes an effective length of the coupler while moving the fixation assembly from the home position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Priority Claim This patent application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 907,248, filed on September 27, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 844,389, filed on May 7, 2019, and U.S. Non - Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 852,797, filed on April 20, 2020, which claims the priority and benefit of the foregoing applications, and the entire contents of each are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to strapping tools, and more particularly to a strapping tool configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load.

Background Art

[0003] Battery - powered strapping tools are configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. To form a tensioned strap loop around a load using one of these strapping tools, an operator first pulls the tip of the strap from a strap feeder, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the tip of the strap under another portion of the strap. Next, the operator introduces one or more (depending on the type of strapping tool) of these overlapping strap portions into the strapping tool and actuates one or more buttons to initiate (1) a tension cycle in which a tension assembly tensions the strap around the load and (2) after the tension cycle ends, a fixing cycle in which a fixing assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to each other (thereby forming a tensioned strap loop around the load) and a cutting assembly cuts the strap from the strap feeder.

[0004] The method by which a strapping tool attaches overlapping portions of a strap to each other during a fixed cycle depends on the type of strapping tool and the type of strap. Certain strapping tools configured for plastic straps (e.g., polypropylene straps or polyester straps) include friction welders, heated blades, or ultrasonic welders that attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other. Some strapping tools configured for plastic straps or metal straps (e.g., steel straps) include jaws that mechanically deform (referred to in the strapping industry as "crimping") or cut (referred to in the strapping industry as "notching") a cut into a fixing element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other. Other strapping tools configured for metal straps include punches and dies configured to form a set of mechanical interlocking cuts in the overlapping portion of the strap to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other (referred to in the strapping industry as "seamless" attachment).

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool configured to attach overlapping portions of a strap to each other by tensioning a metal strap around a load and, after tensioning, cutting a fixing element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap and a cut into the overlapping portion of the strap itself.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0007] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be embodied in various forms, but the drawings show specific exemplary non-limiting embodiments, and the specification describes these embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification are required, and a particular implementation may include additional, different, or fewer components. Without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims, the arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and material of the components, and the connection method of the components can be changed. Unless otherwise indicated, any direction referred to in the specification reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawing and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms meaning attachment methods (e.g., attachment, connection, etc.) are not intended to be limited to direct attachment methods, but should be broadly construed to include the same attachment methods that are indirectly and operably attached and connected. This specification is to be viewed as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and is intended to be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0008] Figures 1A and 1B show one example of a strapping tool 50 (sometimes referred to as the "tool" for brevity in this detailed description) of the present disclosure, and a particular assembly and embodiment of components of the strapping tool. The strapping tool 50 is configured to tension a strap (a metal strap in the exemplary embodiment) around a load, and after tensioning, cut a notch into a fixing element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap, and a notch into the overlapping portion of the strap itself (referred to as a "cut" in the strapping industry and this detailed description), to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other and cut the strap from a strap feeder.

[0009] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100, a working assembly 200, a movable handle assembly 1100, a display assembly 1200, a controller 1300 (not shown but numbered for clarity), and a power supply 1400.

[0010] The housing 100, best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, at least partially surrounds or supports some (or all) of the other assemblies and components of the strapping tool 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 includes a front housing portion 110 that at least partially surrounds or supports at least some of the components of the working assembly 200 and the movable handle assembly 1100, and a rear housing portion 120 that at least partially surrounds or supports the controller 1300 and the power supply 1400. A connector housing portion 130 extends between and connects the lower portions of the front housing portion 110 and the rear housing portion 120, and a fixed handle 140 extends between and connects the upper portions of the front housing portion 110 and the rear housing portion 120. The housing 100 may be formed from any suitable amount of components joined together in any suitable manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 is formed from plastic, although in other embodiments the housing 100 may be formed from any other suitable material.

[0011] The working assembly 200, sub-assemblies and components, best shown in FIGS. 2 through 14H and FIGS. 16A through 16C, include most of the components of the strapping tool 50 configured to tension a strap around a load, attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other, and cut the strap from a strap supply. The working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning assembly 400, a fixing assembly 500, a drive assembly 700, a rocker lever assembly 900, and a gate assembly 1000.

[0012] The support 300, best shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 10A to 11B, functions as a direct or indirect common fixture for the tension assembly 400, the fixing assembly 500, the drive assembly 700, the rocker lever assembly 900, and the gate assembly 1000. The support 300 includes a main body 310, a foot portion 320 extending laterally from the lower part of the main body 310, a tension assembly attachment element 330 extending rearward from the main body 310, and a drive and conversion assembly attachment element 340 extending upward from the main body 310. The front side of the main body 310 houses the gate 1010 of the gate assembly 1000, and a gate receiving recess 350 is formed by sizing, shaping, orienting, and other means so that the gate 1010 can move between a lower position and an upper strap insertion position (described later). The main body 310 includes first and second fixing assembly attachment tongues 372a, 372b aligned on one side of the gate receiving recess 350, and third and fourth fixing assembly attachment tongues 374a, 374b aligned on the other side of the gate receiving recess 350. The roller 380 is coupled to the foot portion 320 and is freely rotatable with respect to the foot portion 320.

[0013] The tension assembly 400, best shown in FIGS. 3C, 10A, and 11A, is configured to tension a strap around a load. The tension assembly 400 includes a tension axis (not shown), a tension wheel 440 (FIGS. 10A, 11A) fixedly attached to the tension axis so as to rotate with the tension axis, a tension assembly gear device (not shown) operably connected to the tension axis and configured to rotate the tension axis (and the tension wheel 440 attached to the tension axis), and a tension assembly housing 410 that at least partially encloses these components.

[0014] The tension assembly 400 is movably attached to the tension assembly attachment element 320 of the support 300 and is configured to pivot relative to the support 300, particularly relative to the foot 320 of the support 300, under the control of a rocker lever assembly 900 (described below) between a strap tension position (Figs. 10A, 10B) and a strap insertion position (Figs. 11A, 11B). When the tension assembly 400 is in the strap tension position, the tension wheel 440 is adjacent to (and in contact in this embodiment with) the roller 380 of the support 300 (or the upper surface of the strap if the strap is inserted into the strapping tool 50). When the tension assembly 400 is in the strap insertion position, the tension wheel 440 is spaced from the roller 380 so that the upper position of the strap (described below) can be inserted between the tension wheel 440 and the roller 280. A tension assembly biasing element (not shown), such as a torsion spring, a compression spring or other suitable type of spring, biases the tension assembly 400 to the strap tension position.

[0015] The locker lever assembly 900, best shown in FIG. 3C, is operably connected to the tension assembly 400 and is configured to move the tension assembly 400 relative to the support 300 from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position. The locker lever assembly 900 includes a locker lever 910, a locker lever gear device (not numbered), and a spring clutch assembly 920. Movement (here, pivoting) of the support 300 from a fixed position (best shown in FIG. 3C) to an operating position (not shown), and of the locker lever 910 relative to the housing 100 causes the locker lever gear device to operably connect the locker lever 910 to the tension assembly 400 such that the tension assembly 400 is moved from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position. Movement of the locker lever 910 from the operating position back to the fixed position (e.g., under the control of the tension assembly biasing element) causes the locker lever gear device to return the tension assembly 400 to the strap tension position. In other words, the locker lever 910 is movable between the fixed position and the operating position in order to cause the tension assembly 400 to move between the strap tension position and the strap insertion position, respectively (via the locker lever gear device). The spring clutch assembly 920 is configured to act on the gear components of the tension assembly gear device to facilitate smooth release of the strap after tensioning and securing. Specifically, when the locker lever 910 moves from the fixed position of the locker lever to the operating position, the spring clutch assembly 920 disengages the tension assembly gear device from the tension wheel 440. Thereby, the tension wheel 440 can rotate in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction while being disengaged from the tension assembly gear device (and thus the motor 710). Thereby, the tool 50 can be easily removed from the strap after completion of the tensioning and securing process.

[0016] The fixing assembly 500, best shown in FIGS. 5A - 9B, is configured to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tension strap loop around the load by cutting through both a fixing element positioned around the overlapping portion of the strap and the overlapping portion of the strap itself. The fixing assembly 500 includes a front cover 502, a rear cover 506, connectors 512, 514, 516, 518, a jaw assembly 520, and an object blocking assembly 600.

[0017] The front cover 502 is generally U - shaped. The rear cover 506 includes a generally planar base 506a, two mounting flanges 506b, 506c extending rearwardly and inwardly from opposite end portions of the base 506a, and a lip 506d extending forwardly (towards the jaw assembly 520) from the base 506a. As best shown in FIG. 5C, the front cover 502 and the rear cover 506 are connected to each other via connectors 512, 514, 516, 518, and appropriate fasteners (not numbered), and cooperate to partially enclose the jaw assembly 520 and the object blocking assembly 600.

[0018] The fixed assembly 500 is movably (more specifically, slidably) attached to the support 300 via the rear cover 506. Specifically, the first and second fixed assembly attachment tongues 372a, 372b of the support 300 are received in the grooves defined between the base 506a and the first attachment wing 506b, and the third and fourth fixed assembly attachment tongues 374a, 374b of the support 300 are received in the grooves defined between the base 506a and the second attachment wing 506c, so as to position the rear cover 506. With this attachment configuration, the fixed assembly 500 can move vertically with respect to the support 300, and the fixed assembly 500 is prevented from moving laterally or forward and backward with respect to the support 300. As best shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first and second fixed assembly attachment elements 390a, 390b that are laterally separated are fixedly attached to the main body 310 of the support 300 and pass through the respective vertically extending slots (not numbered) defined via the base 506a of the rear cover 506. These slots and the fixed assembly attachment elements 390a, 390b cooperate to suppress the vertical movement of the fixed assembly 500 with respect to the support 300 between the (upper) fixed position where the fixed assembly attachment elements 390a, 390b are at the lower ends of the slots (FIGS. 9A, 16A) and the (lower) fixed position where the fixed assembly attachment elements 390a, 390b are at the upper ends of the slots (FIGS. 9B, 16B, and 16C). As will be described later, the drive assembly 700 controls the movement of the fixed assembly 500 between the fixed position and the fixed position.

[0019] As best shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the jaw assembly 520 includes a coupler 522, a pivot pin 524, first and second upper connectors 526, 528, first and second inner jaws 530, 534, first and second outer jaws 538, 542, an inner jaw connector 546, a central jaw connector 550, and an outer jaw connector 566.

[0020] Connect the pivot pin 524 to the coupler 522 such that the pivot pin 524 is rotatable relative to the coupler 522. As best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, position the opposing ends of the pivot pin 524 in slots (not numbered) defined in the front cover 502 and the rear cover 506 such that the slots limit vertical movement of the pivot pin 524 between an upper position and a lower position. Connect each of the first and second upper couplers 526, 528 pivotally to the pivot pin 524 near each upper end of those upper couplers. By this pivotal connection, the first and second upper couplers 526, 528 can pivot relative to the coupler 522 and the pivot pin 524 about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 524 (not shown). Connect each upper portion of each of the first and second inner jaw portions 530, 534 pivotally to each lower end of the upper couplers 526, 528 via pivot pins 556, 558, respectively. Connect each upper portion of each of the first and second outer jaw portions 538, 542 pivotally to each lower end of the upper couplers 526, 528 via pivot pins 556, 558. By these pivotal connections, the first inner jaw portion 530 and the outer jaw portion 538 can pivot relative to the upper coupler 526 about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 556 (not shown), and the second inner jaw portion 534 and the outer jaw portion 542 can pivot relative to the upper coupler 528 about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 558 (not shown).

[0021] The lower portions of the first and second inner jaw parts 530 and 534 are pivotally connected by connectors 516 and 518 to the front cover 502, the rear cover 506, the inner jaw connector 546, the central jaw connector 550, and the outer jaw connector 566. The lower portions of the first and second outer jaw parts 538 and 542 are pivotally connected by connectors 516 and 518 to the front cover 502, the rear cover 506, the inner jaw connector 546, the central jaw connector 550, and the outer jaw connector 566. By the pivotal connection, the first inner jaw part 530 and the outer jaw part 538 can pivot relative to the front and rear covers 502 and 506 and the jaw connectors 546, 550, and 566 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the connector 516 between their respective stationary positions (FIG. 16A) and fixed positions (FIG. 16C). By the pivotal connection, the second inner jaw part 534 and the outer jaw part 546 can pivot relative to the front and rear covers 502 and 506 and the jaw connectors 546, 550, and 566 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the connector 518 between their respective stationary positions (FIG. 16A) and fixed positions (FIG. 16C).

[0022] As best shown in FIGS. 5D and 8C, each jaw has a fixed element during the fixing cycle and lower teeth that cut through the notch in the strap overlap, and upper teeth that engage the object stopper 605 of the object stopper assembly 600 (described below) when the object stopper 605 is in the blocking position (described below) at the start of the fixing cycle and move the object stopper 605 toward the retracted position as the jaw moves to each fixed position of the jaw. Thereby, the jaw prevents damage to the object stopper 605. More specifically, the first inner jaw part 530 has lower teeth 530a and upper teeth 530b, the second inner jaw part 534 has lower teeth 534a and upper teeth 534b, the first outer jaw part 538 has lower teeth 538a and upper teeth 538b, and the second outer jaw part 542 has lower teeth 542a and upper teeth 542b.

[0023] The object blocking assembly 600 is attached to the jaw assembly 520 (more specifically, the central jaw connector 550) and is configured to prevent an object from inadvertently entering the space between the first and second inner jaws 530, 534 and the first and second outer jaws 538, 542 (which may also be referred to as the fixed element accommodation space). This reduces the possibility of an object interfering with the operation of the strapping tool. Further, this prevents the jaws of the strapping tool from damaging the object (and vice versa). As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the object blocking assembly 600 includes a first object blocking body portion 610, and an object blocking body 605 formed from a second object blocking body portion 620, an object blocking body lifting element 630, a lifting element attachment pin 640, an object blocking body fastener 650, an object blocking body attachment pin 660, a plurality of biasing elements 670a, 670b, 670c, 670d, a biasing element retainer 680, and a fastener 690.

[0024] The object blocking body 605 is formed from a first and a second object blocking body portion 610, 620 joined by an object blocking body attachment pin 660 and an object blocking body fastener 650, as best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The first object blocking body portion 610 includes a body 612 and a fitting protrusion 614 extending from the rear surface of the body 612. The body 612 has cylindrical biasing element accommodation holes 612a, 612b extending downward from the upper surface of the body 612. The biasing element accommodation holes are sized, formed, oriented, and otherwise configured to partially accommodate the biasing elements 670d, 670c, respectively. The lower side of the body 612 includes a curved object engagement surface 612c (however, this surface may be planar in other embodiments). Vertically extending slots 612d, 612e are formed in the opposing side surfaces of the body 612. Tooth engagement pins 616a, 616b are received in holes defined in the body 612 front and rear and are positioned to span the slots 612d, 612e, respectively.

[0025] The second object stopper portion 620 includes a main body 622 and a fitting protrusion 624 extending from the front surface of the main body 622. The main body 622 has cylindrical biasing element receiving holes 622a, 622b extending downward from the upper surface of the main body 622. The biasing element receiving holes are sized, formed, oriented, and otherwise configured to partially receive biasing elements 670b, 670a, respectively. The lower side of the main body 622 includes a curved object engaging surface 622c (however, this surface may be planar in other embodiments). The opposing side surfaces of the main body 622 have vertically extending slots 622d, 622e. Tooth engagement pins 626a, 626b are received in holes defined in the main body 612 front to back and are positioned to span the slots 622d, 622e, respectively.

[0026] The object stopper 605 is slidably attached to the central jaw connector 550. More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, the central jaw connector 550 includes a main body 552 and a neck portion 554 extending upward from the center of the main body 552. The main body 552 and the neck portion 554 form an object stopper attachment slot 556. Assembly elements 614, 624, object stopper fasteners 650, and object stopper attachment pins 660 are used to assemble the object stopper 605 so as to pass through the object stopper attachment slot 556. After assembly, the object stopper 605 is vertically movable relative to the central jaw connector 550 between an (upper) retracted position (FIG. 9A) and a (lower) blocking position (FIG. 9B) (and is restricted by the size of the object stopper attachment slot 556). A biasing element retainer 680 is attached to the central jaw connector 550 via a fastener 690 to hold the biasing elements 670a, 670b, 670c, 670d in place in the respective biasing element receiving holes 622b, 622a, 612b, 612a in the object stopper 605. The biasing elements 670 bias the object stopper 605 to the blocking position of the object stopper.

[0027] The object stopper lifting element 630 is operably connected to the object stopper 605 and, when the fixed assembly 500 is in its fixed position, maintains the object stopper 605 in the retracted position of the object stopper and prevents the object stopper 605 from interfering with the fixing element and the strap during strap insertion and strap tensioning. In the exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the object stopper lifting element 630 is a lever arm including a body having a first (attachment) end 632a, a second (free) end 632b, and a cam surface 632c extending between the first and second ends 632a, 632b. The object stopper lifting element 630 is pivotally attached to the second object stopper portion 620 at the first end 632a by a lifting element attachment pin 640. The object stopper lifting element 630 is pivotable relative to the object stopper 605 about the longitudinal axis of the lifting element attachment pin 640 (not shown). As best shown in FIGS. 8B, 9A, and 9B, after being attached to the object stopper 605, the object stopper lifting element 630 is positioned between the lip 506d of the rear cover 506 of the fixed assembly 500 and the first fixed assembly attachment element 390a. The cam surface 632c of the object stopper lifting element 630 engages and is seated on one of the lips 506d. The object stopper lifting element 630 is pivotable relative to the remainder of the support assembly 500 between a fixed position (FIG. 9B) and a lifted position (FIG. 9A).

[0028] The object stopper lifting element 630 is positioned and configured such that the position of the object stopper lifting element 630 partially controls the position of the object stopper 605. Specifically, when the object stopper lifting element 630 is in the lifted position, the object stopper lifting element 630 overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element 670 and applies a force to the object stopper 605 to maintain the object stopper 605 in the retracted position of the object stopper. Conversely, when the object stopper lifting element 630 is in the fixed position of the object stopper lifting element, the object stopper lifting element 630 does not apply this force to the object stopper 605, and the object stopper 605 is able to move between the retracted position and the blocking position of the object stopper. The biasing element 670 biases the object stopper lifting element 630 to the fixed position of the object stopper lifting element.

[0029] The position of the fixed assembly 500 controls the position of the object blocker lifting element 630 (and thus, partially, the position of the object blocker 605). As best shown in FIG. 9A, when the fixed assembly 500 is in the fixed position of the fixed assembly, the first fixed assembly attachment element 390a engages the object blocker lifting element 630 and pushes the object blocker lifting element 630 into the lifting position of the object blocker lifting element. Next, as described above, this pushes the object blocker 605 into the retracted position of the object blocker. When the fixed assembly 500 moves from the fixed position of the fixed assembly to the fixed position of the fixed assembly, a space is created between the lip portion 506 and the first fixed assembly attachment element 390a. When this space is created, the biasing element 670 forces the object blocker 605 to move towards the retracted position of the object blocker. Due to the pin connection to the object blocker 605, the object blocker lifting element 630 pivots such that the object blocker lifting element 630 remains in contact with the first fixed assembly attachment element 390a. FIG. 9B shows the object blocker lifting element 630 and the object blocker 605 after the object blocker lifting element 630 and the object blocker 605 have reached their respective fixed and blocking positions.

[0030] When the object blocker 605 is in the blocking position of the object blocker and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are in the fixed positions of the jaws, the object blocker 605 and the jaws are in a blocking arrangement. When these components are in the blocking arrangement, the object blocker 605 is defined between the pair of jaws 530, 538 and the pair of jaws 534, 542 and occupies most of the fixed element receiving space (not numbered) below the jaw connectors 546, 550, 566. As will be described in detail later, in response to the application of a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 670, the object blocker 605 moves from the blocking position of the object blocker to the retracted position of the object blocker and remains there until this force is removed. When in the retracted position of the object blocker, the object blocker 605 is not positioned in the fixed element receiving space so that the fixing element and the strap can be positioned there for fixing.

[0031] When the object stopper 605 and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are in the blocking arrangement and, if a fixing cycle (described below) is initiated, the jaws are configured to move the object stopper 605 towards the retracted position of the object stopper so as not to damage the jaw assembly 520 or any other component of the strapping tool 50 during the fixing cycle. Specifically, when the object stopper 605 is in the extended position, the upper teeth 530b, 534b, 538b, 542b of the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are adjacent to the pins 626b, 626a, 616b, 616a of the object stopper 605 respectively. When the jaws begin to pivot from their respective defined positions to their respective fixed positions, the upper teeth engage the respective pins. By the continuous movement of the jaws to their respective fixed positions, the upper teeth apply to the pins a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 670 and move the object stopper 605 towards the retracted position of the object stopper. When this is done, the lower teeth enter slots defined in the sides of the object stopper 605.

[0032] One problem with certain known strapping tools that use the jaws to crimp, or cut, the strap and (where applicable) the fixing element is that foreign objects can (inadvertently) enter the space between the jaws instead of, or in addition to, the strap and (where applicable) the fixing element. This is problematic for several reasons. The object can interfere with the operation of the strapping tool, and the joints formed through the interattachment of overlapping strap portions can have sub-optimal strength, resulting in unexpected joint failures and product losses. Further, the object can damage the jaws and / or other components of the fixing assembly during the fixing process, resulting in the need for tool repairs and downtime. Additionally, the fixing assembly can damage or break the object.

[0033] The object blocking assembly 600 solves this problem by excluding foreign objects or by preventing foreign objects from inadvertently entering the fixed element receiving space between the jaws. Specifically, when the fixing assembly 500 reaches the fixed position of the fixing assembly, if a free foreign object (e.g., the shaft of a screwdriver) is in the fixed element receiving space between the jaws, when the object blocker 605 moves from the retracted position of the object blocker to the blocking position of the object blocker, the object blocker 605 pushes the foreign object out of the fixed element receiving space. Once the object blocker 605 reaches the blocking position of the object blocker, a minimum space exists between the object blocker 605 and the lower teeth of the jaws, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the fixed element receiving space between the jaws.

[0034] Although not shown here, the cutting machine is positioned in a recess in the rear cover 506 (best shown in FIG. 5B), is movable within the recess of the rear cover 506, and is attached to the pivot pin 524. When the pivot pin 524 is moved downward, the pivot pin 524 pushes the cutting machine downward to cut the strap from the strap feeder, and when the pivot pin 524 is moved upward to the rear, the cutting machine moves upward to the rear.

[0035] The drive assembly 700, best shown in FIGS. 3A - 3D and FIGS. 12A - 14H, is operably connected and configured to rotate the tensioning wheel 440 to tension the strap, and is operably connected to the fixing assembly 500 to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other. The drive assembly 700 includes an actuator 710, a first transmission 720, a second transmission 730, a first belt 740, a third transmission 750, a second belt 760, and a conversion assembly 800.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 710 is a motor (herein referred to as motor 710), and in particular, a brushless DC motor including a motor output shaft (not numbered). (However, motor 710 may be any other suitable type of motor in other embodiments.) Motor 710 is operably connected and configured (via the motor output shaft) to drive a first transmission device 720 that selectively transmits the output of motor 710 to either the tension assembly 400 or the fixed assembly 500 (as will be described later). In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes a separate tension actuator and a fixed actuator that operate the tension assembly and the fixed assembly, rather than a single actuator configured to operate both the tension assembly and the fixed assembly.

[0037] The first transmission device 720 includes any suitable gear device and / or other components that selectively transmit the output of the motor 710 to the second transmission device 730 via the first belt 740, or to the third transmission device 750 via the second belt 760. More specifically, (1) the motor output shaft in the first rotational direction causes the first transmission device 720 to transmit the output of the motor 710 to the second transmission device 730 via the first belt 740 and not to the third transmission device 750, and (2) the motor output shaft in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction causes the first transmission device 720 to transmit the output of the motor 710 to the third transmission device 750 via the second belt 760 and not to the second transmission device 730. Thus, in this embodiment, a single motor (motor 710) is configured to operate both the tension assembly 400 and the fixed assembly 500.

[0038] To achieve this selective transmission of the motor output, the first transmission device 720 includes a first belt pulley (not numbered) attached to a first freewheel (not numbered) attached to the motor output shaft, and a second belt pulley (or other suitable gear device component) (not numbered) attached to a second freewheel (not numbered) attached to the motor output shaft. The first belt pulley is operably connected to the second transmission device 730 (via the first belt 740), and the second belt pulley is operably connected to the third transmission device 750 (via the second belt 760). When the motor output shaft rotates in the first rotational direction, (1) the first freewheel and the first belt pulley rotate with the motor output shaft, thereby transmitting the motor output to the second transmission device 730 via the first belt 740, and (2) the motor output shaft rotates freely via the second freewheel, and as a result, does not rotate the second belt pulley. Conversely, when the motor output shaft rotates in the second rotational direction, (1) the second freewheel and the second belt pulley rotate with the motor output shaft, thereby transmitting the motor output to the third transmission device 750 via the second belt 760, and (2) the motor output shaft rotates freely via the first freewheel, and as a result, does not rotate the first belt pulley. This is merely one example of an embodiment of the first transmission device 720, and other embodiments may include any other suitable components.

[0039] The second transmission device 730 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission device 720 to the tension assembly 400 such that the tension wheel 440 rotates. More specifically, the second transmission device 730 is configured to transmit the output of the first transmission device 720 to the tension assembly gear device of the tension assembly 400, where it rotates the tension shaft and the tension wheel 440. Accordingly, the motor 710 is operably coupled to the tension wheel 440 (via the first transmission device 720, the first belt 740, the second transmission device 730, the tension assembly gear device, and the tension shaft) and is configured to rotate the tension wheel 440. The second transmission device 730 may include any suitable components arranged in any suitable manner.

[0040] The third transmission device 750 transmits the output of the first transmission device 720 to the conversion assembly 800. The third transmission device 750 may include any suitable components arranged in any suitable manner (e.g., one or more gears and one or more shafts).

[0041] The conversion assembly 800 is configured to transmit the output of the third transmission device 750 to the fixed assembly 500 and execute a fixed cycle. This fixed cycle moves the fixed assembly from the fixed position of the fixed assembly to the fixed position of the fixed assembly, moves the jaws of the fixed assembly from the fixed position of the jaws to the fixed position of the jaws to cut the cuts in the fixing element and the strap, the jaws return to the fixed position of the jaws to release the cut fixing element and the strap, and the fixed assembly is moved back to the fixed position of the fixed assembly. By doing so, in this embodiment, the conversion assembly 800 is configured to convert a rotational output (rotation of the shaft and gears) into a linear output (reciprocating translational movement of the coupler).

[0042] The conversion assembly 800 is best shown in FIGS. 12A - 14H and includes a drive wheel 810, a bearing 815, a tubular shaft 820, a coupler fixture 830, a retaining ring 835, a conversion assembly coupler 840, and an effective length changing device 850.

[0043] As best shown in FIG. 12B, the drive wheel 810 includes a cylindrical base 812 and a disc-shaped head 814 positioned at the center of one end of the base 812. The coupler drive shaft 816 extends from the head 814 near the periphery of the head 814 (i.e., radially away from the longitudinal axis of the head 814). The coupler fixture 830 includes a disc-shaped base 832 that includes a first finger 832a extending radially outward. A disc-shaped head 834 is positioned at the center of one end of the base 832. A drive shaft mounting opening (not numbered) is defined through the base 832 and the head 834 and is radially away from the common longitudinal axis of the base 832 and the head 834. A second finger 834a extending radially inward extends in front of the drive shaft mounting opening. The coupler 840 includes a body 842 having an annular head 844 at one end and a foot 846 at the other end. A retaining tab 844a extends radially outward from the head 844.

[0044] As best shown in FIG. 3A, the base 812 of the drive wheel 810 is pivotally supported on the drive and conversion assembly mounting element 340 of the support 300 via a bearing 815 (a roller bearing in the exemplary embodiment), and the drive wheel 810 can rotate relative to the support 300 about a drive wheel rotation axis (not shown). As best shown in FIG. 12A, position the tubular shaft 820 on the coupler drive shaft 816 and receive the tubular shaft 820 in the drive shaft mounting opening in the coupler fixture 830 to attach the coupler fixture 830 to the drive wheel 810. Insert a retaining ring 835 into a groove (not numbered) defined around the coupler drive shaft 816 to hold these components in place. Once attached, the coupler fixture 830 is rotatable relative to the drive wheel 810 about a rotation axis A U (FIG. 12A) that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the coupler drive shaft 816. Receive the head 834 of the coupler fixture 830 in the head 844 of the coupler 840 to attach the coupler 840 to the coupler fixture 830. Once attached, the coupler 840 is rotatable relative to the coupler fixture 830 about the central axis (not shown) of the head 844.

[0045] As best shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C, the effective length changing device 850 includes a mounting bracket 852, a first fixed finger 856, and a second fixed finger 854. As best shown in FIG. 3A, the effective length changing device 850 is fixedly connected to the drive, conversion assembly mounting element 340 of the support 300 such that the effective length changing device 850 is fixed to the drive wheel 810, the coupler fixture 830, and the coupler 840.

[0046] Although not shown, a third transmission device 750 is operably connected to the drive wheel 810 (e.g., via a shaft and appropriate gearing) and is configured to rotate the drive wheel 810 about the drive wheel rotation axis. As best shown in FIGS. 3A, 13A, and 13B, the leg 846 of the coupler 840 is pivotally connected to the coupler 522 of the fixed assembly 500 such that the coupler 840 is pivotable relative to the coupler 522 about axis A L (FIG. 12A). Thus, the motor 710 is operably coupled to the fixed assembly 500 (via the third transmission device 750, the second belt 760, and the conversion assembly 800) and is configured to control the fixed assembly 500 to perform a fixed cycle as described below.

[0047] More specifically, rotation of the motor output shaft of the motor 710 in the second rotational direction rotates the second pulley of the first transmission device 720. The second belt 760 transmits the output of the first transmission device 720 (in this case, the rotation of the second pulley) to the third transmission device 750 and then to the conversion assembly 800. More specifically, the third transmission device 750 transmits the output of the first transmission device 720 to the drive wheel 810 of the conversion assembly 800 such that the drive wheel 810 rotates about the drive wheel rotation axis and supports the head 844 of the coupler 840 together with the drive wheel 810.

[0048] The drive wheel 810 has a fixed position (and can be detected by a fixed position sensor that communicates the drive wheel in this fixed position to the controller 1300). As best shown in FIG. 13A, when the drive wheel 810 is in the fixed position, i.e., when the foot portion 846 of the coupler 840 is in the fixed position of the foot portion (in the exemplary embodiment, the uppermost position of the foot portion), the fixed assembly 500 is in the fixed position of the fixed assembly, and the jaws 530, 534, 538, 542 are in their respective fixed positions for fixation. At the start of the fixing cycle, the drive wheel 810 begins to rotate from the fixed position of the drive wheel to the fixed position of the drive wheel (shown in FIG. 13B) (in the exemplary embodiment, counterclockwise). When the drive wheel 810 rotates, the coupler 840 applies a force to the coupler 522 that moves the fixed assembly 500 toward the fixed position of the fixed assembly. After the fixed assembly 500 reaches the fixed position of the fixed assembly, the continuous rotation of the drive wheel 810 causes the coupler 840 to push in the coupler 522 and move toward the jaws with respect to the front plate 502 and the rear plate 506 of the fixed assembly 500 (guided by the pivot pins 524 housed in the slots defined in the front and rear plates). This causes the downward movement of the upper ends of the first and second upper couplers 526, 528, and as a result, causes the outward movement of the lower ends of the first and second upper couplers 526, 528. This causes the outward movement of the upper part of the jaws. This causes the inward movement of the lower part of the jaws. In other words, this causes the jaws to pivot from their respective fixed positions to their respective fixed positions. When the foot portion 846 of the coupler 840 reaches the fixed position of the foot portion (in the exemplary embodiment, the lowermost position of the foot portion), the jaws are in their respective fixed positions. The continuous rotation of the drive wheel 810 back to the fixed position of the drive wheel reverses the above-described movement. The jaws return from their fixed positions to their fixed positions, and then the fixed assembly returns to the fixed position of the fixed assembly.

[0049] The components of the conversion assembly 800 have an effective length of the coupler 840 during the fixing cycle (axis A U and axis A LChange the distance D) between them, and (by increasing the effective length of the coupler 840) quickly move the fixed assembly 500 toward the fixed position of the fixed assembly. After the cut, (by decreasing the effective length of the coupler 840), the fixed assembly 500 is quickly moved back toward the fixed position of the fixed assembly and is configured by sizing, forming, positioning, orienting, and other methods. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the minimum effective length of the coupler 840 is D MIN and the maximum effective length of the coupler 840 is D MAX is.

[0050] FIGS. 14A-14H illustrate how the components of the conversion assembly 800 cooperate to change the effective length of the coupler 840 during the fixing cycle. At the start of the fixing cycle, as shown in FIG. 14A, the drive wheel 810 and the leg 846 of the coupler 840 are in their respective fixed positions. The drive wheel 810 begins to rotate from its fixed position to its fixed position of the drive wheel, and the second finger 834a of the head 834 of the coupler fixture 830 contacts the second fixed finger 854 of the effective length changing device 850. As the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate, due to the engagement between the second finger 834a and the second fixed finger 854, when the drive wheel 810 and the coupler 840 continue to rotate relative to the coupler fixture 830, the coupler fixture 830 remains fixed. As shown in FIG. 14B, when this occurs, the first finger 832a rotates relative to the coupler 840 toward the stop tab 844a of the head 844 of the coupler 840. This relative rotation of the coupler fixture 830 with respect to the coupler 840 combined with the eccentric attachment of the coupler fixture 830 to the drive wheel 810 causes the effective length of the coupler 840 to increase from D MIN . As shown in FIG. 14C, when the effective length of the coupler 840 reaches the maximum value D MAX and at the same time the first finger 832a reaches the stop tab 844a, the second finger 834a disengages from the second fixed finger 854. In an exemplary embodiment, at the same time as the effective length of the coupler 840 reaches the maximum value D MAX , the fixed assembly 500 reaches the fixed position of the fixed assembly.

[0051] The effective length of the coupler 840 is DMAX After reaching [a certain state], when the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate towards the fixed position of the drive wheel, as shown in FIG. 14D, the coupler 840 remains of the same effective length, and the jaw starts to move from the fixed position of the jaw to the fixed position of the jaw. FIG. 14E shows the drive wheel 810 at the fixed position of the drive wheel in that the jaw has reached the fixed position of the jaw and has cut into the fixing element and the strap. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14F, the continuous rotation of the drive wheel 810 brings the first finger 832a into contact with the first fixed finger 856 of the effective length changing device 850. When the drive wheel 810 continues to rotate back to the fixed position of the drive wheel, due to the engagement between the first finger 832a and the first fixed finger 856a, when the drive wheel 810 and the coupler 840 continue to rotate relative to the coupler fixture 830, the coupler fixture 830 remains fixed. As shown in FIG. 14G, when this occurs, the first finger 832a rotates relative to the coupler 840 away from the retaining tab 844a of the head 844 of the coupler 840. This relative rotation of the coupler fixture 830 with respect to the coupler 840 combined with the eccentric mounting of the coupler fixture 830 to the drive wheel 810 causes the effective length of the coupler 840 to decrease from D MAX to D MIN . As shown in FIG. 14H, when the effective length of the coupler 840 reaches the minimum value D MIN , at the same time, the first finger 832a disengages from the first fixed finger 856. In the exemplary embodiment, when the effective length of the coupler 840 reaches the minimum value D MIN , at the same time, the fixing assembly 500 reaches the fixed position of the fixing assembly.

[0052] Changing the effective length of the coupler 840 during the fixed cycle provides several benefits compared to prior art tools that use a coupler with a fixed effective length. Immediately after the start of the fixed cycle, the fixed assembly 500 reaches the fixed position of the fixed assembly, so that when the coupler drive shaft 816 rotates from the fixed position of the coupler drive shaft to the fixed position of the coupler drive shaft, more movement of the coupler drive shaft 816 (compared to prior art tools) is used to cut the notch in the fixed element and the strap. This means that less force is required to cut the notch. As a result, the components of the jaw assembly 520 (e.g., jaws, gears, couplers, etc.) are lighter (and in some cases, smaller) than the components of prior art tools, making this tool lighter (and in some cases, more compact) and thus easier to handle. Since less force is required to cut the notch, the amount of torque that the motor needs to supply is smaller than that of prior art tools, which means that the motor draws less current and is more efficient than prior art tools. Furthermore, this allows the motor to operate faster and thus increase the speed of the fixed cycle compared to prior art tools.

[0053] The gate assembly 1000, best shown in FIGS. 10A - 11B, is configured to facilitate easy insertion of the strap and is adjustable to accommodate straps of different thicknesses. The gate assembly 1000 includes a gate 1010 and a plurality of couplers 1012, 1014, 1016.

[0054] The gate 1010 is slidably received in a gate receiving recess 350 of a main body 310 of the support 300 and is held in the recess via a holding bracket (not shown for clarity). A strap receiving opening (not numbered) is formed between a lower portion of the gate 1010 and an upper surface of a leg portion 320 of the support 300. The gate 1010 is movable relative to the support 300 between a fixed position (Figs. 10A, 10B) and a retracted position (Figs. 11A, 11B). When in the fixed position, the gate 1010 is positioned relative to the leg portion 320 such that a height H1 of the strap receiving opening is equal to or greater than a thickness of a particular strap to be tensioned and fixed. When in the retracted position, the gate 1010 is positioned relative to the leg portion 320 such that a height H2 of the strap receiving opening is greater than the height H1. The position of the tension assembly 400 controls the position of the gate 1010.

[0055] The coupler 1016 is fixedly connected at one end to the tension assembly 400 and pivotably connected at the other end to one end of the coupler 1014. The other end of the coupler 1014 is pivotably connected to one end of the coupler 1012. The other end of the coupler 1012 is fixedly connected to the gate 1010. The couplers 1012, 1014, 1016 are configured by sizing, forming, positioning, orienting, and other means such that (1) when the tension assembly 400 is in a strap tension position, the gate 1010 is in the gate fixed position (the strap receiving opening has a height H1), and (2) when the tension assembly 400 is in a strap insertion position, the gate 1010 is in the gate retracted position (the strap receiving opening has a height H2). More specifically, when the tension assembly 400 is pivoted from the strap tension position to the strap insertion position, the coupler 1016 pivots counterclockwise. As a result, the coupler 1014 pivots clockwise, pushing in and moving upward the coupler 1012 and supporting the gate 1010 together with the coupler 1012.

[0056] One problem with certain known strapping tools is that it is difficult to insert the strap into the strapping tool. These known strapping tools include a gate positioned in front of a tensioning wheel such that during a tensioning cycle, a fixed body engages the gate, or the gate prevents the fixed body from contacting the tensioning wheel. The gate is fixedly positioned in place such that a strap receiving opening defined between a lower portion of the gate and an upper portion of a foot of the strapping tool (which positions the strap during operation) has a height equal to the thickness of the strap or slightly greater than the thickness of the strap. This prevents the strap from moving up and down during operation of the strapping tool. The problem is that it is difficult and time consuming for an operator to align the strap with the strap receiving opening and insert the strap into the strap receiving opening, which has a height that is at most slightly greater than the thickness of the strap.

[0057] The gate assembly 1000 of the present disclosure solves this problem by increasing the height of the strap receiving opening when moving the tensioning assembly 400 to the strap insertion position of the tensioning assembly. In other words, the tensioning assembly 400 is coupled to the gate 1010 (via a coupler) such that movement of the tensioning assembly 400 from the strap tensioning position to the strap insertion position causes the gate 1010 to move from the gate's fixed position to the gate's retracted position, expanding the strap receiving opening. This allows the operator to more easily insert the strap into the strap receiving opening, thereby streamlining the operation of the strapping tool.

[0058] Furthermore, the position of the gate 1010 relative to the foot portion 320 is variable. Specifically, the gate 1010 can be fixed to the coupler 1012 at any of several different vertical positions. By changing the vertical position of the gate 1010 relative to the coupler 1012, the operator can change the height H1 of the strap receiving opening when the gate 1010 is in a fixed position. For example, in this embodiment, the coupler 1012 is connected to the gate 1010 via one or more screws. The screws pass through elongated slots extending along the length of the gate 1010. To change the height H1 of the strap receiving opening when the gate 1010 is in the fixed position of the gate, the operator loosens the screws, slides the gate 1010 up or down relative to the coupler 1012 (utilizing the slots), and retightens the screws.

[0059] One problem with certain known strapping tools is that it takes time to reconfigure the strapping tool for different thicknesses of straps. To reconfigure the strapping tool for straps having different thicknesses, the operator needs to replace the existing gate with another gate sized for the new strap (e.g., a longer gate for a thinner strap or a shorter gate for a thicker strap). This requires the operator to partially disassemble the strapping tool, which not only causes downtime but also requires the operator to have different gates on hand, recognize when different gates are needed, and properly match the gates to different strap thicknesses. Using the wrong gate can cause failure or sub-optimal strapping operations (in the case of sub-optimal operations, sub-optimal joint strength).

[0060] The gate assembly 1000 of the present disclosure solves this problem by allowing an operator to change the position of the gate 1010 relative to the coupler 1012, and thus the height H1 of the strap receiving opening, when the gate 1010 is in its defined position. This improves prior art strapping tools by allowing an operator to quickly and easily move the gate, without the need to replace one gate with another, and to accommodate straps of different thicknesses.

[0061] The second handle assembly 1100 of the strapping tool 50 is movably attached to the support 300. In this example, the second handle assembly 1100 includes a second handle (not numbered) that is pivotally attached to the support 300 by a pivot assembly 1150 as shown in FIG. 4. The pivot assembly 1150 includes a pivot positioning ring having holes extending radially along its perimeter and a spring loaded ball assembly. The spring presses the ball into one of the holes to hold the handle in place. The operator can reposition the handle by pivoting the handle with sufficient force to press the ball in and move against the spring force out of the hole. By continuously pivoting the handle, eventually the spring presses the ball into another one of the holes. The spring force can be adjusted with a screw plug or other suitable component.

[0062] The display assembly 1200 includes a suitable display screen having a touch panel. The display screen is configured to display information (at least in this embodiment) regarding the strapping tool, and the touch screen is configured to receive operator input. A display controller may control the display screen and the touch panel, and in these embodiments, the display controller is communicatively connected to the controller 1300, transmits signals to the controller 1300, and receives signals from the controller 1300.

[0063] The controller 1300 includes a processing device communicatively connected to a memory device. For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. The processing device may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a digital signal processor, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits and / or state machines (but not limited thereto), or any other suitable processing device. The memory device may include, for example, read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media (e.g., integrated hard disk and / or removable memory), magneto-optical media, and / or optical media (but not limited thereto), or any other suitable memory device. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the strapping tool 50. The controller 1300 is communicatively and operably connected to the motor 710 and the display assembly 1200, and is configured to receive signals from these components and control these components. Further, the controller 1300 may be communicatively connectable to an external device (e.g., a computing device) (e.g., via WiFi (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, near-field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocols) to transmit information to and receive information from the external device.

[0064] Power supply 1400 is electrically connected (via appropriate wiring and other components) to some of the components of strapping tool 50 including motor 710, display assembly 1200, and controller 1300, and is configured to supply power to some of the components of strapping tool 50. Power supply 1400 is, in an exemplary embodiment, a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium ion or nickel cadmium battery), although in other embodiments, any other suitable power supply may be used. Power supply 1400 is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be received within a container (not numbered) defined by the rear housing portion 120 of housing 100. The strapping tool includes one or more battery fixing devices (not shown) to releasably lock power supply 1400 in place when received within the container. Actuation of the release device of strapping tool 110 or power supply 1400 unlocks power supply 1400 from rear housing portion 120, and the operator can remove power supply 1400 from rear housing portion 120.

[0065] (1) The use of strapping tool 50 to perform a strapping cycle in which strapping tool 50 tensions strap S around load L, and (2) a strapping cycle that includes a fixing cycle in which strapping tool 50 positions a fixing element SE around the overlapping upper and lower portions of strap S and cuts through both the upper and lower portions of the strap itself to cut the strap from the strap feeder will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A - 16C. First, tension assembly 400 is in the strap tension position of the tension assembly, fixing assembly 500 is in the fixed position of the fixing assembly, the jaws are in each fixed position of the jaws, object stopper 605 is in the retracted position of the object stopper, drive wheel 810 is in the fixed position of the drive wheel, rocker lever 910 is in the fixed position of the rocker lever, and gate 1010 is in the fixed position of the gate.

[0066] The operator first pulls the tip of the strap S from a strap feeder (not shown) and passes the tip of the strap S through the fixing element SE. While holding the fixing element SE, the operator wraps the strap around the load L, positions the tip of the strap S under another part of the strap S, and passes the tip of the strap S through the fixing element SE again. Then, the fixing element SE is positioned around the overlapping upper and lower parts of the strap S. Next, the operator bends the tip of the strap S backward and slides the fixing element SE along the strap S until the fixing element SE contacts the bent portion. FIG. 15 shows the positions of the bent portion and the fixing element SE at this point.

[0067] Next, the operator pulls the rocker lever 910 from the fixed position of the rocker lever to the operating position of the rocker lever. As a result, the tension assembly 400 moves from the strap tension position of the tension assembly to the strap insertion position of the tension assembly, and the gate 1010 moves from the fixed position of the gate to the strap insertion position of the gate, thereby expanding the strap receiving opening to a height H2. Next, the operator introduces the upper part of the strap S into the strap receiving opening behind the fixing element SE such that the upper part of the strap S is between the tension wheel 440 and the roller 380 of the foot 320 of the support 300. Next, the operator manually pulls the strap S to eliminate slack and pushes the strapping tool 50 toward the fixing element SE until the fixing element SE engages the gate 1010 and is captured between the bent portion in the lower part of the strap S and the gate 1010. As shown in FIG. 16A, at this point, the fixing element SE is under the object stopper 605.

[0068] Next, the operator releases the rocker lever 910, as a result of which the tension assembly biasing element can bias the tension assembly 400 back to the strap tension position. Thereby, the tension wheel 440 engages the upper portion of the strap S and clamps the upper portion of the strap S against the roller 380. At this point, the lower portion of the strap S is below the foot 320. Due to the movement of the tension assembly 400 back to the strap tension position, the gate 1010 returns to its fixed position, in which the gate 1010 just touches the upper portion of the strap or is directly above the upper portion of the strap.

[0069] Next, the operator activates an input device (which may be a mechanical push button (not shown) or a specific area of the touch screen of the display assembly 1200 that defines a virtual button) to start the strapping cycle. Upon receipt of the operator input, the controller 1300 starts the tensioning cycle by controlling the motor 710 to start rotating the motor output shaft in a first rotational direction, as a result of which the tension wheel 440 starts to rotate. When the tension wheel 440 rotates, the tension wheel 440 pulls the upper portion of the strap S, thereby tensioning the strap S around the load L. Throughout the tensioning cycle, the controller 1300 monitors the current drawn by the motor 710. When this current reaches a preset value that correlates with a preset tension level set for this strapping cycle, the controller 1300 stops the motor 710, thereby ending the tensioning cycle. The preset tension level may be set by the operator via the input device of the tool 50.

[0070] Next, the controller 1300 starts a fixed cycle by controlling the motor 710 to begin rotating the motor output shaft in a second rotational direction. As described in detail above, thereby, the fixed assembly 500 moves to the fixed position of the fixed assembly. When the fixed assembly 500 moves to the fixed position of the fixed assembly, the object blocker lifting element 630 releases the object blocker 605 and moves toward the blocking position of the object blocker. As shown in FIG. 16B, the object blocker 605 contacts the fixed element SE, is pushed in, and is held in place by the fixed element SE. When in the fixed position of the fixed assembly, the fixed assembly 500 is positioned relative to the fixed element SE such that the fixed element SE is within the fixed element receiving space of the fixed assembly 500. After the fixed assembly 500 reaches the fixed position of the fixed assembly, the jaws (1) pivot from each fixed position of the jaws to each fixed position of the jaws as shown in FIG. 16C, cut the cuts in the fixed element SE and the upper and lower portions of the strap S within the fixed element SE, and then (2) pivot back from each fixed position of the jaws to each fixed position of the jaws to remove the strapping tool 50 from the strap S. FIG. 17 shows the cut fixed element SE and the strap S.

[0071] Although the fixed assembly includes jaws configured to cut into the fixed element and attach the two portions of the strap to the strap itself, the fixed assembly may include other fixing mechanisms (e.g., a friction welding assembly or a seal-less attachment assembly) in other embodiments.

[0072] Other embodiments of the strapping tool may include fewer assemblies than the assembly included in the above-described strapping tool 50 shown in the drawings. For example, other strapping tools can include one of a conversion assembly, an object blocking assembly, and a gate assembly. Further, the strapping tool may include two of the conversion assembly, the object blocking assembly, and the gate assembly. In other words, although the strapping tool 50 includes all three of these assemblies, these assemblies are independent of each other and may be included independently of other strapping tools.

[0073] In various embodiments, the strapping tool of the present disclosure includes a support, a tension assembly attached to the support and movable relative to the support between a tension assembly strap tensioning position and a tension assembly strap insertion position, and a gate movable relative to the support between a gate fixed position and a gate strap insertion position. The height of the strap receiving opening defined between the gate and the support is a first height when the gate is in the gate fixed position, and a second height higher than the first height when the gate is in the gate strap insertion position. The tension assembly is operably connected to the gate such that movement of the tension assembly from the tension assembly strap tensioning position to the tension assembly strap insertion position causes the gate to move from the gate fixed position to the gate strap insertion position.

[0074] In certain such embodiments, the gate is attached to the support.

[0075] In certain such embodiments, the support has a gate receiving recess that positions at least a portion of the gate.

[0076] In certain such embodiments, the strapping tool further includes one or more connectors that operably connect the tension assembly to the gate.

[0077] In certain such embodiments, the one or more connectors include a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. The first connector is fixedly connected to the tension assembly at a first end and pivotally connected to a first end of the second connector at a second end. The second end of the second connector is pivotally connected to a first end of the third connector. The second end of the third connector is fixedly connected to the gate.

[0078] In certain such embodiments, moving the tension assembly from the tension assembly strap tensioning position to the tension assembly strap insertion position causes the second connector to rotate, thereby pushing the gate and moving it to the gate strap insertion position.

[0079] In certain such embodiments, the tension assembly is pivotable relative to the support between a tension assembly strap tension position and a tension assembly strap insertion position.

[0080] In certain such embodiments, the gate is repositionable relative to one or more connectors to change a first height.

[0081] In other embodiments, the strapping tool of the present disclosure includes a support and a fixed assembly attached to the support, the fixed assembly including a plurality of jaws and an object stopper between the jaws, and a fixed assembly movable relative to the jaws between an object stopper blocking position and an object stopper retracted position, and a drive assembly operably coupled to the fixed assembly to pivot the jaws from each jaw positioning position to each jaw fixing position. The jaws form a fixed element receiving space between the jaws. The object stopper is within the fixed element receiving space when in the object stopper blocking position. The object stopper is removed from the fixed element receiving space when in the object stopper retracted position.

[0082] In certain such embodiments, the fixed assembly further includes a biasing element that biases the object stopper to the object stopper blocking position.

[0083] In certain such embodiments, the object stopper has a biasing element receiving opening that houses at least a portion of the biasing element.

[0084] In certain such embodiments, the fixed assembly further includes a biasing element retainer that holds the biasing element in the biasing element receiving opening.

[0085] In certain such embodiments, when the object stopper is in the object stopper blocking position and the jaws move from the jaw positioning position to the jaw fixing position, at least one of the jaws engages the object stopper and drives the object stopper toward the object stopper retracted position.

[0086] In such a particular embodiment, the fixed assembly is operably connected to the object stopper and further includes an object stopper lifting element that is movable relative to the object stopper between a lifting element fixed position and a lifting element lifted position. The object stopper is in an object stopper retracted position when the object stopper lifting element is in the lifting element lifted position.

[0087] In such a particular embodiment, the object stopper is movable between an object stopper retracted position and an object stopper blocking position when the object stopper lifting element is in the lifting element fixed position.

[0088] In such a particular embodiment, the fixed assembly is movable relative to the support between a fixed assembly fixed position and a fixed assembly positioned position. The object stopper lifting element is in the lifting element lifted position when the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly positioned position. The object stopper lifting element is biased to the lifting element fixed position when the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly fixed position.

[0089] In such a particular embodiment, the fixed assembly further includes a biasing element that biases the object stopper to the object stopper blocking position and biases the object stopper lifting element to the lifting element fixed position.

[0090] In such a particular embodiment, the fixed assembly is attached to the support by a fixed assembly attachment element. The fixed assembly includes a cover that includes a lip. The object stopper lifting element includes a cam surface. The cam surface engages the lip so as to restrain the object stopper lifting element between the lip and the fixed assembly attachment element.

[0091] In such a particular embodiment, the fixed assembly further includes a central jaw connector. The jaws include a first pair of jaws and a second pair of jaws. The jaws of the first and second pairs of jaws are pivotally attached to the central jaw connector. The central jaw connector is positioned between the first pair of jaws and the second pair of jaws.

[0092] In certain such embodiments, the object stopper is movably attached to the central jaw connector.

[0093] Other embodiments of the strapping tool of the present disclosure include a support, a fixed assembly attached to the support and movable relative to the support between a fixed assembly positioning position and a fixed assembly securing position, the fixed assembly including a plurality of jaws pivotable from each jaw positioning position to each jaw securing position, and a conversion assembly operably connected to the fixed assembly and configured to move the fixed assembly between the fixed assembly positioning position and the fixed assembly securing position and configured to move the jaws between the jaw positioning position and the jaw securing position, the conversion assembly being configured to change the effective length of the connector while moving the fixed assembly from the fixed assembly positioning position and the fixed assembly securing position, and a drive assembly operably connected to the conversion assembly and configured to drive the connector.

[0094] In certain such embodiments, the conversion assembly further includes a drive wheel including a drive shaft radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. The drive assembly is operably connected to the drive wheel and configured to rotate the drive wheel. The connector is attached to the drive shaft.

[0095] In certain such embodiments, the conversion assembly further includes a connector fixture attached to the drive shaft and rotatable relative to the drive shaft. The connector is attached to the connector fixture and rotatable relative to the connector fixture.

[0096] In certain such embodiments, the effective length of the connector is a minimum effective length when the connector fixture is in a first rotational position relative to the connector and a maximum effective length when the connector fixture is in a second different rotational position relative to the connector.

[0097] In such a particular embodiment, the coupler fixture further includes first and second fingers. The conversion assembly further includes an effective length change device fixed to the drive wheel, a coupler, and a coupler fixture. The effective length change device includes first and second fixed fingers.

[0098] In such a particular embodiment, the effective length change device is attached to the support.

[0099] In such a particular embodiment, during rotation of the drive wheel from the drive wheel fixed position to the drive wheel reference position, the second finger engages the second fixed finger, the coupler fixture rotates relative to the coupler, and the first and second fixed fingers are positioned such that the effective length of the coupler is increased.

[0100] In such a particular embodiment, during rotation of the drive wheel from the drive wheel reference position to the drive wheel fixed position, the first finger engages the first fixed finger, the coupler fixture rotates relative to the coupler, and the first and second fixed fingers are positioned such that the effective length of the coupler is decreased.

[0101] In such a particular embodiment, when the effective length of the coupler is the minimum effective length, the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly reference position and the jaws are in the jaw reference position.

[0102] In such a particular embodiment, when the effective length of the coupler is the maximum effective length, the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly fixed position and the jaws are in the jaw fixed position. Some aspects of the present invention are described below. [Aspect 1] A support, A tension assembly attached to the support and movable relative to the support between a tension assembly strap tension position and a tension assembly strap insertion position, A gate movable relative to the support between a gate fixed position and a gate strap insertion position, wherein a height of a strap receiving opening defined between the gate and the support is a first height when the gate is in the gate fixed position, and is a second height higher than the first height when the gate is in the gate strap insertion position, and comprising a gate. A strapping tool in which the tension assembly is operably connected to the gate such that movement of the tension assembly from the tension assembly strap tension position to the tension assembly strap insertion position causes the gate to move from the gate fixed position to the gate strap insertion position. [Aspect 2] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein the gate is attached to the support. [Aspect 3] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, wherein the support has a gate receiving recess for positioning at least a part of the gate. [Aspect 4] The strapping tool according to aspect 1, further comprising one or more connectors for operably connecting the tension assembly to the gate. [Aspect 5] The one or more connectors include a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. The first connector is fixedly connected to the tension assembly at a first end, pivotally connected to a first end of the second connector at a second end, a second end of the second connector is pivotally connected to a first end of the third connector, and a second end of the third connector is fixedly connected to the gate. The strapping tool according to aspect 4. [Aspect 6] The strapping tool according to aspect 5, wherein moving the tension assembly from the tension assembly strap tension position to the tension assembly strap insertion position causes the second connector to rotate, thereby pushing the gate and moving it to the gate strap insertion position. [Aspect 7] The strapping tool according to aspect 6, wherein the tension assembly is pivotable relative to the support between the tension assembly strap tension position and the tension assembly strap insertion position. [Aspect 8] The strapping tool according to aspect 4, wherein the gate is repositionable relative to the one or more connectors to change the first height. [Aspect 9] A support, A fixed assembly attached to the support, the fixed assembly including a plurality of jaws and an object stopper between the jaws, the fixed assembly being movable relative to the jaws between an object stopper blocking position and an object stopper retracted position, A drive assembly operably coupled to the fixed assembly for pivoting the jaws from respective jaw set positions to respective jaw fixed positions, The jaws have a fixed element receiving space therebetween, The object stopper is within the fixed element receiving space when in the object stopper blocking position, The object stopper is removed from the fixed element receiving space when in the object stopper retracted position. The strapping tool. [Aspect 10] The strapping tool according to aspect 9, wherein the fixed assembly further includes a biasing element for biasing the object stopper to the object stopper blocking position. [Aspect 11] The strapping tool according to aspect 10, wherein the object stopper has a biasing element receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the biasing element. [Aspect 12] The strapping tool according to aspect 11, wherein the fixed assembly further includes a biasing element retainer for retaining the biasing element in the biasing element receiving opening. [Aspect 13] When the object stopper is in the object stopper blocking position and the jaws move from the jaw set positions to the jaw fixed positions, at least one of the jaws engages the object stopper and drives the object stopper toward the object stopper retracted position. The strapping tool according to aspect 9. [Aspect 14] The fixed assembly is operably connected to the object stopper and further includes an object stopper lifting element that is movable relative to the object stopper between a lifting element fixed position and a lifting element lifted position. When the object stopper lifting element is in the lifting element lifted position, the object stopper is in the object stopper retracted position. The strapping tool according to aspect 9. [Aspect 15] The object stopper is movable between the object stopper retracted position and the object stopper blocking position when the object stopper lifting element is in the lifting element fixed position. The strapping tool according to aspect 14. [Aspect 16] The fixed assembly is movable relative to the support between a fixed assembly fixed position and a fixed assembly positioned position. When the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly positioned position, the object stopper lifting element is in the lifting element lifted position. When the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly fixed position, the object stopper lifting element is biased to the lifting element fixed position. The strapping tool according to aspect 15. [Aspect 17] The fixed assembly further includes a biasing element that biases the object stopper to the object stopper blocking position and biases the object stopper lifting element to the lifting element fixed position. The strapping tool according to aspect 16. [Aspect 18] The fixed assembly is attached to the support by a fixed assembly attachment element. The fixed assembly includes a cover that includes a lip. The object stopper lifting element includes a cam surface. The cam surface engages the lip so as to restrain the object stopper lifting element between the lip and the fixed assembly attachment element. The strapping tool according to aspect 16. [Aspect 19] The fixed assembly further includes a central jaw connector. The jaws include a first pair of jaws and a second pair of jaws. The jaws of the first and second pairs of jaws are pivotally attached to the central jaw connector. The central jaw connector is positioned between the first pair of jaws and the second pair of jaws. The strapping tool according to aspect 9. [Aspect 20] The object stopper is the strapping tool according to Aspect 19, which is movably attached to the central jaw connector. [Aspect 21] A support, A fixed assembly that is attached to the support and is movable relative to the support between a fixed assembly positioning position and a fixed assembly fixing position, the fixed assembly including a plurality of jaws pivotable from each jaw positioning position to each jaw fixing position; A conversion assembly operably connected to the fixed assembly and configured to move the fixed assembly between the fixed assembly positioning position and the fixed assembly fixing position and to move the jaws between the jaw positioning position and the jaw fixing position, the conversion assembly including a connector for changing the effective length of the connector while moving the fixed assembly from the fixed assembly positioning position and the fixed assembly fixing position; A strapping tool comprising a drive assembly operably connected to the conversion assembly and driving the connector. [Aspect 22] The conversion assembly further includes a drive wheel including a drive shaft radially separated from the rotation axis of the drive wheel, the drive assembly being operably connected to the drive wheel and configured to rotate the drive wheel, and the connector being attached to the drive shaft. The strapping tool according to Aspect 21. [Aspect 23] The conversion assembly further includes a connector fixture attached to the drive shaft and rotatable relative to the drive shaft, the connector being attached to the connector fixture and rotatable relative to the connector fixture. The strapping tool according to Aspect 22. [Aspect 24] The effective length of the connector is a minimum effective length when the connector fixture is in a first rotational position relative to the connector, and is a maximum effective length when the connector fixture is in a second different rotational position relative to the connector. The strapping tool according to Aspect 23. [Aspect 25] The connector fixture further includes first and second finger portions, and the conversion assembly further includes an effective length changing device fixed to the drive wheel, the connector, and the connector fixture. The strapping tool according to aspect 24, wherein the effective length changing device includes first and second fixed finger portions. [Aspect 26] The strapping tool according to aspect 25, wherein the effective length changing device is attached to the support. [Aspect 27] During rotation of the drive wheel from the drive wheel fixed position to the drive wheel positioning position, the second finger portion engages the second fixed finger portion, the connector fixture rotates with respect to the connector, and the first and second fixed finger portions are positioned so as to increase the effective length of the connector. The strapping tool according to aspect 25. [Aspect 28] During rotation of the drive wheel from the drive wheel fixed position to the drive wheel positioning position, the first finger portion engages the first fixed finger portion, the connector fixture rotates with respect to the connector, and the first and second fixed finger portions are positioned so as to decrease the effective length of the connector. The strapping tool according to aspect 24. [Aspect 29] When the effective length of the connector is the minimum effective length, the fixing assembly is in the fixing assembly positioning position, and the jaw portion is in the jaw portion positioning position. The strapping tool according to aspect 24. [Aspect 30] When the effective length of the connector is the maximum effective length, the fixing assembly is in the fixing assembly fixed position, and the jaw portion is in the jaw portion fixed position. The strapping tool according to aspect 29.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0103] 50 Strapping tool 110 Front housing portion 120 Rear housing portion 130 Connector housing portion 140 Fixed handle 200 Working assembly 280 Roller 300 Support 310 Main Body 320 Foot 330 Tension Assembly Attachment Element 340 Drive and Conversion Assembly Attachment Element 350 Gate Accommodation Recess 372a Tongue 372b Tongue 374a Tongue 374b Tongue 380 Roller 390a Element 390b Element 400 Tension Assembly 410 Tension Assembly Housing 440 Tension Wheel 500 Fixing Assembly 502 Front Cover 506 Rear Cover 506 Lip 506a Base 506b Wing 506c Wing 506d Lip 512 Connector 514 Connector 516 Connector 518 Connector 520 Jaw Assembly 522 Coupler 524 Pivot Pin 526 First Upper Connector 528 Second Upper Connector 530 First Inner Jaw 530a Lower Teeth 530b Upper Teeth 534 Second Inner Jaw 534a Lower Teeth 534b Upper Teeth 538 First Outer Jaw 538a Lower Teeth 538b Upper Teeth 542 Second Outer Jaw 542a Lower Teeth 542b Upper Teeth 546 Inner Jaw Connector 550 Central Jaw Connector 552 Body 554 Head 556 Pivot Pin 558 Pivot Pin 566 Outer Jaw Connector 600 Object Blocking Assembly 605 Object Blocker 610 First Object Blocking Body Part 612 Body 612a Cylindrical Biasing Element Accommodating Hole 612b Cylindrical Biasing Element Accommodating Hole 612c Curved Object Engaging Surface 612d Slot 612e Slot 614 Fitting Protrusion 616a Tooth Engaging Pin 616b Tooth Engaging Pin 620 Second Object Blocking Body Part 622 Body 622a Cylindrical Biasing Element Accommodating Hole 622b Cylindrical Biasing Element Accommodating Hole 622c Curved Object Engaging Surface 622d Slot 622e Slot 624 Fitting Protrusion 626a Tooth Engaging Pin 626b Tooth Engaging Pin 630 Object Blocker Lifting Element 632a First End 632b Second End 632c Racking Surface 640 Lifting Element Mounting Pin 650 Object Blocker Fastener 660 Object Blocker Mounting Pin 670 Biasing Element 670a Biasing Element 670b Biasing Element 670c Biasing Element 670d Biasing Element 680 Biasing Element Retainer 690 Fastener 700 Driving Assembly 710 Motor 720 First transmission device 730 Second transmission device 740 First belt 750 Third transmission device 760 Second belt 800 Conversion assembly 810 Driving wheel 812 Cylindrical base 814 Disk-shaped head 815 Bearing 816 Connector drive shaft 820 Tubular shaft 830 Connector fixture 832 Disk-shaped base 832a First finger part 834 Disk-shaped head 834a Second finger part 835 Retaining ring 840 Conversion assembly connector 842 Body 844 Annular head 844a Tab 846 Foot part 850 Effective length change device 852 Bracket 854 Second fixed finger part 856 First fixed finger part 856a First fixed finger part 900 Rocker lever assembly 910 Rocker lever 920 Spring clutch assembly 1000 Gate assembly 1010 Gate 1012 Connector 1014 Connector 1016 Connector 1100 Second handle assembly 1150 Pivoting assembly 1200 Display assembly 1300 Controller 1400 Power supply

Claims

1. A support body, A fixing assembly attached to the support body and movable relative to the support body between a fixing assembly positioning position and a fixing assembly fixing position, the fixing assembly including a plurality of jaws pivotable from respective jaw positioning positions to respective jaw fixing positions; A conversion assembly operably connected to the fixing assembly and configured to move the fixing assembly between the fixing assembly positioning position and the fixing assembly fixing position and to move the jaws between their respective jaw positioning positions and jaw fixing positions, the conversion assembly including a connector whose effective length is changed while moving the fixing assembly from the fixing assembly positioning position and the fixing assembly fixing position; A strapping tool comprising the conversion assembly operably connected to the conversion assembly and driving the connector.

2. The conversion assembly further includes a driving wheel including a driving shaft radially spaced from the rotation axis of the driving wheel, the driving assembly being operably connected to the driving wheel and configured to rotate the driving wheel, the connector being attached to the driving shaft, the strapping tool according to claim 1.

3. The conversion assembly further includes a connector attachment member attached to the driving shaft and rotatable relative to the driving shaft, the connector being attached to the connector attachment member and rotatable relative to the connector attachment member, the strapping tool according to claim 2.

4. The effective length of the connector is a minimum effective length when the connector attachment member is in a first rotational position relative to the connector and is a maximum effective length when the connector attachment member is in a second different rotational position relative to the connector, the strapping tool according to claim 3.

5. The connector attachment member further includes first and second fingers, the conversion assembly further including an effective length changing device fixed to the driving wheel, the connector, and the connector attachment member, the effective length changing device including first and second fixed fingers, the strapping tool according to claim 4.

6. The effective length changing device is attached to the support body, the strapping tool according to claim 5.

7. During rotation of the drive wheel from the drive wheel fixed position to the drive wheel set position, the second finger engages the second fixed finger, the coupler fixture rotates relative to the coupler, and the first and second fixed fingers are positioned so as to increase the effective length of the coupler. The strapping tool according to claim 5.

8. During rotation of the drive wheel from the drive wheel fixed position to the drive wheel set position, the first finger engages the first fixed finger, the coupler fixture rotates relative to the coupler, and the first and second fixed fingers are positioned so as to decrease the effective length of the coupler. The strapping tool according to claim 7.

9. When the effective length of the coupler is the minimum effective length, the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly set position and the jaws are in the jaw set position. The strapping tool according to claim 4.

10. When the effective length of the coupler is the maximum effective length, the fixed assembly is in the fixed assembly fixed position and the jaws are in the jaw fixed position. The strapping tool according to claim 9.

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