Strapping device with a movable motor

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a strapping tool with a motor housed within the housing of the strapping tool and driving a drive gear in driving engagement with a driven gear. The driven gear is operably connected to a tensioning assembly and drives a tensioning wheel of the tensioning assembly to pull a strap pinched between the tensioning wheel and a tensioning plate on a support of the strapping wheel. The tensioning assembly is pivotally mounted to the support to allow an operator to pivot the tensioning wheel away from the tensioning plate to make room for the strap (or remove the strap). The motor is movable relative to the housing and tensioning assembly such that when the tensioning assembly pivots relative to the support, the motor moves relative to the housing and tensioning assembly and the drive gear maintains driving engagement with the driven gear.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claim This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 268,082, filed February 16, 2022, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a strapping device, and more particularly to a strapping device configured to tension a strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a taut strap loop around the load. [Background technology]

[0003] The strapping device is configured to tension the strap around a load and attach overlapping portions of the strap to each other to form a tensioned strap loop around the load. A battery-powered strapping tool is one type of strapping device. To form a taut strap loop around a load using one of these strapping tools, an operator first pulls a strap tip from a strap dispenser, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the strap tip under another portion of the strap. The operator then introduces one or more of these overlapping strap portions (depending on the type of strapping tool) into the strapping tool and actuates one or more buttons to initiate (1) a tensioning cycle in which a tensioning assembly pulls the strap around the load, and (2) a sealing cycle in which, after the tensioning cycle is complete, a sealing assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to each other (thereby forming a taut strap loop around the load) and a separation assembly severs the strap from the strap dispenser.

[0004] The manner in which the strapping tool attaches the overlapping portions of the strap to one another during the sealing cycle depends on the type of strapping tool and the type of strap. Particular strapping tools configured for plastic straps (e.g., polypropylene straps or polyester straps) include friction welders, heated blades, or ultrasonic welders that attach the overlapping portions of the strap to one another. Some strapping tools configured for plastic or metal straps (e.g., steel straps) include jaws that attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another by mechanically deforming (referred to in the strapping industry as "crimping") or cutting (referred to in the strapping industry as "notching") notches into a sealing element positioned around the overlapping portions of the strap. Other strapping tools configured for metal straps include punches and dies that are configured to form a set of mechanical interlocking notches in the overlapping portions of the strap to attach the overlapping portions of the strap to one another (referred to in the strapping industry as "sealless" attachment).

[0005] Because strapping tool operators use handheld strapping tools hundreds of times each day, there is a continuing need to make strapping tools as light as possible (without sacrificing performance) and to balance the weight of the strapping tool to facilitate ease of use and reduce operator fatigue. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool with a motor housed within a housing of the strapping tool and driving a drive gear that drivingly engages a driven gear. The driven gear is operably connected to the tensioning assembly and drives a tensioning wheel of the tensioning assembly to pull the strap sandwiched between the tensioning wheel and a tensioning plate on the support of the strapping wheel. The tensioning assembly is pivotally mounted to the support to allow an operator to pivot the tensioning wheel away from the tensioning plate to make room for the strap (or remove the strap). The motor is movable relative to the housing and tensioning assembly such that when the tensioning assembly rotates relative to the support, the motor moves relative to the housing and tensioning assembly and the drive gear maintains driving engagement with the driven gear. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a strapping tool of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of certain components of the strapping tool of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B securing a load to a pallet; FIG. [Figure 2B] 1A and 1B securing a load to a pallet; FIG. [Figure 2C] 1A and 1B securing a load to a pallet; FIG. [Figure 2D] 1B is a perspective view of a sealless joint formed by the strapping tool of FIG. 1A to attach two overlapping portions of a strap. FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a working assembly of the strapping tool of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a working assembly of the strapping tool of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3C]3C is a partial side view of the actuation assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing upper and lower strap portions extending between the die assembly and the support, and between the tensioning wheel and the support, of the sealing assembly. FIG. [Figure 4A] 1A and 1B with a portion of the front housing section of the housing removed and the tensioning assembly in a strap tensioning position. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a partial side view similar to FIG. 4A, but with the tensioning assembly in the strap insertion position. [Figure 5A] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a tensioning assembly gearing and tensioning wheel of the tensioning assembly of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the tensioning assembly gearing and tensioning wheel of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the tensioning assembly gear and tensioning wheel of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a disconnection assembly of the actuation assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the disconnect assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] 6C is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B taken along line 6C-6C of FIG. 3B extending through the disconnection assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a motor assembly of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the actuation assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3B and extending through the transmission assembly of the motor assembly and working assembly of FIG. 7; [Figure 9A]FIG. 1C is a partial side view of the strapping tool of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the front housing section, motor housing section, rear housing section, and portions of the handle housing section removed, the tensioning assembly in its strap tensioning position, and the motor assembly in its strap tensioning configuration. [Figure 9B] Similar to FIG. 9A, but the tensioning assembly is between its strap tensioning position and the strap insertion position, and the tensioning assembly and motor assembly are between its strap tensioning position and the strap insertion configuration. [Figure 9C] Similar to FIG. 9A, but with the tensioning assembly in its strap insertion position and the motor assembly in its strap insertion configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of forms, the drawings show, and the specification describes, specific, exemplary, non-limiting embodiments. Not all of the components shown in the drawings and described in the specification are required; particular implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. Changes can be made in the arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and materials of components, and the manner in which components are connected without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any directions referenced in the specification reflect the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, terms referring to methods of attachment, such as "attached," "connected," etc., are not intended to be limited to direct attachment methods, but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably attached and connected methods of attachment of the same. This specification is intended to be viewed as a whole, interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, and understood by those skilled in the art.

[0009] 1A-9C illustrate one example embodiment of a strapping device of the present invention in the form of a strapping tool 50 (sometimes referred to as a "tool" in the detailed description for brevity), illustrating certain assemblies and components thereof. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the strapping tool 50 performs a strapping cycle to tension and seal a strap S (in this embodiment, a metal strap) around a load L on a pallet P, forming a tensioned strap loop to secure the load L to the pallet P. As shown in FIG. 2A, an operator draws a strap S from a strap supply (not shown), wraps the strap around the load L, and threads it through an opening in the pallet P until the lower portion LP of the strap S (including the leading end of the strap S) is positioned below the upper portion UP of the strap S. The operator then inserts the overlapping upper portion UP and lower portion LP of the strap S into the strapping tool 50 and operates one or more buttons to initiate the strapping cycle. As shown in FIG. 2B, a motor drives a tensioning assembly to perform a tensioning cycle during which the strapping tool 50 tensions the strap S around the load L. Once the strap S reaches a predetermined tension, as shown in FIG. 2C, a motor drives the sealing assembly to perform a sealing cycle during which the strapping tool 50 cuts keys K into the upper and lower strap UP and LP portions of the strap S to sever the strap S from the strap supply, as shown in FIG. 2D. Because the strap S is under tension, severing the strap from the strap supply causes the upper portion UP to slide relative to the lower portion LP, mechanically interlocking keys K to form a seal-free strap joint J, as shown in FIG. 2D.

[0010] The strapping tool 50 includes a housing 100 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), a working assembly 200 (FIGS. 3A-3C), a display assembly 1300 (FIGS. 1A-2), an actuation assembly 1400 (FIGS. 1A-1C), a power source (not shown), a controller 1600 (FIG. 1C), and one or more sensors 1700 (FIG. 1C).

[0011] The housing 100 is best seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B and is formed from multiple components (not individually labeled) that at least partially enclose and / or support some (or all) of the other assemblies and components of the strapping tool 50. In this embodiment, housing 100 includes a front housing portion 110, a rear housing portion 120, a motor housing portion 130, and a handle housing portion 150. Front housing portion 110 at least partially surrounds and / or supports at least some of the components of working assembly 200 and actuation assembly 1400. Rear housing portion 120 at least partially surrounds and / or supports at least some of the components of display assembly 1300 and defines a receptacle 122 that is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive and at least partially surround and / or support power supply and controller 1600. The motor housing portion 130 extends between and connects the bottoms of the front and rear housing portions 110, 120 and at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the working assembly 200 (particularly the motor assembly 900, as described further below). The handle housing portion 150 extends between and connects the tops of the front and rear housing portions 110, 120 and defines a handle for use by an operator. This is by way of example only, and in other embodiments, the strapping tool components may be supported and / or enclosed by any suitable portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 may be formed from any suitable amount of components joined together in any suitable manner. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 is formed from plastic, but in other embodiments, the housing 100 may be made from any other suitable material.

[0012] 3A, 3B, and 8-9C, the working assembly 200 includes most of the components of the strapping tool 50, which is configured to perform a strapping cycle to pull the strap around a load, attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another, and sever the strap from the strap dispenser. Specifically, the working assembly 200 includes a support 300, a tensioning assembly 500, a sealing assembly 600, a rocker lever 700, a transmission assembly 800, a motor assembly 900, and a disconnect assembly 1900.

[0013] Support 300, best seen in Figures 3A-4B, serves as a direct or indirect common mounting point for tensioning assembly 500, sealing assembly 600, rocker lever 700, transmission assembly 800, motor assembly 900, and decoupling assembly 1900. Support 300 includes a base 310, first and second support ears 320 extending upwardly from base 310, die assembly mounting ears (not shown) extending forwardly from base 310, and a mounting shaft 390 extending through and rotatably supported by support ears 320, 330. Base 310 supports a tension plate 312 below a tension wheel 590 of tension assembly 500 (described below) and a punch 314 below a die 614 of die assembly 610 (described below).

[0014] 5A-5C, tensioning assembly 500 is configured to tension a strap around a load during a tensioning cycle. Tensioning assembly 500 includes tensioning assembly support 505, tensioning assembly gearing 510, and tensioning wheel 590 driven by tensioning assembly gearing 510.

[0015] Tensioning assembly gearing 510 includes gearing support 512, driven shaft 522, tensioning assembly gearing freewheel 523, first planet gears 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d, carrier 525, first ring gear 526, bushing 527, second ring gear 528, tensioning wheel mount 529, and second planet gears 530a, 530b, 530c. Certain components of tensioning assembly gearing 510 are centralized, and certain components of tensioning assembly gearing 510 are rotatable about tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. The gearing support portion 512 includes an annular support shaft 512a and a cover 512b extending radially outward from the support shaft 512a. The driven shaft 522 includes a shaft portion 522a and a first sun gear 522b at one end of the shaft portion 522a. The carrier 525 includes a first planet gear carrier 525a to which the first planet gears 524a-524d are rotatably mounted (e.g., via respective bearings and mounting pins) and a second sun gear 525b (here integrally formed) rotatable with the planet gear carrier 525a about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590. The first ring gear 526 includes internal teeth 526it and external teeth 526ot. The second ring gear 528 includes internal teeth 528it. The tensioning wheel mounting portion 529 includes a second planet gear carrier 529a and a tensioning wheel shaft 529b (here integrally formed) rotatable with the second planet gear carrier 529a about a tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590. Second planet gears 530a-530c are rotatably mounted to the second planet gear carrier 529a (via respective bearings and mounting pins). The tensioning wheel shaft 529b has a splined end 529s facing the second planet gear carrier 529a, and a tensioning wheel 590 can be mounted on the splined end 529s and rotatably fixed to the tensioning wheel shaft 529.

[0016] The shaft portion 522a of the driven shaft 522 is engaged through a tensioning assembly gear freewheel 523, which is itself supported by and located within a bore through the annular support shaft 512a of the gear support 512. The tensioning assembly gear freewheel 523 allows rotation of the driven shaft 522 relative to the gear support 512 in a tensioning rotational direction—referred to as the tensioning direction T (FIG. 5A)—and in a rotational direction opposite to the tensioning direction T—the release direction T REV (FIG. 5A) is configured to prevent rotation of the driven shaft 522 in the A first sun gear 522b of driven shaft 522 meshes with and drivingly engages first planetary gears 524a-524d. First planetary gears 524a-524d mesh with internal teeth 526 of a first ring gear 526. A bushing 527 rotatably supports first ring gear 526 and separates first ring gear 526 from a second ring gear 528. The second sun gear 525b meshes and drivingly engages the second planetary gears 530a-530c. The second planetary gears 530a-530c mesh with the internal teeth 528 of the second ring gear 528. The tensioning wheel 590 is attached to the splined end 529s of the tensioning wheel shaft 529b and is held in place longitudinally via a suitable retainer so that the tensioning wheel shaft 529b and tensioning wheel 590 rotate together about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. Any other suitable method, such as a key, may be used to rotatably secure the tensioning wheel to the tensioning wheel shaft.

[0017] The tensioning assembly gear set 510 is attached to the tensioning assembly support 505 via attaching the cover 512b of the gear set support 512 to the tensioning assembly support 505. The second ring gear 528 is rotationally fixed relative to the tensioning assembly support 505 about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590 (i.e., the second ring gear 528 is not rotatable about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505). In this embodiment, a pin (not shown) is disposed between the outer surface of the second ring gear 528 and the tensioning assembly support 505 to prevent relative rotation, although any suitable component (e.g., set screws, adhesive, high-friction components, or fasteners) may be used. The decoupling assembly 1900 (except when operated as described below) rotationally fixes the first ring gear 526 about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A590 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505, so that the first ring gear 526 cannot rotate about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A590 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505.

[0018] During a tensioning cycle, the motor assembly 900 and transmission assembly 800 drive the driven shaft 522 in the tensioning direction T, as described below. This allows the first sun gear 522b to rotate in the tensioning direction T about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. The first sun gear 522b drives the first set of planetary gears 524a-524dc. The decoupling assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 526 from rotating about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590, so that rotation of the planetary gears 524a-524d causes the carrier 525 (including the second sun gear 525b) to rotate in the tensioning direction T about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. The second sun gear 525b drives the second set of planetary gears 530a-530c. Because second ring gear 528 cannot rotate about tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590, rotation of planetary gears 530a-530c causes tensioning wheel mount 529 and tensioning wheel 590 mounted to tensioning wheel mount 529 to rotate in tensioning direction T about tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. Thus, tensioning assembly gearing 510 operably connects motor assembly 900 and transmission assembly 800 to tensioning wheel 590 to rotate tensioning wheel 590 in tensioning direction T about tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590.

[0019] The tensioning assembly 500 is movably mounted on the mounting shaft 390 of the support 300 and is configured to pivot relative to the support 300, and particularly relative to the base 310 of the support 300, between a strap tensioning position ( FIG. 4A ) and a strap insertion position ( FIG. 4B ) about the tensioning assembly pivot axis A 500 under the control of a rocker lever 700 (as described below). When the tensioning assembly 500 is in the strap tensioning position, the tensioning wheel 590 is adjacent to the tensioning plate 312 of the support 300 (or to the top surface of the top of the strap when the strap is inserted into the strapping tool 50). When tensioning assembly 500 is in the strap insertion position, tensioning wheel 590 is spaced apart from tensioning plate 312 to allow for insertion of overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap between tensioning wheel 590 and tensioning plate 312. One or more springs or other biasing elements (not shown) bias tensioning assembly 500 into the strap tensioning position.

[0020] 6A-6C, the decoupling assembly 1900 is configured such that (when actuated) the tensioning wheel 590 rotates in a release direction T about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. REV , i.e., rotates in a rotational direction opposite to the tensioning direction T, allowing tension in the strap to be released after the tensioning cycle is complete but before the sealing cycle is complete. The disconnect assembly 1900 includes a disconnect assembly shaft 1910 , a first engageable element 1920 , a second engageable element 1930 , an expandable element 1940 , a retainer 1950 , a washer 1960 , and a threaded fastener 1970 .

[0021] The decoupling assembly shaft 1910 includes a body 1912 having a first end 1912a with an irregular cross-section and a second end 1912b with teeth extending radially around its circumference. A first support 1914 extends from the first end 1912a, and a second support 1916 extends from the second end 1912b. The first engageable element 1920 comprises a tubular bushing having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface with a periphery that matches the periphery of the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the decoupling assembly shaft 1910. The second engageable element 1930 includes a tubular body 1932 and an annular flange 1934 at one end of the body 1932. An opening 1934o is defined through the flange 1934. The expandable element 1940 includes a torsion spring having a first end 1940a and a second end 1940b.

[0022] 6A and 6C , the first engageable element 1920 is attached to a first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 and rotates therewith about the decoupling assembly axis of rotation A 1900. The second engageable element 1930 surrounds the first support 1914 of the body 1912 of the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 and is positioned such that the body 1932 is adjacent to and coaxial with the first engageable element 1920. An expandable element 1940, which in this exemplary embodiment is a torsion spring, surrounds the bodies 1932 of the first engageable element 1920 and the second engageable element 1930. The outer diameter of the bodies 1932 of the first engageable element 1920 and the second engageable element 1930 is substantially the same as, greater than, or the same as, the rest inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940. This means that the torsion spring 1940 exerts a compressive force on the bodies 1932 of the first engageable element 1920 and the second engageable element 1930, preventing these components (and the decoupling assembly shaft 1910) from rotating relative to one another about the decoupling assembly axis of rotation A1900. The second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 is received within an opening 1934o defined through the flange 1934 of the second engageable element 1930.

[0023] 6C , the decoupling assembly 1900 is mounted to the tensioning assembly support 505 and operatively connected to the tensioning assembly gearing 510. More specifically, the decoupling assembly 1900 is mounted to the tensioning assembly support 505 via a fastener 1970 that rotationally fixes the second engageable element 1930 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505 such that the second engageable element 1930 and the second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940, which is received in the opening 1934o of the flange 1934 of the second engageable element 1930, cannot rotate relative to the tensioning assembly support 505 about the decoupling assembly axis of rotation A1900. A retainer 1950 and a washer 1960 separate the first engageable element 1920 from the tensioning assembly support 505. An intermediate gear 1990 mounted on (and freely rotatable relative to) the tensioning assembly support 505 operably connects the body 1912 of the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 to the first ring gear 526 of the tensioning assembly gearing 510. Specifically, the teeth on the second end 1912b of the body 1912 of the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 mesh with the teeth of the intermediate gear 1990, which also mesh with the outer teeth 526ot of the first ring gear 526 of the tensioning assembly gearing 510 of the tensioning assembly 500. Because the body 1932 is rotationally fixed relative to the tensioning assembly support 505 and the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 is rotationally fixed with the first engageable element 1920, the decoupling assembly shaft 1910—and therefore the intermediate gear 1990—is rotationally fixed relative to the tensioning assembly support 505. Because the intermediate gear 1990 meshes with the outer teeth 526ot of the first ring gear 526 of the tensioning assembly gearing 510, the decoupling assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 526 from rotating about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590.

[0024] The decoupling assembly 1900 is actuatable (such as by a rocker lever 700, described below) to remove the connection between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1920, thereby allowing the first engageable element 1920 and the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 to rotate relative to the second engageable element 1930 about the decoupling assembly axis of rotation A1900. As described above, the second engageable element 1930 and the second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 (received in an opening 1934o in a flange 1934 of the second engageable element 1930) are rotationally fixed relative to the tensioning assembly support 505. To remove the coupling between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1920, the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940 is rotated about the decoupling assembly axis of rotation A1900 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505, the second end 1940b of the torsion spring 1940, and the second engageable element 1930 (e.g., via moving the rocker lever 700 from a home position to an intermediate position). As this occurs, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 begins to expand near its first end 1940a and eventually expands sufficiently (thereby reducing or completely eliminating the compressive force) to allow the first engageable element 1920 and the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 to rotate about the decoupling assembly axis of rotation A1900 relative to the second engageable element 1930 (and torsion spring 1940).

[0025] Upon completion of the tensioning cycle, the tensioning wheel 590 maintains a substantial tension on the strap, and the strap is pulled in the release direction T REV 1900 exerts a reaction force (or torque) on the tensioning wheel 590. Actuation of the decoupling assembly 1900 rotates the tensioning wheel 590 in the release direction T REVSpecifically, upon completion of the tensioning cycle, the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 (via the intermediate gear 1990) continues to prevent the first ring gear 526 of the tensioning assembly gearing 510 from rotating about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590, which in turn prevents the tensioning wheel 590 from rotating in the release direction T REV As the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940 rotates about the uncoupling assembly axis of rotation A 1900, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 near its first end 1940a begins to expand. Eventually, the force that the first ring gear 526 applies to the uncoupling assembly shaft 1910 exceeds the compressive force that the torsion spring 1940 applies to the first engageable element 1920. When this occurs, the first ring gear 526 rotates in the release direction T about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. REV The freewheel 523 of the tensioning assembly gearing rotates in the release direction T REV This prevents the first planetary gears 524a-524d from rotating in the release direction T about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590. REV This causes the tensioning wheel 590 to rotate in the release direction T about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590 (as described above). REV Rotate to.

[0026] In other embodiments, the second end of the body of the shaft of the decoupling assembly directly meshes with the outer teeth of the first ring gear (rather than through one or more intermediate gears).

[0027] 3A-4B, rocker lever 700 is operatively connected to (1) tensioning assembly 500 and configured to move tensioning assembly 500 relative to support 300 from a strap tensioning position to a strap insertion position, and (2) decoupling assembly 1900 and configured to drive decoupling assembly 1900, thereby rotating tensioning wheel 590 in release direction T REV to be able to rotate. Rocker lever 700 includes a mounting head 710 , a body 720 coupled to mounting head 710 , and a disconnect assembly actuator 730 (a pin in this example) extending laterally from body 720 .

[0028] The mounting head 710 is pivotally mounted to the mounting shaft 390 of the support 300 such that the rocker lever 700 can pivot relative to the support 300 about a rocker lever pivot axis A700 (which in this exemplary embodiment is the same as the tensioning assembly pivot axis A500). The rocker lever 700 is also mounted to the tensioning assembly 500 via a pin 700p, which extends through a slot (not shown) defined through the tensioning assembly support 505 and the body 720 of the rocker lever 700. The slot is sized, shaped, and oriented so that rocker lever 700 is pivotable about tensioning assembly pivot axis A500 such that rocker lever 700 is (1) pivotable relative to support 300, tensioning assembly 500, and decoupling assembly 1900 from a home position (FIGS. 3A-4A) to an intermediate position (FIGS. 3A-4A) to actuate decoupling assembly 1900, and (2) pivotable relative to support 300 from an intermediate position (not shown) to an actuated position (FIG. 4B). A rocker lever biasing element (not shown), such as a spring, biases the rocker lever toward the home position.

[0029] 3A-4A, when rocker lever 700 is in the home position, tensioning assembly 500 is in its strap tensioning position. When rocker lever 700 moves to an intermediate position relative to support 300, tensioning assembly 500, and disconnecting assembly 1900, disconnecting assembly actuator 730 engages first end 1940a of torsion spring 1940 of disconnecting assembly 1900, causing first end 1940a to rotate relative to tensioning assembly support 505, second end 1940b of torsion spring 1940, and first and second engageable elements 1920 and 1930. As this occurs, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 near its first end 1940a begins to expand, eventually expanding enough to allow the first engageable element 1920 and the decoupling assembly shaft 1910 to rotate relative to the second engageable element 1930 and the torsion spring 1940 (thereby reducing or completely eliminating the compressive force). After the rocker lever 700 reaches the intermediate position, continued movement toward the actuated position of the rocker lever 700 causes the tensioning assembly 500 to begin pivoting with the rocker lever 700, eventually causing the rocker lever 700 to reach its actuated position and the tensioning assembly 500 to reach its strap insertion position.

[0030] The sealing assembly 600, best seen in Figures 3A and 3B, is configured to connect overlapping portions of the strap to one another during a sealing cycle by forming a series of mechanically interlocking notches in the overlapping portions of the strap to connect the straps to one another, forming a tensioned strap loop around the load. Sealing assembly 600 includes a die assembly 610, a camshaft 620 including first and second variable diameter cams 622 and 624, and sealing assembly gearing 630. Die assembly 610 includes a body 611 including a first cam follower 612 on its upper surface, a second cam follower (not shown), a die 614 below body 611, and a cutter 616 behind die 614. The die assembly 610 is movably mounted to the die assembly mounting ears of the support 300 and is configured to pivot about the die assembly pivot axis A610 relative to the support 300, and in particular relative to the base 310 of the support 300, between a home position (FIG. 3A) and a sealing position (not shown) under the control of the first cam 622 and the second cam 624 of the camshaft 620. A die assembly biasing element (not shown) biases the die assembly 610 to the home position. The sealing assembly gearing 630 connects the transmission assembly 800 and the motor assembly 900 to a camshaft 620, which extends through the mounting shafts 390, 330 of the support 300 (and is supported by bearings or other suitable components) and is rotatable about the tensioning assembly pivot axis A500. A first cam 622 engages the cam follower 612, and a second cam 624 engages the second cam follower 612. A die assembly biasing element biases the first cam follower 612 into contact with the first cam 622.

[0031] In operation, motor assembly 900 and transmission assembly 800 drive camshaft 620 and cams 622 and 624 thereon to rotate about camshaft rotation axis A620 (which in this exemplary embodiment is the same as tensioning assembly and rocker lever pivot axes A500 and A700) in a sealing rotation direction S, referred to herein as sealing direction S (FIG. 3A). The first cam 622 is shaped to exert a downward force on the first cam follower 612 as the first cam 622 rotates, which pivots the die assembly 610 toward the base 310 of the support 300 as the die assembly 610 moves toward its sealing position. As the die assembly 610 moves toward its sealing position, the die 614 engages the upper part of the strap and forces the lower part of the strap against the punch 314 on the base 310 of the support 300. As the die assembly 610 continues to move to the sealing position, the die 614 and punch 314 combine to cut the overlapping top and bottom keys of the strap, and the cutter 616 severs the top portion from the strap supply. Continued rotation of the cams 622 and 624 reverses this movement, returning the die assembly 610 to its home position.

[0032] 8, transmission assembly 800 is driven by motor assembly 900 and operably connected to tensioning assembly 500 and configured to rotate tensioning wheel 590 in tensioning direction T to tension the strap, and transmission assembly 800 is operably connected to sealing assembly 600 and configured to attach overlapping portions of the strap to one another. Transmission assembly 800 includes a first transmission-gear assembly 810, a second transmission-gear assembly 820, and a connector 830.

[0033] First transmission-gear assembly 810 includes a first driven gear 812 (which in this example is a bevel gear, but may be any suitable gear), a second gear assembly drive gear 814 (which in this example is a spur gear, but may be any suitable gear), and a first transmission freewheel 816. First transmission freewheel 816 is attached to, engages with, and surrounds shaft portion 522a of driven shaft 522 of tensioning assembly gearing 510 of tensioning assembly 500. First driven gear 812 and second gear assembly drive gear 814 are rotationally fixed to one another (and therefore rotate together) and are attached to, engage, and circumscribe first transmission freewheel 816. The first transmission freewheel 816 is configured to (1) transmit the rotational motion of the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 in the tensioning direction T to the driven shaft 522, so that the first driven gear 812, the second gear assembly drive gear 814, and the driven shaft 522 rotate together in the tensioning direction T about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590, and (2) transmit the rotational motion of the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 in the release direction T REV to the driven shaft 522, and the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 rotate relative to and around the first transmission freewheel 816 and the driven shaft 522 in the release direction T about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590. REV The rotating shaft is configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0034] The second transmission-gear assembly 820 includes a second driven gear 822 (which in this example is a spur gear but may be any suitable gear), a second transmission freewheel 824, and a sealing assembly drive gear 826 (which in this example is a spur gear but may be any suitable gear) having a long shaft. The second transmission freewheel 824 is mounted on, engages, and circumscribes the long shaft of the sealing assembly drive gear 826. The second driven gear 822 is mounted on, engages, and surrounds the second transmission freewheel 824. The second transmission freewheel 824 is configured to (1) transmit the rotational motion of the second driven gear 822 in a transmission rotational direction TR—herein referred to as the transmission direction TR (FIG. 8)—to the sealing assembly drive gear 826, so that the second driven gear 822 and the sealing assembly drive gear 826 rotate together in the transmission direction TR, and (2) transmit the rotational motion of the second driven gear 822 in a rotational direction opposite to the transmission direction TR—herein referred to as the non-transmission direction TR. REV 8 )—to the sealing assembly drive gear 826, and the second driven gear 822 rotates relative to and around the second transmission freewheel 824 and the sealing assembly drive gear 826 in a non-transmission direction TR REV Although not shown, sealing assembly drive gear 826 is operably connected to sealing assembly gearing 630 and configured to drive sealing assembly gearing 630 to rotate camshaft 620 in sealing direction S.

[0035] A connector 830, which in this embodiment is a toothed belt but may be any suitable connector, operably connects the second gear assembly drive gear 814 of the first transmission gear assembly 810 and the second driven gear 822 of the second transmission gear assembly 820.

[0036] This is just one example transmission assembly, and the strapping tool may include any suitable transmission assembly that operably connects one or more motors to the tensioning assembly and sealing assembly to drive those assemblies.

[0037] In operation, the motor assembly 900 rotates the first driven gear 812 of the first transfer gear assembly 810 of the transmission assembly 800 in either a tensioning direction T or a release direction T REV It can be driven either way. When the motor assembly 900 drives the first driven gear 812 in the tensioning direction T, the first driven gear 812, the second gear assembly drive gear 814, and the driven shaft 522 rotate together in the tensioning direction T about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A 590. The connector 830 transfers the rotation of the second gear assembly drive gear 814 to the second driven gear 822 of the second transfer gear assembly 820, rotating around the second transfer freewheel 824 in the non-transmission direction TR. REV , which does not transmit this rotational motion to the sealing assembly drive gear 826. Meanwhile, the motor assembly 900 rotates the first driven gear 812 in the release direction T REV When driven, the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 rotate around the first transmission freewheel 816 in the release direction T REV 8A. The second gear assembly drive gear 814 rotates in the transmission direction TR and does not transmit this rotational motion to the driven shaft 522. The connector 830 transmits the rotation of the second gear assembly drive gear 814 to the second driven gear 822 of the second transmission gear assembly 820, causing it to rotate in the transmission direction TR. The second transmission freewheel 824 transmits this rotational motion to the sealing assembly drive gear 826, which rotates in the transmission direction TR (FIG. 8), driving the sealing assembly gearing 630 to rotate the camshaft 620 in the sealing direction S (FIG. 3A).

[0038] 7 and 8, motor assembly 900 is operably connected to and configured to drive tensioning assembly 500 and sealing assembly 600 (via transmission assembly 800). Motor assembly 900 includes a motor 910, a drive gear 920, a motor mount 930, and a motor biasing element 940 (although other embodiments may not include motor biasing element 940).

[0039] As best shown in FIG. 7 , motor 910, which in this embodiment is an electric motor but may be any suitable motor, includes a motor housing 910 b and a rotatable output shaft 910 s extending from the motor housing 910 b. Drive gear 920, which in this exemplary embodiment is a bevel gear but may be any other suitable gear, is fixedly mounted to the end of output shaft 910 s opposite motor housing 910 b, and drive gear 920 and output shaft 910 s are fixed in rotation (i.e., rotate together) about motor axis of rotation A 910. Specifically, motor 910 is configured to rotate output shaft 910 s and drive gear 920 in opposite first and second drive directions D1 and D2 ( FIG. 8 ) to perform tensioning and sealing cycles, respectively. Motor mount 930 includes a tubular body 932 and a head 934 at one end of body 932. Head 934 includes a base 934b and first and second spaced apart mounting ears 934e1 and 934e2 extending from base 934b. Body 932 is fixedly attached (via suitable fasteners) to motor housing 910b, with output shaft 910s extending through body 932 and drive gear 920 located between mounting ears 934e1 and 934e2. A motor biasing element 940, which in this embodiment is a compression spring but may be any suitable biasing element, surrounds the body 932 of the motor mounting portion 930 and is constrained at both ends by the motor housing 910b and the base 934b of the head 934 of the motor mounting portion 930.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8-9C, the motor assembly 900 is pivotally attached at one end to the tensioning assembly 500 and at the other end is housed within the motor housing portion 130 of the housing 100 of the strapping tool 50, allowing the motor 910 to move relative to the housing 100 and the tensioning assembly 500. Motor assembly 900 is mounted such that drive gear 920 is configured to mesh with, and thus drivingly engage, first driven gear 812 of first transfer gear assembly 810 of transfer assembly 800. As described in more detail below, motor assembly 900 is mounted such that motor 910 is movable relative to housing 100 and tensioning assembly 500 (and in this example, both pivot and move longitudinally) as tensioning assembly 500 pivots between the strap tensioning position and the strap insertion position, such that drive gear 920 maintains driving engagement with first driven gear 812.

[0041] Specifically, a first mounting ear 934e1 of the head 934 of the motor mounting portion 930 of the motor assembly 900 is attached (via a suitable bearing not labeled) to the driven shaft 522 of the tensioning assembly gear device 510 of the tensioning assembly 500, and a second mounting ear 934e2 of the head 934 is attached (via a suitable bearing not labeled) to the support shaft 512a of the gear device support portion 512 of the tensioning assembly gear device 510, so that the motor assembly 900 is rotatable relative to the tensioning assembly 500 about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A590.

[0042] The motor housing portion 130 defines first, second, and third interior chambers 130c1, 130c2, and 130c3, respectively. The first interior chamber 130c1 is defined between the front housing portion 110 and a restraint 132 extending inwardly of the motor housing portion 130. In the exemplary embodiment, the restraint 132 is annular and has an inner diameter D1. The second interior chamber 130c2 is defined between the restraint 132 and the inwardly extending motor support portion 134. In the exemplary embodiment, the motor support portion 134 is annular and has an inner diameter D2 that is greater than D1. The third interior chamber 130c3 is defined between the motor support portion 134 and the rear housing portion 120.

[0043] The motor assembly 900 is housed within and extends through the internal chambers 130c1-130c3 of the motor housing portion 130 of the housing 100. Specifically, the motor mounting portion 930 is disposed within the first internal chamber 130c1 and extends through the restraint 132 into the second internal chamber 130c2. The diameter D1 of the restraint 132 is larger than the diameter of the body of the motor mounting portion 930 (as described below), allowing the motor mounting portion 930 to move relative to the motor housing portion 130. The diameter of the motor biasing element 940 is larger than D1 so that the motor biasing element 940 engages the annular engagement surface 132s of the restraint 132 and is restrained between the restraint 132 and the head 934 of the motor mounting portion 930. The motor 910 is disposed within the second internal chamber 130c2 and extends through the motor support 134 into the third internal chamber 130c3. The diameter D2 of the motor support portion 134 is larger than the diameter of the motor housing 910b of the motor 910, allowing the motor 910 to move relative to the motor housing portion 130 (as described below).

[0044] 9A shows motor assembly 900 in a strap-tensioning state (including position and angular orientation) when rocker lever 700 is in its home position and tensioning assembly 500 is in its strap-tensioning position, where motor housing 910b of motor assembly 900 is engaged and supported by motor support portion 134 of motor housing portion 130. Motor biasing element 940 is compressed, biasing motor assembly 900 toward its strap-tensioning state and tensioning assembly 500 toward its strap-tensioning position.

[0045] 9B shows the position and orientation of the motor assembly 900 when the rocker lever 700 is between its home and actuated positions and the tensioning assembly 500 is between its strap-tensioning and strap-insertion positions. This pivoting of the tensioning assembly 500 causes the driven shaft 522 to move rearward toward the rear housing portion 130 and upward toward the handle portion 150. This movement of the driven shaft 522 causes the motor 910, the drive gear 920 connected to the motor 910, and the motor mount portion 930 to move longitudinally rearward toward the rear housing portion 120 (relative to the motor housing portion 130) and pivot vertically about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. This movement further compresses the motor biasing element 940.

[0046] FIG. 9C shows the motor assembly 900 in a strap insertion state (including position and angular orientation) when the rocker lever 700 is in its actuated position and the tensioning assembly 500 is in its strap insertion position. This further pivoting of the tensioning assembly 500 causes the driven shaft 522 to move further rearward toward the rear housing portion 130 and further upward toward the handle portion 150. This movement of the driven shaft 522 causes the motor 910, the drive gear 920 coupled to the motor 910, and the motor mount 930 to move longitudinally further rearward (relative to the motor housing portion 130) toward the rear housing portion 120 and pivot further above horizontal about the tensioning wheel axis of rotation A 590. This movement further compresses the motor biasing element 940.

[0047] As the tensioning assembly 500 pivots between its strap tensioning position and its strap insertion position, the ability of the motor assembly 900 to move longitudinally and rotate relative to the housing 100 ensures that the drive gear 920 of the motor assembly 900 maintains driving engagement with the first driven gear 812 of the transmission assembly 800. This allows the motor assembly 900, and particularly the motor 910, to be housed within the motor housing portion 130 rearward of the front housing portion 110 and the remainder of the working assembly 200. Because the motor 910 is one of the heaviest components of the working assembly 200, this positioning of the motor results in the motor being partially counterbalanced with the rest of the working assembly 200, which improves the ergonomics of the strapping tool 50 and makes it easier for the operator to use over long periods of time. Finally, the mobility of the motor assembly 900 also allows for the use of a simplified transmission configuration compared to a fixed motor, which would require a more complex transmission to prevent dislodgment of the transmission components.

[0048] 1A-1C includes a suitable display screen 1310 with a touch panel 1320. The display screen 1310 is configured (at least in this embodiment) to display information related to the strapping tool 50, and the touch panel 1320 is configured to receive operator inputs such as desired strap tension and desired weld cooling time, as is known in the art. A display controller (not shown) may control the display screen 1310 and the touch panel 1320 and, in these embodiments, is communicatively coupled to the controller 1600 to send signals to and receive signals from the controller 1600. Other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a touch panel. Still other embodiments of the strapping tool do not include a display assembly. Certain embodiments of the strapping tool include a separate push button panel instead of a touch panel below or integrated with the display screen.

[0049] The actuation assembly 1400 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is configured to accept operator input to initiate actuation of the tensioning and sealing cycles. In this embodiment, actuation assembly 1400 includes first and second push button actuators 1410 and 1420 that initiate tensioning and / or sealing cycles, as described below, depending on the operational mode of strapping tool 50. Other embodiments of strapping tool 50 do not have actuation assembly 1400, and instead incorporate its functionality into display assembly 1300. For example, in one of these embodiments, two areas of the touch panel define virtual buttons that have the same function as the mechanical push button actuators.

[0050] The controller 1600 shown in FIG. 1C includes processing device(s) communicatively coupled to memory device(s). For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. The processing device may include any suitable processing device, such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose 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 a state machine. The memory device may include any suitable memory device, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as an integrated hard disk and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory device stores instructions executable by the processing device to control the operation of the strapping tool 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operably coupled to the motor 910, the display assembly 1300, the actuation assembly 1400, and the sensor 1700 and configured to receive signals from and control those components. The controller 1600 may also be communicatively connected to an external device, such as a computing device (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocol) to send information to and receive information from the external device.

[0051] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes: (1) a manual operating mode, (2) a semi-automatic operating mode, and (3) an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 910 to rotate the tensioning wheel 590 in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being actuated and maintained in an actuated state. The controller 1600 actuates the motor 910 to cause the sealing assembly 600 to perform a sealing cycle in response to the second push button actuator 1420 being actuated. In the semi-automatic mode of operation, the controller 1600 operates the motor 910 to rotate the tensioning wheel 590 in response to the first push button actuator 1410 being activated and maintained in its activated state. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached the desired (pre-set) strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically activates the motor 910 to cause the sealing assembly 600 to perform a sealing cycle (without requiring further input from the operator). In the automatic mode of operation, the controller 1600 operates the motor 910 to rotate the tensioning wheel 590 in response to actuation of the first push button actuator 1410. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached the desired (pre-set) strap tension, the controller 1600 automatically activates the motor 910 to cause the sealing assembly 600 to perform a sealing cycle (without requiring further input from the operator).

[0052] The sensors 1700 may include any suitable sensors, such as microswitches, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic position sensors, etc., configured to detect the position of particular components of the strapping tool 50 and send appropriate signals to the controller 1600. The sensors 1700 may include, for example, one or more tensioning assembly position sensors configured to detect when the tensioning assembly 500 is in its strap tensioning position and / or its strap insertion position, one or more camshaft position sensors configured to detect the rotational position of the camshaft 620, in particular whether the camshaft 620 is in its home rotational position, one or more rocker lever position sensors configured to detect when the rocker lever 700 is in its home position, its intermediate position, and / or its actuated position, and one or more actuation assembly sensors configured to detect actuation of the first and second push button actuators 1410 and 1420.

[0053] The power source is electrically connected to and configured to power several components of the strapping tool 50 (via appropriate wiring and other components), including the motor 910, the display assembly 1300, the actuation assembly 1400, the controller 1600, and the sensor(s) 1700. In this embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), although in other embodiments the power source may be any other suitable power source. The power source is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be received within a receptacle 122 defined by the rear housing portion 120 of the housing 100. The strapping tool 50 includes one or more battery retaining devices (not shown) for releasably locking the power source in place when received in the receptacle. Actuation of a release device on the strapping tool 50 or the power source unlocks the power source from the housing 100, allowing the operator to remove the power source from the receptacle 122.

[0054] Performing a strapping cycle using the strapping tool 50 includes (1) a tensioning cycle in which the strapping tool 50 pulls the strap around the load, and (2) a sealing cycle in which the strapping tool 50 attaches the overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap to one another via a sealless strap joint, as described below. Initially, the rocker lever 700 is in its home position, the tensioning assembly 500 is in its strap tensioning position, and the die assembly 610 is in its home position. The strapping tool 50 is in automatic mode for purposes of this example.

[0055] The operator first pulls the leading end of the strap from a strap supply (not shown), wraps the strap around the load, and positions the leading end of strap S under another portion of the strap to form an upper and lower strap section. Next, the operator pulls rocker lever 700 from its home position to its actuated position, raising tensioning assembly 500 from its strap-tensioning position to its strap-insertion position. While holding rocker lever 700 in its actuated position, the operator introduces the overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap between punch 314 (on base 310 of support 300) and die 614 (of die assembly 610 of sealing assembly 600), and between tensioning plate 312 (on base 310 of support 300) and tensioning wheel 590 (of tensioning assembly 500), as shown in FIG. 3C. The operator then releases the rocker lever 700, which causes various biasing elements to force the rocker lever 700 back to its home position and the tensioning assembly 500 to return to its strap-tensioning position, causing the tensioning wheel 590 to engage the top surface of the upper portion of the strap and force the bottom surface of the lower portion of the strap against the tensioning plate 312.

[0056] The operator then activates the first push button actuator 1410 to initiate a strapping cycle. In response, the controller 1600 initiates a tensioning cycle by controlling the motor 910 to begin rotating the motor output shaft 910s in a first drive direction D1, thereby driving the first driven gear 812 of the transmission assembly 800 in a tensioning direction T. As described in detail above, this causes the tensioning wheel 590 to begin rotating in the tensioning direction T, pulling on the top of the strap, thereby pulling the strap around the load. Throughout the tensioning cycle, the controller 1600 monitors the current drawn by the motor 910. When this current reaches a preset value that correlates with the (preset) desired strap tension for this strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 910, thereby ending the tensioning cycle.

[0057] Then, the controller 1600 controls the motor 910 to start rotating the motor output shaft 910s in the second driving direction D2, and rotates the first driven gear 812 in the release direction T REV 300, which automatically initiates the sealing cycle by driving the camshaft 620 in the sealing direction S, as detailed above, which rotates the die assembly 610 into a sealing position where the die 614 engages the upper portion of the strap and forces the lower portion of the strap against the punch 314 in the base 310 of the support 300, ultimately cutting a key into the overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap to join them. Meanwhile, the cutter 616 of the die assembly 610 severs the strap from the strap supply. Once the cutter 616 severs the strap from the strap supply, the upper part of the strap slides against the lower part of the strap, thereby interlocking the keys and forming a sealless strap joint. Continuing to rotate the camshaft 620 in the sealing direction S reverses this motion, returning the die assembly 610 to its home position. After the sealing cycle is complete, the operator again pulls the rocker lever 700 to raise the tensioning assembly 500 and remove the strapping tool 50 from the tensioned strap loop.

[0058] Although the sealing assembly in the above-described exemplary embodiment of the strapping tool comprises a punch and die configured for a sealless connection within the strap, in other embodiments, the sealing assembly can comprise other sealing mechanisms (such as a notching jaw assembly, a crimping jaw assembly, a friction welding assembly, an ultrasonic welding assembly, or a hot knife assembly) configured to seal any suitable type of strap (such as a metal, plastic, or paper strap).

[0059] The above-described exemplary embodiments of the strapping tool include a single motor configured to drive both the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly. In other embodiments, the strapping tool includes separate motors configured to drive each tensioning and sealing assembly. In these embodiments, either or both motors can be movable relative to the housing of the strapping tool to ensure that the respective drive gears remain drivingly engaged with the respective driven gears configured to drive the assemblies.

[0060] Other embodiments of the strapping tool may include fewer assemblies, components, and / or features than those described above and included in the strapping tool 50. In other words, the strapping tool 50 includes all of the assemblies, components, and features described above, but which are independent of one another and may be included independently in other strapping tools.

[0061] Although the strapping tool described above is a handheld strapping tool, the strapping tool may have other embodiments, such as any other suitable strapping tool, such as a stand-alone automatic or semi-automatic strapping tool.

Claims

1. 1. A strapping device comprising: Housing and A support; a tensioning assembly at least partially contained within the housing, the tensioning assembly comprising a rotatable tensioning wheel, the tensioning assembly being attached to the support and pivotable relative to the support between a strap tensioning position and a strap insertion position; a driven gear operatively connected to the tensioning wheel to drive the tensioning wheel; a motor assembly including a motor and a drive gear driven by the motor, the drive gear drivingly meshing with a driven gear; the motor assembly is at least partially contained within the housing, and as the tensioning assembly moves from a strap tensioning position to a strap insertion position, at least a portion of the motor moves relative to the housing and a drive gear maintains driving engagement with a driven gear; The movement of at least a portion of the motor includes both longitudinal translation and pivotal movement.

2. 2. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly includes a motor mount to which the motor is mounted, the motor mount being pivotally attached to the tensioning assembly.

3. 3. The strapping device of claim 2, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a driven shaft operatively connected to the tensioning wheel, the driven gear operatively connected to the driven shaft to drive the driven shaft, and the motor mount pivotally mounted to the driven shaft.

4. the housing includes a front housing portion, a rear housing portion, a motor housing portion between the front and rear housing portions, and a handle portion above the motor housing portion and extending between the front and rear housing portions; the tensioning assembly is at least partially contained within the front housing portion; the motor assembly is at least partially contained within the motor housing portion; 4. The strapping device of claim 3, wherein movement of the tensioning assembly from a strap tensioning position to a strap insertion position causes a driven shaft to move toward the rear housing portion and toward the handle portion, thereby causing at least a portion of the motor to translate longitudinally and pivot within the motor housing portion toward the rear housing portion.

5. The drive mechanism further includes a freewheel mounted on and surrounding the driven shaft, the driven gear being mounted on and surrounding the freewheel, the freewheel comprising: The rotational motion of the driven gear in the tensioning rotation direction is transmitted to the driven shaft, and the driven shaft rotates together with the driven gear in the tensioning rotation direction; 4. The strapping device of claim 3, wherein the rotational motion of the driven gear opposite the tensioning rotation direction is not transmitted to the driven shaft, and the driven gear is configured to rotate relative to and around the driven shaft.

6. 6. The strapping device of claim 5, wherein the tensioning assembly further comprises a tensioning assembly gearing operatively connecting the driven gear to the tensioning wheel, the tensioning assembly gearing comprising the driven shaft.

7. 7. The strapping device of claim 6, wherein the tensioning wheel and the driven shaft are rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and the drive gear is rotatable about a second axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

8. 2. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly is in a strap tensioning state when the tensioning assembly is in the strap tensioning position and in a strap insertion state when the tensioning assembly is in the strap insertion position.

9. 9. The strapping device of claim 8, further comprising a motor assembly biasing element that biases the motor assembly to the strap tensioned state.

10. 10. The strapping device of claim 9, wherein the motor assembly comprises a motor mount comprising a body to which the motor is mounted and a head pivotally attached to the tensioning assembly.

11. The strapping device of claim 10 , wherein the motor assembly comprises the motor assembly biasing element.

12. the housing includes a front housing portion, a rear housing portion, a motor housing portion between the front and rear housing portions, and a handle portion above the motor housing portion and extending between the front and rear housing portions; the tensioning assembly is at least partially contained within the front housing portion; the motor assembly is at least partially contained within the motor housing portion; 12. The strapping device of claim 11, wherein the motor housing portion includes a restraint, and the motor assembly is positioned such that the restraint is restrained between the restraint and the head of the motor mounting portion.

13. 9. The strapping device of claim 8, wherein at least one of a position and an orientation of at least a portion of the motor relative to the housing is different between the strap tensioning state and the strap insertion state.

14. The strapping device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the motor includes an output shaft that is rotationally fixed to the drive gear.

Images