Strapping device with drag torque lock

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool that includes a tensioning assembly, a sealing assembly, a motor, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly operably connects the motor to the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly. The motor alternately drives the tensioning assembly (through the transmission assembly) to tension a loop of the strap around a load, and the sealing assembly seals the strap to itself. The strapping tool also includes a locking assembly that prevents the motor from driving the sealing assembly through a drag torque generated by the transmission assembly while the motor is driving the tensioning assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority Claim This patent application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 268,084, filed on 16 February 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

[0003] A strapping device is configured to pull a strap around a load, attaching the overlapping portions of the straps to each other to form a stretched 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, the operator first pulls the end of the strap from the strap feeder, wraps the strap around the load, and positions the end of the strap under another portion of the strap. Next, the operator introduces one or more of these overlapping strap portions (depending on the type of strapping tool) into the strapping tool and activates one or more buttons to initiate a tensioning cycle in which (1) the tensioning assembly pulls the strap around the load, and (2) after the tensioning cycle is complete, the sealing assembly attaches the overlapping strap portions to each other (thus forming a taut strap loop around the load), and the detaching assembly cuts the strap from the strap feeder to initiate a sealing cycle.

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

[0005] Operators of strapping tools use handheld strapping tools hundreds of times a day, so there is an ongoing need to make the strapping tools as light as possible (without sacrificing performance). One way to achieve this is to incorporate freewheels into the strapping tool's transmission. These freewheels allow a single motor to rotate the output shaft in different directions to drive different assemblies. One drawback is that freewheels can impose drag torque, which can cause components of the transmission to rotate unintentionally, resulting in various assemblies being driven (or reversed) unintentionally. This can disrupt the strapping cycle. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping tool comprising a tensioning assembly, a sealing assembly, a motor, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly operably connects the motor to the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly. The motor alternately drives the tensioning assembly (via the transmission assembly) to pull the loops of the strap around the load, and the sealing assembly seals the strap to itself. The strapping tool also includes a locking assembly that prevents the motor from driving the sealing assembly via the drag torque generated by the transmission assembly while the motor is driving the tensioning assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the strapping tool of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the strapping tool of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] Figures 1A and 1B are block diagrams of specific components of the strapping tool. [Figure 2A] Figures 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of the strapping tools used to secure cargo to pallets. [Figure 2B] Figures 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of the strapping tools used to secure cargo to pallets. [Figure 2C] Figures 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of the strapping tools used to secure cargo to pallets. [Figure 2D] This is a perspective view of a sealless joint formed by the strapping tool shown in Figure 1A for attaching two overlapping portions of a strap. [Figure 3A] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of the working assembly of the strapping tool. [Figure 3B] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of the working assembly of the strapping tool. [Figure 3C]Partial side views of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing upper and lower strap portions extending between the die assembly and the support of the sealing assembly, and between the tensioning wheel and the support. [Figure 4A] Partial side views of the strapping tool of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with a portion of the front housing portion of the housing removed and the tensioning assembly in the strap tensioning position. [Figure 4B] A partial side view similar to FIG. 4A, but with the tensioning assembly in the strap insertion position. [Figure 5A] Perspective view of the tensioning assembly gear device and the tensioning wheel of the tensioning assembly of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 5B] Cross-sectional perspective view of the tensioning assembly gear device and the tensioning wheel of FIG. 5A, broken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] Exploded perspective view of the tensioning assembly gear device and the tensioning wheel of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] Perspective view of the disengagement assembly of the actuating assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 6B] Exploded perspective view of the disengagement assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] Cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the actuating assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B, taken along line 6C-6C of FIG. 3B and extending through the disengagement assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the motor assembly of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional perspective view of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B, broken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3B, and extending through the transmission assembly of the motor assembly and the working assembly of FIG. 7. [Figure 9A] Perspective view of the transmission assembly of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 9B] Perspective view of the transmission assembly of the working assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 9C] Figures 9A and 9B show exploded perspective views of the transmission assembly. [Figure 10A] Figures 3A and 3B are partial perspective views of the working assembly. [Figure 10B] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are cross-sectional perspective views of a portion of the working assembly shown in Figures 3A and 3B, broken along line 10B-10B in Figure 10A, extending through the transmission assembly. [Figure 11] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are cross-sectional side views of a portion of the working assembly shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B, broken along line 11-11 in Figure 10A, extending through the locking ring holder and locking assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be embodied in various forms, but the drawings illustrate specific exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, and the specification describes these embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the specification are necessary, and a particular implementation may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and material of components, and the method of connection of components can be changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any direction referred to in the specification reflects the orientation of components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms meaning mounting methods, such as mounting and connection, are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should be interpreted broadly to include the same mounting methods that are indirectly and operably mounted and connected. This specification is intended to be viewed as a whole, interpreted in accordance with the principles of this disclosure, and understood by those skilled in the art.

[0009] Figures 1A to 9C show an example embodiment of the strapping apparatus of the present invention in the form of a strapping tool 50 (which may also be referred to as the “tool” in the detailed description for brevity), and its specific assembly and components. As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the strapping tool 50 performs a strapping cycle to stretch and seal a strap S (metal strap in this embodiment) around a load L on a pallet P, forming a tensed strap loop to secure the load L to the pallet P. As shown in Figure 2A, the operator pulls the strap S from a strap supply unit (not shown), wraps the strap around the load L until the lower LP (including the end of the strap S) of the strap S is positioned below the upper UP of the strap S, and passes it through the opening of the pallet P. Next, the worker inserts the overlapping upper UP and lower LP of the strap S into the strapping tool 50 and operates one or more buttons to start the strapping cycle. As shown in Figure 2B, a motor drives the tensioning assembly to perform the tensioning cycle, during which the strapping tool 50 applies tension to the strap S around the load L. As shown in Figure 2C, when the strap S reaches a predetermined tension, the motor drives the sealing assembly to perform a sealing cycle, during which the strapping tool 50 cuts the key K into the upper UP and lower LP of the strap S, as shown in Figure 2D, and cuts the strap S from the strap supply section. Because the strap S is under tension, when the strap is cut from the strap supply section, the upper UP slides against the lower LP, as shown in Figure 2D, and the key K mechanically connects to form an unsealed strap joint J.

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

[0011] The housing 100 is best shown in Figures 1A and 1B and is formed from a plurality of 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, the housing 100 includes a front housing section 110, a rear housing section 120, a motor housing section 130, and a handle housing section 150. The front housing section 110 at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the working assembly 200 and the operating assembly 1400. The rear housing section 120 at least partially encloses and / or supports at least some of the components of the display assembly 1300 and defines a receiving section 122, which is sized, molded, and otherwise constructed to receive, at least partially enclose and / or support the power supply and controller 1600. The motor housing section 130 extends between the bottoms of the front housing section 110 and the rear housing section 20, connecting the bottoms and at least partially enclosing and / or supporting at least some of the components of the working assembly 200 (in particular, the motor assembly 900, as will be further described below). The handle housing section 150 extends between the tops of the front housing section 110 and the rear housing section 120, connecting these tops and defining the handle used by the operator. This is merely one example, and in other embodiments, the components of the strapping tool may be supported and / or surrounded by any suitable part of the housing 100. The housing 100 may be formed from any suitable amount of components joined to each other in any suitable manner. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 100 is formed from plastic, but in other embodiments, it may be made from any other suitable material.

[0012] The working assembly 200, best shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 8 through 9C, comprises most of the components of the strapping tool 50, which is configured to perform a strapping cycle to pull the strap around the load, attach the overlapping portions of the strap to each other, and cut the strap from the strap feeder. 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 detachment assembly 1900.

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

[0014] The tensioning assembly 500, best shown in Figures 5A to 5C, is configured to pull a strap around a load during a tensioning cycle. The tensioning assembly 500 comprises a tensioning assembly support 505, a tensioning assembly gear unit 510, and a tensioning wheel 590 driven by the tensioning assembly gear unit 510.

[0015] The tension-applying assembly gear unit 510 includes a gear unit support 512, a driven shaft 522, a freewheel 523 of the tension-applying assembly gear unit, first planetary gears 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d, a carrier 525, a first ring gear 526, a bush 527, a second ring gear 528, a tension-applying wheel mounting 529, and second planetary gears 530a, 530b, 530c. Certain components of the tension-applying assembly gear unit 510 are centrally located, and certain components of the tension-applying assembly gear unit 510 are rotatable about the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590. The gear mechanism support 512 has an annular support shaft 512a and a cover 512b extending radially outward from the support shaft 512a. The driven shaft 522 has a shaft portion 522a and a first sun gear 522b at one end of the shaft portion 522a. The carrier 525 includes a first planetary gear carrier 525a to which the first planetary gears 524a-524d are rotatably mounted (e.g., via their respective bearings and mounting pins), and a second sun gear 525b that is rotatable with the planetary gear carrier 525a around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590 (formed integrally here). The first ring gear 526 includes internal teeth 526it and external teeth 526ot. The second ring gear 528 includes internal teeth 528it. The tension-applying wheel mounting section 529 includes a second planetary gear carrier 529a and a tension-applying wheel shaft 529b that is rotatable with the second planetary gear carrier 529a around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590 (and is integrally formed here). The second planetary gears 530a-530c are rotatably mounted to the second planetary gear carrier 529a (via their respective bearings and mounting pins). The tension-applying wheel shaft 529b has a splined end 529s facing the second planetary gear carrier 529a, and a tension-applying wheel 590 can be mounted on the splined end 529s and rotatably fixed with respect to the tension-applying wheel shaft 529b.

[0016] The shaft portion 522a of the driven shaft 522 is engaged with the freewheel 523 of the tension-applying assembly gear device by passing through it. The freewheel 523 of the tension-applying assembly gear device is supported by a hole that passes through the annular support shaft 512a of the gear device support portion 512 and is positioned within that hole. The freewheel 523 of the tension-applying assembly gear device allows the driven shaft 522 to rotate relative to the gear device support portion 512 in the tension-applying rotation direction—referred to as the tension-applying direction T (Figure 5A)—and in the opposite rotation direction—the release direction T REV (Figure 5A) is configured to prevent the rotation of the driven shaft 522. The first sun gear 522b of the driven shaft 522 meshes with the first planetary gears 524a-524d, engaging in a driving manner. The first planetary gears 524a-524d mesh with the internal teeth 526it of the first ring gear 526. The bush 527 rotatably supports the first ring gear 526 and separates the first ring gear 526 from the second ring gear 528. The second sun gear 525b meshes with and drivably engages with the second planetary gears 530a-530c. The second planetary gears 530a-530c mesh with the internal teeth 528it 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 the tensioning wheel 590 rotate together about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A590. Any other suitable method, such as a key, may be used to rotatably secure the tensioning wheel to the tensioning wheel shaft.

[0017] The tension-applying assembly gear unit 510 is attached to the tension-applying assembly support unit 505 by attaching the cover 512b of the gear unit support unit 512 to the tension-applying assembly support unit 505. The second ring gear 528 is fixed to the tension-applying assembly support unit 505 in a rotational direction around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590 (i.e., the second ring gear 528 is not rotatable about the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590 relative to the tension-applying assembly support unit 505). In this embodiment, a pin (not shown) is positioned between the outer surface of the second ring gear 528 and the tension-applying assembly support unit 505 to prevent relative rotation, but any suitable component (e.g., a set screw, adhesive, high-friction component, or fastener) may be used. The detachment assembly 1900 (except when operating as described below) fixes the first ring gear 526 in a rotational direction relative to the tension-applying assembly support 505 around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590, so that the first ring gear 526 cannot rotate relative to the tension-applying assembly support 505 around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590.

[0018] During the tensioning cycle, the motor assembly 900 and the transmission assembly 800 drive the driven shaft 522 in the tensioning direction T, as described later. This allows the first sun gear 522b to rotate in the tensioning direction T about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A590. The first sun gear 522b drives the first set of planetary gears 524a-524dc. The disconnection assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 526 from rotating about the tensioning wheel rotation axis A590, so the 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 rotation axis A590. The second sun gear 525b drives the second set of planetary gears 530a-530c. Since the second ring gear 528 cannot rotate around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590, the rotation of the planetary gears 530a-530c causes the tension-applying wheel mounting portion 529 and the tension-applying wheel 590 mounted on the tension-applying wheel mounting portion 529 to rotate in the tension-applying direction T around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590. Therefore, the tension-applying assembly gear device 510 operably connects the motor assembly 900 and the transmission assembly 800 to the tension-applying wheel 590, causing the tension-applying wheel 590 to rotate in the tension-applying direction T around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590.

[0019] The tensioning assembly 500 is movably mounted on the mounting shaft 390 of the support 300 and is configured to pivot around the tensioning assembly pivot axis A500 between a strap tensioning position (Figure 4A) and a strap insertion position (Figure 4B) relative to the support 300, particularly the base 310 of the support 300, under the control of the 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 the upper surface of the top of the strap if the strap is inserted into the strapping tool 50). When the tensioning assembly 500 is in the strap insertion position, the tensioning wheel 590 is positioned spaced apart from the tensioning plate 312, allowing the overlapping upper and lower parts of the strap to be inserted between the tensioning wheel 590 and the tensioning plate 312. One or more springs or other biasing elements (not shown) bias the tensioning assembly 500 to the strap tensioning position.

[0020] The detachment assembly 1900, best shown in Figures 6A-6C, has a tensioning wheel 590 that (when in operation) rotates in the release direction T around the tensioning wheel rotation axis A590. REV In other words, it rotates in the rotational direction opposite to the tension application direction T, and is configured to release the tension on the strap after the completion of the tension application cycle and before the completion of the sealing cycle. The detachment assembly 1900 includes a detachment 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 screw fastener 1970.

[0021] The detachable assembly shaft 1910 includes a body 1912 having a first end 1912a having an irregular cross-section and a second end 1912b having 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 bush, which has a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface having a circumference that matches around the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the detachable assembly shaft 1910. The second engageable element 1930 comprises 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] As best shown in Figures 6A and 6C, the first engageable element 1920 is attached to the first end 1912a of the body 1912 of the disassembled assembly shaft 1910 and rotates with the first end 1912a about the disassembled assembly rotation axis A1900. The second engageable element 1930 surrounds the first support 1914 of the body 1912 of the disassembled assembly shaft 1910, and is positioned such that its body 1932 is adjacent to and coaxial with the first engageable element 1920. In this exemplary embodiment, an expandable element 1940, which is a torsion spring, surrounds the bodies 1932 of the first engageable element 1920 and the second engageable element 1930. The outer diameters of the bodies 1932 of the first engageable element 1920 and the second engageable element 1930 are substantially the same as, greater than, or equal to, the stationary 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 disassembled assembly shaft 1910) from rotating relative to each other around the disassembled assembly rotation axis A1900. The second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 is received in an opening 1934o defined through the flange 1934 of the second engageable element 1930.

[0023] As best shown in Figure 6C, the detachment assembly 1900 is attached to the tensioning assembly support 505 and operably connected to the tensioning assembly gear unit 510. More specifically, the detachment assembly 1900 is attached to the tensioning assembly support 505 via a fixture 1970, the fixture 1970 rotatably fixes the second engageable element 1930 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505, and the second engageable element 1930 and the second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940, which is housed in the opening 1934o of the flange 1934 of the second engageable element 1930, are not rotatable relative to the tensioning assembly support 505 about the detachment assembly rotation axis A1900. The retainer 1950 and 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 disassembled assembly shaft 1910 to the first ring gear 526 of the tensioning assembly gear unit 510. Specifically, the teeth on the second end 1912b of the body 1912 of the disassembled assembly shaft 1910 mesh with the teeth of the intermediate gear 1990, and the teeth of the intermediate gear 1990 also mesh with the outer teeth 526ot of the first ring gear 526 of the tensioning assembly gear unit 510 of the tensioning assembly 500. The main body 1932 is fixed in a rotatable state to the tension-applying assembly support 505, and the detachment assembly shaft 1910 is fixed in a rotatable state to the first engageable element 1920, so the detachment assembly shaft 1910—and therefore the intermediate gear 1990—is fixed in a rotatable state to the tension-applying assembly support 505. Since the intermediate gear 1990 meshes with the outer teeth 526ot of the first ring gear 526 of the tension-applying assembly gear unit 510, the detachment assembly 1900 prevents the first ring gear 526 from rotating around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590.

[0024] The detachment assembly 1900 is actuated (by means of a rocker lever 700, etc., 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 detachment assembly shaft 1910 to rotate relative to the second engageable element 1930 about the detachment assembly rotation axis A1900. As described above, the second engageable element 1930 and the second end 1940b of the expandable element 1940 (received in the opening 1934o of the flange 1934 of the second engageable element 1930) are fixed in a rotatable state relative to the tensioning assembly support 505. To remove the connection between the torsion spring 1940 and the first engageable element 1920, the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940 is rotated around the disengagement assembly rotation axis A1900 (for example, by moving the rocker lever 700 from the home position to an intermediate position) relative to the tension-applying assembly support 505, the second end 1940b of the torsion spring 1940, and the second engageable element 1930. When this happens, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 begins to expand near its first end 1940a, eventually expanding fully (thereby reducing or completely eliminating the compressive force), allowing the first engageable element 1920 and the disengagement assembly shaft 1910 to rotate the disengagement assembly rotation axis A1900 relative to the second engageable element 1930 (and the torsion spring 1940).

[0025] Once the tensioning cycle is complete, the tensioning wheel 590 holds considerable tension in the strap, and the strap releases in the T direction. REV This applies a reaction force (or torque) to the tension-applying wheel 590. The operation of the detachment assembly 1900 causes the tension-applying wheel 590 to move in the release direction T. REVIt can rotate to and release its tension in a controlled manner. Specifically, when the tension application cycle is completed, the disengagement assembly shaft 1910 (via the intermediate gear 1990) continues to prevent the first ring gear 526 of the tension application assembly gear device 510 from rotating about the tension application wheel rotation axis A590, which means that the tension application wheel 590 rotates in the release direction T REV from rotating. When the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940 rotates about the disengagement assembly rotation axis A1900, the inner diameter of the torsion spring 1940 near its first end 1940a begins to expand. Eventually, the force exerted by the first ring gear 526 on the disengagement assembly shaft 1910 exceeds the compressive force exerted by the torsion spring 1940 on the first engagable element 1920. When this occurs, the first ring gear 526 rotates in the release direction T REV about the tension application wheel rotation axis A590. The freewheel 523 of the tension application assembly gear device prevents the driven shaft 522 including the first sun gear 522b from rotating in the release direction T REV so that, thereby, the first planetary gears 524a - 524d rotate in the release direction T REV about the tension application wheel rotation axis A590. Thereby (as described above), the tension application wheel 590 rotates in the release direction T REV about the tension application wheel rotation axis A590.

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

[0027] The rocker lever 700, best shown in FIGS. 3A - 4B, is operatively connected as follows. (1) To the tension application assembly 500 and configured to move the tension application assembly 500 from the strap tension application position to the strap insertion position relative to the support 300, and (2) to the disengagement assembly 1900 and configured to drive the disengagement assembly so that the tension application wheel 599 rotates in the release direction T REV so that it can rotate. The rocker lever 700 includes a mounting head 710, a body 720 connected to the mounting head 710, and a detachment assembly actuator 730 (a pin in this embodiment) extending laterally from the body 720.

[0028] The mounting head 710 is pivotably mounted on the mounting shaft 390 of the support 300, so that the rocker lever 700 can pivot relative to the support 300 about the rocker lever pivot axis A700 (which in this exemplary embodiment is the same as the tension-applying assembly pivot axis A500). The rocker lever 700 is also attached to the tension-applying assembly 500 via a pin 700p, which extends through a defined slot (not shown) that passes through the tension-applying assembly support 505 and the body 720 of the rocker lever 700. The slot is sized, shaped, and oriented so that the rocker lever 700 can pivot around the tension-applying assembly pivot axis A500, and the rocker lever 700 is (1) pivotable relative to the support 300, tension-applying assembly 500, and detachment assembly 1900 from a home position (Figures 3A-4A) to an intermediate position (Figures 3A-4A) to actuate the detachment assembly 1900, and (2) pivotable relative to the support 300 from an intermediate position (not shown) to an operating position (Figure 4B). A spring-like rocker lever biasing element (not shown) biases the rocker lever to the home position.

[0029] More specifically, as shown in Figures 3A-4A, when the rocker lever 700 is in the home position, the tensioning assembly 500 is in its strap tensioning position. When the rocker lever 700 moves to an intermediate position relative to the support 300, the tensioning assembly 500, and the detachment assembly 1900, the detachment assembly actuator 730 engages with the first end 1940a of the torsion spring 1940 of the detachment assembly 1900, and rotates the first end 1940a relative to the tensioning assembly support 505, the second end 1940b of the torsion spring 1940, and the first and second engageable elements 1920 and 1930. When 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 detachment 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, as it continues to move toward the operating position, the tensioning assembly 500 begins to pivot with the rocker lever 700, until the rocker lever 700 reaches the operating position and the tensioning assembly 500 reaches the strap insertion position.

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

[0031] During operation, the motor assembly 900 and the transmission assembly 800 drive the camshaft 620 and the cams 622 and 624 on it to rotate around the camshaft rotation axis A620 (which in this exemplary embodiment is the same as the tensioning assembly and rocker lever pivot axes A500 and A700) in a sealing rotation direction S, which is here referred to as the sealing direction S (Figure 3A). The first cam 622 is shaped to apply a downward force to the first cam follower 612 when the first cam 622 rotates, and the first cam follower 612 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 with the upper part of the strap and presses the lower part of the strap against the punch 314 of the base 310 of the support 300. The die assembly 610 continues to move to the sealing position, and upon reaching that position, the die 614 and punch 314 combine to cut the overlapping upper and lower keys of the strap, and the cutter 616 cuts the upper from the strap supply section. The continuous rotation of cams 622 and 624 reverses this movement, returning the die assembly 610 to its home position.

[0032] The transmission assembly 800, best shown in Figures 8 to 11, is driven by a motor assembly 900 and operably connected to a tensioning assembly 500, configured to rotate a tensioning wheel 590 in the tensioning direction T to pull the strap, and the transmission assembly 800 is operably connected to a sealing assembly 600, configured to connect the overlapping portions of the strap to each other. The transmission assembly 800 includes a first transmission-gear assembly 810, a second transmission-gear assembly 820, a connector 830, and a locking assembly 840.

[0033] The first transmission-gear assembly 810 includes a first driven gear 812 having teeth 812t (in this embodiment, a bevel gear, but any suitable gear may be used), a second gear assembly drive gear 814 having teeth 814t (in this embodiment, a spur gear, but any suitable gear may be used), and a first transmission freewheel 816. The first transmission freewheel 816 is mounted on, engages with, and surrounds the shaft portion 522a of the driven shaft 522 of the tensioning assembly gear unit 510 of the tensioning assembly 500. The first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 are fixed in a rotatable state relative to each other (and thus rotate together), mounted on, engages with, and surround the first transmission freewheel 816. The first transmission freewheel 816 is configured such that (1) it transmits 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, and 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 A590, and (2) it transmits the rotational motion of the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 in the release direction T REVThe rotational motion is not transmitted to the driven shaft 522, and the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 move relative to the first transmission free wheel 816 and the driven shaft 522, and around the first transmission free wheel 816 and the driven shaft 522, in the release direction T around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590. REV It is configured to rotate.

[0034] The second transmission-gear assembly 820 includes a second driven gear 822 having teeth 822t (which is a spur gear in this embodiment, but may be any suitable gear), a second transmission freewheel 824, a sealing assembly drive shaft 826, a washer 827, and a bush 828. The sealing assembly drive shaft 826 includes a freewheel mounting portion 826a and a bushing mounting portion 826b on either side of a sealing assembly drive gear 826g having teeth 826t (in this embodiment, this is a spur gear, but any suitable gear may be used). A locking assembly mounting portion 826c extends from the bushing mounting portion 826b. The second transmission freewheel 824 is attached to and engages with the freewheel mounting portion 826a of the sealing assembly drive shaft 826, and surrounds the freewheel mounting portion 826a. The second driven gear 822 is attached to and engages with the second transmission freewheel 824, and surrounds the second transmission freewheel 824. The second transmission freewheel 824 (1) transmits the rotational motion of the second driven gear 822 in the transmission rotation direction TR - referred here as the transmission direction TR (Figure 8) - to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826, so that the second driven gear 822 and the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 rotate together in the transmission direction TR about the rotation axis A822 of the driven gear, and (2) in the direction opposite to the transmission direction TR of the second driven gear 822 - referred here as the non-transmission direction TR REVIt is mentioned that the rotational motion of the second driven gear 822 is not transmitted to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826, and the second driven gear 822 rotates around the driven gear rotation axis A822 with respect to the second transmission free wheel 824 and the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 in the non-transmission direction TR. REV It is configured to rotate.

[0035] As best shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the second transmission-gear assembly 820 is mounted to and rotatably supported by the tension-applying assembly support 505. Specifically, the bush 828 is mounted to the bush mounting portion 826b of the sealing assembly drive shaft 826, surrounding the bush mounting portion 826b and housed in a hole 505b defined in the tension-applying assembly support 505. The washer 827 surrounds the bush mounting portion 826b of the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 and is positioned between the sealing assembly drive gear 826 and the tension-applying assembly support 505. The second transmission gear assembly 820 is positioned such that the teeth 826t of the sealing assembly drive gear 826g mesh with the teeth 632t of the driven gear 632 of the sealing assembly gear unit 630, so that the sealing assembly drive gear 826 engages driver with the driven gear 632 to drive the sealing assembly gear unit 630 and rotate the camshaft 620.

[0036] The locking assembly 840 includes a locking assembly freewheel 842 and an annular locking ring 844 defining a circumferentially spaced through opening 844o. The locking assembly freewheel 842 is located in a hole 505b defined in the tensioning assembly support 505, and is mounted on, engages with, and surrounds the locking assembly mounting portion 826c of the sealing assembly drive shaft 826. The locking ring 844 is mounted on, engages with, and surrounds the locking assembly freewheel 842 within the hole 505b defined in the tensioning assembly support 505.

[0037] As best shown in Figure 11, the locking ring holder 890 is removably received in the tensioning assembly support 505 and engages with the locking ring 844 to maintain the locking ring 844 in its rotational position relative to the driven gear rotation axis A822. In other words, unless its resistance is overcome, as described below, the locking ring 844 will be in the transmission direction TR or non-transmission direction TR REV This prevents it from rotating in either direction. The locking assembly holder 890 includes a body 892 that partially defines a hole 892b, a head 894 at the end of the body opposite to the hole 892b, a nose portion 896 that is receptively received within the hole 892b, and a nose biasing element (in this case, a compression spring) 898 that biases the nose portion 896 within the hole 892b toward the opening of the hole 892b, causing a portion of the nose portion 896 to protrude from the hole 892b. The main body 892 is screwed into and received by the tension-applying assembly support 505, positioning the locking assembly holder 890 such that the nose portion 896 is received adjacent to one of the openings 844o of the locking ring 844.

[0038] In this embodiment, the connector 830 is a toothed belt, but may be any suitable connector, which 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.

[0039] The second transmission freewheel 824 is the non-transmission direction TR of the second driven gear 822. REV The second transmission freewheel 824 is configured not to transmit rotational motion to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826, but the second transmission freewheel 824 transmits rotational motion to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 in the non-transmission direction TR REV Drag torque can be applied. If drag torque is not prevented, this drag torque causes the sealing assembly drive gear 826g of the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 to rotate in the opposite direction to the sealing direction S (here, the reverse sealing direction S) while the tensioning cycle is in progress. REV This can cause the tool to be driven in a certain direction (called a "strap"), which can disrupt the strapping cycle and / or damage various components of the tool. The locking assembly 840 is operably connected to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826, and this drag torque is transmitted in the non-transmission direction TR of the sealing assembly drive shaft 826. REV This prevents it from rotating.

[0040] Specifically, the locking assembly freewheel 842 allows the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 to rotate in the transmission direction TR relative to the locking assembly freewheel 842 and the locking ring 844, and the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 to rotate in the non-transmission direction TR REV It is configured to transmit rotational motion to the locking ring 844. The biasing force applied to the locking ring 844 by the nose biasing element 898 of the locking ring holder 890 is in the non-transmission direction TR REVThe drag torque applied to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 causes the locking ring 844 and the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 to move in the non-transmission direction TR REV It is large enough to prevent it from rotating.

[0041] However, the configuration of the locking assembly 840 is such that, in certain situations such as when the operator is repairing a tool jam, the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 is not transmitted in the TR direction. REV This allows for manual rotation. To do so, the operator directs the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 in the non-transmission direction TR to overcome the biasing force of the nose biasing element 898. REV Sufficient torque is applied to the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 and the locking ring 844 relative to the tensioning assembly support 505 in the non-transmission direction. REV Rotate it. Alternatively, the operator can remove the locking ring holder 890 from the tensioning assembly support 505, thereby allowing the sealing assembly drive shaft 826 and the locking ring 844 to move freely in the non-transmission direction TR. REV This allows for rotation. Thus, the locking assembly 840 of the present disclosure prevents the motor 910 from driving the sealing assembly 600 by drag torque while the motor 910 is driving the tensioning assembly 500, and at the same time allows the operator to manually disable the locking function in certain scenarios.

[0042] In other embodiments, the nose portion of the locking ring holder is fixed in place, so the operator removes the locking ring holder from the locking ring and moves the sealing assembly drive shaft in the non-transmission direction TR. REV It must be rotated.

[0043] During operation, the motor assembly 900 controls the first driven gear 812 of the first transmission gear assembly 810 of the transmission assembly 800 in the tensioning direction T or the release direction T.REV It can be driven in either of the following ways. When the motor assembly 900 drives the first driven gear 812 in the tension-applying direction T, the first driven gear 812, the second gear assembly drive gear 814, and the driven shaft 522 rotate together in the tension-applying direction T around the tension-applying wheel rotation axis A590. 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, and the second transmission free wheel 824 rotates in the non-transmission direction TR. REV This rotation does not transmit this rotational motion to the sealing assembly drive gear 826. Meanwhile, the motor assembly 900 releases the first driven gear 812 in the T direction. REV When driven, the first driven gear 812 and the second gear assembly drive gear 814 move around the first transmission freewheel 816 in the release direction T REV It rotates in a certain direction 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 (Figure 8), driving the sealing assembly gear unit 630 to rotate the camshaft 620 in the sealing direction S (Figure 3A).

[0044] The motor assembly 900, best shown in Figures 7 and 8, is operably connected (via the transmission assembly 800) to the tensioning assembly 500 and the sealing assembly 600 and is configured to drive those assemblies. The motor assembly 900 includes a motor 910, a drive gear 920, a motor mounting section 930, and a motor biasing element 940 (however, other embodiments may omit the motor biasing element 940).

[0045] As best illustrated in Figure 7, the motor 910, which in this embodiment is an electric motor but may be any suitable motor, includes a motor housing 910b and a rotatable output shaft 910s extending from the motor housing 910b. The 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 the output shaft 910s facing the motor housing 910b, and the drive gear 920 and the output shaft 910s are fixed in a rotatable state (i.e., rotate together) about the motor rotation axis A910. Specifically, the motor 910 is configured to rotate the output shaft 910s and the drive gear 920 in first and second driving directions D1 and D2 (Figure 8) opposite to each other to perform a tensioning cycle and a sealing cycle, respectively. The motor mounting section 930 includes a tubular body 932 and a head 934 at one end of the body 932. The head 934 includes a base 934b and spaced-apart first and second mounting lugs 934e1 and 934e2 extending from the base 934b. The body 932 is fixedly mounted to the motor housing 910b (via appropriate fasteners), with an output shaft 910s extending through the body 932 and a drive gear 920 located between the mounting lugs 934e1 and 934e2. In this embodiment, the motor biasing element 940 is a compression spring, but it may be any suitable biasing element. The motor biasing element 940 surrounds the main 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.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, the motor assembly 900 is rotatably attached at one end to the tensioning assembly 500, and the other end is housed in 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. The motor assembly 900 is mounted such that the drive gear 920 meshes with and thus engages drivably with the first driven gear 812 of the first transmission gear assembly 810 of the transmission assembly 800. The motor assembly 900 is mounted such that when the tensioning assembly 500 pivots between the strap tensioning position and the strap insertion position, the motor 910 can move relative to the housing 100 and the tensioning assembly 500 (and in this embodiment, both pivot and move longitudinally), so that the drive gear 920 maintains a drivable engagement with the first driven gear 812.

[0047] Specifically, the first mounting lugs 934e1 of the head 934 of the motor mounting portion 930 of the motor housing 930 of the motor assembly 900 are attached (via suitable unlabeled bearings) to the driven shaft 522 of the tensioning assembly gear unit 510 of the tensioning assembly 500, and the second mounting lugs 934e2 of the head 934 are attached (via suitable unlabeled bearings) to the support shaft 512a of the gear unit support portion 512 of the tensioning assembly gear unit 510, so that the motor assembly 900 is rotatable relative to the tensioning assembly 500 around the tensioning wheel rotation axis A590. The motor housing portion 130 defines one or more internal chambers that house the motor mounting portion 930, the motor 910, and the motor biasing element 940.

[0048] The display assembly 1300 shown in Figures 1A-1C includes a suitable display screen 1310 with a touch panel 1320. The display screen 1310 is configured to display information about the strapping tool 50 (at least in this embodiment), and the touch panel 1320 is configured to receive operator inputs, such as desired strap tension and desired weld cooling time, which are well 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 connected to a controller 1600, which sends signals to and receives 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 operating assembly 1400 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is configured to receive operator input for initiating the tensioning cycle and the sealing cycle. In this embodiment, the actuation assembly 1400 includes first and second push-button actuators 1410 and 1420 that initiate tensioning and / or sealing cycles, as described later, depending on the operating mode of the strapping tool 50. Other embodiments of the strapping tool 50 do not have the actuation assembly 1400, but instead incorporate its functionality into the 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 mechanical push-button actuators.

[0050] The controller 1600 shown in Figure 1C includes processing devices(s) communicatively connected to memory devices(s). For example, the controller may be a programmable logic controller. Processing devices may include, but are not limited to, any suitable processing devices such as general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, digital signal processors, one or more microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a digital signal processor core, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate array circuits, one or more integrated circuits, and / or state machines. Memory devices may include, but are not limited to, any suitable memory devices such as read-only memory, random access memory, one or more digital registers, cache memory, one or more semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as integrated hard disks and / or removable memory, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media. The memory devices store instructions that can be executed by the processing devices to control the operation of the strapping tool 50. The controller 1600 is communicatively and operably connected to the motor 910, display assembly 1300, actuation assembly 1400, and sensor 1700, and is configured to receive signals from and control those components. The controller 1600 can also communicate with external devices such as computer equipment (via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, near-field communication, or other suitable wireless communication protocols) to send information to and receive information from those external devices.

[0051] The controller 1600 is configured to operate the strapping tool in one of three operating modes: (1) manual operation mode, (2) semi-automatic operation mode, and (3) automatic operation mode. In manual operation mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 910 to rotate the tensioning wheel 590 in response to the activation and maintenance of the first push-button actuator 1410. The controller 1600 also operates the motor 910 to cause the sealing assembly 600 to perform a sealing cycle in response to the activation of the second push-button actuator 1420. In semi-automatic operation mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 910 to rotate the tensioning wheel 590 in response to the activation and maintenance of the first push-button actuator 1410. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached a 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 automatic operation mode, the controller 1600 operates the motor 910 to rotate the tensioning wheel 590 in response to the activation of the first push-button actuator 1410. Once the controller 1600 determines that the tension in the strap has reached a 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 sensor 1700 includes any suitable sensor, such as a microswitch, optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or magnetic position sensor, and is configured to detect the position of a specific component of the strapping tool 50 and send an appropriate signal to the controller 1600. The sensor 1700 includes, for example, one or more tension-applying assembly position sensors configured to detect when the tension-applying assembly 500 is in its strap tension-applying 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 operating position; and one or more operating assembly sensors configured to detect the operation of the first and second push-button actuators 1410 and 1420.

[0053] The power supply is configured to be electrically connected to and power several components of the strapping tool 50, including a motor 910, a display assembly 1300, an actuation assembly 1400, a controller 1600, and (multiple) sensors 1700, via appropriate wiring and other components. The power supply is a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery), although in other embodiments it may be any other suitable power supply. The power supply is sized, shaped and otherwise configured to be received in a receiving portion 122 defined by a rear housing portion 120 of the housing 100. The strapping tool 50 includes one or more battery locking devices (not shown) for releasably locking the power supply in place when it is received in the receiving portion. Activation of the strapping tool 50 or the power supply release device unlocks the power supply from the housing 100, allowing the operator to remove the power supply from the receiving portion 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 parts of the strap to each other via a sealless strap coupling, 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 the purposes of this example.

[0055] The operator first pulls the lead end of the strap from the strap supply unit (not shown), wraps the strap around the load, and positions the lead end of the strap S below another portion of the strap to form the upper and lower portions of the strap. Next, the operator pulls the rocker lever 700 from its home position to the operating position, raising the tensioning assembly 500 from its strap tensioning position to its strap insertion position. While holding the rocker lever 700 in its operating position, the operator introduces the overlapping upper and lower portions of the strap between the punch 314 (on the base 310 of the support 300) and the die 614 (of the die assembly 610 of the sealing assembly 600), and between the tensioning plate 312 (on the base 310 of the support 300) and the tensioning wheel 590 (of the tensioning assembly 500), as shown in Figure 3C. Next, the operator releases the rocker lever 700, which causes the various biasing elements to force the rocker lever 700 back to its home position, and the tensioning assembly 500 returns to its strap tensioning position. As a result, the tensioning wheel 590 engages with the upper surface of the upper part of the strap and forces the lower bottom surface of the strap against the tensioning plate 312.

[0056] Next, the operator activates the first push-button actuator 1410 to start the strapping cycle. In response, the controller 1600 starts the tensioning cycle by controlling the motor 910 to start 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 the tensioning direction T. As described in detail above, this causes the tensioning wheel 590 to start rotating in the tensioning direction T, pulling 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 desired (pre-set) strap tension for this strapping cycle, the controller 1600 stops the motor 910, thereby ending the tensioning cycle.

[0057] The controller 1600 then controls the motor 910 to start rotating the motor output shaft 910s in the second drive direction D2, and the first driven gear 812 in the release direction T REV By driving this, the sealing cycle is automatically started. As detailed above, this causes the camshaft 620 to rotate in the sealing direction S, and the die assembly 610 to rotate to the sealing position, so that the die 614 engages with the upper part of the strap and presses the lower part of the strap against the punch 314 of the base 310 of the support 300, and finally the overlapping upper and lower parts of the strap are cut and joined. Meanwhile, the cutter 616 of the die assembly 610 cuts the strap from the strap supply section. Once the cutter 616 has cut the strap from the strap supply section, the upper part of the strap slides relative to the lower part of the strap, causing the key to move in conjunction to form a sealless strap joint. If the camshaft 620 is continued to rotate in the sealing direction S, this movement is reversed, and the die assembly 610 returns to its home position. After the sealing cycle is complete, the operator pulls the rocker lever 700 again to raise the tensioning assembly 500 and remove the strapping tool 50 from the stretched strap loop.

[0058] While the sealing assembly in the above-described exemplary embodiment of the strapping tool comprises a punch and die configured for a sealing-less connection within the strap, in other embodiments the sealing assembly may 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] Other embodiments of the strapping tool may include fewer assemblies, components, and / or features than those included in the strapping tool 50 described above and shown in the figure. In other words, the strapping tool 50 includes all of the assemblies, components, and features described above, but these are independent of each other and may be included independently in other strapping tools.

[0060] The strapping tool described above is a handheld strapping tool, but the strapping tool may be other suitable strapping tools, such as independent automatic or semi-automatic strapping tools, as in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A strapping device, A tensioning assembly comprising a tensioning assembly gear mechanism operably connected to a tensioning wheel and rotating the tensioning wheel, Sealing assembly including gear mechanism, A motor operably connected to a drive gear, which drives the drive gear in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, A transmission assembly is provided, and the transmission assembly is The drive gear is operably connected to a tension-applying assembly gear device, and the rotation of the drive gear in a first rotational direction drives the tension-applying assembly gear device, causing the tension-applying wheel to rotate in the tension-applying rotational direction. The drive gear is operably connected to a sealing assembly gear device, and the device comprises a second gear device in which the rotation of the drive gear in a second rotational direction drives the sealing assembly gear device. Furthermore, the system includes a locking assembly that engages with the second gear unit to prevent the second gear unit from driving the sealing assembly gear unit when the motor drives the drive gear in the first rotational direction, The second gear device comprises a sealing assembly drive shaft that is operably connected to the sealing assembly gear device and drives the sealing assembly gear device. The locking assembly is operably connected to the sealing assembly drive shaft to prevent the sealing assembly drive shaft from driving the sealing assembly gear device when the motor is driving the drive gear in the first rotational direction. The sealing assembly drive shaft comprises a sealing assembly drive gear that drives the driven gear of the sealing assembly gear device, wherein the sealing assembly drive shaft is equipped with a sealing assembly drive gear that drives the driven gear of the sealing assembly gear device.

2. The strapping device according to claim 1, wherein the locking assembly is attached to the sealing assembly drive shaft and comprises a locking assembly freewheel that allows the sealing assembly drive shaft to rotate in a sealing rotation direction opposite to the tension-applying rotation direction.

3. The strapping device according to claim 2, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a locking ring attached to the locking assembly freewheel, the locking ring being mounted within a support and fixed rotatably with respect to the support to prevent the sealing assembly drive shaft from rotating in the tension-applying rotation direction and driving the sealing assembly gear device when the motor is driving the drive gear in a first rotation direction.

4. The strapping device according to claim 3, further comprising a locking ring holder that engages with the locking ring and fixes the locking ring to the support in a rotational direction.

5. The strapping device according to claim 4, wherein the locking ring holder is mounted within the support.

6. The strapping device according to claim 5, wherein the locking ring holder is removable from the support.

7. The strapping device according to claim 5, wherein the support comprises a tension-applying assembly support portion to which the tension-applying assembly is attached.

8. The strapping device according to claim 4, wherein the locking ring defines a number of circumferentially spaced openings passing through the locking ring, and a part of the locking ring holder protrudes into one of the openings and rotates relative to the support to fix the locking ring.

9. The strapping device according to claim 8, wherein the locking ring holder comprises a main body, a nose portion that is receptively received in a hole defined within the main body, and a nose portion biasing element that biases the nose portion toward the opening end of the hole, such that a portion of the nose portion protrudes from the opening end of the hole into one of the openings of the locking ring.

10. The strapping device according to claim 9, wherein the nose biasing element has sufficient rigidity to allow the sealing assembly drive shaft and the locking ring to rotate relative to the locking ring holder in the tension-applying rotation direction in response to the application of a torque in the tension-applying rotation direction that exceeds the resistance force applied by the nose biasing element.

11. The tensioning assembly includes a driven shaft operably connected to the tensioning wheel to drive the tensioning wheel, The strapping device according to claim 3, wherein the first gear device includes a first freewheel attached to the driven shaft and a first driven gear attached to the freewheel, the drive gear being drivably engaged with the first driven gear, the first driven gear being operably connected to the second gear device, and the first freewheel being configured to transmit the rotation of the first driven gear in the tension-applying rotation direction to the driven shaft, but not to transmit the rotation of the first driven gear in the sealing rotation direction to the driven shaft.

12. The second gear device further comprises a second freewheel attached to the sealing assembly drive shaft and a second driven gear attached to the second freewheel, wherein the first driven gear is operably connected to the second driven gear to drive the second driven gear. The strapping device according to claim 11, wherein the second freewheel is configured to transmit the rotation of the second driven gear in the sealing rotation direction to the sealing assembly drive shaft, but not to transmit the rotation of the second driven gear in the tensioning rotation direction to the sealing assembly drive shaft.

13. The strapping device according to claim 12, further comprising a connector that operably connects the first driven gear to the second driven gear.

14. The strapping device according to claim 13, wherein the first gear device further comprises a drive gear of a second gear device fixed in the rotational direction to the first driven gear, and the connector operably connects the drive gear of the second gear device to the second driven gear.

15. The strapping device according to claim 13, wherein the connector comprises a toothed belt.

16. The strapping device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission assembly further comprises the locking assembly.

Images