End machine

Abstract

To provide a binding machine that makes it possible to prevent execution of inadvertent binding operation.SOLUTION: A reinforcing binding machine 1G comprises a first body part 301 having a handle part 304hL that allows an operator to grasp, a second body part 302 provided with a mechanism for binding reinforcement S using a wire W, a long connecting part 303 that connects the first body part 301 and the second body part 302, and an electric part 360 provided with an accelerating sensor that detects shock.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tying machine that ties an object to be tied, such as a reinforcing bar, with a wire.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a tying machine, which is called a reinforcing bar tying machine, has been proposed that winds a wire around a long object such as a reinforcing bar, twists this wire, and ties the reinforcing bar with the wire (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the tying machine described in Patent Document 1, a handle having a start switch is connected to the other part of the machine via a telescopic part, and the overall length of the machine can be adjusted according to the height of the operator. In the tying machine described in Patent Document 1, a long object such as a reinforcing bar is placed between two fixed claws, and by operating the start switch, the long objects are tied together with a wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The tying machine described in Patent Document 1 is assumed to be used for the work of tying an object to be tied disposed on the floor surface. In such a case, the distance between the operator and the object to be tied is long, and it is difficult to confirm whether the object to be tied is between the two fixed claws. In such a situation, when the start switch is operated, there is a possibility that the tying operation is executed even though the object to be tied is not between the two fixed claws.

[0006] The tying machine according to the present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tying machine capable of suppressing the execution of an unintended tying operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the binding machine relating to this disclosure is: A binding machine for binding objects to be bound, which is installed on the floor surface. A first main body having a handle portion that can be gripped by an operator; a second main body having a wire feed portion, a guide portion that guides the wire fed by the feed portion around the object to be bound; and a twisting portion that twists the wire guided by the guide portion to bind the object to be bound; and a long connecting portion that connects the first main body and the second main body. The guide part detects its orientation relative to the direction of gravity and outputs a signal, and when the object to be bound comes into contact with it... An accelerometer that detects impact and When the acceleration sensor outputs a signal indicating that the guide section is within the binding tolerance range with the guide section facing downward in the direction of gravity, and when the acceleration sensor detects an impact, the control unit controls the feed section and the twist section to perform the binding operation. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The binding machine of this disclosure can perform a binding operation when it detects that an impact has been applied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of the grip section. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing an example of the internal configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the main internal components of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] This is a side view showing an example of a guide section. [Figure 8B] This is a side view showing an example of a guide section. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing an example of a guide section and contact member. [Figure 10A] It is a side view showing an example of a contact member. [Figure 10B] It is a side view showing an example of a contact member. [Figure 11] It is a side view showing an example of a switch for detecting a second guide. [Figure 12] It is a functional block diagram of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a functional block diagram of a modified example of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a modified example of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of another modified example of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a functional block diagram of yet another modified example of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of yet another modified example of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a front view showing an example of the overall configuration of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a functional block diagram of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21A] It is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21B] It is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a side view showing another example of the overall configuration of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to another third embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a functional block diagram of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a side view showing an example of the overall configuration of a reinforcing bar tying machine according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25A]This is a side view showing the main parts of a rebar tying machine according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 25B] This is a side view showing the main parts of a rebar tying machine according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a functional block diagram of the rebar tying machine according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a functional block diagram of the seventh embodiment of the rebar tying machine. [Figure 28A] This is a side view showing an example of the overall configuration of the rebar tying machine according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 28B] This is a rear view showing an example of the overall configuration of the rebar tying machine according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 29A] This is a perspective view showing the orientation detection sensor of the first embodiment. [Figure 29B] This is a perspective view showing the orientation detection sensor of the second embodiment. [Figure 30A] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the rebar tying machine according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 30B] This flowchart shows another example of the operation of the rebar tying machine according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of a rebar tying machine as an embodiment of the tying machine of the present invention will be described.

[0011] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment> Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of the overall configuration of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment, Figure 2 is a top view showing an example of the overall configuration of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment, and Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of the overall configuration of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The rebar tying machine 1A of the first embodiment comprises a first main body 301, a second main body 302, and a long connecting part 303 that connects the first main body 301 and the second main body 302. The first main body 301 is equipped with a handle part 304h having a pair of grip parts 304L and 304R that can be grasped by an operator. A battery 310B is also attached to the first main body 301.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the grip section. The handle section 304h is equipped with an operating section 304t on a grip section 304R, which is mainly held by the right hand. The operating section 304t is attached to the grip section 304R so as to be rotatable on an axis (not shown) and protrudes from the surface of the grip section 304R. The operating section 304t is operated by being held together with the grip section 304R by the operator, and by rotating relative to the grip section 304R. The rebar tying machine 1A is equipped with an output section within the grip section 304R that produces a predetermined output when the operating section 304t is operated. The output section that produces a predetermined output when the operating section 304t is operated will be referred to as the first output section, which will be described later.

[0014] Figure 6 is a side view showing an example of the internal configuration of the rebar tying machine of the first embodiment, and Figure 7 is a side view showing the main parts of the internal configuration of the rebar tying machine of the first embodiment.

[0015] The second main body 302 includes a housing section 2 that rotatably houses a wire reel 20 on which the wire W is wound, and a feeding section 3 that feeds the wire W wound on the wire reel 20 housed in the housing section 2. The second main body 302 also includes a regulating section 4 that imparts a coil to the wire W being fed by the feeding section 3, and a guide section 5 that guides the wire W, which has been coiled by the regulating section 4, around the iron object S that is to be bound. Furthermore, the second main body 302 includes a cutting section 6 that cuts the wire W, a twisting section 7 that twists the wire W, and a drive section 8 that drives the cutting section 6 and the twisting section 7, etc.

[0016] The rebar tying machine 1A has a guide section 5 on one side of the second main body section 302. In this embodiment, the side on which the guide section 5 is provided is defined as the front. The rebar tying machine 1A has a configuration in which the distance between the guide section 5 and the handle section 304h is extended compared to a rebar tying machine that does not have a connecting section 303, as the first main body section 301 and the second main body section 302 are connected by a connecting section 303.

[0017] The storage section 2 is configured to allow attachment, detachment, and support of the wire reel 20. The feeding section 3 includes a pair of feed gears 30 as feeding members. The feeding section 3 feeds the wire W by rotating the feed gears 30 with a motor (not shown) while the wire W is sandwiched between the pair of feed gears 30. Depending on the rotation direction of the feed gears 30, the feeding section 3 can feed the wire W in both the forward direction indicated by arrow F and the reverse direction indicated by arrow R.

[0018] The cutting section 6 is located downstream of the feeding section 3, relative to the forward feeding direction of the wire W indicated by arrow F. The cutting section 6 comprises a fixed blade section 60 and a movable blade section 61 that cuts the wire W in cooperation with the fixed blade section 60. The cutting section 6 also includes a transmission mechanism 62 that transmits the movement of the drive section 8 to the movable blade section 61.

[0019] The fixed blade section 60 has an opening 60a through which the wire W passes. The movable blade section 61 rotates with the fixed blade section 60 as a pivot point to cut the wire W passing through the opening 60a of the fixed blade section 60.

[0020] The restricting section 4 is equipped with first to third restricting members that contact the wire W at multiple locations along the feeding direction of the wire W fed by the feeding section 3, at least three locations in this example, thereby causing the wire W to develop a coiled shape that follows the feeding path Wf of the wire W, shown by the dashed line in Figure 7.

[0021] The restricting section 4 has a first restricting member which is composed of the fixed blade section 60 described above. Furthermore, the restricting section 4 is equipped with a second restricting member, a restricting member 42, downstream of the fixed blade section 60, for forward feeding of the wire W indicated by arrow F, and a third restricting member, a restricting member 43, downstream of the restricting member 42. The restricting members 42 and 43 are cylindrical members, and the wire W is in contact with their outer circumferential surfaces.

[0022] The regulating section 4 has a fixed blade section 60, regulating members 42 and 43 arranged in a curve to match the spiral feed path Wf of the wire W. The fixed blade section 60 has an opening 60a through which the wire W passes, which is provided on the feed path Wf of the wire W. The regulating member 42 is provided radially inward with respect to the feed path Wf of the wire W. Furthermore, the regulating member 43 is provided radially outward with respect to the feed path Wf of the wire W.

[0023] As a result, the wire W fed by the feed unit 3 passes through the fixed blade unit 60, the restricting member 42, and the restricting member 43 in contact with each other, thereby creating a coiled shape in the wire W so that it follows the feed path Wf of the wire W.

[0024] The restricting unit 4 includes a transmission mechanism 44 that transmits the movement of the drive unit 8 to the restricting member 42. The restricting member 42 is configured to move to a position where it contacts the wire W when the feed unit 3 feeds the wire W in the forward direction and creates a coil around the wire W, and to move to a position where it does not contact the wire W when the feed unit 3 feeds the wire W in the reverse direction and wraps the wire W around the reinforcing bar S.

[0025] Figures 8A and 8B are side views showing an example of the guide section, Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the guide section and contact member, and Figures 10A and 10B are side views showing an example of the contact member. Next, the configuration and effects of operating the pair of guides will be explained.

[0026] The guide section 5 includes a first guide 51 on which the restricting member 43 of the restricting section 4 is provided, and a second guide 52 that guides the wire W, which has been coiled by the restricting section 4 and the first guide 51, to the twisted section 7.

[0027] The first guide 51 is attached to the front end of the second main body 302 and extends in the first direction indicated by arrow A1. As shown in Figure 7, the first guide 51 has a groove 51h with a guide surface 51g that the wire W fed by the feed unit 3 slides against. When the side of the first guide 51 attached to the second main body 302 is called the base end side and the side extending from the second main body 302 in the first direction is called the tip side, a regulating member 42 is provided on the base end side of the first guide 51 and a regulating member 43 is provided on the tip side of the first guide 51. A gap is formed between the guide surface 51g of the first guide 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the regulating member 42 through which the wire W can pass. A part of the outer circumferential surface of the regulating member 43 protrudes onto the guide surface 51g of the first guide 51.

[0028] The second guide 52 is attached to the front end of the second main body 302. The second guide 52 is positioned opposite the first guide 51 in the second direction indicated by arrow A2, which is perpendicular to the first direction. A predetermined gap is maintained between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 along the second direction, and an insertion / removal opening 53 is formed between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52, through which the reinforcing bar S is inserted and removed, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0029] The guide section 5 includes a guide section 59 for guiding the reinforcing bar S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The guide section 59 is provided on the tip side of the first guide 51 and is configured to have a surface that reduces the distance between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 from the tip side towards the base side of the guide section 59. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the guide section 59 is composed of an inclined surface that slopes in a direction that reduces the distance between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 with respect to the first direction indicated by arrow A1, from the tip P1 of the first guide 51 toward the vicinity of the end P2 of the groove section 51h on the tip side of the first guide 51.

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, the second guide 52 includes a pair of side guides 52a facing each other along the first direction and a third direction indicated by arrow A3, which is perpendicular to the second direction. In the second guide 52, when the side attached to the second main body 302 is considered the base end and the side extending from the second main body 302 in the first direction is considered the tip end, the pair of side guides 52a are spaced closer together from the tip end to the base end. The base ends of the pair of side guides 52a face each other at a distance that allows the wire W to pass through.

[0031] The second guide 52 is attached to the second main body 302 with its base end supported by the shaft 52b. The axis of the shaft 52b is aligned with the third direction. The second guide 52 is rotatable relative to the second main body 302 with the shaft 52b as a pivot point. The tip end 52c of the second guide 52 is movable toward and away from the end 51c of the first guide 51, which is opposite to the second guide 52, in the second direction indicated by arrow A2. The end P2 of the groove 51h is exposed at the end 51c of the first guide 51.

[0032] The second guide 52 rotates with axis 52b as its pivot point, moving between a first position where the distance between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51 is a first distance L1, as shown by the solid line in Figure 8A, and a second position where the distance between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51 is a second distance L2, which is shorter than the first distance L1, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8A and the solid line in Figure 8B.

[0033] When the second guide 52 is in the second position, there is an opening between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51. When the second guide 52 is in the first position, the gap between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51 widens, making it easier to insert the reinforcing bar S into the insertion / removal opening 53 between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52.

[0034] When the second guide 52 is in the second position, the side guide 52a is located in the wire feed path Wf shown by the dashed line in Figures 8A and 8B. When the second guide 52 is in the first position, the side guide 52a may be located in the wire feed path Wf if the distance between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51 is wider than when the second guide 52 is in the second position, or the side guide 52a may be located outside the wire feed path Wf, as shown by the solid line in Figure 8A.

[0035] The second guide 52 is biased in the direction of movement to the first position by a biasing member 54, which is composed of a torsion coil spring or the like, and the state in which it has moved to the first position is maintained.

[0036] The rebar tying machine 1A includes a contact member 9A that detects the rebar S when it comes into contact with the insertion / removal opening 53 between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52, and activates the second guide 52. The rebar tying machine 1A also includes a cover portion 11 that covers the front end of the second main body portion 302.

[0037] The cover portion 11 is attached to the second main body portion 302 from its front end along the third direction, extending to both the left and right sides of the second main body portion 302. The cover portion 11 is made of a metal plate or the like, and is shaped to cover part or all of the front end of the second main body portion 302 and parts of both the left and right sides of the front of the second main body portion 302, between the base end of the first guide 51 and the base end of the second guide 52. Because the cover portion 11 is made of metal, while the second main body portion 302 is made of resin, wear of the cover portion 11 can be reduced even when the contact member 9A and the reinforcing bar S come into contact with the cover portion 11.

[0038] The contact member 9A is rotatably supported on the shaft 90A and is attached to the second main body 302 via the cover portion 11. The contact member 9A has a bent shape, with a contact portion 91A on one side relative to the shaft 90A that abuts against the reinforcing bar S, and a connecting portion 92A on the other side relative to the shaft 90A that connects to the second guide 52. Specifically, in the second direction, the contact portion 91A is provided on one side relative to the shaft 90A, and the connecting portion 92A is provided on the other side.

[0039] The contact member 9A has a shaft 90A located approximately midway between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52. Furthermore, the contact member 9A has a pair of abutment portions 91A in the third direction indicated by arrow A3, extending from near the portion supported by the shaft 90A towards the first guide 51, at a distance that allows the wire W binding the reinforcing bars S to pass through. The abutment portions 91A extend to both the left and right sides of the first guide 51.

[0040] Furthermore, the contact member 9A has a connecting portion 92A on the side of the second guide 52 from the portion supported by the shaft 90A, and a displacement portion 93A is provided on the tip side of the connecting portion 92A that contacts the portion of the second guide 52 opposite to the side facing the first guide 51.

[0041] The contact member 9A rotates relative to the second main body 302 with the shaft 90A as a pivot point, moving between a standby position in which the contact portion 91A protrudes from the cover portion 11 to the insertion / removal opening 53, as shown in Figure 10A, and an operating position in which the contact portion 91A approaches the cover portion 11, as shown in Figure 10B.

[0042] When the contact member 9A is moved to the operating position shown in Figure 10B, the contact portion 91A has a shape that extends from the shaft 90A along the second direction indicated by arrow A2, in the direction in which the first guide 51 is provided. Therefore, the contact member 9A rotates with the shaft 90A as the pivot point, and the contact portion 91A moves along the arc centered on the shaft 90A, in the first direction indicated by arrow A1. In the operation of inserting the reinforcing bar S into the insertion / removal opening 53 between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52, the reinforcing bar tying machine 1A moves in the first direction indicated by arrow A1. Due to this relative movement between the reinforcing bar tying machine 1A and the reinforcing bar S, the contact member 9A is pushed by a force along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing the contact portion 91A to move to the operating position. As a result, the direction in which the contact portion 91A moves when the contact portion 91A rotates with the shaft 90A as the pivot point is aligned with the direction of the force exerted by the reinforcing bar S on the contact portion 91A due to the relative movement between the reinforcing bar tying machine 1A and the reinforcing bar S. Furthermore, when the contact member 9A is moved to the operating position shown in Figure 10B, the connecting portion 92A of the contact member 9A is inclined forward from the shaft 90A relative to the contact portion 91A and extends in the direction in which the second guide 52 is provided. When the contact member 9A rotates with the shaft 90A as the pivot point, the displacement portion 93A moves along an arc centered on the shaft 90A, in the second direction shown by arrow A2. As a result, the contact member 9A is biased by the biasing member 54, and when the second guide 52 is in the first position, the displacement portion 93A is pushed away from the first guide 51 by the second guide 52. Therefore, the contact member 9A moves to the standby position by rotation around the shaft 90A as a pivot point, and the contact portion 91A protrudes from the cover portion 11. In this example, the contact member 9A is moved by the force of the biasing member 54 that biases the second guide 52, but it is also possible to have a configuration that includes other biasing members that bias the contact member 9A.

[0043] When the contact portion 91A is pressed against the reinforcing bar S, the contact portion 91A moves along the first direction. As a result, the contact member 9A rotates around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and moves to the operating position. When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting portion 92A around the shaft 90A causes the displacement portion 93A to move toward the first guide 51. As a result, the displacement portion 93A pushes the second guide 52, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position. In this way, the reinforcing bar S comes into contact with the contact portion 91A and the displacement portion 93A moves, causing the second guide 52 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0044] Figure 11 is a side view showing an example of an output unit that detects the second guide, and the details of the second output unit 12A will be explained next with reference to each figure. The rebar tying machine 1A is equipped with a second output unit 12A that detects when the second guide 52 moves to a second position and outputs a predetermined value. The second output unit 12A is configured such that its output changes depending on the displacement of the movable element 120, for example. In this example, when the contact member 9A moves to the standby position, the second guide 52 moves to the first position, and the second guide 52 moves away from the movable element 120. In this state, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned off. Conversely, when the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the second guide 52 moves to the second position, and the second guide 52 moves in a direction that pushes the movable element 120. In this state, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on. The output unit for detecting the second guide may be configured using a non-contact sensor. Alternatively, instead of the output unit for detecting the second guide, the system may be configured to include an output unit for detecting when the contact member has moved to the operating position.

[0045] Next, the twisting section 7 and the drive section 8 will be described with reference to the figures. The twisting section 7 comprises an engaging section 70 into which the wire W engages, and an operating section 71 that operates the engaging section 70. The engaging section 70 rotates due to the operation of the operating section 71, thereby twisting the wire W wrapped around the reinforcing bar S.

[0046] The drive unit 8 includes a torsion motor 80 that drives the torsion section 7, etc., a reduction gear 81 that performs reduction and torque amplification, a rotating shaft 82 that rotates driven by the torsion motor 80 via the reduction gear 81, and a moving member 83 that transmits driving force to the cutting section 6 and the regulating member 42. The torsion section 7 and the drive unit 8 have their rotation centers coaxially arranged with respect to the rotating shaft 82 and the rotation centers of the operating section 71 and the engaging section 70. The rotation center of the rotating shaft 82 and the rotation centers of the operating section 71 and the engaging section 70 is referred to as the axis Ax.

[0047] The engaging portion 70 has a first passage through which the wire W sent to the cutting portion 6 by the feeding portion 3 passes, and a second passage through which the wire W, which has been coiled in the regulating portion 4 and guided to the twisting portion 7 by the guide portion 5, passes.

[0048] The drive unit 8 moves the actuation unit 71 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82 by the rotational motion of the rotating shaft 82. As the actuation unit 71 moves along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, the engagement unit 70 holds the tip end of the wire W, which is guided by the twisted portion 7 at the guide portion 5.

[0049] The drive unit 8 moves in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 71 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, causing the moving member 83 to move along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82. The movement of the moving member 83 is transmitted to the restricting member 42 by the transmission mechanism 44, causing the restricting member 42 to move to a position where it does not come into contact with the wire. Furthermore, as the operating unit 71 moves along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, the movement of the moving member 83 is transmitted to the movable blade 61 by the transmission mechanism 62, causing the movable blade 61 to actuate and cut the wire W.

[0050] The drive unit 8 rotates the operating unit 71, which has been moved along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 82, by the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 82. As the operating unit 71 rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft 82, it twists the wire W at the engaging unit 70.

[0051] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. The rebar tying machine 1A has a first output unit 15 that is operated by the operation of the operating unit 304t, and a second output unit 12A that is operated when the rebar S comes into contact with the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A and the rebar S is pressed against it. The control unit 100A detects the output of the first output unit 15 and the second output unit 12A, and controls the feed motor 31 that drives the feed gear 30 and the torsion motor 80 that drives the torsion portion 7, etc., to perform a series of operations to tie the rebar S with wire W.

[0052] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. Next, the operation of tying the rebar S with wire W using the rebar tying machine 1A will be described. The operator grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands. That is, the operator grasps the grip portion 304R of the handle portion 304h with their right hand and the grip portion 304L of the handle portion 304h with their left hand.

[0053] When the operator grips the operating unit 304t together with the grip unit 304R, the operating unit 304t rotates relative to the grip unit 304R, thereby activating the device. When the operating unit 304t is activated, the output of the first output unit 15 turns on in step SA1 of Figure 13, and the control unit 100A detects that the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on. This detection by the control unit 100A that the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on is also referred to as the control unit detecting the first signal.

[0054] The worker grasps the handle section 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands, aligns the position of the guide section 5 with the intersection of the two rebars S, and inserts the rebars S into the insertion / removal opening 53.

[0055] The rebar tying machine 1A is used with the guide section 5 facing downwards and the worker standing, in order to tie rebars S at the worker's feet. Therefore, it is difficult to align the position of the guide section 5 with the intersection of two rebars S. To address this, when no rebars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53 of the rebar tying machine 1A, as shown in Figure 10A, the second guide 52 moves to the first position, and the gap between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51 widens. In addition, the rebar tying machine 1A is provided with a guide section 59 on the tip side of the first guide 51, which is shaped to guide the rebar S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The worker can place the rebar S against the guide section 59 and move the guide section 59 so that it slides over the rebar S. This makes it easier to insert the rebar S into the insertion / removal opening 53.

[0056] The worker moves the rebar tying machine 1A in the direction of inserting the rebar S into the insertion / removal opening 53, thereby pressing the rebar S against the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A.

[0057] As the rebar tying machine 1A is moved in the direction in which the rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, the contact member 9A receives a force in the direction in which the rebar tying machine 1A is moving, and the contact portion 91A is pushed. As a result, the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A moves along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing it to rotate around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and move to the operating position as shown in Figure 10B.

[0058] When two intersecting reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, one reinforcing bar S is positioned on one side of the first guide 51, and the other reinforcing bar S is positioned on the other side of the first guide 51. In contrast, the contact member 9A has a pair of contact portions 91A that extend from between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 to both the left and right sides of the first guide 51. This ensures that the reinforcing bars S inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53 make contact with the contact portions 91A, allowing the contact member 9A to be moved to the operating position. Furthermore, the contact portions 91A of the contact member 9A move in a rotational motion with the shaft 90A as the pivot point, along the first direction indicated by arrow A1. This allows the contact portions 91A to be pushed when the reinforcing bar tying machine 1A is moved in the direction of inserting the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53, eliminating the need to move the reinforcing bar tying machine 1A in another direction to activate the contact member 9A.

[0059] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting part 92A with the shaft 90A as the pivot point causes the displacement part 93A to push the second guide 52 toward the first guide 51, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0060] When the second guide 52 moves to the second position, the output of the second output unit 12A turns on in step SA2 of Figure 13, and the control unit 100A detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned on. This detection by the control unit 100A is also referred to as the control unit detecting the second signal. When the contact member 9A, which turns on the output of the second output unit 12A, moves to the operating position, the reinforcing bar S is within the wire feed path Wf shown by the dashed line in Figure 7 and is in a position where it can be tied. As a result, the second output unit 12A can detect that the reinforcing bar S has been placed within the wire feed path Wf.

[0061] When the control unit 100A detects that the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on, that is, when it has detected the output of the second output unit 12A has turned on, that is, when it detects the second signal, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 in step SA3 of Figure 13 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W. However, when the output of the first output unit 15 is off, the control unit 100A does not start driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 and does not perform the tying operation.

[0062] As a result, the control unit 100A will not start driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 until the grip portion 304R is gripped, the operating portion 304t is activated and the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, and the contact member 9A is pressed against the reinforcing bar S, moving to the operating position and the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on while the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, i.e., while the grip portion 304R is gripped.

[0063] To explain the details of the binding operation, the feed motor 31 rotates in the forward direction, and the feed gear 30 rotates in the forward direction, causing the wire W to be fed in the forward direction indicated by arrow F. The wire W fed in the forward direction in the feed section 3 passes through the fixed blade section 60, which is the first restricting member constituting the restricting section 4, and the restricting member 42, which is the second restricting member. After passing through the restricting member 42, the wire W comes into contact with the guide surface 51g of the first guide 51 and is guided to the restricting member 43, which is the third restricting member.

[0064] As a result, the wire W being fed in the forward direction by the feed unit 3 is bent into an arc shape by contacting the fixed blade 60, the restricting member 42, the restricting member 43, and the guide surface 51g of the first guide 51. The wire W being fed in the forward direction by the feed unit 3 is then given a coil shape that forms a nearly circular form by contacting the fixed blade 60 and the restricting member 43 from the outer circumference direction of the arc, and by contacting the restricting member 42 from the inner circumference direction of the arc between the fixed blade 60 and the restricting member 43.

[0065] A predetermined gap is maintained between the end 51c of the first guide 51 and the end 52c of the second guide 52 when the second guide 52 is moved to the second position. However, when the second guide 52 is moved to the second position, the pair of side guides 52a are located in the wire feeding path Wf, and the wire W, which is fed in the forward direction by the feeding section 3, is given a coiled shape by the regulating section 4 as described above, and is therefore guided between the pair of side guides 52a of the second guide 52.

[0066] The wire W, guided between the pair of side guides 52a of the second guide 52, is fed in the forward direction by the feed unit 3, and is guided by the pair of side guides 52a of the second guide 52 to the engaging portion 70 of the twisted portion 7. When the control unit 100A determines that the tip of the wire W has been fed to a predetermined position, it stops driving the feed motor 31. As a result, the wire W is wound spirally around the reinforcing bar S. Note that if the second guide 52 has not moved to the second position and the output of the second output unit 12A is turned off, the control unit 100A does not feed the wire W. This prevents the wire W from engaging with the engaging portion 70 of the twisted portion 7, thus preventing feeding defects.

[0067] The control unit 100A stops feeding the wire W in the forward direction and then rotates the torsion motor 80 in the forward direction. By rotating the torsion motor 80 in the forward direction, the actuation unit 71 activates the engagement unit 70, which then holds the tip of the wire W.

[0068] When the control unit 100A determines that the torsion motor 80 has been rotated until the wire W is held by the engagement portion 70, it stops the rotation of the torsion motor 80 and rotates the feed motor 31 in the reverse direction. Once the torsion motor 80 has been rotated until the wire W is held by the engagement portion 70, the movement of the moving member 83 is transmitted to the restricting member 42 by the transmission mechanism 44, and the restricting member 42 moves to a position where it does not come into contact with the wire.

[0069] When the feed motor 31 rotates in the reverse direction, the feed gear 30 rotates in the reverse direction, and the wire W is fed in the reverse direction indicated by arrow R. During this reverse feeding operation, the wire W is wrapped tightly around the reinforcing bar S.

[0070] When the control unit 100A determines that the feed motor 31 has been rotated in the reverse direction until the wire W is wrapped around the reinforcing bar S, it stops the rotation of the feed motor 31 and then rotates the torsion motor 80 in the forward direction. By rotating the torsion motor 80 in the forward direction, the movable blade 61 is activated via the transmission mechanism 62 by the moving member 83, and the wire W is cut.

[0071] After the wire W is cut, the torsion motor 80 continues to rotate in the forward direction, which rotates the engagement part 70 and twists the wire W.

[0072] When the control unit 100A determines that it has rotated the torsion motor 80 in the forward direction until the wire W is twisted, it rotates the torsion motor 80 in the reverse direction. By rotating the torsion motor 80 in the reverse direction, the engagement part 70 is returned to its initial position and the wire W is released. This makes it possible to remove the wire W, which is bound to the reinforcing bar S, from the engagement part 70.

[0073] If the control unit 100A determines that the torsion motor 80 has been rotated in the reverse direction until the engagement portion 70 etc. is returned to its initial position, it stops the rotation of the torsion motor 80.

[0074] The operator moves the rebar tying machine 1A in the direction of removing the reinforcing bar S, which is tied with wire W, from the insertion / removal opening 53. When the force pressing on the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A is removed as the rebar tying machine 1A is moved in the direction of removing the reinforcing bar S from the insertion / removal opening 53, the force of the biasing member 54 moves the second guide 52 from the second position to the first position.

[0075] When the second guide 52 moves to the first position, the contact member 9A is pushed in a direction that moves the displacement portion 93A away from the first guide 51, and moves to the standby position by rotation around the shaft 90A as the pivot point, and the contact portion 91A protrudes from the cover portion 11.

[0076] As the operator moves the rebar tying machine 1A in the direction of removing the rebar S, which is tied with wire W, from the insertion / removal opening 53, the second guide 52 moves to the first position, and the gap between the end 52c of the second guide 52 and the end 51c of the first guide 51 widens. This makes it easier to remove the rebar S from the insertion / removal opening 53.

[0077] Figure 14 is a functional block diagram of a modified example of the rebar tying machine of the first embodiment. When the control unit 100B detects that the operation unit 304t is activated by the grip unit 304R being gripped and that the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on, it uses the timer 101T to time the operation and controls the machine to consider the output of the first output unit 15 to be on for a certain period of time.

[0078] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a modified version of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0079] In step SB1 of Figure 15, the control unit 100B sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0, and in step SB2, it determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON.

[0080] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands. That is, the worker grasps the grip portion 304R of the handle portion 304h with their right hand and the grip portion 304L of the handle portion 304h with their left hand.

[0081] When the operator grips the operating unit 304t together with the grip unit 304R, the operating unit 304t rotates relative to the grip unit 304R and is activated. When the operating unit 304t is activated, the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on in step SB2 of Figure 15, and the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on. When the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, that is, when it determines that it has detected the first signal, in step SB3 it sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0, and in step SB4 it starts timing with the timer 101T.

[0082] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands, aligns the position of the guide portion 5 with the intersection of the two reinforcing bars S, and inserts the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The worker moves the rebar tying machine 1A in the direction in which the reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, pressing the reinforcing bars S against the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A.

[0083] As the rebar tying machine 1A is moved in the direction in which the rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, the contact member 9A receives a force in the direction in which the rebar tying machine 1A is moving, and the contact portion 91A is pushed. As a result, the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A moves along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing it to rotate around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and move to the operating position as shown in Figure 10B.

[0084] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting part 92A with the shaft 90A as the pivot point causes the displacement part 93A to push the second guide 52 toward the first guide 51, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0085] When the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on, that is, when it detects the first signal, it determines in step SB5 whether or not it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned on. If the control unit 100B determines in step SB5 that it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned off, it returns to step SB2. When the second guide 52 moves to the second position, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on in step SB5 of Figure 15, and the control unit 100B detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0086] In step SB5 of Figure 15, the control unit 100B detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON, that is, it detects the second signal, and in step SB6, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0087] After the binding operation is completed, the control unit 100B returns to step SB2 and determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON. As described above, when the operation unit 304t is activated and the output of the first output unit 15 is turned ON, the timer 101T starts timing. As a result, after the output of the first output unit 15 is turned ON, if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned OFF, the timer 101T starts timing. For example, when the grip unit 304R is grasped by the worker and the operation unit 304t is activated, the output of the first output unit 15 is turned ON. Subsequently, the output of the first output unit 15 may be turned OFF due to a shift in the position of gripping the grip unit 304R during the work. In such a case, the timer 101T starts timing because the output of the first output unit 15 has turned ON.

[0088] Therefore, in step SB2, the control unit 100B determines that it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is off, and in step SB7, it determines whether the time value t measured by the timer 101T is within a predetermined time T.

[0089] In step SB7, the control unit 100B determines that the time value t measured by the timer 101T is greater than 0 and less than or equal to T, and that it is within a predetermined time T. In step SB5, it determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON. If the control unit 100B detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON in step SB5, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 in step SB6 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0090] As a result, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off after it has been turned on, the bundling operation will be performed for a predetermined period of time when the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0091] Furthermore, after the binding operation is performed, the control unit 100B returns to step SB2 to determine whether or not it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON. If it detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON, in step SB3 it sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0, and in step SB4 it starts timing using the timer 101T.

[0092] Furthermore, after the start of operation, the control unit 100B sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0 in step SB1 of Figure 15, and in step SB2 determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON. If it detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is OFF, in step SB7 it determines whether the timing value t of the timer 101T is within a predetermined time T.

[0093] In this case, since the time value t measured by timer 101T is 0, the time value t measured by timer 101T is not within the predetermined time T, and the process returns to step SB1. For this reason, if the output of the first output unit 15 is off, the bundling operation will not be performed even if the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0094] Thus, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the output of the first output unit 15 was turned on and timing began, the control unit 100B performs control to consider the output of the first output unit 15 as being on, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off. Alternatively, the circuit configuration may be such that once the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, the output remains on for a predetermined period of time.

[0095] In order to keep the output of the first output unit 15 on, it is necessary to constantly hold the operating unit 304t together with the grip unit 304R. However, the position in which the grip unit 304R is held may shift during the operation. As a result, the output of the first output unit 15 may become unstable, such as temporarily turning off. When the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable, the operator may or may not perform the binding operation even though they are performing the same operation, which reduces work efficiency. Therefore, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off, control is performed to consider the output of the first output unit 15 as on for a predetermined period of time after the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on under predetermined conditions. Thus, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable and the output repeatedly turns on and off, the binding operation can be performed normally.

[0096] As a result, even if the grip portion 304R is being held, and the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable, causing the output to repeatedly switch on and off, the contact member 9A moves to the operating position when pressed against the reinforcing bar S, and the output of the second output unit 12A turns on, allowing the binding operation to be performed.

[0097] Furthermore, even if the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 has been turned on and timing has started, and a predetermined time has elapsed, and the output of the first output unit 15 is off, causing the contact member 9A to move to the operating position as it is pressed against the reinforcing bar S, causing the output of the second output unit 12A to turn on, and then the output of the first output unit 15 has been turned on, the control unit 100B does not start driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80.

[0098] As a result, the control unit 100B will not start driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 until the grip portion 304R is gripped, which activates the operating unit 304t and turns on the output of the first output unit 15, and until the contact member 9A is pressed against the reinforcing bar S and moves to the operating position, and the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on, while the output of the first output unit 15 is on, that is, while the grip portion 304R is gripped.

[0099] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of another modified version of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0100] In step SC1 of Figure 16, the control unit 100B sets the binding completion on flag F1, which indicates that the binding operation has been performed, to 0. In step SC2, it sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0. In step SC3, it determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is on.

[0101] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands. That is, the worker grasps the grip portion 304R of the handle portion 304h with their right hand and the grip portion 304L of the handle portion 304h with their left hand.

[0102] When the operator grips the operating unit 304t together with the grip unit 304R, the operating unit 304t rotates relative to the grip unit 304R, thereby activating it. When the operating unit 304t is activated, the output of the first output unit 15 turns on in step SC3 of Figure 16, and the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is on. When the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is on, that is, determines that it has detected the first signal, in step SC4 it sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0, and in step SC5 it starts timing with the timer 101T.

[0103] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands, aligns the position of the guide portion 5 with the intersection of the two reinforcing bars S, and inserts the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The worker moves the rebar tying machine 1A in the direction in which the reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, pressing the reinforcing bars S against the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A.

[0104] As the rebar tying machine 1A is moved in the direction in which the rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, the contact member 9A receives a force in the direction in which the rebar tying machine 1A is moving, and the contact portion 91A is pushed. As a result, the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A moves along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing it to rotate around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and move to the operating position as shown in Figure 10B.

[0105] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting part 92A with the shaft 90A as the pivot point causes the displacement part 93A to push the second guide 52 toward the first guide 51, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0106] When the control unit 100B detects that the output of the first output unit 15 has turned on, that is, when it detects the first signal, it determines in step SC6 whether or not it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned on. If the control unit 100B determines in step SC6 that it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned off, it returns to step SC3.

[0107] When the second guide 52 moves to the second position, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on in step SC6 of Figure 16, and the control unit 100B detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0108] In step SC6 of Figure 16, the control unit 100B detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON, that is, it detects the second signal, and in step SC7, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0109] After the binding operation is completed, the control unit 100B sets the binding completion on flag F1 to 1 in step SC8, sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0 in step SC9, and starts timing with the timer 101T in step SC10. Then, it returns to step SC3 to determine whether or not it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON.

[0110] As described above, when the operation unit 304t is activated and the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, timing by the timer 101T begins. As a result, after the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off, timing by the timer 101T is performed. Also, when the binding operation is performed, timing by the timer 101T begins. For example, when the grip unit 304R is grasped by the worker and the operation unit 304t is activated, the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on. Subsequently, the output of the first output unit 15 may be turned off due to a shift in the grip position of the grip unit 304R during the work. In such cases, the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, and timing by the timer 101T is performed.

[0111] Therefore, in step SC3, the control unit 100B determines that it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is off, and in step SC11, it determines whether the binding completion on flag F1 is 0 or 1. Then, depending on whether the binding completion on flag F1 is 0 or 1, it determines whether the time value t measured by the timer 101T is within a predetermined time.

[0112] In other words, if the control unit 100B determines in step SC11 that the binding completion on flag F1 is 0, then in step SC12 it determines whether the time value t measured by the timer 101T is within a predetermined time T1. The state in which the binding completion on flag F1 is 0 is when the binding operation has not been performed after the output of the first output unit 15 has been turned on.

[0113] In step SC12, the control unit 100B determines that the time value t measured by the timer 101T is greater than 0 and less than or equal to T1, and that it is within a predetermined time T1. In step SC6, it determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON. If the control unit 100B detects in step SC6 that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON, in step SC7 it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0114] As a result, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off after it has been turned on, the bundling operation will be performed for a predetermined time T1 when the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0115] Furthermore, if the control unit 100B determines in step SC11 that the binding completion on flag F1 is 1, it determines in step SC13 whether the time value t measured by the timer 101T is within a predetermined time T2. The state in which the binding completion on flag F1 is 1 is when the binding operation is performed after the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on. Here, time T2 is set to be longer than time T1.

[0116] In step SC13, the control unit 100B determines that the time value t measured by the timer 101T is greater than 0 and less than or equal to T2, and that it is within the specified time T2. In step SC6, it determines whether or not it has detected that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON. If the control unit 100B detects in step SC6 that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON, in step SC7 it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0117] As a result, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off after the binding operation is performed, the binding operation will be performed if the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on for a predetermined time T2.

[0118] Furthermore, after the start of operation, the control unit 100B sets the binding completion on flag F1 to 0 in step SC1, sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0 in step SC2, and determines in step SC3 whether it has detected that the output of the first output unit 15 is on. If it detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is off, then in step SC11, since the binding completion on flag F1 is 0, it determines in step SC12 whether the timing value t of the timer 101T is within the predetermined time T1.

[0119] In this case, since the time value t measured by timer 101T is 0, the time value t measured by timer 101T returns to step SC1, not within the predetermined time T1. Therefore, if the output of the first output unit 15 is off, the bundling operation will not be performed even if the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0120] If a predetermined time has not elapsed since the output of the first output unit 15 was turned on and timing began, the control unit 100B will perform control to consider the output of the first output unit 15 as on, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off. Alternatively, the circuit configuration may be such that once the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, the output remains on for a predetermined period of time.

[0121] As described above, if the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable, the operator may or may not perform the binding operation even though they are performing the same operation, which reduces work efficiency. Therefore, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off, control is performed to consider the output of the first output unit 15 as on for a predetermined period of time under predetermined conditions, in this embodiment, from the time the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on or from the time the binding operation is performed. Thus, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable and the output repeatedly turns on and off, the binding operation can be performed normally.

[0122] As a result, even if the grip portion 304R is being held, and the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable, causing the output to repeatedly switch on and off, the contact member 9A moves to the operating position when pressed against the reinforcing bar S, and the output of the second output unit 12A turns on, allowing the binding operation to be performed.

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 100B changes the predetermined time for which the output of the first output unit 15 is considered ON before and after the binding operation, with the predetermined time for which the output of the first output unit 15 is considered ON being set to be longer after the binding operation than before the binding operation.

[0124] Before the binding operation is performed, the grip of the grip portion 304R may become unstable due to a shift in the position of the hand holding the grip portion 304R. In such a state, even if the contact member 9A moves to the operating position by being pressed against the reinforcing bar S and the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on, a predetermined time T1 is set so that the binding operation is not performed.

[0125] In contrast, one can consider an operation in which, after performing the tying operation, the rebar tying machine 1A is moved to continuously tie the next rebar S. In such a case, if the position of the hand gripping the grip section 304R shifts, the output of the first output section 15 is temporarily turned off, and the time for which the output of the first output section 15 is considered to be on is short, there will be no time to move the rebar tying machine 1A to the next rebar S. Therefore, the predetermined time T2 for which the output of the first output section 15 is considered to be on is set to be longer than time T1.

[0126] Then, when the binding operation is performed, the timing value is cleared and the timing operation is restarted. If a predetermined time has not elapsed, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off, the control is performed to consider the output of the first output unit 15 as being on.

[0127] Therefore, when performing a binding operation continuously, even if the force gripping the grip portion 304R temporarily weakens, causing the operating portion 304t to become inactive and the output of the first output portion 15 to temporarily turn off, the time during which the output of the first output portion 15 is considered to be on is extended, enabling continuous binding operations.

[0128] Figure 17 is a functional block diagram of yet another modification of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment. The control unit 100C switches the first output unit ON flag F2, which indicates whether the output of the first output unit 15 is ON or OFF. The control unit 100C also uses the timer 101T to time based on the first output unit ON flag F2 to determine whether the output of the first output unit 15 is OFF or OFF, and performs control to consider the output of the first output unit 15 as ON for a certain period of time even if the output of the first output unit 15 is OFF.

[0129] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of yet another modified version of the rebar tying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0130] In step SD1 of Figure 18, the control unit 100C sets the first output unit ON flag F2 to 0.

[0131] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands. That is, the worker grasps the grip portion 304R of the handle portion 304h with their right hand and the grip portion 304L of the handle portion 304h with their left hand.

[0132] When the operator grips the operating unit 304t together with the grip unit 304R, the operating unit 304t rotates relative to the grip unit 304R, thereby activating it. When the operating unit 304t is activated, the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on in step SD2 of Figure 18, and the control unit 100C detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on. When the control unit 100C detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on, in step SD3, it sets the first output unit ON flag F2 to 1.

[0133] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1A with both hands, aligns the position of the guide portion 5 with the intersection of the two reinforcing bars S, and inserts the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The worker moves the rebar tying machine 1A in the direction in which the reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, pressing the reinforcing bars S against the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A.

[0134] As the rebar tying machine 1A is moved in the direction in which the rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, the contact member 9A receives a force in the direction in which the rebar tying machine 1A is moving, and the contact portion 91A is pushed. As a result, the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A moves along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing it to rotate around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and move to the operating position as shown in Figure 10B.

[0135] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting part 92A with the shaft 90A as the pivot point causes the displacement part 93A to push the second guide 52 toward the first guide 51, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0136] When the second guide 52 moves to the second position, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on in step SD4 of Figure 18, and the control unit 100C detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0137] When the control unit 100C detects that the output of the second output unit 12A is ON, in step SD5 of Figure 18, it determines whether the first output unit ON flag F2 is 1 or 0.

[0138] When the control unit 100C determines that the first output unit ON flag F2 is 1, in step SD6 of Figure 18, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0139] If the control unit 100C detects in step SD2 that the output of the first output unit 15 has been turned off, in step SD7 it determines whether the first output unit ON flag F2 is 1 or 0.

[0140] When the control unit 100C determines that the first output unit ON flag F2 is 1, in step SD8, it sets the timing value t of the timer 101T to 0, and in step SD9, it starts timing using the timer 101T. Also, in step SD10, the control unit 100C sets the first output unit ON flag F2 to 0, and thereafter, in step SD4, it monitors whether the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on.

[0141] When the control unit 100C detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has been turned on, it determines in step SD5 of Figure 18 whether the first output unit ON flag F2 is 1 or 0.

[0142] When the control unit 100C determines that the first output unit ON flag F2 is 0, it determines in step SD11 of Figure 18 whether the timing has started.

[0143] When the control unit 100C determines that timing has started, in step SD12 of Figure 18, it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the first output unit 15 was turned off and timing started by the timer 101T.

[0144] If the control unit 100C determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the output of the first output unit 15 was turned off and the timer 101T started timing, in step SD6 it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0145] When the control unit 100C determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the first output unit 15 turned off and the timer 101T started timing, it does not perform the bundling operation and returns to step SD2.

[0146] In order to keep the output of the first output unit 15 on, it is necessary to constantly hold the operating unit 304t together with the grip unit 304R. However, the position in which the grip unit 304R is held may shift during the operation. As a result, the output of the first output unit 15 may become unstable, such as temporarily turning off. When the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable, the operator may or may not perform the binding operation even though they are performing the same operation, which reduces work efficiency. Therefore, even if the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off, control is performed so that the output of the first output unit 15 is considered on for a predetermined period of time.

[0147] The predetermined time during which the binding operation can be performed after the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off is set to be longer than the time during which the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable and the output is temporarily turned off. This makes it possible to distinguish between a case where the output of the first output unit 15 is unstable and the output is turned off even though the grip unit 304R is being held after the output of the first output unit 15 has been turned on, and a case where the operator stops gripping the grip unit 304R at their own discretion and the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off.

[0148] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the second embodiment> Figure 19 is a front view showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the second embodiment. The rebar tying machine 1B of the second embodiment is equipped with a handle portion 304h having a pair of grip portions 304L and 304R that can be grasped by an operator.

[0149] The handle portion 304h is equipped with an operating portion 304tR on a grip portion 304R, which is mainly held with the right hand. The operating portion 304tR is attached to the grip portion 304R so as to be rotatable around an axis (not shown), for example, and protrudes from the surface of the grip portion 304R. The operating portion 304tR is operated by rotating relative to the grip portion 304R when it is held together with the grip portion 304R by the operator.

[0150] Furthermore, the handle portion 304h is equipped with an operating portion 304tL on a grip portion 304L, which is mainly held by the right hand. The operating portion 304tL is attached to the grip portion 304L so as to be rotatable around an axis (not shown), for example, and protrudes from the surface of the grip portion 304L. The operating portion 304tL is operated by being gripped together with the grip portion 304L by the operator, and by rotating relative to the grip portion 304L. The other configurations of the rebar tying machine 1B are the same as those of the rebar tying machine 1A of the first embodiment.

[0151] Figure 20 is a functional block diagram of a rebar tying machine according to the second embodiment. The rebar tying machine 1B detects the output of a first output unit 15R, which is operated by the operation of the operation unit 304tR, a first output unit 15L, which is operated by the operation of the operation unit 304tL, and a second output unit 12A, which is operated by the action of the contact member 9A being pressed against the rebar S, using a control unit 100D. The control unit 100D controls the feed motor 31, which drives the feed gear 30, and the torsion motor 80, which drives the torsion unit 7, etc., according to the outputs of the first output unit 15R, the first output unit 15L, and the second output unit 12A, and executes a series of operations to tie the rebar S with wire W.

[0152] Next, the operation of the rebar tying machine 1B of the second embodiment will be described. The operator grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1B with both hands. That is, the operator grasps the grip portion 304R of the handle portion 304h with their right hand and the grip portion 304L of the handle portion 304h with their left hand.

[0153] When the operator grips the operating unit 304tR together with the grip unit 304R, the operating unit 304tR is activated by rotating relative to the grip unit 304R. When the operating unit 304tR is activated, the output of the first output unit 15R is turned on, and the control unit 100D detects that the output of the first output unit 15R has been turned on. Similarly, when the operator grips the operating unit 304tL together with the grip unit 304L, the operating unit 304tL is activated by rotating relative to the grip unit 304L. When the operating unit 304tL is activated, the output of the first output unit 15L is turned on, and the control unit 100D detects that the output of the first output unit 15L has been turned on.

[0154] The worker grasps the handle portion 304h of the rebar tying machine 1B with both hands, aligns the position of the guide portion 5 with the intersection of the two reinforcing bars S, and inserts the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The worker moves the rebar tying machine 1B in the direction in which the reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, pressing the reinforcing bars S against the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A.

[0155] As the rebar tying machine 1B is moved in the direction in which the rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, the contact member 9A receives a force in the direction in which the rebar tying machine 1B is moving, and the contact portion 91A is pushed. As a result, the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A moves along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing it to rotate around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and move to the operating position as shown in Figure 10B.

[0156] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting part 92A with the shaft 90A as the pivot point causes the displacement part 93A to push the second guide 52 toward the first guide 51, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0157] When the second guide 52 moves to the second position, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on, and the control unit 100D detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has been turned on.

[0158] When the control unit 100D detects that both the first output unit 15R and the first output unit 15L are turned on, and then detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has been turned on, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0159] Furthermore, even if the control unit 100D detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned on while the outputs of both the first output unit 15R and the first output unit 15L are not turned on, the control unit 100D will not start driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80.

[0160] Meanwhile, after both the first output unit 15R and the first output unit 15L have been turned on, the control unit 100D detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has been turned on when one of the first output units has been turned off, and then both first output units have been turned on again, and then starts driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80.

[0161] As a result, even if the gripping force on one of the grips temporarily weakens after both the grips 304R and 300L have been securely held, and the output of one of the 1 output units temporarily turns off, the binding operation is still possible as long as both the grips 304R and 300L have been securely held. The control unit 100D may also start driving the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 when it detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has turned on, while the outputs of both the first output unit 15R and the first output unit 15L are not turned on, and the output of one of the first output units is turned on.

[0162] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the third embodiment> Figures 21A and 21B are perspective views showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the third embodiment, and Figure 22 is a side view showing another example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the third embodiment.

[0163] The rebar tying machine 1C of the third embodiment is equipped with an auxiliary operating unit on the second main body 302, or on the joint 305 between the second main body 302 and the connecting part 303. In Figures 21A and 21B, the auxiliary operating unit 305t1 is provided on the grip part 305h located on the joint 305.

[0164] The sub-operating part 305t1 is an example of a first sub-operating part, and is attached to the joint 305 so as to be rotatable around an axis (not shown) as a pivot point, and protrudes from the surface of the grip part 305h. The sub-operating part 305t1 is operated by being gripped together with the grip part 305h by an operator, and by rotating relative to the grip part 305h.

[0165] In Figure 22, a secondary operating unit 305t2 is provided on the handle portion 320h of the second main body portion 302. The secondary operating unit 305t2 is an example of a second secondary operating unit and is operated, for example, by pulling it with the fingers of the hand gripping the handle portion 320h. The other configurations of the rebar tying machine 1C are the same as those of the rebar tying machine 1A of the first embodiment.

[0166] Figure 23 is a functional block diagram of a rebar tying machine according to the third embodiment. The rebar tying machine 1C has a first output unit 15 which is operated by the operation of the operation unit 304t, a second output unit 12A which is operated by the operation of the contact member 9A being pressed against the rebar S, and a third output unit 16 which is operated by the operation of the sub-operation unit 305t1 shown in Figures 21A and 21B or the sub-operation unit 305t2 shown in Figure 22, which are detected by the control unit 100E. The control unit 100E controls the feed motor 31 which drives the feed gear 30 and the torsion motor 80 which drives the torsion unit 7, etc., according to the outputs of the first output unit 15, the second output unit 12A, and the third output unit 16, and executes a series of operations to tie the rebar S with wire W.

[0167] Next, the operation of the rebar tying machine 1C of the third embodiment will be described. The tying operation, which is performed by gripping the handle portion 304h with both hands, is the same as the example described in Figures 13, 15, 16, and 18.

[0168] The rebar tying machine 1C is designed to tie rebar S at the worker's feet, and is intended to be used with the guide section 5 facing downwards, with the worker standing and gripping the handle section 304h with both hands. For this reason, the operating section 304t is provided on the grip section 304R of the handle section 304h.

[0169] On the other hand, if the reinforcing bars S to be tied are not touching each other at the intersection and there is a gap between them, that is, if the upper surface of one reinforcing bar S is not touching the lower surface of the other reinforcing bar S, the worker may lift one or the other reinforcing bar S (correcting its position) while performing the tying operation so that the intersecting reinforcing bars S touch each other. In such cases, the worker will be in a crouching position with their knees bent, making it difficult to grip the handle portion 304h provided on the first main body 301, which is connected to the second main body 302 by the connecting portion 303.

[0170] Therefore, the rebar tying machine 1C is equipped with a sub-operating unit 305t1 at the joint 305 between the second main body 302 and the connecting part 303. Alternatively, the second main body 302 is equipped with a sub-operating unit 305t2.

[0171] When the rebar tying machine 1C is in the configuration shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the worker grasps the grip portion 305h provided at the joint 305 between the second main body portion 302 and the connecting portion 303. When the rebar tying machine 1C is in the configuration shown in Figure 22, the worker grasps the handle portion 320h provided on the second main body portion 302.

[0172] As a result, in the configurations shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the sub-operator 305t1 is activated, and in the configuration shown in Figure 22, the sub-operator 305t2 is activated, turning on the output of the third output unit 16, and the control unit 100E detects that the output of the third output unit 16 has been turned on.

[0173] The worker aligns the guide section 5 with the intersection of the two reinforcing bars S and inserts the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53. The worker moves the reinforcing bar tying machine 1C in the direction of inserting the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53, pressing the reinforcing bars S against the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A.

[0174] As the rebar tying machine 1C is moved in the direction in which the rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, the contact member 9A receives a force in the direction in which the rebar tying machine 1C is moving, and the contact portion 91A is pushed. As a result, the contact portion 91A of the contact member 9A moves along the first direction indicated by arrow A1, causing it to rotate around the shaft 90A as a pivot point and move to the operating position as shown in Figure 10B.

[0175] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the rotation of the connecting part 92A with the shaft 90A as the pivot point causes the displacement part 93A to push the second guide 52 toward the first guide 51, and the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0176] When the second guide 52 moves to the second position, the output of the second output unit 12A is turned on, and the control unit 100E detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has been turned on.

[0177] When the control unit 100E detects that the output of the third output unit 16 has been turned on, and then detects that the output of the second output unit 12A has been turned on, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W.

[0178] This makes it possible to perform the binding operation even when the user is in a position where they cannot grasp the grip portion of the handle portion 304h provided on the first main body portion 301.

[0179] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the fourth embodiment> Figure 24 is a side view showing an example of the overall configuration of a rebar tying machine according to the fourth embodiment. The rebar tying machine 1D of the fourth embodiment is equipped with a carrying handle 330h on the connecting part 303 that connects the first main body part 301 and the second main body part 302. The other configurations are the same as those of the rebar tying machine 1C described in Figures 21A and 21B.

[0180] In each embodiment of the rebar tying machine, the first main body 301 and the second main body 302 are connected by a long connecting section 303. The first main body 301 is heavy because it houses the battery 310B. The second main body 302 is also heavy because it houses the motor that drives the feeding section, the motor that drives the twisting section, the wire reel, etc. Therefore, by providing a carrying handle 330h on the connecting section 303 between the first main body 301 and the second main body 302, the rebar tying machine 1D can be carried in a nearly horizontal position by balancing the first main body 301 side and the second main body 302 side.

[0181] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the fifth embodiment> Figures 25A and 25B are side views showing the main parts of a rebar tying machine according to the fifth embodiment.

[0182] The rebar tying machine 1E is applicable to a rebar tying machine in which a first main body 301 and a second main body 302 are connected by a long connecting part 303, as described in Figure 1, etc. The rebar tying machine 1E includes a guide part 5 for guiding the wire. The guide part 5 includes a first guide 51 and a second guide 52. The first guide 51 and the second guide 52 are attached to the front end of the second main body 302 and extend in the first direction indicated by arrow A1. The second guide 52 is provided opposite the first guide 51 in the second direction indicated by arrow A2, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The second guide 52 may be configured to move toward and away from the first guide 51 by rotation around an axis (not shown) as a fulcrum. The guide part 5 includes a guide part 59 for guiding the rebar into the insertion / removal opening 53. The guide section 59 is provided on the tip side of the first guide 51.

[0183] The rebar tying machine 1E includes a contact member 9B that contacts the rebar S inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53 between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52. The contact member 9B is rotatably supported on the shaft 90B and is attached to the second main body 302 via the cover part 11. The contact member 9B has a contact portion 91B on one side with respect to the shaft 90B that contacts the rebar S. The contact portion 91B of the contact member 9B extends from the shaft 90B along the second direction indicated by arrow A2, in the direction in which the first guide 51 is provided.

[0184] The contact member 9B has a shaft 90B located approximately midway between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52. The contact member 9B also has a pair of abutment portions 91B located between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52, extending from near the portion supported by the shaft 90B towards the first guide 51. The abutment portions 91B are provided on both sides along the third direction, spaced apart to allow the wire W binding the reinforcing bars S to pass through. The abutment portions 91B extend to both the left and right sides of the first guide 51.

[0185] The contact member 9B rotates relative to the second main body 302 with the shaft 90B as a pivot point, moving between a standby position where the contact portion 91B protrudes from the cover portion 11 to the insertion / removal opening 53, as shown in Figure 25A, and an operating position where the contact portion 91B approaches the cover portion 11, as shown in Figure 25B. The contact member 9B is biased in the direction of movement to the standby position by a biasing member (not shown), and the state in the standby position is maintained.

[0186] When two intersecting reinforcing bars S are inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53, one reinforcing bar S is positioned on one side of the first guide 51, and the other reinforcing bar S is positioned on the other side of the first guide 51. In contrast, the contact member 9B has a pair of contact portions 91B that extend from between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 to both the left and right sides of the first guide 51. This ensures that the reinforcing bars S inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53 make contact with the contact portions 91B, allowing the contact member 9B to be moved to the operating position. Furthermore, the contact portions 91B of the contact member 9B move along the first direction indicated by arrow A1 in a rotational motion with the axis 90B as the pivot point. This allows the contact portions 91B to be pushed when the reinforcing bar tying machine 1E is moved in the direction of inserting the reinforcing bars S into the insertion / removal opening 53, eliminating the need to move the reinforcing bar tying machine 1E in another direction to activate the contact member 9B.

[0187] The rebar tying machine 1E is equipped with a second output unit 14A that detects when the contact member 9B moves to the operating position. As shown in Figure 25A, when the contact member 9B moves to the standby position, the contact portion 91B of the contact member 9B moves away from the movable element 140. In this state, the output of the second output unit 14A is turned off. Conversely, when the contact portion 91B is pressed against the rebar and the contact member 9B moves to the operating position, as shown in Figure 25B, the contact portion 91B of the contact member 9B moves in a direction that pushes the movable element 140. In this state, the output of the second output unit 14A is turned on.

[0188] As shown in Figure 12, when the control unit 100A detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on by operating the operation unit 304t, and detects that the output of the second output unit 14A has turned on by the contact member 9B moving to the operating position, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W, as described above.

[0189] Furthermore, when the control unit 100B shown in Figure 14 detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on due to the operation of the operation unit 304t, it starts timing with the timer 101T. For a predetermined period of time, when it detects that the output of the second output unit 14A has turned on, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with the wire W, as described above. Alternatively, once the tying operation is performed, it clears the timing value and starts timing with the timer 101T. For a predetermined period of time after the tying operation is performed, it performs the tying operation when it detects that the output of the second output unit 14A has turned on. Furthermore, when the control unit 100C shown in Figure 17 detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned on due to the operation of the operation unit 304t, and then detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is turned off, it starts timing with the timer 101T. Then, after detecting that the output of the first output unit 15 is off, the binding operation is performed when it is detected that the output of the second output unit 14A has turned on, for a predetermined period of time. The same applies to the control by the control unit 100D shown in Figure 20 and the control by the control unit 100E shown in Figure 23.

[0190] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the sixth embodiment> Figure 26 is a functional block diagram of a rebar tying machine according to the sixth embodiment. The rebar tying machine 1F is equipped with a detection unit 103 for detecting rebars S. The detection unit 103 is composed of a contact-type sensor such as a piezoelectric element, a non-contact-type sensor such as an image sensor, and detects when a rebar S is inserted into the insertion / removal opening 53 between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 shown in Figure 1, etc.

[0191] When the control unit 100F detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is ON due to the operation of the operation unit 304t, and then detects that the output of the detection unit 103 has turned ON due to the insertion of a reinforcing bar S into the insertion / removal opening 53, it executes the binding operation described above. Alternatively, when the control unit 304t is operated and the output of the first output unit 15 is detected to be ON, it starts timing using a timer (not shown), and for a predetermined period of time, when it detects that the output of the detection unit 103 has turned ON, it executes the binding operation described above. Alternatively, after the binding operation is executed, it clears the timing value and then starts timing using a timer, and for a predetermined period of time after the binding operation is executed, when it detects that the output of the detection unit 103 has turned ON, it executes the binding operation. Furthermore, when the operation unit 304t is operated and the output of the first output unit 15 is detected to be ON, and then detects that the output of the first output unit 15 is OFF, it starts timing using a timer (not shown). Then, after detecting that the output of the first output unit 15 is off, the bundling operation is executed when the output of the detection unit 103 is detected to be on for a predetermined period of time.

[0192] <Example of a rebar tying machine according to the seventh embodiment> Figure 27 is a functional block diagram of the seventh embodiment of the rebar tying machine, Figure 28A is a side view showing an example of the overall configuration of the seventh embodiment of the rebar tying machine, and Figure 28B is a rear view showing an example of the overall configuration of the seventh embodiment of the rebar tying machine. The seventh embodiment of the rebar tying machine 1G comprises a first main body 301 configured to be held by hand, a second main body 302 equipped with a mechanism for tying rebars S with wire W, and a long connecting part 303 connecting the first main body 301 and the second main body 302. The first main body 301 is equipped with a pair of handle parts 304hL and 304hR that can be gripped by the operator. The first main body 301 is also equipped with a power switch 110 for turning the power of the rebar tying machine 1A on and off, and an operation part 111 having a dial for adjusting the tying force.

[0193] The rebar tying machine 1G includes an output unit 15G that detects when the second guide 52 moves to the second position or when the contact member 9A moves to the operating position and outputs a signal, and an orientation detection sensor 350 that detects the orientation of the guide unit 5 relative to the direction of gravity, which is the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G, and outputs a signal. The rebar tying machine 1G detects the outputs of the output unit 15G and the orientation detection sensor 350 with a control unit 100G. The rebar tying machine 1G does not have an operating unit on the handle unit 304h.

[0194] The control unit 100G controls the feed motor 31 that drives the feed gear 30 and the torsion motor 80 that drives the torsion section 7, etc., according to the output of the output unit 15G and the output of the orientation detection sensor 350, and performs a series of operations to tie the reinforcing bars S with wire W.

[0195] In this example, the output of the output unit 15G is turned off when the contact member 9A is in the standby position. Conversely, the output of the output unit 15G is turned on when the contact member 9A is in the operating position.

[0196] Furthermore, the output of the orientation detection sensor 350 is turned on when the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within a predetermined tying tolerance range E1 with the guide section 5 facing downwards, and the output of the orientation detection sensor 350 is turned off when the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1A is outside the predetermined tying tolerance range E2.

[0197] Figure 29A is a perspective view showing the orientation detection sensor of the first embodiment. The orientation detection sensor 350A of the first embodiment is an example of an orientation detection unit and includes an acceleration sensor 351, a switch 352 for switching whether or not detection by the acceleration sensor 351 is performed, and an operation unit 353 for switching the switch 352 on and off.

[0198] The orientation detection sensor 350A is provided in the second main body 302. In this example, the orientation detection sensor 350A is provided in the electrical unit 360 shown in Figure 28A. The electrical unit 360 houses a circuit board on which the control unit 100G, the feed motor 31, and the circuits and components that drive the torsion motor 80 are mounted.

[0199] The acceleration sensor 351 detects the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G by detecting acceleration in at least one axis direction. The detection by the acceleration sensor 351 can be enabled or disabled by switching the switch 352 on and off using the operation unit 353.

[0200] Figure 29B is a perspective view showing a orientation detection sensor according to a second embodiment. The orientation detection sensor 350B of the second embodiment is an example of an orientation detection unit that constitutes a gravity sensor, and includes a photosensor 354, a pendulum 355 detected by the photosensor 354, and an operation unit 356 that switches whether or not the pendulum 355 is operating.

[0201] The orientation detection sensor 350B is provided on the second main body 302. In this example, the orientation detection sensor 350B is provided on the electrical unit 360 shown in Figure 28A.

[0202] The pendulum 355 rotates around its axis 355a as a pivot point in accordance with the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G, and the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is detected by switching the detection status of the photosensor 354 on or off. The operation unit 356 switches the operation status of the pendulum 355 on or off, thereby switching the detection status of the photosensor 354 on or off.

[0203] Figure 30A is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the rebar tying machine according to the seventh embodiment. Next, an example of the operation of tying rebars S with wire W using the rebar tying machine 1G will be described. The rebar tying machine 1G is used with the guide section 5 facing downwards and the worker standing, in order to tie the rebars S at the worker's feet. The worker grasps the handle section 304h of the rebar tying machine 1G with both hands, aligns the position of the guide section 5 with the intersection of two rebars S, and inserts the rebars S into the insertion / removal opening 53.

[0204] In the operation of inserting the reinforcing bar S into the insertion / removal opening 53 between the first guide 51 and the second guide 52, the reinforcing bar tying machine 1G moves in the first direction indicated by arrow A1. This relative movement between the reinforcing bar tying machine 1G and the reinforcing bar S causes the contact member 9A to be pushed with a force along the first direction and move to the operating position.

[0205] When the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the output of the output unit 15G changes from off to on. Also, when the contact member 9A moves to the operating position, the second guide 52 moves to the second position.

[0206] In step SF1 of Figure 30A, the control unit 100G detects whether the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within a predetermined tying tolerance range E1 and whether the orientation detection sensor 350 is turned on.

[0207] When the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is turned on because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position in step SF2 of Figure 30A, and the orientation detection sensor 350 is turned on and the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within a predetermined tying tolerance range E1, in step SF3 the control unit 100G controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the rebar S with the wire W.

[0208] When the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is turned on in step SF4 of Figure 30A because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, while the orientation detection sensor 350 is not on, i.e., the orientation detection sensor 350 is off and the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is outside the predetermined tying tolerance range E2, the control unit 100G notifies in step SF5 that the tying operation cannot be performed by lighting up a lamp (not shown), making an audible sound, etc.

[0209] After receiving notification that tying is not possible, the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is off because the contact member 9A has moved to the standby position. When the power is turned off and on by operating the power switch 110, the unit returns to step SF1. Then, when the orientation detection sensor 350 turns on and the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within the predetermined tying tolerance range E1, and the output unit 15G is detected to be on because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, the tying operation is executed.

[0210] Alternatively, after receiving notification that tying is not possible, the control unit 100G returns to step SF1 when it detects that the output unit 15G is off because the contact member 9A has moved to the standby position. Then, when the orientation detection sensor 350 turns on and the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within the predetermined tying tolerance range E1, and the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is on because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, it executes the tying operation.

[0211] Alternatively, after receiving notification that tying is not possible, the control unit 100G returns to step SF1. Then, when the orientation detection sensor 350 turns on and the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within a predetermined tying tolerance range E1, and the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, the output unit 15G detects that it is still on and executes the tying operation.

[0212] Figure 30B is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the rebar tying machine of the seventh embodiment, and next, another example of the operation of tying the rebars S with wire W using the rebar tying machine 1G will be described.

[0213] In step SG1 of Figure 30B, the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is turned on because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position. In step SG2 of Figure 30B, the control unit 100G detects whether the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within a predetermined tying tolerance range E1 and whether the orientation detection sensor 350 is turned on.

[0214] When the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is ON because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, and detects that the orientation detection sensor 350 is ON because the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within a predetermined tying tolerance range E1, in step SG3, it controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 to perform a series of operations to tie the rebar S with the wire W.

[0215] When the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is ON because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, and detects that the orientation detection sensor 350 is OFF, that is, the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is outside the predetermined tying tolerance range E2 and the orientation detection sensor 350 is OFF, in step SG4, it notifies that the tying operation cannot be performed by lighting a lamp (not shown), making an audible sound, etc.

[0216] After receiving notification that tying is not possible, the control unit 100G detects that the output unit 15G is off because the contact member 9A has moved to the standby position. When the power is turned off and on by operating the power switch 110, it returns to step SG1. Then, it detects that the output unit 15G is on because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position. When it detects that the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within the predetermined tying tolerance range E1 and that the orientation detection sensor 350 is on, it executes the tying operation.

[0217] Alternatively, after receiving notification that tying is not possible, the control unit 100G returns to step SG1 when it detects that the output unit 15G is off because the contact member 9A has moved to the standby position. Then, when it detects that the output unit 15G is on because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, and detects that the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within the predetermined tying tolerance range E1 and that the orientation detection sensor 350 is on, it executes the tying operation.

[0218] Alternatively, after receiving notification that tying is not possible, the control unit 100G returns to step SG1. Then, it detects that the output unit 15G is ON because the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position, and when it detects that the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is within the predetermined tying tolerance range E1 and that the orientation detection sensor 350 is ON, it executes the tying operation.

[0219] Furthermore, the control unit 100G may enable various settings for the rebar tying machine 1G when it detects that the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G is outside the predetermined tying tolerance range E2 and the orientation detection sensor 350 is off, and then detects that the output unit 15G is on because the contact member 9A moves to the operating position. In addition, the control unit 100G may not perform the tying operation when the detection of the orientation detection sensor 350 (350A, 350B) is disabled, and instead enable the settings for the rebar tying machine 1G through the operation of the contact member 9A. Moreover, when the detection of the orientation detection sensor 350 (350A, 350B) is enabled, the control unit 100G may determine that a malfunction has occurred in the orientation detection sensor 350 (350A, 350B) and send a notification if it cannot detect the orientation from the output of the orientation detection sensor 350 (350A, 350B).

[0220] Furthermore, the permissible range for tying can be switched. For example, the rebar tying machine 1G is provided with an operating unit 111 such as a dial for adjusting the tying force, and the permissible range for tying can be switched using this operating unit 111. Alternatively, the permissible range for tying can be switched by setting it by the operation of the contact member 9A, or by turning the power on or off by operating the power switch 110. In addition, the permissible range for tying can be switched by a combination of operating the operating unit 111, the operation of the contact member 9A, and turning the power on or off by operating the power switch 110.

[0221] In the seventh embodiment of the rebar tying machine 1G, the handle portion 304h does not have an operating section. In addition to the contact member 9A moving to the operating position or the second guide 52 moving to the second position, the execution of the tying operation can be switched depending on the orientation of the rebar tying machine 1G. This simplifies operation and suppresses the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0222] Furthermore, by using an acceleration sensor as the orientation detection sensor 350, the impact applied to the rebar tying machine 1G can be detected. Therefore, when the control unit 100G detects that a predetermined impact has been applied to the rebar tying machine 1G, it may determine that the rebar S has made contact and execute the tying operation. In this case, there is no need to provide a detection unit to detect that the contact member 9A has moved to the operating position and that the second guide 52 has moved to the second position. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0223] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G... Rebar tying machine, 11... Cover section, 12A, 14A... Second output section, 120... Movable element, 15, 15R, 15L... First output section, 15G... Output section, 16... Third output section, 2... Storage section, 20... Wire reel, 3... Feed section, 30... Feed gear, 31... Feed motor, 4... Regulating section, 42... Regulating member, 43... Regulating member, 44... Transmission mechanism, 5 ...Guide section, 51...First guide, 51g...Guide surface, 51h...Groove section, 51c...End section, 52...Second guide, 52a...Side guide, 52b...Shaft, 52c...End section, 53...Insertion / removal port, 54...Biasing member, 59...Guiding section, 6...Cutting section, 60...Fixed blade section, 60a...Opening, 61...Movable blade section, 62...Transmission mechanism, 7...Twisting section, 70...Engaging section, 71...Operating section, 8...Drive Moving part, 80... Torsion motor, 81... Reducer, 82... Rotating shaft, 83... Moving member, 9A, 9B... Contact member, 90A, 90B... Shaft, 91A, 91B... Contact part, 92A... Connecting part, 93A... Displacement part, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100G... Control unit, 101T... Timer, 103... Detection unit, 110... Power switch, 111... Operation unit, 301... First main body 302...Second main body section, 303...Connecting section, 304h...Handle section, 304L, 304R...Grip section, 304t, 304tR, 304tL...Operating section, 305...Joint section, 305h...Grip section, 305t1...Sub-operating section (first sub-operating section), 305t2...Sub-operating section (second sub-operating section), 320h...Handle section, 350 (350A, 350B)...Orientation detection sensor (orientation detection section), W...Wire

Claims

1. A binding machine for binding objects to be bound, which is installed on the floor surface, A first main body having a handle portion that can be gripped by an operator, A second main body having a wire feed section, a guide section that guides the wire fed by the feed section around the object to be bound, and a twisting section that twists the wire guided by the guide section to bind the object to be bound, A long connecting portion that connects the first main body and the second main body, An acceleration sensor that detects the orientation of the guide portion relative to the direction of gravity and outputs a signal, and also detects the impact when the object to be bound comes into contact with it, When the acceleration sensor outputs a signal indicating that the guide portion is within the binding tolerance range with the guide portion facing downward in the direction of gravity, and when the acceleration sensor detects the impact, the control unit controls the feed portion and the twist portion to perform the binding operation. A binding machine equipped with a strapping device.

2. The system is equipped with an operating unit that can switch between enabling and disabling detection by the acceleration sensor. The binding machine according to claim 1.

3. The acceleration sensor is provided on the second main body The binding machine according to claim 1.

4. The binding tolerance range for performing the binding operation is switchable. A binding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The handle portion comprises at least two gripping portions The binding machine according to claim 1.

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