Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BRAKE SYSTEM OF WIRE REEL IN REINFORCING BAR BINDING MACHINE
[0001]
<RELATED APPLICATIONS>
This application is a division of Canadian Patent
Application Serial No. 2,665,299, filed 05 May 2009.
<FIELD OF THE INVENTION>
The present invention relates to a brake system of a
wire reel which stops a rotation of a wire reel after a
predetermined length of binding wire is fed, in a
reinforcing bar binding machine.
<BACKGROUND ART>
[0002]
When a predetermined length of wire feed is performed
in a reinforcing bar binding machine, wire feed is stopped,
but a wire reel continues rotating by inertia. Therefore,
the diameter of a wire wound around the wire reel may
increase, and the next wire feed may be hindered. AS a
means for solving this, for example, like Patent Document 1
(JP-A-11-156746), the technique of a brake mechanism is
which a hook-like brake lever (the same as a braking means
of Patent Document 1) which is engageable with a wire reel
is arranged in the vicinity of the wire reel, and the brake
lever is actuated by a solenoid is disclosed. In addition,
the brake mechanism of Patent Document 1 actuates the brake
lever actuated by the solenoid so as to engage the
peripheral edge of the wire reel, thereby stopping rotation
of the wire reel, after the wire is fed by
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a predetermined length from the wire reel.
[0003]
Meanwhile, in the brake mechanism of the reinforcing bar
binding machine shown in Fig. 3 of Patent Document 1, with
the configuration (including a spring) in which the brake lever
rotate about a pivot, some time lag occurs until the brake
operates after the solenoid is actuated. Additionally, for
example, when a link mechanism (including a spring) is interposed
between the brake lever, and the solenoid which actuates the
brake lever, it is conceivable that time lag becomes still
larger than that of Fig. 3 of Patent Document 1 described above.
In addition, when the power of a battery used as a power source
of the solenoid or the like is saved, the battery can.be effectively
used for a long time.
[0004]
Moreover, in the reinforcing bar binding machine (includes
Patent Document 1 or the like) , the wire reel is exposed to
the outside of a binding machine body in order to facilitate
loading of the wire reel to the binding machine body.
Additionally, the braking means and solenoid which are disposed
in the vicinity of the wire reel are also exposed to the outside
of the binding machine body. Therefore, when the reinforcing
bar bindingmachine is used outdoors or the like, sand, a situation
where dust, etc. adhere to the solenoid or the like and braking
operation cannot be reliably performed is conceivable.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005]
One or more embodiments of the invention provide a brake
system of a wire reel and its braking processing method in
a reinforcing bar binding machine capable of improving braking
performance, and saving power.
[0006]
In addition, one or more embodiments of the invention
provide a brake mechanism of a wire reel in a reinforcing bar
binding machine with improved dust-proofing performance of
the brake mechanism.
[0007]
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention,
a reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with: a feed
means 13, 14 for feeding a wire from a wire reel 20 rotatably
mounted on a binding machine body 11; a braking means 30 for
braking a rotation of the wire reel 20; and a control means
50 that starts a braking to the rotation of the wire reel 20
by the braking means 30 after the wire is fed to a predetermined
amount by the feed means 13, 14.
[0008]
Moreover, a braking by a braking means 30 to a rotation
of a wire reel 20 is started after feeding a wire by a predetermined
length from the wire reel 20 rotatably mounted on a binding
machine body 11.
[0009]
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In the above configuration, since braking of the rotation
of the wire reel is started by the braking means after the
wire is fed by a predetermined amount of feed by the feed means,
the time lag when braking is applied to the wire reel can be
reduced, and braking performance improves.
[0010]
Furthermore, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the invention, in a reinforcing bar binding machine in which
a wire is fed from a wire reel 20 rotatably mounted on a binding
machine body 11, the fed wire is wound around reinforcing bars,
and the wound wire is twisted to bind the reinforcing bars,
the reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with: a braking
means 30 for braking a rotation of the wire reel 20; a counting
means 50 for counting a number of times of binding by which
the fed wire is twisted to bind the reinforcing bars; a recording
means 52 for recording the number of times of binding; and
a control means 50 for braking the rotation of the wire reel
by the braking means 30 only when the number of times of
binding read from the recording means 52 is equal to or less
20 than a predetermined number of times of binding.
[0011]
In addition, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the invention, in a reinforcing bar binding machine in which
a wire is fed from a wire reel 20 rotatably mounted on a binding
machine body 11, the fed wire is wound around reinforcing bars,
and the wound wire is twisted to bind the reinforcing bars,
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a braking processing of a wire reel is executed by: counting
a number of times of binding by which the fed wire is twisted
to bind the reinforcing bars; and braking a rotation of the
wire reel 20 by a braking means 30, only when the number of
times of binding is equal to or less than a predetermined number
of times of binding.
[0012]
In the above configuration, braking is applied to rotation
of the wire reel by the braking means only if the number of
times of binding by which the wire fed by a predetermined length
by the feed means is twisted and bound is equal to or less
than a reference value. That is, if the number of times of
binding of a predetermined length of wire is a reference value
or more, braking processing is omitted. Thus, power is saved,
the service time of a power source of the feed means is extended,
and the power source of the feed means can be effectively used
for a long time.
[0013]
Furthermore, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the invention, a reinforcing bar binding machine is provided
with: a feed means 13, 14 for feeding a wire from a wire reel
20 rotatably mounted on a binding machine body 11; a braking
means 30 for braking a rotation of the wire reel 20; a detecting
means 57 for detecting a power voltage which starts the feed
means 13, 14; and a control means 50 that makes a braking start
time of the braking means 30 earlier than a reference time,
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1
only when the detected power voltage is a predetermined reference
voltage or more.
[0014]
Moreover, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the invention, a brakingprocessing of a wire reel in a reinforcing
bar binding machine is executed by: feeding a wire from a wire
reel 20 rotatably mounted on a binding machine body 11 by a
feeding means 13, 14; detecting a power voltage which starts
the feed means 13, 14; and making earlier a braking start time
of a braking means 30 for stopping a rotation of the wire reel
than a reference time, only when the detected power voltage
is a predetermined reference voltage or more.
[0015]
In the above configuration, if the power voltage of the
15 feed means is a predetermined reference value or more, the
feed rate of the wire becomes fast. Thus, if the timing with
which braking is applied to the wire reel is not made earlier
by the rate which becomes fast, the timing with which braking
is applied becomes late on the contrary. That is, according
20 to the invention, only if the power voltage of the feed means
is a predetermined reference value or more, the braking start
time of the stopper device which stops the rotation of the
wire reel is made earlier than the reference time. Thus, braking
is applied with proper timing, and braking performance improves.
[0016]
On the other hand, if the power voltage of the feed means
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is lower than the reference value, the feed rate of the wire
returns to a normal state. Thus, since the turn-on time of
a power source of the feed means, for example, the solenoid
becomes shorter than that when the power voltage of the feed
means is a predetermined reference voltage or more. Thus,
power is saved. That is, since the timing with which braking
is applied is changed according to the power voltage of the
feed means, the inertial rotation of the wire reel can be stopped
reliably, and useless power consumption can be cut.
[0017]
Further, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the invention, a reinforcing bar binding machine is provided
with: a wire reel 20 rotatably mounted on abinding machine
body 11; a braking means 30 engageable with an engaging portion
21 of the wire reel 20; a driving means 32, 60 for driving
the braking means 30; and a cover for partitioning a portion
between the driving means 32, 60 and the wire reel 20.
[0018]
In the above configuration, a portion between the driving
means and the wire reel is partitioned by a cover to conceal
the driving means from the wire reel. Thus, even if the
reinforcing bar binding machine is used outdoors or the like,
braking operation can be reliably performed without adhesion
of sand or the like to the driving portion. That is, the loading
property of the wire reel is not impaired, and adhesion of
sand or the like to the driving portion is prevented. Thus,
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dust-proofing performance improves.
[0019]
Moreover, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the invention, a reinforcing bar binding machine is provided
with: a braking means 30 engageable with an engaging portion 21
of a wire reel 20 rotatably mounted on a binding machine body
11; a driving means 32, 60 for driving the braking means 30;
and a biasing means 36 which is hung on the braking means 30,
and returns the braking means 30 to its initial position after
the braking means 30 has engaged with the engaging portion 21.
Further, the braking means may include a stopper lever 30 that is
engageable with the engaging portion 21 of the wire reel 20. A
first hooking portion 36B of the biasing means 36 may be locked to
the binding machine body 11, and a second hooking portion 36C of
the biasing means 36 may be locked to the stopper lever 30.
[0020]
In the above configuration, the biasing means is directly
hung on the braking means. Thus, the braking means can be
directly returned to its initial state by the biasing force
of the biasing means. That is, since there is no waste in the
biasing force of the biasing means, and a useless force is not
applied to each part., for example, a driving means. Thus, the
braking means can be effectively returned.
[0021]
Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention
resides in a reinforcing bar binding machine comprising: a
wire reel rotatably mounted on a binding machine body; a
braking means engageable with an engaging
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portion of the wire reel; a driving means for driving the
braking means; after a wire is fed by a predetermined
length from the wire reel; a rotatable shaft, wherein one
end of the shaft actuates the braking means and the other
end of the shaft connects with the driving means through a
connecting part, the shaft being rotated by the driving
means; and a cover partitioning the driving means from the
wire reel; and an opening formed in the cover around the
shaft.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
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apparent from the following description, the drawings and the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a whole perspective view showing essential
portions of a reinforcing bar binding machine in a first
embodiment related to the invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the reinforcing bar binding
machine shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a side view shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of X-X line in Fig.
3.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a whole perspective view of the brake mechanism
shown in Fig. 4.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the brake
mechanism shown in Fig. 5.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a plan view of essential portions at the
time of braking operation of the brake mechanism shown in Fig.
4.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a side view of Fig. 7.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a whole perspective view of a brake mechanism
in a second embodiment related to the invention.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the brake
mechanism shown in Fig. 9.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of the reinforcing bar
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binding machine shown Fig. 1.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a flow chart in a binding mode of the
reinforcing bar binding machine shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a view showing the operating timing of
a solenoid shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a flow chart of a power saving mode of
the reinforcing bar binding machine shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a flow chart of a braking timing change
mode of the reinforcing bar binding machine shown in Fig. 1.
[Description of Reference Numerals and Signs]
[0023]
10: REINFORCING BAR BINDING MACHINE
11: BINDING MACHINE BODY
13: FEED GEARS (FEED MEANS)
14: FEED MOTOR (FEED MEANS)
16: TWISTING MOTOR
17: COVER (DUST-PROOFING MEANS)
21: ENGAGING PORTION OF WIRE REEL
24: REINFORCING BAR
30: STOPPER LEVER (BRAKING MEANS)
32: SOLENOID (BRAKING MEANS(DRIVING MEANS OF BREAKING
MEANS))
34: SHAFT (DRIVING PORTION)
36: TORSION COIL SPRING (BIASING MEANS)
50: CPU (CONTROL MEANS OR COUNTING MEANS)
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52: MEMORY (RECORDING MEANS)
53: BATTERY (POWER SOURCE OF FEED MEANS)
57: VOTATGE DETECTING CIRCUIT (VOLTAGE DETECTING MEANS)
60: BRAKE MOTOR (DRIVING MEANS)
S: STOPPER DEVICE
W: WIRE
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0024]
A brake mechanism of a wire reel in a reinforcing bar
binding machine according to a first embodiment of the invention
will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8, and Fig.
11.
Fig. 1 is awholeperspective view showing essential portion's
of a reinforcing bar binding machine in a first embodiment,
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the reinforcing bar binding machine
shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a side view shown in Fig. 1, Fig.
4 is a plan view of essential portions of a brake mechanism
shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 5 is a whole perspective view of the
brake mechanism shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is an exploded
perspective view of the brake mechanism shown in Fig. 5. Fig.
11 is a block diagram of the reinforcing bar binding machine
shown Fig. 1.
[0025]
(Schematic configuration of reinforcing bar binding machine)
As shown Figs. 1 to 3, the reinforcing bar binding machine
10 includesabindingmachinebody11, andawireree120 detachably
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arranged to the binding machine body 11. The wire reel 20
is configured so as to be attached and detached only by operating
a lever (not shown) . Passages 12A and 12B (refer to Figs.
2 and 3) of the binding wire W is arranged in the binding machine
body 11. As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of feed gears 13 which
constitutes a portion of a feed means is arranged between the
passages 12A and 12B so that a wire W can be pinched therebetween.
As shown in Fig. 3, a feed motor 14 which rotates feed gears
13 is arranged in the binding machine body 11. In addition,
a trigger 18 (refer to Fig. 3) is arranged in the binding machine
body 11, and the trigger 18 is pulled whereby the feed motor
14 is driven.
[0026]
A guide 15 which guides the wire W (shown by a two-dot
chain line in Fig. 3) in a loop shape so as to bend the wire
is arranged on the side of a feed direction (right in Fig.
3) of the binding machine body 11. Additionally, a twisting
motor 16 is arranged in the binding machine body 11, and a
twisting hook (not shown) is connected to the twisting motor
16. The twisting hook is driven as the twisting motor 16 rotates,
and twists a looped wire W wound around a plurality of (two
in Fig. 3) reinforcing bars 24.
[0027]
That is, the twisting hook is configured so as to rotate
normally and advance to the looped wire W to twist the wire,
and to rotate reversely after the twisting is ended, and retreat
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to its initial position. Additionally, the wire W which has
been subjected to twisting processing is cut by a cutter (not
shown) which interlocks with the twisting hook (not shown).
[0028]
(Configuration of brake mechanism)
As shown in Fig. 4, the wire reel 20 includes a pair of
flanges 20A and 20B. A plurality of substantially saw-toothed
engaging portions 21 (refer to Fig. 3) is formed at predetermined
intervals in one flange 20A. A stopper lever 30 that is a
braking means is arranged so as to correspond to the engaging
portions 21. As shown in Fig. 5, a brake system S including
the stopper lever 30 include a solenoid 32 as the driving means,
a link 33, a shaft 34, a connecting wheel 37, a torsion coil
spring (hereinafter referred to as a spring) 36, a hollow pin
38, and a bracket 40. The bracket 40 fixes the solenoid 32,
and supports the shaft 34. As shown in a two-dot chain line
of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the bracket 40 is arranged in the cover
17 that is a dust-proofing means of the binding machine body
11.
[0029]
As shown in Fig. 5, an iron core 32A of the solenoid 32
is slidably arranged, and when the solenoid 32 is turned on,
the iron core 32A is pulled into the solenoid 32 (refer to
Fig. 7) by a length L. In addition, the iron core 32A when
the solenoid 32 is turned off is held in its initial position
shown in Fig. 4. Switching of turn-on/off of the solenoid
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32 is controlled by a CPU 50 shown in Fig. 11.
[0030]
As shown in Fig. 6, one ends of the iron core 32A and
the link 33 are connected together via a pin 33A or the like.
Meanwhile, the other end of the link 33 which constitutes
a link mechanism and the connecting wheel 37 fixed to the shaft
34 are connected together via a pin 333, and the shaft 34 is
rotatably arranged in the bracket 40 via the connecting wheel
37. Additionally, the shaft 34 is inserted through a tubular
portion 40A of the bracket 40. When the iron core 32A and
the link 33 slide, the shaft 34 rotates around its axis. In
addition, the shaft 34 has a D-shaped cut portion 34A, which
is cut in a D-shape, at its tip.
[0031]
The shaft-34 which protrudes from the tubular portion
40A of the bracket 40 is inserted into a bearing 35, a hollow
pin 38, a coil portion 36A of the spring 36, and the D-shaped
cut hole 30A of the stopper lever 30. The stopper lever 30
or the like is prevented from slipping out of the shaft 34
by a stopper 39.
[0032]
The D-shaped cut portion 34A of the shaft 34 corresponds
to the hole 30A of the stopper lever 30, and as the shaft 34
rotates, the stopper lever 30 rotates about the shaft 34.
A locking portion 31 which engages an engaging portion 21 of
the wire reel 20 is formed in a substantial L shape (refer
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to Fig. 3) in the stopper lever 30.
[00331
The solenoid 32, the shaft 34, and bracket 40 which are
shown in Fig. 6 are arranged within the cover 17 shown in Fig.
2 and Fig. 4. That is, the cover 17 is configured by a body
cover 17A for covering one side of the binding machine body
1 and a body cover 17B for covering the other side. A space
between the body cover 17A and the body cover 17B is substantially
hermetically-sealed. The bearing 35 of the shaft 34 is fit
and fixed to an opening portion 41, and other members (not
shown) are fit to opening portions 42, 43, 44. Thus, a portion
between the solenoid 32 and the wire reel 20 is partitioned
by the cover 17, and the solenoid 32 and the tubular portion
40A of the bracket 40 is concealed from the wire reel 20.
Additionally, although the tubular portion 40A of the bracket
40 in sliding portions of the shaft 34 which rotates the stopper
lever 30 is arranged in an inside of the cover 17 and concealed
from an outside, a portion of the sliding portions of the shaft
34 arranged in an outside also concealed by the hollow pin
38 and the bearing 35.
[0034]
As shown in Fig. 6, a coil portion 36A of the spring 36
is inserted into a coil receptacle 38A of the hollow pin 38,
and the spring 36 is supported by the hollow pin 38. As shown
in Fig. 3, a hooking portion 36B of the spring 36 is locked
to the binding machine body 11, and a hooking portion 36C is
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locked to the outside of the stopper lever 30 (refer to Fig.
5). Therefore, the spring 36 always biases the stopper lever
30 in the direction (that is, counterclockwise direction) of
an arrow shown in Fig. 3.
[0035]
That is, in the stopper device S, the link mechanism is
interposed between the stopper lever 30, and the solenoid 32
which operates the stopper lever 30. Thus, time lag until
the brake is actuated becomes larger than that of Fig. 3 of
the aforementioned Patent Document 1. In addition, a state
at the time of a waiting mode in the stopper device S, i.e.,
OFF of the solenoid 32 is a state shown in Figs. 1 to 5.
[0036]
(Configuration concerning control system of reinforcing bar
binding machine)
The reinforcing bar binding machine 10, as shown in Fig.
11, includes a CPU 50 which also has a clock function, a memory
52, a battery 53, a sensor 54, a trigger SW 56 (SW is the
abbreviation for switch), a voltage detecting circuit 57, the
solenoid 32, the twisting motor 16, and the feed motor 14.
The CPU 50 manages overall operation of the reinforcing bar
binding machine 10. For example, when a switch signal is input
to the CPU 50 from the trigger SW 56, the CPU performs binding
processing on the basis of the switch signal. Additionally,
as described above, the CPU 50 includes a timer 51 which performs
clocking. In addition, the CPU 50 is a control means and a
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counting means.
[0037]
Programs which control various kinds of processing for
the reinforcing bar binding machine 10 are recorded in the
memory 52 that is a recording means. For example, the turn-on
time or the like of the solenoid 32 is recorded in the memory
52. The sensor 54 is arranged so as to be capable of detecting
the rotation of the feed gears 13. That is, a magnet which
rotates together with the feed gears 13 is detected by a Hall
IC that is the sensor 54. The sensor 54 detects that the feed
gears 13 has half-rotated, and the CPU 50 determines whether
or not the wire W has been fed by a predetermined length, for
example, 80 cm per one rotation on the basis of a detection
signal of the sensor 54 with the number of rotation of the
feed gears 13.
[0038]
The battery 53 is a power source of the CPU 50, the solenoid
32, the twisting motor 16, the feed motor 14, and the like,
and supplies electric power which starts the solenoid 32, the
CPU 50, and the like. Additionally, the voltage detecting
circuit 57 that is a voltage detecting means detects the voltage
of the battery 53, and inputs to the CPU 50 detection value
data that is this detection result. Also, the CPU 50 compares
a power voltage of the battery 53 which is input detection
value data with a reference voltage recorded in the memory
52. In addition, as for wiring lines of the battery 53,
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illustration of those other than the voltage detecting circuit
57 is omitted. This is to prevent complication in a case where
a plurality of wiring lines is connected to respective electronic
components, such as the CPU 50.
[0039]
The trigger SW 56 interlocks with the pulling of the trigger
18 shown in Fig. 3, and is configured so that the switch is
turned on. When the trigger SW 56 is turned on, the CPU 50
makes the feedmotor 14, i.e., the feed gears 13 rotate, thereby
pulling out the wire W in a feed direction. That is, the feed
motor 14 and the twisting motor 16 are rotationally driven
on the basis of a driving signal from the CPU 50. In addition,
the twisting motor 16 is adapted to be normally and reversely
rotatable.
[0040]
Additionally, the solenoid 32 makes the iron core 32 slide
in a pulling-in direction from its initial position (position
shown in Fig. 4) on the basis of the driving signal (that is,
ON signal) from the CPU 50. When any driving signal is not
supplied from the CPU 50, the solenoid 32 is brought into an
OFF state, and the stopper lever 30 shown in Fig. 5 returns
to its initial position (position shown in Fig. 3) by the biasing
force of the spring 36.
[0041]
(Operation of this embodiment)
When the trigger 18 of the reinforcing bar binding machine
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shown in Fig. 3 is pulled and operated, the wire W wound
around the wire reel 20 is fed by a predetermined length by
the feed gears 13, and is wound around a plurality of reinforcing
bars 24. Then, immediately before feed operation of the wire
5 W
ends, the solenoid 32 is turned on, and the iron core 32A
is pulled in. By this pulling-in operation, the stopper lever
30 rotates in the direction of an arrow (clockwise direction)
of Fig. 8 against the biasing force of the spring 36.
[0042]
10
Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the locking portion 31
of the stopper lever 30 is engaged with an engaging portion
21 of the wire reel 20, and stops the rotation of the wire
reel 20. Accordingly, since the wire reel 20 does not rotate
by inertia, the diameter of the wire W does not increase, and
the wire W can always be fed smoothly. Fig. 7 is a plan view
of essential portions at the time of braking operation of the
brake mechanism shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 8 is a side view
of Fig. 7.
[0043]
After the lapse of predetermined time, the solenoid 32
is turned off, and the stopper lever 30 rotates in the direction
(counterclockwise direction) of the arrow of Fig. 3 by the
biasing force of the spring 36, and the iron core 32A also
slides to its initial position (refer to Fig. 4). That is,
since the spring 36 is directly hung on the stopper lever 30,
the stopper lever 30 can be directly returned to its initial
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state by the biasing force of the spring 36. Accordingly,
since there is no waste in the biasing force of the spring,
and an unnecessary force is not applied to each part , for example,
the iron core 32A or the like, the stopper lever 30 can be
returned efficiently.
[0044]
Thereafter, the twisting motor 16, i.e., the twisting
hook is driven on the basis of the driving signal of the CPU
50, and the wire W is twisted and bound. In addition, the
CPU 50 outputs the driving signal to the twisting motor 16
after the feed operation of the wire W is ended.
[0045]
Next, the processing concerning the aforementioned binding
processing (the same as a binding mode) will be described with
reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 12. Here, the
processing in the reinforcing bar binding machine 10 shown
in Fig. 1 is executed by the CPU 50 (refer to Fig. 11), and
is expressed by the flow chart of Fig. 12. This program is
stored in advance in a program area of the memory 52 (refer
to Fig. 11) of the reinforcing bar binding machine 10. In
addition, Fig. 13 is a view showing the operating timing of
the solenoid 32 shown in Fig. 1.
[0046]
(Binding mode)
In Step 100 shown in Fig. 12, it is determined whether
or not the trigger SW 56 (refer to Fig. 11) is turned on.
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That is, the trigger 18 shown in Fig. 3 is pulled, and it is
determined whether or not the trigger SW 56 is turned. If
Step 100 is positive, i.e., if the trigger SW 56 is turned
on, the CPU 50 makes the feed motor 14 driven in Step 102.
In addition, if Step 100 is negative, the CPU waits for the
trigger SW 56 to be turned on.
[0047]
In Step 104, it is determined whether or not the number
of rotation of the feed gears 13 shown in Fig. 2 has become
a reference value (the same as a "predetermined amount of feed
before a predetermined length"). Here, the reference value
is a reference number of rotation which is used to determine
whether or not the feed gears 13 have a number of rotation
at which they feed the wire W to a predetermined feed amount
before a predetermined length.
[0048]
That is, as the rotation of the feed gears 13 is detected
by the sensor 54 shown in Fig. 11, the CPU 50 determines whether
or not the feed gears 13 have rotates by the reference value,
for example, seventeen times. If Step 104 is positive, i.e.
if the number of rotation of the feed gears 13 has reached
the reference number of rotation, the solenoid 32 shown in
Fig. 11 is turned on in Step 106. In addition, if Step 104
is negative, the CPU waits for the number of rotation of the
feed gears 13 to reach the reference number of rotation.
[0049]
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In Step 108, it is determined whether or not the number
of rotation of the feed gears 13 has become the reference value
(for example, seventeen and half rotations) .
Here, the
reference value is a reference number of rotation which is
used to determine whether or not the feed gears 13 have a number
of rotation at which they feed the wire W by a predetermined
length. That is, it is determined in Step 108 whether or not
the feed gears has half-rotated from the reference rotation
(17 rotations) of Step 104.
[0050]
If Step 108 is positive, i.e. if the number of rotation
of the feed gears 13 has reached the reference number of rotation,
in Step 110, the CPU 50 stops the feed motor 14, and starts
counting of clock in the timer 51 shown in Fig. 11. Here,
turn-on of the solenoid 32 immediately before wire feed is
performed taking into consideration time lag until braking
is applied to the wire reel 20 through actuation of the solenoid
32. In addition, if Step 108 is negative, the CPU waits for
the number of rotation of the feed gears 13 to reach the reference
number of rotation.
[0051]
In Step 112, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the
counted value of the timer 51 has become the reference value
(refer to Fig. 11) of braking release time, for example, 0.1
second. If Step 112 is positive, i.e. if the counted value
has become the braking release time (the counted value is 0.1
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
second) , the solenoid 32 is turned off in Step 114.
[0052]
In addition, if Step 112 is negative, the CPU waits for
the counted value to become reference time. Here, the reason
why braking is applied to the wire reel 20 for 0.1 second is
because this time is braking release time required for reliably
stopping the rotation of the wire reel 20 experimentally.
In addition, this braking release time can be arbitrarily changed
to 0.08 second, 0.12 second, or the like by change of the
configuration of the link mechanism of the stopper device S.
[0053]
In Step S116, twisting processing is performed. The
twisting processing is the processing of normally rotating
the twisting motor 16, and twisting the wire W (refer to two-dot
chain line of Fig. 3) wound around a plurality of intersecting
reinforcing bars 24 (refer to Fig. 3) by the twisting hook
(not shown) , and the processing of reversely rotating the
twisting motor 16, and returning the twisting hook to its initial
position. If the processing of Step 116 is ended, processing
of this flow chart is ended. In addition, the binding mode
shown in Fig. 12 is repeated whenever the trigger SW 56 is
turned on.
[0054]
According to this embodiment, since braking of the rotation
of the wire reel 20 is started by the stopper device S after
the wire W is fed by a predetermined amount of feed (reference
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number of rotation of Step 104) before a predetermined length
by the feed gears 13, the time lag when braking is applied
to the wire reel 20 can be reduced, and braking performance
improves.
[0055]
In addition, the processing concerning the power saving
mode and braking timing change mode in the reinforcing bar
binding machine 10 will be described below with reference to
the flow chart shown in Figs. 14 and 15.
[0056]
(Power saving mode)
In Step 120 shown in Fig. 14, it is determined whether
or not the trigger SW 56 is turned on. If Step 100 is positive,
i.e., if the trigger 18 is pulled, the CPU 50 makes the feed
motor 14 driven in Step 122. In Step 124, the number of times
of binding is read from the memory 52 shown in Fig. 11. Here,
with regard to counting of the number of times of binding,
the CPU 50 that is a counting means resets the counted value
of the number of times of binding in a storage region of the
memory 52, and starts counting whenever the wire reel 20 shown
in Fig. 1 is mounted on the bindingmachine body 11. In addition,
generally, the wire W wound around the wire reel 20 is able
to perform binding processing of 120 times.
[0057]
In Step 126, it is determined whether or not the number
of times of binding is equal to or less than a reference value.
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That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the reference
value, for example, the counting value, is equal to or less
than 40 times. If Step 126 is positive, i.e., if the counted
value is equal to or less than 40 times, the CPU 50 performs
braking processing in Step 128. This braking processing is
respective processing of Step 104 to Step 114 shown in Fig.
12.
[0058]
After braking processing of Step 128 is ended, the same
processing as twisting processing (the same processing as Step
116 of Fig. 12) is performed in Step 130. If Step 126 is negative,
i.e. if the counted value is 40 times or more, the processing
proceeds to Step 130. That is, if Step 126 is negative, braking
processing of Step 128 is omitted. Here, the reason why braking
processing is performed if the counting number is less than
40 times is because the difference between the maximum winding
diameter of the wire W and the diameter of the outer peripheries
of the flanges 20A and 20B of the wire reel 20 is small, and
thus, when the wire reel 20 rotates by inertia, the wire W
protrudes from the flanges 20A and 20B, and the next wire feed
is hindered.
[0059]
On the other hand, the reason why braking processing is
omitted if the counted value is 40 times or more because the
diameter difference between the maximum winding diameter of
the wire W and the diameter of the outer peripheries of the
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
flanges 20A and 20B of the wire reel 20 is large, and thus,
even when the wire reel 20 rotates by inertia, the wire W does
not protrudes from the flanges 20A and 20B.
[0060]
After twisting processing of Step 130 is ended, the number
of times of binding is counted in Step 132. That is, the CPU
50 performs increment of 1 to a current counted value, for
example, 20, thereby setting the counter value to 21. Then,
in Step 134, the counted value, for example, 21 is stored in
the memory 52. In addition, this recorded counted value is
read in the next Step 124. If the processing of Step 134 is
ended, processing of this flow chart is ended. The power saving
mode shown in Fig. 14 is repeated whenever the trigger SW 56
is turned on.
[0061]
In this embodiment, only if the number of times of binding
by which the wire W fed by a predetermined length by the feed
gears 13 is twisted and bound is equal to or less than a reference
value (specifically, if Step 126 is positive) , braking is applied
to the wire reel 20 by the stopper device S. That is, according
to this embodiment, if the number of times of binding of a
predetermined length of wire W is a reference value or more
(specifically, if Step 126 is negative) , braking processing
is omitted, and thus, power is saved. Thus, the service time
of the battery 53 shown in Fig. 11 is extended, and the battery
53 can be effectively used for a long time.
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
[0062]
(Braking timing change mode)
In Step 140 shown in Fig. 15, it is determined whether
or not the trigger SW 56 is turned on. If Step 140 is positive,
i.e., if the trigger 18 is pulled, the CPU 50 makes the feed
motor 14 driven in Step 142. In Step 144, CPU 50 detects the
voltage value of the battery 53 via the voltage detecting circuit
57 shown in Fig. 11. That is, the CPU 50 reads voltage value
data input from the voltage detecting circuit 57. Here, the
battery voltage is set to, for example, 16 V if the battery
is fully charged (i.e. the same as a maximum voltage), and
a minimum voltage (i.e., voltage immediately before a power
source is turned off) is set to, for example, 14.4 V. The
memory 52 shown in Fig. 11 stores the reference value of the
battery voltage in its storage region as, for example, 15 V.
[0063]
In Step 146, it is determined whether or not the voltage
value of the battery is equal to or less than a reference value.
That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the battery
voltage is equal to or less than 15 V. If Step 146 is positive,
i.e., if the battery voltage value is equal to or less than
15 V), in Step 148, CPU SO set the driving start timing (the
same as braking start timing) of the solenoid 32 shown in Fig.
11 to the reference value, for example, the reference rotation
(17 rotations) in the Step 104. That is, the solenoid 32 is
driven by 17 rotations, and braking is applied.
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
[0064]
If Step 146 is negative, i.e. if the battery voltage is
15 V or more, in Step 150, the driving start timing of the
solenoid 32 is made earlier than the reference rotation (17
rotations). For example, in order to make the braking start
time of the stopper device S earlier than the reference time,
the solenoid 32 is driven with sixteen and half rotations as
the reference value, and braking is applied.
[0065]
Here, the reason why the processing of Step 150 is provided
is because the feed rate of the wire W becomes fast if the
battery voltage is higher than the reference value, and thus,
it is necessary to bring forward the timing with which braking
is applied to the wire reel 20. In this case, since termination
of an electric current flowing through the solenoid 32 is made
the same as that of an example shown in Fig. 11, the turn-on
time of the solenoid 32 becomes long consequently.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the battery voltage is lower than
the reference value, the feed rate of the wire W returns to
a normal state (the same as standard). Thus, the termination
of the electric current is made the same as that of the example
of Fig. 10. That is, since the turn-on time of the solenoid
32 becomes shorter than that of Step 150, power is saved.
Accordingly, since the timing with which braking is applied
is changed according to the battery voltage, the inertial
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
rotation of the wire reel 20 can be stopped reliably, and useless
power consumption can be cut.
[0067]
After processing of Step 150 or Step 148 is ended, braking
processing is performed in Step 152. This braking processing
is respective processing of Step 104 to Step 114 shown in Fig.
12. After braking processing of Step 152 is ended, the same
processing as twisting processing (the same processing as Step
116 of Fig. 10) is performed in Step 154. If the twisting
processing of Step 154 is ended, processing of this flow chart
is ended. In addition, the braking timing change mode shown
in Fig. 13 is repeated whenever the trigger SW 56 is turned
on.
[0068]
In this embodiment, if the power voltage of the battery
53 is a predetermined reference value or more (if Step 146
is negative) , the feed rate of the wire W becomes fast. Thus,
if the timing with which braking is applied to the wire reel
is not made earlier by the rate which becomes fast, the
20
timing with which braking is applied becomes late on the contrary.
That is, according to this embodiment, only if the power voltage
of the battery 53 is a predetermined reference value or more,
the braking start time of the stopper device S which stops
the rotation of the wire reel 20 is made earlier than the reference
time. Thus, braking is applied with proper timing, and braking
performance improves.
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
[0069]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, if the battery voltage
is lower than the reference value (if Step 146 is positive), the
feed rate of the wire W returns to a normal state. Thus, since the
turn-on time of the solenoid 32 becomes shorter than Step 150.
Thus, power is saved. That is, according to this embodiment,
since the timing with which braking is applied is changed
according to the battery voltage, the inertial rotation of the
wire reel 20 can be stopped reliably, and useless power
consumption can be cut.
[0070]
In addition, the source of power which drives the stopper
than lever 30 may be a motor or the like other the solenoid 32.
Additionally, the reference value (refer to Step 104)of the
predetermined amount of feed in Claim 1 or 2, for example, the
number of rotation of the feed gears 13 can be arbitrarily set and
changed by changing the configuration of the link mechanism which
is interposed between the stopper lever 30 and its driving source.
[0071]
Additionally, the flow (refer to Fig. 12, 14, and 15) of
processing of each program described in the above embodiment is
merely an example, and can be suitably changed without
departing from the scope of this invention. That is, the
binding mode, the power saving mode, or the braking timing
change mode may be combined arbitrarily.
CA 02937347 2016-07-28
[0072]
In this embodiment, the solenoid 32, a part of the shaft
34 for rotating the stopper lever 30, and the bracket 40, which
are shown in Fig. 6, are arranged within the cover 17 shown
in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, and a sliding portion of the shaft 34
has become the insides of the tubular portion 40A of the bracket
40, the bearing 35, and the hollow pin 38. Thus, the solenoid
32 and shaft 34 which rotate the stopper lever 30 are altogether
covered and concealed with the cover 17 or the like.
[0073]
That is, according to this embodiment, the portion between
the solenoid 32 and the wire reel is partitioned by the cover
17 and the solenoid 32 is concealed. Thus, even if the
reinforcing bar binding machine 10 is used outdoors or the
like, braking operation can be reliably performed without
adhesion of sand or the like to the solenoid 32. Accordingly,
the loading property of the wire reel is not impaired. In
addition, the part of the sliding portion of the shaft 34
positioning in the outer side of the cover 17 is also concealed
by the hollow pin 38, the bearing 35 and the like. Therefore,
dust-proofing performance improves, so that adhesion of sand
or the like to the sliding portion can be prevented and the
braking operation can be further reliably performed.
Particularly, the bearing 35 is adjacent to the hollow pin
38 and a part of the shaft 34 positioning in an outer side
of the bearing 35 is covered by the hollow pin 38, the adhesion
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
of sand or the like to the bearing 35 can further be prevented.
[0074]
Further, the sliding portion is a portion which is arranged
to cover around the shaft 34 and slides, and the sliding portion
is not limited to the tubular portion 40A of the bracket 40
and the bearing 35 or the hollow pin 38.
[0075]
(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment in which the driving means is changed
to an exclusive motor capable of performing normal rotation
from a solenoid will be described below with reference to Figs.
9 and 10. Here, Fig. 9 is a whole perspective view of a brake
mechanism in the second embodiment, and Fig. 10 is an exploded
perspective view of the brake mechanism shown in Fig. 9. In
addition, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are
denoted by the same reference numerals. Additionally, Fig.
9 corresponds to Fig. 5 in the first embodiment, and Fig. 10
corresponds to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment.
[0076]
In the stopper device of this embodiment, a brake motor
(hereinafter referred to as a motor) 60 is fixed to a bracket
58. A gear 61 of the motor 60 meshes with a reduction gear
62 fixed to the shaft 34. In addition, a tubular portion 59
which allows the shaft 34 to be inserted therethrough is arranged
at the bracket 58 . Additionally, in this embodiment, connecting
parts, such as the link 33 and connecting wheel 37 which are
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CA 02937347 2016-07-28
shown in Fig. 6, are not arranged. The other configurations are
the same as those of the examples of Figs. 5 and 6.
Accordingly, also in the above stopper device, a cover (not
shown) partitions the motor 60 as the driving means and the
wire reel 20.
[0077]
According to this embodiment, since the brake lever 30 can
be directly rotated by the rotation of the reduction gear 62 in
the motor 60 capable of performing normal and reverse rotation,
braking release becomes quick. Additionally, according to this
embodiment, the spring 36 shown in Fig. 9 can be made
unnecessary, and the number of parts can be reduced. Since the
other operational effects are the same as those of the first
embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. [0078]
While description has been made in connection with
specific exemplary embodiment of the invention, it will be
obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modification may be made therein without departing from the
present invention. It is aimed, therefore, to cover in the
appended claims all such changes and modifications falling
within the scope of the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0079]
The present invention is applicable to a braking system
and a braking method of a wire reel in a reinforcing bar
binding
33
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machine.
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