REBAR TYING MACHINE AND REEL

Abstract

A rebar tying machine comprises a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin includes a body portion on which the wire is wound, the body portion having a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted; and an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel. The detection unit is positioned in the first internal space when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-172902 filed on Oct. 4, 2023, Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-108481 filed on Jul. 4, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-146874 filed on Aug. 28, 2024. The entire contents of the priority applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to rebar tying machines and reels.

BACKGROUND ART

A rebar tying machine is described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-075730. This rebar tying machine includes a reel having a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin includes a body portion on which the wire is wound, wherein the body portion has a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted; a pair of flanges located at opposing ends of the body portion; and an information portion protruding outward from the outer surface of the flange and having type information indicating the type of the reel.

SUMMARY

In the rebar tying machine described above, the information portion protrudes outward from the outer surface of the flange. This increases the size of the reel. In addition, since the information portion is located on the outer surface of the flange, the detection unit is located outside the reel. This increases the size of the rebar tying machine.

In addition, in the rebar tying machine described above, the information portion includes at least one of a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib. The detection unit detects the type of the reel based on a combination of the ribs among the first, second, and third ribs. This configuration requires multiple ribs and thus makes the structure of the reel complex.

In addition, in the rebar tying machine described above, the reel may be detached from the reel attachment unit while the rebar tying machine is in an on state. In this configuration, the position of the wire when the reel is attached again to the reel attachment unit while the rebar tying machine is still in the on state is different from the position of the wire before the reel is attached to the reel attachment unit. When the rebar tying machine is used to tie rebars in the situation where the position of the wire is different between before and after the reel is attached, the rebars may not be tied appropriately. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the user from using the rebar tying machine to tie rebars.

The disclosure herein aims to provide at least one of: a technology that suppresses an increase in size of at least one of a reel and a rebar tying machine; a technology that suppresses the complexity of reel structure; and a technology that suppresses a user from using a rebar tying machine to tie rebars.

A rebar tying machine disclosed herein may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin may include a body portion on which the wire is wound, the body portion having a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted; and an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel. The detection unit may be positioned in the first internal space when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit.

According to the above configuration, the detection unit is positioned in the first internal space of the reel when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit. This configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the rebar tying machine compared to a configuration in which the detection unit is not positioned in the first internal space of the reel when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit.

Another rebar tying machine disclosed herein may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin may include a protrusion having a protruding length. The protruding length may vary depending on the type of reel. The detection unit may be configured to detect the type of the reel based on the protruding length of the protrusion.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length of the protrusion varies depending on the type of reel. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths allows the type of reel to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions. This suppresses the complexity of the reel structure.

Yet another rebar tying machine disclosed herein may comprise a reel attachment unit to which a first reel and a second reel are selectively attachable, wherein the first reel includes a first protrusion having a first protruding length and a wire, and the second reel includes a second protrusion having a second protruding length and a wire; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect the first protrusion or the second protrusion.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length of protrusion varies depending on the type of reel. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths allows the type of reel to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions. This suppresses the complexity of the reel structure.

A reel disclosed herein may be used in a rebar tying machine. The reel may comprise a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin. The rebar tying machine may include a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin may include an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel; and a body portion on which the wire is wound. The body portion may have a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted. The detection unit may be positioned in the first internal space when the reel attachment unit is in the first internal space.

According to the above configuration, the detection unit is positioned in the first internal space of the reel when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit. This configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the rebar tying machine as compared to a configuration in which the detection unit is not positioned in the first internal space of the reel when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit.

Another reel disclosed herein may be used in a rebar tying machine. The reel may comprise a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin. The rebar tying machine may include a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin may include a protrusion having a protruding length. The protruding length may vary depending on the type of reel. The detection unit is configured to detect the type of the reel based on the protruding length.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length of protrusion varies depending on the type of reel. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths allows the type of reel to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions. This suppresses the complexity of the reel structure.

Yet another reel disclosed herein may be used in a rebar tying machine. The reel may comprise a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin. The bobbin may include a protrusion having a protruding length and the protruding length may vary depending on the type of reel.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length of protrusion varies depending on the type of reel. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths allows the type of reel to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions. This suppresses the complexity of the reel structure.

Yet another rebar tying machine disclosed herein may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel; a main power switch for switching the rebar tying machine between an on state and an off state; an informing unit configured to inform error information; and a control unit configured to control the feeding unit, the twisting unit, and the informing unit and to receive a signal related to the type of the reel from the detection unit. The control unit may control the informing unit when the signal received from the detection unit changes while the rebar tying machine is in the on state.

According to the above configuration, the informing unit informs the error information when the signal received from the detection unit changes while the rebar tying machine is in the on state, for example, when the reel is detached from the reel attachment unit while the rebar tying machine is in the on state. The user can thereby recognize the error information. Therefore, the configuration above suppresses the user from attaching a reel again to the reel attachment unit, without positioning the leading end of the wire at the right position, to use the rebar tying machine to tie rebars.

Yet another rebar tying machine disclosed herein may comprise a reel attachment unit to which a reel is attached, the reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel; a main power switch for switching the rebar tying machine between an on state and an off state; a signal receiving unit configured to receive a signal related to the type of the reel from the detection unit; and an informing unit configured to inform error information when the signal received by the signal receiving unit changes while the rebar tying machine is in the on state.

According to the above configuration, the user can recognize the error information and thus the user is suppressed from using the rebar tying machine to tie rebars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rebar tying machine 2 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a left side view of the rebar tying machine 2 according to the first embodiment, where a left housing 8 and a reel cover 10 are removed.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the rebar tying machine 2 according to the first embodiment, where the reel cover 10 is open.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a reel housing section 22 of the rebar tying machine 2 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the reel housing section 22 and a reel 30 of the rebar tying machine 2 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective right side view of a first reel 30A according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the first reel 30A according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective left side view of the first reel 30A according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a second reel 30B according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a third reel 30C according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a right reel attachment unit 36 and a detection unit 150 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right reel attachment unit 36 and the detection unit 150 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first reel 30A, the right reel attachment unit 36, and the detection unit 150 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second reel 30B, the right reel attachment unit 36, and the detection unit 150 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the third reel 30C, the right reel attachment unit 36, and the detection unit 150 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary flowchart of a process executed by a control unit 68 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective right side view of a first reel 30A according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the first reel 30A according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a second reel 30B according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a third reel 30C according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a right reel attachment unit 36 and a detection unit 150 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first reel 30A, the right reel attachment unit 36, and the detection unit 150 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second reel 30B, the right reel attachment unit 36, and the detection unit 150 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the third reel 30C, the right reel attachment unit 36, and the detection unit 150 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of a reel housing section 22 and a reel 30 of a rebar tying machine 2 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a reel 30 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective left side view of a bobbin member 402 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective right side view of the bobbin member 402 according to the third embodiment when an information member 404 is attached to the bobbin member 402.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective left side view of the information member 404 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of a reel housing section 22 and a reel 30 of a rebar tying machine 2 according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of a reel 30 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective left side view of a bobbin member 502 according to the fourth embodiment when an information member 504 is attached to the bobbin member 502.

FIG. 33 shows another perspective left side view of the bobbin member 502 according to the fourth embodiment when the information member 504 is attached to the bobbin member 502.

FIG. 34 shows a still another perspective left side view of a bobbin member 502 according to the fourth embodiment when an information member 504 is attached to the bobbin member 502.

FIG. 35 shows another exemplary flowchart of a process executed by the control unit 68 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary flowchart of a type determination process executed by the control unit 68 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 37 shows yet another exemplary flowchart of a process executed by the control unit 68 according to the first embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

Representative, non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide improved rebar tying machines and reels, as well as methods for using and manufacturing the same.

Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the disclosure in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the disclosure. Furthermore, various features of the above-described and below-described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.

All features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter, independent of the compositions of the features in the embodiments and/or the claims. In addition, all value ranges or indications of groups of entities are intended to disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter.

In one or more embodiments, a rebar tying machine may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin may include a body portion on which the wire is wound, the body portion having a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted; and an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel. The detection unit may be positioned in the first internal space when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit.

In one or more embodiments, the information portion may include a protrusion protruding from the body portion. A protruding length of the protrusion may vary depending on the type of reel. The protruding length may be the type information.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length of protrusion varies depending on the type of reel. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths allows the type of reel to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions. This suppresses the complexity of the reel structure.

In one or more embodiments, the protrusion may be positioned in the first internal space.

The above configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the reel compared to a configuration in which the protrusion is not positioned in the first internal space.

In one or more embodiments, the body portion may include a tubular main body having an internal space; and a partition that divides the internal space of the main body into the first internal space and a second internal space different from the first internal space. The protrusion may protrude from the partition.

According to the above configuration, the protrusion is disposed on the partition, which facilitates positioning of the protrusion in the first internal space.

In one or more embodiments, the reel may be configured to rotatable about a central axis when attached on the reel attachment unit. The protrusion may be positioned on the central axis and extend along the central axis.

The above configuration suppresses changes in the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis when the reel rotates.

In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may include a movable member, wherein the movable member is positioned in an initial position when the reel attachment unit is not in the first internal space and is moved from the initial position by being pressed by the protrusion when the reel attachment unit is inserted into the first internal space; and a detector configured to detect a position of the movable member.

According to the above configuration, when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit, the position of the movable member relative to the initial position varies depending on the type of reel. The type of reel can be detected by a simple configuration in which the detector detects the position of the movable member.

In one or more embodiments, the reel attachment unit may include an insertion tube configured to be inserted into the first internal space. The detector may be positioned in the insertion tube.

The above configuration prevents the detector from contacting the reel and being thereby damaged.

In one or more embodiments, the insertion tube may include a wall configured to face the reel when the insertion tube is in the first internal space; and a through hole penetrating the wall. The protrusion may extend through the through hole and press the movable member toward inside of the insertion tube when the insertion tube is in the first internal space.

According to the above configuration, when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit, the movable member is positioned inside the insertion tube. This facilitates detection of the position of the movable member by the detector.

In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may further include a biasing member configured to bias the movable member toward the initial position.

The above configuration allows the movable member to easily return to its initial position when the reel is detached from the reel attachment unit.

In one or more embodiments, the bobbin may be configured to rotatable about the reel attachment unit.

If the bobbin is configured to rotate together with the reel attachment unit, a mechanism for rotating the reel attachment unit is required. This makes the configuration of the rebar tying machine more complex. The above configuration suppresses the complexity in the configuration of the rebar tying machine compared to the configuration in which the bobbin is configured to rotate together with the reel attachment unit.

In one or more embodiments, a hardness of the reel attachment unit may be higher than a hardness of the bobbin.

The above configuration suppresses wear of the reel attachment unit.

In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may include a contact portion configured to contact the bobbin when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit. A hardness of the contact portion may be higher than the hardness of the bobbin.

The above configuration suppresses wear of the contact portion.

In one or more embodiments, the rebar tying machine may further comprise a control unit configured to control the feeding unit and the twisting unit to execute a tying process for tying the rebars using the wire. The control unit may be configured to acquire the type of the reel from the detection unit during the tying process.

In the above configuration, the feeding unit and the twisting unit can be controlled based on the type of the reel acquired during the tying process. This suppresses the rebars from being tied inappropriately.

In one or more embodiments, a reel may be used in a rebar tying machine. The reel may comprise a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin. The rebar tying machine may include a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel. The bobbin may include an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel and a body portion on which the wire is wound. The body portion may have a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted. The detection unit may be positioned in the first internal space when the reel attachment unit is in the first internal space.

In one or more embodiments, the information portion may be positioned in the first internal space.

The above configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the reel.

In one or more embodiments, the bobbin may further include a first member and a second member different from the first member. The information portion may be included in the first member. The body portion may be included in the second member.

According to the above configuration, only different types of first members should be prepared to provide different types of reels and the second member can be used in common among the different types of reels.

In one or more embodiments, the reel may be configured to rotatable about a central axis when attached on the reel attachment unit. The information portion may include a protrusion positioned on the central axis in the first internal space and extending along the central axis. The protrusion may have a protruding length. The protruding length may vary depending on the type of reel. The protruding length may be the type information.

According to the above configuration, the simple configuration of different protruding lengths allows the type of reel to be identified. In addition, changes in the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis are suppressed when the reel rotates.

In one or more embodiments, the first member may be fixed to the second member in a retaining manner.

The above configuration prevents accidental detachment of the first member from the second member.

In one or more embodiments, a through hole may be formed in the second member.

The first member may extend through the through hole.

If the through hole is not formed in the second member, it would be difficult to fix the first member to the second member in a retaining manner. According to the above configuration, the first member can be fixed to the second member in a retaining manner using the through hole formed in the second member, which is a simple configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the first member may be insertable into and removable from the through hole from an opposite side to the first internal space.

The above configuration facilitates attachment of the first member to the second member and removal of the first member from the second member.

In one or more embodiments, a rebar tying machine may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel, and a control unit configured to control the feeding unit and the twisting unit to execute a tying process to tie the rebars with the wire. The control unit may be configured to acquire the type of the reel from the detection unit when the rebar tying machine is switched from an off state to an on state.

The configuration above allows the type of the reel to be detected after the rebar tying machine has been switched from the off state to the on state and before the tying process is executed.

In one or more embodiments, a rebar tying machine may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel, a manipulatable member, and a control unit configured to control the feeding unit and the twisting unit when the manipulatable member is manipulated to execute a tying process to tie the rebars with the wire. The control unit may be configured to acquire the type of the reel from the detection unit after the manipulatable member has been manipulated while the rebar tying machine is in an on state and before the tying process is executed.

The configuration above allows the type of the reel to be detected after the manipulatable member has been manipulated and before the tying process is executed.

In one or more embodiments, a rebar tying machine may comprise a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin; a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel, a manipulatable member, and a control unit configured to control the feeding unit and the twisting unit when the manipulatable member is manipulated to execute a tying process to tie the rebars with the wire. The control unit may be configured to acquire the type of the reel from the detection unit after the tying process has been executed while the rebar tying machine is in an on state and before the manipulatable member is manipulated again.

The configuration above allows the type of the reel to be detected after the tying process has been executed and before the tying process is executed again by the manipulatable member being manipulated again.

(First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a rebar tying machine 2 is configured to tie multiple rebars R using a wire W. In the rebar tying machine 2, wires W with various different diameters (e.g., diameters of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm) can be used depending on the diameter of rebars R to be tied. For example, a wire W with a diameter of 1.6 mm or less (e.g., 0.8 mm) is used to tie thin rebars R with a diameter of 16 mm or less (e.g., diameter of 16 mm), while a wire W with a diameter of 1.6 mm or more (e.g., 2.0 mm) is used to tie thicker rebars R with a diameter of 16 mm or more (e.g., diameter of 25 mm or 32 mm). Hereafter, the longitudinal direction of a twisting unit 66 (see FIG. 2) is termed a front-rear direction, a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is termed an up-down direction, and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is termed a left-right direction.

The rebar tying machine 2 comprises a body 4 and a battery pack BP. The body 4 comprises a right housing 6 that defines the outer shape of the right half of the body 4, a left housing 8 that defines the outer shape of the left half of the body 4, and a reel cover 10 that is pivotably attached on a lower front portion of the left housing 8.

The body 4 comprises a twisting unit housing section 14, a grip 16, a battery attachment section 18, a feeding unit housing section 20, and a reel housing section 22. The twisting unit housing section 14, the grip 16, the battery attachment section 18, and the feeding unit housing section 20 are each formed by the right housing 6 and the left housing 8. The reel housing section 22 is formed by the right housing 6, the left housing 8, and the reel cover 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the twisting unit housing section 14 extends in the front-rear direction. The grip 16 is located at a lower rear portion of the twisting unit housing section 14. The grip 16 is configured to be grasped by a user. The longitudinal direction of the grip 16 is slightly inclined to the up-down direction. A trigger 24 configured to be pulled is attached on an upper portion of the front surface of the grip 16.

The battery attachment section 18 is located at the lower end of the grip 16. The battery pack BP is detachably attached to the lower end of the battery attachment section 18. The battery pack BP is attached to the battery attachment section 18 by being slid forward and downward relative to the battery attachment section 18 and is removed from the battery attachment section 18 by being slid rearward and upward relative to the battery attachment section 18. The battery pack BP includes a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery.

The feeding unit housing section 20 is located at a lower front portion of the twisting unit housing section 14. The feeding unit housing section 20 is located forward of the grip 16.

The reel housing section 22 is located at the lower end of the feeding unit housing section 20. In FIG. 2, the reel housing section 22 is illustrated by a dashed line. The reel housing section 22 is connected to the front end of the battery attachment section 18 via a connection 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the reel housing section 22 is configured to house a reel 30 including a bobbin 28 and a wire W.

The reel housing section 22 comprises a base 34, a right reel attachment unit 36 (see FIG. 4), and a left reel attachment unit 38. The base 34 is formed by the left housing 8 and the reel cover 10. The base 34 defines a reel housing space 40. The reel 30 is placed in the reel housing space 40.

As shown in FIG. 4, the right reel attachment unit 36 is formed on the left housing 8. The right reel attachment unit 36 is located in the reel housing space 40. The right reel attachment unit 36 comprises an insertion tube 42. The insertion tube 42 is constituted of, for example, a resin material. The insertion tube 42 is fixed to the base 34 with a screw 43. The insertion tube 42 does not rotate relative to the base 34. The insertion tube 42 supports the reel 30 such that the reel 30 is rotatable.

The insertion tube 42 includes a tubular portion 44 and a bottom wall 46. The tubular portion 44 includes a first tubular portion 44a having a substantially cylindrical shape and a second tubular portion 44b having a substantially truncated cone shape. One end of the first tubular portion 44a is connected to the base 34. The first tubular portion 44a extends leftward from the base 34. The second tubular portion 44b extends leftward from the other end of the first tubular portion 44a. The diameter of the second tubular portion 44b decreases toward the left. This allows the reel 30 to be smoothly guided by the second tubular portion 44b so that the insertion tube 42 is inserted in the reel 30. The bottom wall 46 is located at the left end of the second tubular portion 44b. The bottom wall 46 closes an opening at the left end of the second tubular portion 44b.

As shown in FIG. 5, the left reel attachment unit 38 is formed on the reel cover 10. The left reel attachment unit 38 is positioned in the reel housing space 40 when the reel cover 10 is closed. The left reel attachment unit 38 has a substantially truncated cone shape. The left reel attachment unit 38 does not rotate relative to the base 34. The left reel attachment unit 38 supports the reel 30 such that the reel 30 is rotatable. The left reel attachment unit 38 is biased rightward toward the reel 30 by the biasing force of a biasing spring 48. Thereby, the left reel attachment unit 38 is pressed against the reel 30. This prevents the insertion tube 42 and the left reel attachment unit 38 from being detached from the reel 30 while the reel 30 is rotating.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rebar tying machine 2 further comprises a main power switch 50, a display 52, a mode switch 54, a tying force increasing switch 56, and a tying force reducing switch 58. The main power switch 50, the display 52, the mode switch 54, the tying force increasing switch 56, and the tying force reducing switch 58 are located on the rear surface of the feeding unit housing section 20. The main power switch 50 is manipulated by the user. The main power switch 50 is for switching the rebar tying machine 2 between an on state and an off state. For example, if the main power switch 50 is a rocker switch, when the main power switch 50 is on, electric power is supplied to the rebar tying machine 2 from a battery pack BP, which will be described, and thus the rebar tying machine 2 can operate. When the main power switch 50 is off, the supply of electric power from the battery pack BP to the rebar tying machine 2 is stopped, and thus the rebar tying machine 2 cannot operate. The display 52 displays information related to the rebar tying machine 2. The display 52 is visible to the user.

The mode switch 54 is for switching a mode of the rebar tying machine 2 between a single mode and a consecutive mode. When the rebar tying machine 2 is in the single mode, the rebar tying machine 2 ties multiple rebars R using the wire W each time the trigger 24 is pulled. When the rebar tying machine 2 is in the consecutive mode, the rebar tying machine 2 consecutively ties multiple rebars R using the wire W while the trigger 24 is kept pulled.

The tying force increasing switch 56 is for increasing a set value of the tying force for the wire W used by the rebar tying machine 2. The tying force reducing switch 58 is for reducing the set value of the tying force for the wire W used by the rebar tying machine 2. When the tying force increasing switch 56 is manipulated, the set value of the tying force for the wire W is increased by one level. When the tying force reducing switch 58 is manipulated, the set value of the tying force for the wire W is reduced by one level.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rebar tying machine 2 further comprises a feeding unit 60, a guide unit 62, a cutting unit 64, a twisting unit 66, and a control unit 68.

The feeding unit 60 is housed in the feeding unit housing section 20. The feeding unit 60 comprises a feed motor 72 and a feed roller unit 74. The feed motor 72 is, for example, a brushless motor. The feed motor 72 operates using electric power supplied from the battery pack BP. The feed roller unit 74 is coupled to the feed motor 72 via a speed reducer (not shown). When feed motor 72 operates, the feed roller unit 74 rotates. When rotating in the forward direction, the feed roller unit 74 draws out the wire W from the bobbin 28 and feeds it forward and upward toward the guide unit 62. When rotating in the reverse direction, the feed roller unit 74 pulls the wire W back toward the bobbin 28.

The guide unit 62 is fixed to the front end of the twisting unit housing section 14. The guide unit 62 comprises an upper curl guide 78 and a lower curl guide 80. The rebars R to be tied are placed between the upper curl guide 78 and the lower curl guide 80. The wire W from the feed roller unit 74 is first guided toward the upper curl guide 78 and passes through the upper curl guide 78 from the rear to the front. While the wire W is passing through the upper curl guide 78, the upper curl guide 78 gives the wire W a downward curl. After passing through the upper curl guide 78, the wire W is guided toward the lower curl guide 80 and passes through the lower curl guide 80 from the front to the rear. Then, the wire W is directed rearward and upward. In this way, the wire W is wound around the rebars R.

The cutting unit 64 is housed in the twisting unit housing section 14. The cutting unit 64 comprises a cutter (not shown) configured to cut the wire W directed from the feeding unit 60 to the guide unit 62. The cutter rotates to cut the wire W.

The twisting unit 66 is housed in the twisting unit housing section 14. The twisting unit 66 comprises a twisting motor 84, a sleeve unit 86, and a grip clamp 88. The twisting motor 84 is located above the grip 16. The twisting motor 84 is, for example, a brushless motor. The twisting motor 84 operates using electric power supplied from the battery pack BP. When the twisting motor 84 operates, the sleeve unit 86 moves in the front-rear direction or rotates about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The grip clamp 88 is located in a front portion of the twisting unit 66. When the sleeve unit 86 moves forward, the grip clamp 88 grips ends of the wire W around the rebars R. When the sleeve unit 86 rotates in the forward direction, the grip clamp 88 rotates integrally with the sleeve unit 86 while gripping the ends of the wire W. In this way, the grip clamp 88 twists the wire W. The rebars R are thereby tied with the wire W. When the sleeve unit 86 rotates in the reverse direction, the grip clamp 88 releases the wire W, and then the sleeve unit 86 moves rearward.

The control unit 68 is housed in the battery attachment section 18. The control unit 68 comprises a control circuit board 92 including an MCU (not shown) and switching elements (not shown). When the rebar tying machine 2 is switched from the off state to the on state, the control unit 68 controls the feed motor 72 to execute an initialization process to adjust the position of the leading end of the wire W. When the trigger 24 is pulled by the user while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state, the control unit 68 controls the feed motor 72 and the twisting motor 84 to execute a tying process to tie the rebars R using the wire W.

For use in the rebar tying machine 2, the wire W is selected from wires with various thicknesses depending on the diameter of rebars R to be tied. In addition, depending on the environment in which the rebars R are used, etc., the wire W is selected from a coated wire (e.g., coated with a resin material), a stainless steel wire, a plated wire, and an annealed wire. Furthermore, depending on the frequency of use of the rebar tying machine 2, etc., the amount of the wire W is selected, for example, from a large amount and a small amount. In addition, the bobbin 28 is selected from a plastic bobbin and a metal bobbin. The type of reel 30 may be distinguishable based on the type of wire W, the amount of wire W, the type of bobbin 28, or combination thereof. In this embodiment, the shape of bobbin varies depending on the reel.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, three types of reel 30, namely, a first reel 30A, a second reel 30B, and a third reel 30C, are used in the rebar tying machine 2. Hereafter, the bobbin 28 of the first reel 30A is termed a first bobbin 28A, the bobbin 28 of the second reel 30B is termed as a second bobbin 28B, and the bobbin 28 of the third reel 30C is termed as a third bobbin 28C.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first reel 30A comprises the wire W and the first bobbin 28A. The first bobbin 28A comprises a body portion 100, a left flange 102, a right flange 104, and a first information portion 106.

As shown in FIG. 7, the body portion 100 includes a main body 110 and a partition 112. The main body 110 has a substantially cylindrical shape. A central axis AX1 of the main body 110 extends in the left-right direction. The wire W is wound in multiple layers on an outer circumferential surface 110a of the main body 110. The main body 110 has an internal space 114. The internal space 114 is defined by an inner circumferential surface 110b of the main body 110.

The main body 110 includes a protruding portion 115a and a receiving portion 115b. The protruding portion 115a is located at the left end of the main body 110. The protruding portion 115a protrudes leftward from the left flange 102. The protruding portion 115a has a substantially cylindrical shape. The receiving portion 115b is located at the right end of the main body 110. Among two first reels 30A, the receiving portion 115b of one first reel 30A receives the protruding portion 115a of another first reel 30A. In this way, multiple first reels 30A can be stacked.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 110 has a through hole 110c. The through hole 110c penetrates the protruding portion 115a in the radial direction of the first bobbin 28A. The through hole 110c is not closed at its left end. A portion of the wire W near its starting end extends through the through hole 110c. The starting end of the wire W has a retaining shape such as a loop shape, and is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 110b of the main body 110. This prevents the starting end of the wire W from being detached from the first bobbin 28A.

As shown in FIG. 7, the partition 112 is located in the internal space 114. The partition 112 has a plate shape. The partition 112 is along a plane including the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. The partition 112 is substantially orthogonal to the central axis AX1. The partition 112 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 110b. The partition 112 divides the internal space 114 into a first internal space 116 and a second internal space 118. The first internal space 116 is located on the right side of the partition 112. The second internal space 118 is located on the left side of the partition 112. In the left-right direction, the length of the first internal space 116 is greater than the length of the second internal space 118. As shown in FIG. 5, the partition 112 faces the bottom wall 46 of the insertion tube 42. The partition 112 also contacts the bottom wall 46.

The insertion tube 42 of the right reel attachment unit 36 is inserted into the first internal space 116 from the right side of the first reel 30A. The left reel attachment unit 38 is inserted into the second internal space 118 from the left side of the first reel 30A. In this way, the first reel 30A is supported by the insertion tube 42 and the left reel attachment unit 38. The first reel 30A is rotatable about the insertion tube 42 and the left reel attachment unit 38. Thus, the first reel 30A slides on the insertion tube 42 and the left reel attachment unit 38. The first reel 30A rotates about the central axis AX1. The hardness of the insertion tube 42 and the hardness of the left reel attachment unit 38 are each higher than the hardness of the first bobbin 28A. Therefore, the insertion tube 42, the left reel attachment unit 38, and an operation portion 162 of a movable member 152 (see FIG. 11), which will be described later, are suppressed from being worn due to the rotation of the first reel 30A about the insertion tube 42 and the left reel attachment unit 38.

As shown in FIG. 7, the left flange 102 and the right flange 104 each have a wide annular shape. The left flange 102 is located at the left end of the main body 110. The left flange 102 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 110a of the main body 110. The right flange 104 is located at the right end of the main body 110. The right flange 104 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 110a of the main body 110. The wire W is located between the left flange 102 and the right flange 104.

As shown in FIG. 8, the left flange 102 comprises a left positioning portion 102a and a notch 102b. The left positioning portion 102a is a hole that penetrates the left flange 102 in the left-right direction. The left positioning portion 102a extends from the outer circumferential edge of the left flange 102 to the outer circumferential surface 110a of the main body 110. The left positioning portion 102a is located near the through hole 110c. A portion of the wire W near its terminal end extends through the left positioning portion 102a.

The notch 102b is a hole that penetrates the left flange 102 in the left-right direction. The notch 102b has a substantially triangular shape in cross section. The notch 102b is recessed from the outer circumferential edge of the left flange 102. The notch 102b cuts the wire W by contacting it after the wire W has been wound on the first bobbin 28A using a wire winder (not shown). As a result, the terminal end of the wire W is formed.

The right flange 104 comprises a right positioning portion 104a. The right positioning portion 104a is a hole that penetrates the right flange 104 in the left-right direction. The right positioning portion 104a extends from the outer circumferential edge of the right flange 104 to the outer circumferential surface 110a of the main body 110. The right positioning portion 104a is aligned with the left positioning portion 102a in the left-right direction. The left positioning portion 102a and the right positioning portion 104a receive the wire winder (not shown) when the wire W is wound on the first bobbin 28A. In this way, the wire winder is positioned relative to the first bobbin 28A.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first information portion 106 is positioned in the first internal space 116. The first information portion 106 is positioned radially inward of the layers of the wire W wound on the main body 110. The first information portion 106 comprises a first protrusion 122. The first protrusion 122 protrudes rightward from the partition 112. In the left-right direction, the first protrusion 122 does not protrude beyond the receiving portion 115b. This prevents the first protrusion 122 from contacting the protruding portion 115a when multiple first reels 30A are stacked. The first protrusion 122 is positioned on the central axis AX1. The first protrusion 122 extends in the left-right direction along the central axis AX1. The first protrusion 122 has a first protruding length 124 along the central axis AX1.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second reel 30B comprises the wire W and the second bobbin 28B. The second bobbin 28B includes the body portion 100, the left flange 102, and the right flange 104. The second bobbin 28B includes a second information portion 128 in place of the first information portion 106 of the first bobbin 28A.

The second information portion 128 is positioned in the first internal space 116. The second information portion 128 is positioned radially inward of the layers of the wire W wound on the main body 110. The second information portion 128 comprises a second protrusion 130. The position at which the second protrusion 130 is connected to the partition 112 is the same as the position at which the first protrusion 122 is connected to the partition 112. The direction in which the second protrusion 130 extends is the same as the direction in which the first protrusion 122 extends. In the left-right direction, the second protrusion 130 does not protrude beyond the receiving portion 115b. This prevents the second protrusion 130 from contacting the protruding portion 115a when multiple second reels 30B are stacked. The second protrusion 130 has a second protruding length 132 along the central axis AX1. The second protruding length 132 is different from the first protruding length 124. The second protruding length 132 is greater than the first protruding length 124.

As shown in FIG. 10, the third reel 30C comprises the wire W and the third bobbin 28C. The third bobbin 28C includes the body portion 100, the left flange 102, and the right flange 104. The third bobbin 28C includes a third information portion 136 in place of the first information portion 106 of the first bobbin 28A.

The third information portion 136 is positioned in the first internal space 116. The third information portion 136 is positioned radially inward of the layers of the wire W wound on the main body 110. The third information portion 136 comprises a third protrusion 138. The position at which the third protrusion 138 is connected to the partition 112 is the same as the position at which the first protrusion 122 is connected to the partition 112. The direction in which the third protrusion 138 extends is the same as the direction in which the first protrusion 122 extends. In the left-right direction, the third protrusion 138 does not protrude beyond the receiving portion 115b. This prevents the third protrusion 138 from contacting the protruding portion 115a when multiple third reels 30C are stacked. The third protrusion 138 has a third protruding length 140 along the central axis AX1. The third protruding length 140 is different from each of the first protruding length 124 and the second protruding length 132. The third protruding length 140 is greater than the second protruding length 132. Thus, the first protruding length 124 is type information indicating the first reel 30A, the second protruding length 132 is type information indicating the second reel 30B, and the third protruding length 140 is type information indicating the third reel 30C.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rebar tying machine 2 further comprises a detection unit 150. The detection unit 150 detects the type of reel 30. The detection unit 150 is supported by the right reel attachment unit 36. The detection unit 150 comprises a movable member 152, a biasing member 154, and a detector 156.

The movable member 152 comprises a base 160 and an operation portion 162. The base 160 is constituted of, for example, a resin material. The base 160 is located in the insertion tube 42. The base 160 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 12, the base 160 includes two guide ribs 160a extending in the left-right direction. The base 34 includes two rib receiving portions 34a extending in the left-right direction, and the guide ribs 160a are slidably received in the rib receiving portions 34a in the left-right direction. Thus, the base 160 is supported by the base 34 such that the base 160 is movable in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the base 160 includes a holding groove 160b recessed from the right end of the base 160, and the base 34 of the reel housing section 22 includes a holding protrusion 34b protruding leftward. The holding protrusion 34b is inserted in the biasing member 154, and the biasing member 154 is inserted in the holding groove 160b. The biasing member 154 is held between the base 34 of the reel housing section 22 and the base 160 of the movable member 152. Thus, the base 160 is biased leftward by the biasing member 154. The movable member 152 is in its initial position when no rightward force is applied thereto. The base 160 is in contact with the bottom wall 46 in the left-right direction when the movable member 152 is in the initial position.

The operation portion 162 is constituted of a metallic material such as iron. The hardness of the operation portion 162 is higher than the hardness of the bobbin 28. The operation portion 162 is fixed to the left end of the base 160. The operation portion 162 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The bottom wall 46 of the insertion tube 42 has a through hole 46a that penetrates the bottom wall 46 in the left-right direction, and the operation portion 162 is positioned in the through hole 46a when the movable member 152 is in the initial position. The operation portion 162 and the through hole 46a are positioned on the central axis AX1.

The detector 156 is located within the insertion tube 42. The detector 156 comprises a magnet 166, a substrate 168, and a plurality of magnetic sensors 170 (three magnetic sensors 170 in this embodiment).

The magnet 166 is fixed to a side surface of the base 160. The magnet 166 moves integrally with the movable member 152. The magnet 166 is, for example, a permanent magnet.

The substrate 168 is fixed to the insertion tube 42. The substrate 168 is located rearward of the movable member 152. The substrate 168 is along a plane including the left-right direction and the up-down direction. The substrate 168 comprises a facing surface 168a and a non-facing surface 168b opposite to the facing surface 168a. The facing surface 168a faces the movable member 152 in the front-rear direction. A line 169a (see FIG. 2) is fixed to the non-facing surface 168b of the substrate 168 via an adhesive 169b. As shown in FIG. 2, the line 169a passes through the connection 23 between the battery attachment section 18 and the reel housing section 22 and extends to the control unit 68. The substrate 168 (see FIG. 11) is electrically connected to the control unit 68 via the line 169a.

As shown in FIG. 11, the three magnetic sensors 170 are fixed to the facing surface 168a. The three magnetic sensors 170 are aligned in a line in the left-right direction. Each magnetic sensor 170 detects the magnet 166 when facing the magnet 166 in the front-rear direction. Signals detected by the magnetic sensors 170 are constantly sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2). The signals include a magnet detection signal indicating that a magnetic sensor 170 is detecting the magnet 166 and a magnet non-detection signal indicating that a magnetic sensor 170 is not detecting the magnet 166.

The three magnetic sensors 170 comprise a first magnetic sensor 170a, a second magnetic sensor 170b, and a third magnetic sensor 170c. The second magnetic sensor 170b is located on the right side of the first magnetic sensor 170a. The third magnetic sensor 170c is located on the right side of the second magnetic sensor 170b. When the movable member 152 is in the initial position, the magnet 166 is positioned leftward of the first magnetic sensor 170a. In this state, all of the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c are not facing the magnet 166 in the front-rear direction. When the movable member 152 is in the initial position, the distance from the first magnetic sensor 170a to the magnet 166 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the first protruding length 124 of the first protrusion 122. When the movable member 152 is in the initial position, the distance from the second magnetic sensor 170b to the magnet 166 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the second protruding length 132 of the second protrusion 130. When the movable member 152 is in the initial position, the distance from the third magnetic sensor 170c to the magnet 166 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the third protruding length 140 of the third protrusion 138.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the first reel 30A is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36, the insertion tube 42 is inserted into the first internal space 116 of the first reel 30A. At this time, the first protrusion 122 extends through the through hole 46a of the insertion tube 42 and presses the operation portion 162 rightward toward the inside of the insertion tube 42. The movable member 152 is thereby moved rightward along the central axis AX1 and stopped at the position where the magnet 166 faces the first magnetic sensor 170a in the front-rear direction. Thus, the first magnetic sensor 170a detects the magnet 166. In response to the magnet detection signal indicating that the first magnetic sensor 170a is detecting the magnet 166 being sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 68 detects the attachment of the first reel 30A on the right reel attachment unit 36. In this state, the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the second magnetic sensor 170b is not detecting the magnet 166 and the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the third magnetic sensor 170c is not detecting the magnet 166 are constantly sent to the control unit 68. When the insertion tube 42 is in the first internal space 116, the detection unit 150 is positioned in the first internal space 116.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the second reel 30B is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36, the insertion tube 42 is inserted into the first internal space 116 of the second reel 30B. At this time, the second protrusion 130 passes through the through hole 46a of the insertion tube 42 and presses the operation portion 162 rightward toward the inside of the insertion tube 42. The movable member 152 is moved rightward along the central axis AX1 and stopped at the position where the magnet 166 faces the second magnetic sensor 170b in the front-rear direction. Thus, the second magnetic sensor 170b detects the magnet 166. In response to the magnet detection signal indicating that the second magnetic sensor 170b is detecting the magnet 166 being sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 68 detects the attachment of the second reel 30B on the right reel attachment unit 36. In this state, the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the first magnetic sensor 170a is not detecting the magnet 166 and the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the third magnetic sensor 170c is not detecting the magnet 166 are constantly sent to the control unit 68.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the third reel 30C is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36, the insertion tube 42 is inserted into the first internal space 116 of the third reel 30C. At this time, the third protrusion 138 passes through the through hole 46a of the insertion tube 42 and presses the operation portion 162 rightward toward the inside of the insertion tube 42. The movable member 152 is moved rightward along the central axis AX1 and stopped at the position where the magnet 166 faces the third magnetic sensor 170c in the front-rear direction. Thus, the third magnetic sensor 170c detects the magnet 166. In response to the magnet detection signal indicating that the third magnetic sensor 170c is detecting the magnet 166 being sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 68 detects the attachment of the third reel 30C on the right reel attachment unit 36. In this state, the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the first magnetic sensor 170a is not detecting the magnet 166 and the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the second magnetic sensor 170b is not detecting the magnet 166 are constantly sent to the control unit 68.

The control unit 68 executes the process shown in FIG. 16 when the rebar tying machine 2 is switched from the off state to the on state.

In S2 shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 68 determines whether it receives a magnet detection signal from the detector 156. The control unit 68 receives a signal (i.e., a magnet detection signal or a magnet non-detection signal) from each of the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c. When the control unit 68 does not receive a magnet detection signal from the detector 156, i.e., when the signals the control unit 68 receives from the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c are all magnet non-detection signals (NO in S2), the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, when the control unit 68 receives a magnet detection signal from the detector 156 (YES in S2), the process proceeds to S6.

In S4, the control unit 68 informs error information. For example, the control unit 68 displays, on the display 52, first error information indicating that the reel 30 is not attached.

In S6, the control unit 68 controls the feed motor 72 to execute the initialization process to adjust the position of the leading end of the wire W. Specifically, the control unit 68 drives the feed motor 72 by a predetermined number of rotations to rotate the feed roller unit 74 in the forward direction to draw the wire W out from the bobbin 28. Then, the control unit 68 drives the twisting motor 84 to move the sleeve unit 86 rearward to cause the sleeve unit 86 to actuate the cutting unit 64. The wire W is thereby cut. The control unit 68 then drives the twisting motor 84 to return the sleeve unit 86 to its initial position. Then, the control unit 68 drives the feed motor 72 by a predetermined number of rotations to rotate the feed roller unit 74 in the reverse direction to pull the wire W back toward the bobbin 28.

In S8, the control unit 68 determines whether signals received from the detector 156, i.e., signals the control unit 68 receives from the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c, have not changed from the magnet detection signal to the magnet non-detection signal. When one of the signals received from the detector 156 has changed from the magnet detection signal to the magnet non-detection signal, i.e., when one of the signals received from the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c has changed from the magnet detection signal to the magnet non-detection signal (NO in S8), the process proceeds to S10. On the other hand, when the signals received from the detector 156 have not changed from the magnet detection signal to the magnet non-detection signal, i.e., when all of the signals received from the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b and the third magnetic sensor 170c have not changed from the magnet detection signal to the magnet non-detection signal (YES in S8), the process proceeds to S12.

In S10, the control unit 68 informs error information. For example, the control unit 68 displays, on the display 52, second error information indicating that the reel 30 has been removed.

In S12, the control unit 68 determines whether the trigger 24 is being pulled. When the control unit 68 determines that the trigger 24 is being pulled (YES in S12), the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, when the control unit 68 determines that the trigger 24 is not being pulled (NO in S12), the process returns to S8.

In S14, the control unit 68 controls the feed motor 72 and the twisting motor 84 to execute the tying process to tie the rebars R using the wire W. Specifically, the control unit 68 first controls the detector 156 and detects the type of reel 30 based on the signals received from the detector 156. Then, the control unit 68 determines, based on the detected type of reel 30, conditions for the tying process such as the number of rotations of the feed motor 72, an upper limit of the torque of the feed motor 72, and an upper limit of the torque of the twisting motor 84. The control unit 68 then drives the feed motor 72 according to the determined number of rotations of the feed motor 72 to rotate the feed roller unit 74 in the forward direction. Thereby, the wire W is fed out and wound around the rebars R. The control unit 68 then drives the twisting motor 84 to move the sleeve unit 86 forward. The leading end of the wire W is thereby gripped by the grip clamp 88. Then, the control unit 68 drives the feed motor 72 according to the determined upper limit of the torque of the feed motor 72 to rotate the feed roller unit 74 in the reverse direction. Thereby, the wire W is pulled back, so that the loop of the wire W around the rebars R is decreased in diameter and the wire W finally contacts the rebars R. The control unit 68 then drives the twisting motor 84 to move the sleeve unit 86 forward. The wire W is thereby gripped by the grip clamp 88 between the upper curl guide 78 and the cutting unit 64. Then, the control unit 68 drives the twisting motor 84 to move the sleeve unit 86 further forward. By the twisting unit 66 actuating the cutting unit 64, the wire W is cut by the cutting unit 64. The control unit 68 then drives the twisting motor 84 according to the determined upper limit of the torque of the twisting motor 84 to rotate the sleeve unit 86 in the forward direction. Since the grip clamp 88 is thereby rotated, the wire W is twisted. Finally, the control unit 68 drives the twisting motor 84 to release the wire W from the grip clamp 88 and return the twisting unit 66 to its initial position.

In S16, the control unit 68 determines whether the rebar tying machine 2 is in the off state. When the control unit 68 determines that the rebar tying machine 2 is not in the off state (NO in S16), the process returns to S8. On the other hand, when the control unit 68 determines that the rebar tying machine 2 is in the off state (YES in S16), the process shown in FIG. 16 terminates.

Alternatively, the control unit 168 may execute the process shown in FIG. 35 instead of the process shown in FIG. 16, when the rebar tying machine 2 is switched from the off state to the on state.

In S22, the control unit 68 executes a type determination process (see FIG. 36). The type determination process is described below with reference to FIG. 36.

In S42, the control unit 68 receives a signal (i.e., the magnet detection signal or the magnet non-detection signal) from each of the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c.

In S44, the control unit 68 determines whether the signals received in S42 correspond to a first signal pattern. In this embodiment, the first signal pattern indicates that the first magnetic sensor 170a outputs the magnet detection signal, the second magnetic sensor 170b outputs the magnet non-detection signal, and the third magnetic sensor 170c outputs the magnet non-detection signal. When the control unit 68 determines that the signals correspond to the first signal pattern (YES in S44), the process proceeds to S46. In S46, the control unit 68 determines that the first reel 30A is attached. After S46, the process proceeds to S56. When the control unit 68 determines in S44 that the signals do not correspond to the first signal pattern (NO in S44), the process proceeds to S48.

In S48, the control unit 68 determines whether the signals received in S42 correspond to a second signal pattern. In this embodiment, the second signal pattern indicates that the first magnetic sensor 170a outputs the magnet non-detection signal, the second magnetic sensor 170b outputs the magnet detection signal, and the third magnetic sensor 170c outputs the magnet non-detection signal. When the control unit 68 determines that the signals correspond to the second signal pattern (YES in S48), the process proceeds to S50. In S50, the control unit 68 determines that the second reel 30B is attached. After S50, the process proceeds to S56. When the control unit 68 determines in S48 that the signals do not correspond to the second signal pattern (NO in S48), the process proceeds to S52.

In S52, the control unit 68 determines whether the signals received in S42 correspond to a third signal pattern. In this embodiment, the third signal pattern indicates that the first magnetic sensor 170a outputs the magnet non-detection signal, the second magnetic sensor 170b outputs the magnet non-detection signal, and the third magnetic sensor 170c outputs the magnet detection signal. When the control unit 68 determines that the signals correspond to the third signal pattern (YES in S52), the process proceeds to S54. In S54, the control unit 68 determines that the third reel 30C is attached. After S54, the process proceeds to S56. When the control unit 68 determines in S52 that the signals do not correspond to the third signal pattern (NO in S52), the process proceeds to S58.

In S56, the control unit 68 set, based on the type of reel 30 determined in S46, S50, or S54, conditions for the tying process such as the number of rotations of the feed motor 72, an upper limit of the torque of the feed motor 72, and an upper limit of the torque of the twisting motor 84, as control parameters of the rebar tying machine 2. After S56, the type determination process shown in FIG. 36 terminates.

In S58, the control unit 68 determines that an error is occurring. For example, when all of the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c output the magnet non-detection signals, the control unit 68 determines that a reel-absence error is occurring. The reel-absence error indicates that the reel 30 is not attached. When two or more of the first magnetic sensor 170a, the second magnetic sensor 170b, and the third magnetic sensor 170c output the magnet detection signals, the control unit 68 determines that an abnormal detection error is occurring. The abnormal detection error indicates that some sort of abnormality is occurring in the detector 156. After S58, the type determination process shown in FIG. 36 terminates.

As shown in FIG. 35, after the type determination process (see FIG. 36) has been executed in S22, the process proceeds to S24. In S24, the control unit 68 determines whether an error has occurred in the type determination process executed in S22. When the control unit 68 determines that an error has occurred (YES in S24), the process proceeds to S26. In S26, the control unit 68 informs error information. For example, after the reel-absence error has occurred in the type determination process in S22, the control unit 68 displays on the display 52 first error information indicating that the reel 30 is not attached. Alternatively, after the abnormal detection error has occurred in the type determination process in S22, the control unit 68 displays on the display 52 third error information indicating that the abnormality has occurred in the detector 156. After S26, the process shown in FIG. 35 terminates.

When the control unit 68 determines in S24 that an error has not occurred (NO in S24), the process proceeds to S28. In S28, the control unit 68 executes the initialization process which is the same as the one executed in S6 shown in FIG. 16. After S28, the process proceeds to S30.

In S30, the control unit 68 determines whether the rebar tying machine 2 has been switched to the off state. When the control unit 68 determines that the rebar tying machine 2 has been switched to the off state (YES in S30), the process shown in FIG. 35 terminates. When the control unit 68 determines that the rebar tying machine 2 is still in the on state (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S32.

In S32, the control unit 68 executes the type determination process (see FIG. 36), which is the same as the one executed in S22, again.

In S34, the control unit 68 determines whether an error has occurred in the type determination process executed in S32. When the control unit 68 determines that an error has occurred (YES in S34), the process proceeds to S36. In S36, the control unit 68 informs error information. For example, after the reel-absence error has occurred in the type determination process in S32, the control unit 68 displays on the display 52 second error information indicating that the reel 30 has been detached. Alternatively, after the abnormal detection error has occurred in the type determination process in S32, the control unit 68 displays on the display 52 the third error information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the detector 156. After S36, the process shown in FIG. 35 terminates.

When the control unit 68 determines in S34 that an error has not occurred (NO in S34), the process proceeds to S38. In S38, the control unit 68 determines whether the trigger 24 is being pulled. When the control unit 68 determines that the trigger 24 is not being pulled (NO in S38), the process returns to S30. When the control unit 68 determines that the trigger 24 is being pulled (YES in S38), the process proceeds to S40.

In S40, the control unit 68 executes the tying process, which is the same as the one executed in S14 shown in FIG. 16, according to the control parameters (see S56 in FIG. 36) set in the type determination process executed in S32. After S40, the process returns to S30.

As shown in FIG. 37, the type determination process in S32 and the determination in S34 on whether an error has occurred may be executed after the control unit 68 has determined in S38 that the trigger 24 is being pulled (YES in S38) and before the tying process is executed in S40.

(Effects) The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around the rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; and the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of the reel 30. The bobbin 28 includes the body portion 100 on which the wire W is wound, the body portion 100 having the first internal space 116 into which the right reel attachment unit 36 is inserted; and the information portion 106, 128, 136 that has type information indicating the type of the reel 30. The detection unit 150 is positioned in the first internal space 116 when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36.

According to the above configuration, the detection unit 150 is positioned in the first internal space 116 of the reel 30 when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36. This configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the rebar tying machine 2 compared to a configuration in which the detection unit 150 is not positioned in the first internal space 116 of the reel 30 when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36.

The information portions 106, 128, 136 include the protrusions 122, 130, 138 protruding from the body portion 100. The protrusions 122, 130, 138 have the protruding lengths 124, 132, 140 varying depending on the type of reel 30. The protruding lengths 124, 132, 140 are each the type information.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length 124, 132, 140 of the protrusion 122, 130, 138 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths 124, 132, 140 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions 122, 130, 138. This suppresses the complexity of the structure of reel 30.

The protrusions 122, 130, 138 each are positioned in the first internal space 116.

The above configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the reel 30 compared to a configuration in which the protrusions 122, 130, 138 are not positioned in the first internal space 116.

The body portion 100 includes the tubular main body 110 having the internal space 114; and the partition 112 that divides the internal space 114 of the main body 110 into the first internal space 116 and the second internal space 118 different from the first internal space 116. The protrusions 122, 130, 138 each protrude from the partition 112.

According to the above configuration, the protrusions 122, 130, 138 are each disposed on the partition 112, which facilitates positioning of the protrusions 122, 130, 138 in the first internal space 116.

The reel 30 is configured to rotatable about the central axis AX1 when attached on the right reel attachment unit 36. The protrusions 122, 130, 138 are each positioned on the central axis AX1 and extend along the central axis AX1.

The above configuration suppresses changes in the position of the protrusion 122, 130, 138 relative to the central axis AX1 when the reel 30 rotates.

The detection unit 150 includes the movable member 152 that is positioned in the initial position when the right reel attachment unit 36 is not in the first internal space 116 and is moved from the initial position by being pressed by the protrusion 122, 130, 138 when the right reel attachment unit 36 is inserted into the first internal space 116; and the detector 156 configured to detect the position of the movable member 152.

In the above configuration, when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36, the position of the movable member 152 relative to the initial position varies depending on the type of reel 30. The type of reel 30 can be detected by a simple configuration in which the detector 156 detects the position of the movable member 152.

The right reel attachment unit 36 includes the insertion tube 42 configured to be inserted into the first internal space 116. The detector 156 is positioned in the insertion tube 42.

The above configuration prevents the detector 156 from contacting the reel 30 and being thereby damaged.

The insertion tube 42 includes the bottom wall 46 (an example of wall) configured to face the reel 30 when the insertion tube 42 is in the first internal space 116; and the through hole 46a penetrating the bottom wall 46. The protrusions 122, 130, 138 each pass through the through hole 46a and press the movable member 152 toward the inside of the insertion tube 42 when the insertion tube 42 is in the first internal space 116.

According to the above configuration, when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36, the movable member 152 is positioned inside the insertion tube 42. This facilitates detection of the position of the movable member 152 by the detector 156.

The detection unit 150 further includes the biasing member 154 configured to bias the movable member 152 toward the initial position.

The above configuration allows the movable member 152 to easily return to its initial position when the reel 30 is detached from the right reel attachment unit 36.

The bobbin 28 is configured to rotatable about the right reel attachment unit 36.

If the bobbin 28 is configured to rotate together with the right reel attachment unit 36, a mechanism for rotating the right reel attachment unit 36 is required. This makes the configuration of the rebar tying machine 2 more complex. The above configuration suppresses the complexity in the configuration of the rebar tying machine 2 compared to the configuration in which the bobbin 28 is configured to rotate together with the right reel attachment unit 36.

The hardness of the right reel attachment unit 36 is higher than the hardness of the bobbin 28.

The above configuration suppresses wear of the right reel attachment unit 36.

The detection unit 150 includes the operation portion 162 (an example of contact portion) configured to contact the bobbin 28 when the reel 30 is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36. The hardness of the operation portion 162 is higher than the hardness of the bobbin 28.

The above configuration suppresses wear of the operation portion 162.

The rebar tying machine 2 further comprises the control unit 68 configured to control the feeding unit 60 and the twisting unit 66 to execute the tying process for tying the rebars R using the wire W. The control unit 68 is configured to acquire the type of reel 30 from the detection unit 150 during the tying process.

In the above configuration, the feeding unit 60 and the twisting unit 66 can be controlled based on the type of reel 30 acquired during the tying process. This suppresses the rebars R from being tied inappropriately.

The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; and the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of reel 30. The bobbin 28 includes the protrusion 122, 130, 138 having the protruding length 124, 132, 140. The protruding length 124, 132, 140 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The detection unit 150 is configured to detect the type of reel 30 based on the protruding length 124, 132, 140 of the protrusion 122, 130, 138.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length 124, 132, 140 of the protrusion 122, 130, 138 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths 124, 132, 140 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions 122, 130, 138. This suppresses the complexity of the structure of reel 30.

The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the first reel 30A and the second reel 30B are selectively attachable, wherein the first reel 30A includes the first protrusion 122 having the first protruding length 124 and the wire W, and the second reel 30B includes the second protrusion 130 having the second protruding length 132 and the wire W; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; and the detection unit 150 configured to detect the first protrusion 122 or the second protrusion 130.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length 124, 132 of the protrusion 122, 130 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths 124, 132 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions 122, 130. This suppresses the complexity of the structure of reel 30.

The reel 30 according to this embodiment is used in the rebar tying machine 2. The reel 30 comprises the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28. The rebar tying machine 2 includes the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; and the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of reel 30. The bobbin 28 includes the information portion 106, 128, 136 that has type information indicating the type of reel 30; and the body portion 100 on which the wire W is wound. The body portion 100 has the first internal space 116 into which the right reel attachment unit 36 is inserted. The detection unit 150 is positioned in the first internal space 116 when the right reel attachment unit 36 is in the first internal space 116.

According to the above configuration, the detection unit 150 is positioned in the first internal space 116 of the reel 30 when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36. This configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the rebar tying machine 2 as compared to a configuration in which the detection unit 150 is not positioned in the first internal space 116 of the reel 30 when the reel 30 is attached on the right reel attachment unit 36.

The information portions 106, 128, 136 are each positioned in the first internal space 116.

The above configuration suppresses an increase in the size of the reel 30.

The reel 30 according to this embodiment is used in the rebar tying machine 2. The reel 30 comprises the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28. The rebar tying machine 2 includes the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; and the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of reel 30. The bobbin 28 includes the protrusion 122, 130, 138 having the protruding length 124, 132, 140. The protruding length 124, 132, 140 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The detection unit 150 is configured to detect the type of reel 30 based on the protruding length 124, 132, 140.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length 124, 132, 140 of the protrusion 122, 130, 138 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths 124, 132, 140 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions 122, 130, 138. This suppresses the complexity of the structure of reel 30.

The reel 30 according to this embodiment is used in the rebar tying machine 2. The reel 30 comprises the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28. The bobbin 28 includes the protrusion 122, 130, 138 having the protruding length 124, 132, 140 and the protruding length 124, 132, 140 varies depending on the type of reel 30.

According to the above configuration, the protruding length 124, 132, 140 of the protrusion 122, 130, 138 varies depending on the type of reel 30. The simple configuration of different protruding lengths 124, 132, 140 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified without a need to increase the number of protrusions 122, 130, 138. This suppresses the complexity of the structure of reel 30.

The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of reel 30; the main power switch 50 for switching the rebar tying machine 2 between the on state and the off state; the display 52 (an example of informing unit) configured to inform error information; and the control unit 68 configured to control the feeding unit 60, the twisting unit 66, and the display 52 and to receive signals related to the type of reel 30 from the detection unit 150. The control unit 68 controls the display 52 when the signals received from the detection unit 150 change while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state.

According to the above configuration, the display 52 informs error information when the signals received from the detection unit 150 change while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state, for example, when the reel 30 is detached from the right reel attachment unit 36 while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state. The user can thereby recognize the error information. Therefore, the configuration above suppresses the user from attaching the reel 30 again to the right reel attachment unit 36, without positioning the leading end of the wire W at the right position, to use the rebar tying machine 2 to tie rebars R.

The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached, the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of reel 30; the main power switch 50 for switching the rebar tying machine 2 between the on state and the off state; the control unit 68 (an example of signal receiving unit) configured to receive signals related to the type of reel 30 from the detection unit 150; and the display 52 (an example of informing unit) configured to inform error information when the signals received by the control unit 68 change while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state.

According to the above configuration, the user can recognize the error information and thus the user is suppressed from using the rebar tying machine 2 to tie rebars R.

The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of the reel 30, and the control unit 68 configured to control the feeding unit 60 and the twisting unit 66 to execute the tying process to tie the rebars R with the wire W. The control unit 68 is configured to acquire the type of the reel 30 from the detection unit 150 when the rebar tying machine 2 is switched from the off state to the on state.

The configuration above allows the type of the reel 30 to be detected after the rebar tying machine 2 has been switched from the off state to the on state and before the tying process is executed.

The rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment comprises the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of the reel 30, the trigger 24 (an example of manipulatable member), and the control unit 68 configured to control the feeding unit 60 and the twisting unit 66 when the trigger 24 is manipulated to execute the tying process to tie the rebars R with the wire W. The control unit 68 is configured to acquire the type of the reel 30 from the detection unit 150 after the trigger 24 has been manipulated while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state and before the tying process is executed.

The configuration above allows the type of the reel 30 to be detected after the trigger 24 has been manipulated and before the tying process is executed.

The rebar tying machine according to this embodiment comprises the reel 30 including the bobbin 28 and the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit) to which the reel 30 is attached; the feeding unit 60 configured to feed the wire W wound on the bobbin 28; the guide unit 62 configured to guide the wire W around rebars R; the twisting unit 66 configured to twist the wire W around the rebars R; the detection unit 150 configured to detect the type of the reel 30, the trigger 24 (an example of manipulatable member), and the control unit 68 configured to control the feeding unit 60 and the twisting unit 66 when the trigger 24 is manipulated to execute the tying process to tie the rebars R with the wire W. The control unit 68 is configured to acquire the type of the reel 30 from the detection unit 150 after the tying process has been executed while the rebar tying machine 2 is in the on state and before the trigger 24 is manipulated again.

The configuration above allows the type of the reel 30 to be detected after the tying process has been executed and before the tying process is executed again by the trigger 24 being manipulated again.

(Second Embodiment) For a second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment are described. As shown in FIG. 17, the first information portion 106 of the first reel 30A comprises a first rib 222 in place of the first protrusion 122. The first rib 222 protrudes rightward from the partition 112. The first rib 222 has a substantially circular ring shape. As shown in FIG. 18, the center of the circular ring of the first rib 222 is positioned on the central axis AX1. In the left-right direction, the first rib 222 does not protrude beyond the receiving portion 115b. This prevents the first rib 222 from contacting the protruding portion 115a when multiple first reels 30A are stacked. The first rib 222 has a first protruding length 224 along the central axis AX1.

As shown in FIG. 19, the second information portion 128 of the second reel 30B comprises a first rib 222 and a second rib 230 in place of the second protrusion 130. The configuration of the first rib 222 of the second reel 30B is the same as the configuration of the first rib 222 of the first reel 30A.

The second rib 230 protrudes rightward from the partition 112. The second rib 230 has a substantially circular ring shape. The center of the circular ring of the second rib 230 is positioned on the central axis AX1. The second rib 230 is farther apart from the central axis AX1 than the first rib 222 is. The second rib 230 surrounds the first rib 222. In the left-right direction, the second rib 230 does not protrude beyond the receiving portion 115b. This prevents the second rib 230 from contacting the protruding portion 115a when multiple second reels 30B are stacked. The second rib 230 has a second protruding length 232 along the central axis AX1. The second protruding length 232 is greater than the first protruding length 224.

As shown in FIG. 20, the third information portion 136 of the third reel 30C comprises a second rib 230 in place of the third protrusion 138. The configuration of the second rib 230 of the third reel 30C is the same as the configuration of the second rib 230 of the second reel 30B. Combinations of the first rib 222 and the second rib 230 are each type information indicating the type of reel 30. The combination of the presence of the first rib 222 and the absence of the second rib 230 is type information indicating that the reel 30 is the first reel 30A. The combination of the presence of the first rib 222 and the presence of the second rib 230 is type information indicating that the reel 30 is the second reel 30B. The combination of the absence of the first rib 222 and the presence of the second rib 230 is type information indicating that the reel 30 is the third reel 30C.

As shown in FIG. 21, the insertion tube 42 comprises a large-diameter tube portion 244, a connecting tube portion 246, a small-diameter tube portion 248, and a bottom wall 250. The large-diameter tube portion 244 has a cylindrical shape and extends in the left-right direction. One end of the large-diameter tube portion 244 is connected to the base 34 (see FIG. 5). The large-diameter tube portion 244 has a through hole 244a. The through hole 244a penetrates the side wall of the large-diameter tube portion 244.

The connecting tube portion 246 has a truncated cone shape and extends in the left-right direction. One end of the connecting tube portion 246 is connected to the other end of the large diameter tube portion 244.

The small-diameter tube portion 248 has a cylindrical shape and extends in the left-right direction. The outer diameter of the small-diameter tube portion 248 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter tube portion 244. The small-diameter tube portion 248 is connected to the other end of the connecting tube portion 246. The small-diameter tube portion 248 has a through hole 248a. The through hole 248a penetrates the side wall of the small-diameter tube portion 248.

The bottom wall 250 is connected to the other end of the small diameter tube portion 248. The bottom wall 250 closes an opening at the other end of the small diameter tube portion 248.

The detection unit 150 is positioned in the first internal space 116 (see FIG. 22) when the insertion tube 42 is inserted in the reel 30 (see FIG. 22). The detection unit 150 comprises a first movable member 270, a first biasing member 272, a second movable member 274, a second biasing member 276, and a detector 278.

The first movable member 270 comprises a first base 282 and a first operation portion 284. The first base 282 is located in the small-diameter tube portion 248. The first base 282 is supported by the small-diameter tube portion 248 such that the first base 282 is movable in the front-rear direction. One end of the first base 282 is in contact with the first biasing member 272. The first base 282 is biased rearward by the first biasing member 272. The first movable member 270 is in its initial position when no forward force is applied thereto. A first step 285 is defined between the other end of the first base 282 and the first operation portion 284, and the first step 285 is in contact with the small diameter tube portion 248 in the front-rear direction when the first movable member 270 is in the initial position.

One end of the first operation portion 284 is connected to the other end of the first base 282. The first operation portion 284 extends through the through hole 248a when the first movable member 270 is in the initial position. The first operation portion 284 includes a first inclined surface 286. The first inclined surface 286 is positioned outside the small-diameter tube portion 248 when the first movable member 270 is in the initial position. The first inclined surface 286 is inclined such that its right end is farther away from the central axis AX1 than its left end is.

The second movable member 274 comprises a second base 290 and a second operation portion 292. The second base 290 is located in the large-diameter tube portion 244. The second base 290 is supported by the large-diameter tube portion 244 such that the second base 290 is movable in the front-rear direction. One end of the second base 290 is in contact with the second biasing member 276. The second base 290 is biased rearward by the second biasing member 276. The second movable member 274 is in its initial position when no forward force is applied thereto. A second step 293 is defined between the other end of the second base 290 and the second operation portion 292, and the second step 293 is in contact with the large diameter tube portion 244 in the front-rear direction when the second movable member 274 is in the initial position.

One end of the second operation portion 292 is connected to the other end of the second base 290. The second operation portion 292 extends through the through hole 244a when the second movable member 274 is in the initial position. The second operation portion 292 includes a second inclined surface 294. The second inclined surface 294 is positioned outside the large diameter tube portion 244 when the second movable member 274 is in the initial position. The second inclined surface 294 is inclined such that its right end is farther away from the central axis AX1 than its left end is.

The detector 278 is located in the insertion tube 42. The detector 278 comprises a plurality of magnets 298 (two magnets 298 in this embodiment), a substrate 300, and a plurality of magnetic sensors 302 (two magnetic sensors 302 in this embodiment).

The magnets 298 are, for example, permanent magnets. The two magnets 298 comprise a first magnet 298a and a second magnet 298b. The first magnet 298a is fixed to the first base 282. The first magnet 298a moves integrally with the first movable member 270. The second magnet 298b is fixed to the second base 290. The second magnet 298b moves integrally with the second movable member 274.

The substrate 300 is located in the connecting tube portion 246. The substrate 300 is along a plane including the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. The substrate 300 includes a first facing surface 300a and a second facing surface 300b opposite to the first facing surface 300a. The first facing surface 300a faces the first movable member 270 in the left-right direction. The second facing surface 300b faces the second movable member 274 in the left-right direction.

The two magnetic sensors 302 comprise a first magnetic sensor 302a and a second magnetic sensor 302b. The first magnetic sensor 302a is fixed to the first facing surface 300a. When the first movable member 270 is in the initial position, the first magnetic sensor 302a is positioned forward of the first magnet 298a. In this state, the first magnetic sensor 302a does not face the first magnet 298a in the left-right direction.

The second magnetic sensor 302b is fixed to the second facing surface 300b. When the second movable member 274 is in the initial position, the second magnetic sensor 302b faces the second magnet 298b in the left-right direction. In a variant, when the second movable member 274 is in the initial position, the second magnetic sensor 302b may not face the second magnet 298b in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the first reel 30A is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36, the insertion tube 42 is inserted into the first internal space 116 of the first reel 30A. At this time, the first rib 222 slides on the first inclined surface 286 of the first operation portion 284 and presses the first operation portion 284 forward toward the inside of the small diameter tube portion 248. The first movable member 270 is thereby moved forward and stopped at the position where the first magnet 298a faces the first magnetic sensor 302a in the left-right direction. Thus, the first magnetic sensor 302a detects the first magnet 298a. The magnet detection signal indicating that the first magnetic sensor 302a is detecting the first magnet 298a is sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2). The second movable member 274 is not pressed by the first reel 30A. Therefore, the second magnetic sensor 302b still faces the second magnet 298b in the left-right direction. Thus, the magnet detection signal indicating that the second magnetic sensor 302b is detecting the second magnet 298b is sent to the control unit 68. The control unit 68 detects the attachment of the first reel 30A on the right reel attachment unit 36 based on the magnet detection signal from the first magnetic sensor 302a and the magnet detection signal from the second magnetic sensor 302b.

As shown in FIG. 23, when the second reel 30B is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36, the insertion tube 42 is inserted into the first internal space 116 of the second reel 30B. At this time, the first rib 222 slides on the first inclined surface 286 of the first operation portion 284 and presses the first operation portion 284 forward toward the inside of the small-diameter tube portion 248. The first movable member 270 is thereby moved forward and stopped at the position where the first magnet 298a faces the first magnetic sensor 302a in the left-right direction. Thus, the first magnetic sensor 302a detects the first magnet 298a. The magnet detection signal indicating that the first magnetic sensor 302a is detecting the first magnet 298a is sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2). Further, the second rib 230 slides on the second inclined surface 294 of the second operation portion 292 and presses the second operation portion 292 forward toward the inside of the large-diameter tube portion 244. The second movable member 274 is thereby moved forward and stopped at a position where the second magnet 298b is positioned forward of the second magnetic sensor 302b. Therefore, the second magnetic sensor 302b does not detect the second magnet 298b. Thus, the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the second magnetic sensor 302b is not detecting the second magnet 298b is sent to the control unit 68. The control unit 68 detects the attachment of the second reel 30B on the right reel attachment unit 36 based on the magnet detection signal from the first magnetic sensor 302a and the magnet non-detection signal from the second magnetic sensor 302b.

As shown in FIG. 24, when the third reel 30C is attached to the right reel attachment unit 36, the insertion tube 42 is inserted into the first internal space 116 of the third reel 30C. At this time, the second rib 230 slides on the second inclined surface 294 of the second operation portion 292 and presses the second operation portion 292 forward toward the inside of the large-diameter tube portion 244. The second movable member 274 is thereby moved forward and stopped at a position where the second magnet 298b is positioned forward of the second magnetic sensor 302b. Therefore, the second magnetic sensor 302b does not detect the second magnet 298b. Thus, the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the second magnetic sensor 302b is not detecting the second magnet 298b is sent to the control unit 68 (see FIG. 2). The first movable member 270 is not pressed by the third reel 30C. Therefore, the first magnetic sensor 302a does not face the first magnet 298a in the left-right direction. Thus, the magnet non-detection signal indicating that the first magnetic sensor 302a is not detecting the first magnet 298a is sent to the control unit 68. The control unit 68 detects the attachment of the third reel 30C on the right reel attachment unit 36 based on the magnet non-detection signal from the first magnetic sensor 302a and the magnet non-detection signal from the second magnetic sensor 302b.

(Third Embodiment) For a third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment are described. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the bobbin 28 of the reel 30 comprises a bobbin member 402 and an information member 404 which is a separate component from the bobbin member 402. The bobbin member 402 is used in common among the first bobbin 28A, the second bobbin 28B, and the third bobbin 28C. The shape of the information member 404 varies among the first bobbin 28A, the second bobbin 28B, and the third bobbin 28C. That is, the first bobbin 28A includes a first information member 404A, the second bobbin 28B includes a second information member 404B, and the third bobbin 28C includes a third information member 404C. The material of the bobbin member 402 and the material of the information member 404 may be the same or different. For example, the bobbin member 402 may be constituted of a resin material and the information member 404 may be constituted of another resin material with higher hardness. Alternatively, the bobbin member 402 may be constituted of a resin material and the information member 404 may be constituted of a metal material.

As shown in FIG. 26, the bobbin member 402 comprises the body portion 100, the left flange 102, and the right flange 104. The body portion 100 comprises the main body 110 and the partition 112. The partition 112 comprises a partition plate 406 having a substantially flat plate shape. A through hole 406a is defined in the center of the partition plate 406. As shown in FIG. 27, an engagement projection 406b is formed on the left surface of the partition plate 406, and the engagement projection 406b protrudes leftward from the periphery of the through hole 406a. As shown in FIG. 28, an engagement recess 406c is formed on the right surface of the partition plate 406, and the engagement recess 406c is recessed from the periphery of the through hole 406a.

As shown in FIG. 29, the information member 404 comprises a flange 408, a protrusion 410, a pair of guides 412, and a pair of engagement claws 414. The flange 408 has a substantially circular plate shape with a pair of notches 408a. The protrusion 410 protrudes rightward from the flange 408. The pair of guides 412 and the pair of engagement claws 414 protrude leftward from the flange 408. The pair of engagement claws 414 are located corresponding to the pair of notches 408a.

As shown in FIG. 28, to attach the information member 404 to the bobbin member 402, the pair of guides 412 and the pair of engagement claws 414 are inserted into the through hole 406a from the right side of the partition plate 406. As a result, as shown in FIG. 26, the flange 408 contacts the engagement recess 406c and ends of the engagement claws 414 engage the engagement projection 406b, thereby attaching the information member 404 to the bobbin member 402. To remove the information member 404 from the bobbin member 402, the ends of the engagement claws 414 are disengaged from the engagement projection 406b, and then the pair of guides 412 and the pair of engagement claws 414 are pulled out of the through hole 406a toward the right side of the partition plate 406, thereby removing the information member 404 from the bobbin member 402.

The shapes of the flange 408, the pair of guides 412, and the pair of engagement claws 414 are common among the first information member 404A, the second information member 404B, and the third information member 404C, while the shape of the protrusion 410 varies among the first information member 404A, the second information member 404B, and the third information member 404C. In other words, the protrusion 410 of the first information member 404A corresponds to the first protrusion 122 having the first protruding length 124 along the central axis AX1 and also corresponds to the first information portion 106, the protrusion 410 of the second information member 404B corresponds to the second protrusion 130 having the second protruding length 132 along the central axis AX1 and also corresponds to the second information portion 128, and the protrusion 410 of the third information member 404C corresponds to the third protrusion 138 having the third protruding length 140 along the central axis AX1 and also corresponds to the third information portion 136.

(Effects) In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the bobbin 28 further includes the information member 404 (the first information member 404A, the second information member 404B, the third information member 404C) (an example of first member) and the bobbin member 402 (an example of second member) different from the information member 404. The information portion 106, 128, 136 is included in the information member 404. The body portion 100 is included in the bobbin member 402.

According to the above configuration, only different types of information members 404 (the first information member 404A, the second information member 404B, the information member 404C) should be prepared to provide different types of reel 30 (the first reel 30A, the second reel 30B, the third reel 30C) and the bobbin member 402 can be used in common among the different types of reel 30.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the reel 30 (the first reel 30A, the second reel 30B, the third reel 30C) is configured to rotatable about the central axis AX1 when attached on the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit). The information portions 106, 128, 136 include the protrusions 410 (the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 130, the third protrusion 138) (an example of protrusion) positioned on the central axis AX1 in the first internal space 116 and extending along the central axis AX1. The protrusions 410 (the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 130, the third protrusion 138) have protruding lengths (the first protruding length 124, the second protruding length 132, the third protruding length 140). The protruding length varies depending on the type of reel 30 (the first reel 30A, the second reel 30B, the third reel 30C). The protruding lengths (the first protruding length 124, the second protruding length 132, the third protruding length 140) are each type information.

According to the above configuration, the simple configuration of different protruding lengths of the protrusions 410 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified. In addition, changes in the position of the protrusion 410 relative to the central axis AX1 are suppressed when the reel 30 rotates.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the information member 404 is fixed to the bobbin member 402 in a retaining manner by the ends of the engagement claws 414 engaging the engagement projection 406b.

The above configuration prevents accidental detachment of the information member 404 from the bobbin member 402.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the through hole 406a is formed in the bobbin member 402. The information member 404 extends through the through hole 406a.

If the through hole 406a is not formed in the bobbin member 402, it would be difficult to fix the information member 404 to the bobbin member 402 in a retaining manner. According to the above configuration, the information member 404 can be fixed to the bobbin member 402 in a retaining manner using the through hole 406a formed in the bobbin member 402, which is a simple configuration.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to the embodiment, the information member 404 is insertable into and removable from the through hole 406a from the opposite side to the first internal space 116.

The above configuration facilitates attachment of the information member 404 to the bobbin member 402 and removal of the information member 404 from the bobbin member 402.

(Fourth Embodiment) For a fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment are described. As shown in FIG. 30, in this embodiment, the bobbin 28 of the reel 30 comprises a bobbin member 502 and an information member 504 which is a separate component from the bobbin member 502. The shape of the bobbin member 502 is common among the first bobbin 28A, the second bobbin 28B, and the third bobbin 28C, while the shape of the information member 504 varies among the first bobbin 28A, the second bobbin 28B, and the third bobbin 28C. That is, the first bobbin 28A includes a first information member 504A, the second bobbin 28B includes a second information member 504B, and the third bobbin 28C includes a third information member 504C. The material of the bobbin member 502 and the material of the information member 504 may be the same or different. For example, the bobbin member 502 may be constituted of a resin material and the information member 504 may be constituted of another resin material with higher hardness. Alternatively, the bobbin member 502 may be constituted of a resin material and the information member 504 may be constituted of a metal material.

As shown in FIG. 31, the bobbin member 502 comprises the body 100, the left flange 102, and the right flange 104. The body 100 comprises the main body 110 and the partition 112. The partition 112 comprises a partition plate 506 having a substantially flat plate shape. A through hole 506a is formed in the center of the partition plate 506. As shown in FIG. 32, a support projection 506b protruding leftward from the periphery of the through hole 506a, a detent portion 506c located in the support projection 506b, and an engagement portion 506d located in the support projection 506b and leftward of the detent portion 506c are formed on the left surface of the partition plate 506.

The information member 504 comprises a flange 508, a protrusion 510, and a knob 512. The flange 508 has a substantially circular plate shape with a pair of notches 508a. The protrusion 510 protrudes rightward from the flange 508. The knob 512 protrudes leftward from the flange 508. The knob 512 has a substantially flat plate shape along the longitudinal direction of the flange 508.

As shown in FIG. 32, to attach the information member 504 to the bobbin member 502, the protrusion 510 is inserted into the through hole 506a from the left side of the partition plate 506 to bring the flange 508 into contact with the partition plate 506 as shown in FIG. 33. In this state, the information member 504 is rotated, via the knob 512, in a direction in which the flange 508 is brought into contact with the detent portion 506c (e.g., counterclockwise). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 34, the flange 508 engages the engagement portion 506d, and the information member 504 is attached to the bobbin member 502. To remove the information member 504 from the bobbin member 502, the information member 504 is rotated, via the knob 512, in a direction in which the flange 508 is separated from the detent portion 506c (e.g., clockwise). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 33, the flange 508 is disengaged from the engagement portion 506d. In this state, the protrusion 510 is pulled out of the through hole 506a, thereby removing the information member 504 from the bobbin member 502.

The shapes of the flange 508 and the knob 512 are common among the first information member 504A, the second information member 504B, and the third information member 504C, while the shape of the protrusion 510 varies among the first information member 504A, the second information member 504B, and the third information member 504C. That is, the protrusion 510 of the first information member 504A corresponds to the first protrusion 122 having the first protruding length 124 along the central axis AX1 and also corresponds to the first information portion 106, the protrusion 510 of the second information member 504B corresponds to the second protrusion 130 having the second protruding length 132 along the central axis AX1 and also corresponds to the second information portion 128, and the protrusion 510 of the third information member 504C corresponds to the third protrusion 138 having the third protruding length 140 along the central axis AX1 and also corresponds to the third information portion 136.

The left reel attachment unit 38 shown in FIG. 30 may include a contact member (not shown) configured to contact the knob 512 in order to prevent accidental detachment of the information member 504 from the bobbin member 502.

(Effects) In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the bobbin 28 further includes the information member 504 (the first information member 504A, the second information member 504B, the third information member 504C) (an example of first member) and the bobbin member 502 (an example of second member) different from the information member 504. The information portion 106, 128, 136 is included in the information member 504. The body portion 100 is included in the bobbin member 502.

According to the above configuration, only different types of information members 504 (the first information member 504A, the second information member 504B, the information member 504C) should be prepared to provide different types of reel 30 (the first reel 30A, the second reel 30B, the third reel 30C) and the bobbin member 402 can be used in common among the different types of reel 30.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the reel 30 (the first reel 30A, the second reel 30B, the third reel 30C) is configured to rotatable about the central axis AX1 when attached on the right reel attachment unit 36 (an example of reel attachment unit). The information portions 106, 128, 136 include the protrusions 510 (the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 130, the third protrusion 138) (an example of protrusion) positioned on the central axis AX1 in the first internal space 116 and extending along the central axis AX1. The protrusions 510 (the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 130, the third protrusion 138) have protruding lengths (the first protruding length 124, the second protruding length 132, the third protruding length 140). The protruding length varies depending on the type of reel 30 (the first reel 30A, the second reel 30B, the third reel 30C). The protruding lengths (the first protruding length 124, the second protruding length 132, the third protruding length 140) are each type information.

According to the above configuration, the simple configuration of different protruding lengths of the protrusions 50 allows the type of reel 30 to be identified. In addition, changes in the position of the protrusion 510 relative to the central axis AX1 are suppressed when the reel 30 rotates.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the information member 504 is fixed to the bobbin member 502 in a retaining manner by the flange 508 engaging the engagement portion 506d.

The above configuration prevents accidental detachment of the information member 504 from the bobbin member 502.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to this embodiment, the through hole 506a is formed in the bobbin member 502. The information member 504 extends through the through hole 506a.

If the through hole 506a is not formed in the bobbin member 502, it would be difficult to fix the information member 504 to the bobbin member 502 in a retaining manner. According to the above configuration, the information member 504 can be fixed to the bobbin member 502 in a retaining manner using the through hole 506a formed in the bobbin member 502, which is a simple configuration.

In the rebar tying machine 2 according to the embodiment, the information member 504 is insertable into and removable from the through hole 506a from the opposite side to the first internal space 116.

The above configuration facilitates attachment of the information member 504 to the bobbin member 502 and removal of the information member 504 from the bobbin member 502.

(Variants) In an embodiment, the information portions 106, 128, 136 shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, etc. may protrude from the inner circumferential surface 110b of the main body 110.

In an embodiment, the protrusions 122, 130, 138 shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, etc. may be positioned offset from the central axis AX1.

In an embodiment, the detector 156 shown in FIG. 11, etc. may include sensors other than the magnetic sensors 170, 302, such as sensors that detect distances to the protrusions 122, 130, 138.

In an embodiment, the right reel attachment unit 36 shown in FIG. 4 may be rotatable relative to the base 34. In this case, the reel 30 may rotate integrally with the right reel attachment unit 36 without sliding on the right reel attachment unit 36.

In an embodiment, the rebar tying machine 2 may comprise a light configured inform error information by light and/or a speaker configured to inform error information by sound, in place of the display 52.

In an embodiment, the control unit 68 may detect the type of reel 30 during the initialization process or may detect the type of reel 30 at a time other than during the tying process and the initialization process.

In an embodiment, the rebar tying machine 2 may comprise a power cable connectable to an external power supply in place of the battery pack BP shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the rebar tying machine 2 operates using electric power supplied from the external power supply via the power cable.

In an embodiment, the reel housing section 22 may be located at the rear end of the twisting unit housing section 14.

In an embodiment, the rebar tying machine 2 may not be a handheld rebar tying machine and may be, for example, an autonomously mobile rebar tying machine.

In an embodiment, the information member 404 shown in FIG. 26 and the information member 504 shown in FIG. 31 may be detachably attached to the bobbin members 402, 502 using fasteners such as screws. Alternatively, the information members 404, 504 may be attached to the bobbin members 402, 502 in an undetachable manner by welding, etc. Alternatively, the information members 404, 504 may be detachably attached to the left reel attachment unit 38 instead of the bobbin members 402, 502. In this case, the user attaches the information members 404, 504 according to the types of reel 30 to the left reel attachment unit 38 each time.

In an embodiment, the main power switch 50 may be a tactile switch. In this case, in response to the main power switch 50 being pressed while the control power supply (not shown) of the control unit 68 is off, a path along which electric power is supplied from the battery pack BP to the control unit 68 is formed, the control power supply is turned on, an MCU (not shown) is activated, and the rebar tying machine 2 is thereby switched to the on state. After activated, the MCU switches a semiconductor switch (not shown) for maintaining the electric power path from the battery pack BP to the control unit 68 from off to on, and thus the rebar tying machine 2 is maintained in the on state even after the user leaves his/her hand from the main power switch 50. When the main power switch 50 is pressed again, the MCU switches the semiconductor switch from on to off, and thus the electric power path from the battery pack BP to the control unit 68 is cut off, the control power supply is turned off, and the rebar tying machine 2 is switched to the off state.

In an embodiment, the rebar tying machine 2 may not comprise the main power switch 50. In this case, the rebar tying machine 2 may be switched from the off state to the on state in response to the battery pack BP being attached to the battery attachment section 18 or electric power being supplied from an external power supply through a power cable, and the rebar tying machine 2 may be switched from the on state to the off state in response to the battery pack BP being detached from the battery attachment section 18 or the supply of electric power from the external power supply through the power cable being stopped.

In an embodiment, the initialization process in S6 shown in FIG. 16 may be executed after the control unit 68 has determined in the first S12 that the trigger 24 is being pulled (YES in S12) instead of after the magnet detection signal is received in S2 (YES in S2). Similarly, the initialization process in S28 shown in FIG. 35 or FIG. 37 may be executed after the control unit 68 has determined in the first S38 that the trigger 24 is being pulled (YES in S38) instead of after the control unit 68 has determined in S24 that an error had not occurred (NO in S24).

In an embodiment, the number of types of reels the control unit 68 can determine (e.g., in the type determination process shown in FIG. 36) may be one, two, or four or more.

In an embodiment, types of reel 30 may be distinguishable based on the years of manufacture of wires W (or bobbins 28), regardless of whether the specifications of wire W and bobbin 28 are the same or not. In this case, for reels 30 including wires W (bobbins 28) with recent years of manufacture, the control unit 68 may determine that they are normally available in the rebar tying machine 2, whereas for reels 30 including wires W (bobbins 28) with old years of manufacture, the control unit 68 may determine that they are unavailable in the rebar tying machine 2. Alternatively, types of reel 30 may be distinguishable based on the manufacturing regions and/or sales regions of the reels 30. In this case, for example, the control unit 68 may determine that a reel 30 is normally available in the rebar tying machine 2 if the sales region of the reel 30 is the same as the sales region of the rebar tying machine 2, whereas the control unit 68 may determine that a reel 30 is unavailable in the rebar tying machine 2 if the sales region of the reel 30 is not the same as the sales region of the rebar tying machine 2.

In an embodiment, the process in which the control unit 68 determines the type of reel 30 (e.g., the type determination process shown in FIG. 36) may be executed at timings different from those described in the above embodiments. For example, the control unit 68 may determine the type of reel 30 at a random timing within a predetermined period (e.g., five seconds) from when the rebar tying machine 2 was switched from the off state to the on state (e.g., when the main power switch 50 was switched from off to on or when the battery pack BP was attached to the battery attachment section 18). Alternatively, the control unit 68 may determine the type of reel 30 when a predetermined period (e.g., ten minutes) elapses after the tying process has been completed in S14 shown in FIG. 16 (or in S40 shown in FIG. 35 or FIG. 37). Alternatively, the control unit 68 may determine the type of reel 30 every time a predetermined period (e.g., five minutes) elapses. Alternatively, the control unit 68 may determine the type of reel 30 when a predetermined period (e.g., one second) elapses from when the rebar tying machine 2 was switched from the off state to the on state.

Claims

1. A rebar tying machine, comprising:

a reel including a bobbin and a wire wound on the bobbin;

a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached;

a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin;

a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars;

a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and

a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel,

wherein

the bobbin includes: a body portion on which the wire is wound, the body portion having a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted; and an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel, and

the detection unit is positioned in the first internal space when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit.

2. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1, wherein

the information portion includes a protrusion protruding from the body portion,

a protruding length of the protrusion varies depending on the type of the reel, and

the protruding length is the type information.

3. The rebar tying machine according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is positioned in the first internal space.

4. The rebar tying machine according to claim 3, wherein

the body portion includes: a tubular main body having an internal space; and a partition that divides the internal space of the main body into the first internal space and a second internal space different from the first internal space, and

the protrusion protrudes from the partition.

5. The rebar tying machine according to claim 3, wherein

the reel is configured to rotatable about a central axis when attached on the reel attachment unit, and

the protrusion is positioned on the central axis and extends along the central axis.

6. The rebar tying machine according to claim 3, wherein

the detection unit includes: a movable member, wherein the movable member is positioned in an initial position when the reel attachment unit is not in the first internal space and is moved from the initial position by being pressed by the protrusion when the reel attachment unit is inserted into the first internal space; and a detector configured to detect a position of the movable member.

7. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1, wherein a hardness of the reel attachment unit is higher than a hardness of the bobbin.

8. The rebar tying machine according to claim 7, wherein

the detection unit includes a contact portion configured to contact the bobbin when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit, and

a hardness of the contact portion is higher than the hardness of the bobbin.

9. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control the feeding unit and the twisting unit to execute a tying process for tying the rebars using the wire,

wherein the control unit is configured to acquire the type of the reel from the detection unit during the tying process.

10. A rebar tying machine, comprising:

a reel attachment unit to which a first reel and a second reel are selectively attachable, wherein the first reel includes a first protrusion and a wire, the first protrusion has a first protruding length, the second reel includes a second protrusion and a wire, and the second protrusion has a second protruding length;

a feeding unit configured to feed the wire;

a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars;

a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and

a detection unit configured to detect the first protrusion or the second protrusion.

11. A reel for use in a rebar tying machine, comprising:

a bobbin; and

a wire wound on the bobbin,

wherein

the rebar tying machine includes: a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel,

the bobbin includes: an information portion that has type information indicating the type of the reel; and a body portion on which the wire is wound,

the body portion has a first internal space into which the reel attachment unit is inserted, and

the detection unit is positioned in the first internal space when the reel attachment unit is in the first internal space.

12. The reel according to claim 11, wherein the information portion is positioned in the first internal space.

13. A reel for use in a rebar tying machine, comprising:

a bobbin; and

a wire wound on the bobbin,

wherein

the rebar tying machine includes: a reel attachment unit to which the reel is attached; a feeding unit configured to feed the wire wound on the bobbin; a guide unit configured to guide the wire around rebars; a twisting unit configured to twist the wire around the rebars; and a detection unit configured to detect a type of the reel,

the bobbin includes a protrusion having a protruding length,

the protruding length varies depending on the type of the reel, and

the detection unit is configured to detect the type of the reel based on the protruding length.

14. The rebar tying machine according to claim 1, wherein

the bobbin further includes a first member and a second member different from the first member,

the information portion is included in the first member, and

the body portion is included in the second member.

15. The rebar tying machine according to claim 14, wherein

the reel is configured to rotatable about a central axis when attached on the reel attachment unit,

the information portion includes a protrusion positioned on the central axis in the first internal space and extending along the central axis,

the protrusion has a protruding length,

the protruding length varies depending on the type of the reel, and

the protruding length is the type information.

16. The rebar tying machine according to claim 14, wherein the first member is fixed to the second member in a retaining manner.

17. The rebar tying machine according to claim 16, wherein

a through hole is formed in the second member, and

the first member extends through the through hole.

18. The rebar tying machine according to claim 17, wherein the first member is insertable into and removable from the through hole from an opposite side to the first internal space.

19. The reel according to claim 11, wherein

the bobbin includes a first member and a second member different from the first member,

the information portion is included in the first member, and

the body portion is included in the second member.

20. The rebar tying machine according to claim 4, wherein

the reel is configured to rotatable about a central axis when attached on the reel attachment unit,

the protrusion is positioned on the central axis and extends along the central axis,

the detection unit includes: a movable member, wherein the movable member is positioned in an initial position when the reel attachment unit is not in the first internal space and is moved from the initial position by being pressed by the protrusion when the reel attachment unit is inserted into the first internal space; and a detector configured to detect a position of the movable member,

the reel attachment unit includes an insertion tube configured to be inserted into the first internal space,

the detector is positioned in the insertion tube,

the insertion tube includes: a wall configured to face the reel when the insertion tube is in the first internal space; and a through hole penetrating the wall,

the protrusion extends through the through hole and presses the movable member toward inside of the insertion tube when the insertion tube is in the first internal space,

the detection unit further includes a biasing member configured to bias the movable member toward the initial position,

the bobbin is configured to rotatable about the reel attachment unit,

a hardness of the reel attachment unit is higher than a hardness of the bobbin,

the detection unit includes a contact portion configured to contact the bobbin when the reel is attached on the reel attachment unit,

a hardness of the contact portion is higher than the hardness of the bobbin,

the rebar tying machine further comprises a control unit configured to control the feeding unit and the twisting unit to execute a tying process for tying the rebars using the wire, and

the control unit is configured to acquire the type of the reel from the detection unit during the tying process.