DE102021112710A1 - Strapping bundles, method for producing strapping bundles and tools for producing strapping bundles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a strapping bundle (1) with at least two articles (2) which are held together by at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band (5) which completely surrounds the articles (2). The at least one closed strap (5) has a circumferential length (U5) that is greater than an outer circumference (A3) of the articles (2) of the strapped bundle (1). The at least one closed strap (5) is pulled taut at at least one point to form a loop (8) and the loop (8) thus formed, folded over and placed on an outside of the (9), is attached to one of the loop (8) by means of adhesive bonding. Covered area of the strap (5) fixed. The strap (5) has at least one recess (6) in the folded-over section forming the loop (8), the adhesive connection being located in the section provided with the recess (6).

Description

The present invention relates to a strapping bundle, a method for producing strapping bundles and a tool for producing strapping bundles according to the features of the independent claims.

For the purpose of transport, groups with similar articles or beverage containers are often grouped together in handy and, in particular, hand-portable containers with four, six or more articles or containers. Mechanical cohesion of the items or beverage containers can be achieved, for example, by wrapping the items or containers in these bundles with shrink film material and holding them together. In addition to the widespread foil packs or foil shrink packs, there are also so-called strapped packs, adhesive packs and combinations of these types of packs.

While the individual articles or containers in the case of purely adhesive containers are directly joined to one another with their lateral surfaces by means of adhesive connections, the containers in the case of strapped containers are held together by means of straps stretched horizontally around the container. In order to fix the articles or containers in their position and in particular to prevent individual containers from tipping over in the bundle, it can also be useful for strapped bundles to attach two or more horizontal straps spaced apart from one another at different heights.

In the case of simple variants of such strapping bands, the bands can be formed by paper bands, which are to be made relatively wide for reasons of stability. Plastic straps are generally more stable and can therefore usually be pretensioned more than paper straps. A stronger pretensioning of the strapping that can be realized in this way allows a comparatively precise definition of the strapping tension, especially in the case of relatively flexible, thin-walled PET containers with their flexible and not very dimensionally stable walls, so that the strapped containers and held together by means of the strapping are not deformed or even deformed due to excessive pretensioning can be damaged. Precise adjustment of the pretension or strapping tension also offers the advantage that the risk of mechanical instability in a strapping bundle produced in this way can be significantly reduced. In the case of strapped packs where the pre-tension is not sufficient to ensure that the containers are held together securely, there is otherwise the risk that the pack will become unstable during handling due to insufficient pre-tension and the containers could slip out of the bundle.

Due to their material properties, such strapping bands made of plastic offer a favorable relationship in the conflict of objectives between the lowest possible use of material and the highest possible mechanical strength. In addition, if required, a defined elasticity can be impressed into the plastic straps, which makes it easier to equip the strapping straps with a respectively required pretension. Nevertheless, the use of plastic straps in the production of strapped bundles is increasingly being criticized, which can be justified not least with ecological concerns.

In addition, the process-related time required to weld, clamp or glue strapping made of thermoplastic material has a negative effect on the achievable bundle production output, i.e. on the timeframe in which a certain number of strapped bundles can be produced using a packaging machine.

Different variants of strapped containers are known from the prior art, which are intended to mechanically combine beverage containers. So reveals about the U.S. 6,041,572 A a strapped container in which two beverage containers are held together by a strapping band that encircles the containers horizontally.

The primary objective of the invention is to provide a strapping package that is simple and inexpensive to produce with sufficient mechanical stability, as well as a method and a corresponding tool for the simple and inexpensive manufacture of such mechanically stable strapping packages.

This aim is achieved with the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations are described by the respective dependent claims.

In order to achieve at least some of the stated objectives, the invention proposes a strapping bundle with a plurality of articles which are held together with at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band which completely encloses the article.

In the simplest embodiment variant, the strapping bundle according to the invention can comprise at least two articles of the same type. Normally, however, the invention includes Strapping bundle four or more articles, which can in particular be similar articles, which are held together with at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band that completely surrounds the article. The articles, which can be formed, for example, by beverage containers or beverage cans or the like, can be put together, for example, in a 2x2 or 2x3 rectangular arrangement and strapped in this way.

The at least one prefabricated, closed strap has, in particular before it is attached to the group of articles, a first circumferential length which is greater than an outer circumference of the articles in the strapped bundle. This can mean in particular that the at least one prefabricated, closed strap has a first circumferential length that is greater than an outer circumference or greater than an envelope of the surrounded articles of the strapping bundle, with the articles of the surrounded article grouping contacting each other, in particular in line contact .

The strap is pulled taut at at least one point, forming a loop, which loop is folded over and fixed to an area of the strap covered by the loop by means of an adhesive connection.

The strap has at least one recess or opening in at least one section that forms the loops and is folded over. The adhesive is assigned to the area provided with the recess.

In particular, the adhesive connects the loop to the area of the strapping band covered by the loop, forming a three-layer fastening area.

In the case of the strapping bundle according to the invention, the strapping can be, in particular, a suitable paper, cardboard or cellulose material or a suitable composite material or a composite material containing plastic, etc.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the strapping band comprises two sections to form the loop, with a fold line being formed between the two sections within the loop. The two partial areas are essentially of the same size. Furthermore, a further fold line can be provided, which is formed in relation to the adjacent area covered by the loop in the finished strapping bundle. The further fold line thus forms a boundary between the area forming the loop and the area covered by the loop.

According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the fold lines in the preconditioned or prefabricated closed strapping band are already prepared in order to facilitate folding when forming the loop and turning the loop over. An alternative embodiment can provide that the fold lines are only formed when the loop is formed and folded over.

Provision is preferably made for the cutout to be formed in the partial area of the loop which is directly adjacent to the area covered by the loop in the finished strapping bundle.

The adhesive connects the areas adjoining the partial area with the recess on both sides to one another, since the adhesive can form contact with these two areas through the recess after the loop has been formed. In particular, all three layers of the strapping tape are thus glued together in the three-layer fastening area.

In the case of the strapping bundle according to the invention, the strapping strip is tightly stretched around the outwardly facing outer lateral surfaces of the articles in the article group, forming a three-layer fastening area. The three layers of the strap are glued together in the fastening area via at least one recess. In particular, the middle layer of the three layers is equipped with at least one cutout, so that the two outer layers are connected to one another via the area of the cutout by means of an adhesive.

The three-layer fastening area can form a weak point or a potential weak point in the strapped bundle. In the case of the strapping bundles produced according to the invention, if the strapping is pulled, then the adhesive connection in the three-layer fastening area can possibly come loose in an undesired manner. In order to prevent this, a further additional fixation of the strapping band in the fastening area can be provided by a further fastening means.

For example, the three layers or partial areas of the strapping arranged one on top of the other can be fixed with a clamp connection or the like in addition to the adhesive connection.

Alternatively, a latching connection can be formed between partial areas of the strapping band. For example, a latching element is formed on a folded edge between the partial areas forming the loop, which engages or hooks into a latching receptacle of the strapping band. The snap-in receptacle is preferably formed in an area that adjoins the area covered by the loop.

The additional fastening increases the tensile force that can be applied to the strapping bundle without the strapping coming loose in the fastening area.

Furthermore, this application discloses that further fastening elements, for example clips or locking elements, can be used to fasten at least three layers of the strapping band together without the layers of the strapping band being connected to one another in advance via an adhesive connection. The fixing of the layers to one another in the fastening area is also described here for strapping without a cutout and an application of adhesive. In particular, such a fixation is also useful for straps without a gap, in which, for example, only the two outer layers of the three-layer fastening area are connected to one another via an adhesive connection.

According to a further embodiment, it is additionally provided that the strapped bundle additionally comprises a further packaging means in order to hold the articles together and/or to protect them and/or to provide a surface for displaying information, for example product information and/or advertising. Such a further packaging means is formed, for example, by an upper grip box packaging.

An upper grip box packaging is pressed, for example, from above onto the articles of the article group and, in particular, fixed to a widened circumference of the articles. The upper grip box packaging can, for example, provide handle openings or a carrying area designed in some other way for easier handling of the strapping pack by the user.

When the simple manufacturability of such strapping bundles according to one or more of the embodiment variants described above is mentioned in the present context, this means in particular a reduced effort in bundle production, which should ideally go hand in hand with improved bundle production performance.

If, from the point of view of the person skilled in the art, it is sensible to combine them with one another, some or all of these aforementioned variations or variants of the strapping bundle according to the invention can optionally also be combined with one another in order to at least partially achieve the goal formulated above and/or to achieve the desired effect of the invention achieve.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned goal, the invention proposes, in addition to the strapping pack explained in various variants, also a method for the production of such strapping packs, which are each formed by at least two, in particular by four or more (in particular similar) articles, with the articles to be strapped grouped and at least one, the article grouping completely encircling, prefabricated closed strapping is placed around the article grouping, which at least one closed strapping band initially has a first circumferential length that is greater than an outer circumference or an envelope of the article grouping, in which article grouping the articles in particular mutually to contact.

The at least one closed strap is pulled tight at at least one point and a loop is formed when the strap is pulled tight around the articles of the article group that are pulled together. The loop is folded over and fixed to an area of the strapping band covered by the loop by means of an adhesive connection. It is fixed by means of an adhesive connection, with the strap being provided with at least one cutout or at least one opening in the folded section forming the loop as part of the method, or with the prefabricated strapping having at least one cut-out in the folded section forming the loop, with Formation of the adhesive connection an adhesive is assigned to the area provided with the recess or the opening.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one recess is already prepared and formed in the preconditioned or prefabricated closed strapping band. An alternative embodiment can provide that the cutout is only introduced in connection with the removal of the strapping from a magazine or when the strapping is folded over on the article group or when the loop is formed in the strapping. For example, one is for this appropriate cutting or punching device provided.

In particular, it is provided that the adhesive is applied to the strapping band in the area to be covered with the loop, and when the loop is folded over, the application of adhesive and the recess are brought into line with one another in a first partial region of the loop, so that the adhesive penetrates through the recess passes through onto a second portion of the loop and thus connects the area covered with the loop to the second portion of the loop.

The invention also relates to a tool for producing strapping bundles, in particular by means of a method described above, the tool having two folding elements spaced apart from one another and the tool being assigned an application device for applying adhesive in an area adjacent to the loop. In particular, the adhesive is applied in the area which is subsequently covered by the loop.

Since the strap initially has a circumferential length which is greater than the outer circumference of the article grouping, it is advantageous to hold the strap at least temporarily in a defined position relative to the articles. For this purpose, a suitable fixing device is assigned to the tool, which holds the strapping band in a corresponding position. For example, the fixing device can be formed by at least one vacuum suction device or the like.

A first embodiment of a tool can provide that the at least two folding elements can be rotated about a vertical axis located between the folding elements. For example, the tool can be in the form of a two-pronged fork, with the two prongs forming the two folding elements. It is provided here that the folding elements or tines engage in the strapping band and the folding elements are rotated by approximately 180 by rotating the tool about the vertical axis. Partial areas of the strapping are twisted in relation to the rest of the strapping, as a result of which the desired loop is formed. In particular, the loop that is formed is folded over and now contacts another area of the strapping band. This contacted adjacent area corresponds to the area of the strapping band covered by the loop described above. Preferably, this contacted adjacent area is located in an area of the strapping that is in contact with the outer lateral surface of an article of the group of articles.

A second embodiment of a tool can provide that a first of the folding elements is static and a second of the folding elements is movable. Also in this case it is provided that the folding elements engage in the strapping. The loop is formed by moving the movable folding element relative to the static folding element and then the loop is folded over to form the fastening area and to tension the strapping band.

The second folding element can, for example, be assigned a slotted guide, which specifies the path of movement of the second folding element. In order to drive the movement of the second folding element, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder can be assigned to it, for example.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and/or connections and/or effects are mentioned at one point in the description or also in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and/or connections and/or effects are mentioned at one point in the description or also in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• 1 zeigt einen Zwischenschritt bei der Ausbildung einer Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Umreifungsgebindes.
• 2 zeigt ein fertig ausgebildetes erfindungsgemäßes Umreifungsgebinde.
• 3A bis 3C zeigen ebenfalls Verfahrensschritte zur Ausbildung eines Umreifungsgebindes
• 4A bis 41 zeigen verschiedene Ausführungsformen einer Umreifungsbanderole inklusive Haftmittelauftrag.
• 5A und 5B zeigen eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung mit Werkzeug zum Ausbilden eines erfindungsgemäßen Umreifungsgebindes.
• 6A bis 6F zeigen eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung mit Werkzeug und eines Verfahrens zum Ausbilden eines erfindungsgemäßen Umreifungsgebindes.
• 7A bis 7D zeigen unterschiedliche Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung mit Werkzeug zum Ausbilden eines erfindungsgemäßen Umreifungsgebindes.
• 8 zeigt eine zusätzliche oder alternative Möglichkeit zur Fixierung eines Umreifungsbands.
• 9A und 9B zeigen eine weitere zusätzliche oder alternative Möglichkeit zur Fixierung eines Umreifungsbands.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the attached figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are shown in simplified form and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows an intermediate step in the formation of an embodiment of a strapping bundle according to the invention.
• 2 shows a fully developed strapping bundle according to the invention.
• 3A until 3C also show process steps for the formation of a strapped bundle
• 4A until 41 show different embodiments of a strap including application of adhesive.
• 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a device with a tool for forming a strapping bundle according to the invention.
• 6A until 6F show a second embodiment of a device with a tool and a method for forming a strapping bundle according to the invention.
• 7A until 7D show different views of a further embodiment of a device with a tool for forming a strapping bundle according to the invention.
• 8th shows an additional or alternative way of fixing a strap.
• 9A and 9B show another additional or alternative way to fix a strap.

Identical reference symbols are used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments only represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent any final limitation.

The schematic top view of the 1 shows an intermediate step in the formation of a strapping bundle 1 according to the invention. The schematic plan view of FIG 2 shows a fully developed strapping bundle 1 according to the invention.

The schematic side views and top views of 3A until 3E also show process steps for forming a strapping bundle 1, wherein the 3A and 3B and Figs. 3C and 3D each show different views of the same step, in particular Figs 3A and 3C each a lateral representation, while the 3B and 3D each show a plan view.

At least two items 2 are combined into an item group 3 in a suitable grouping module (not shown). In the present example, the article group 3 is formed from six articles 2, in particular beverage containers 4 in the form of bottles or cans. The items 2 are arranged in two parallel rows of three.

In the method for producing the strapping bundles 1 described here, at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band 5 that completely surrounds the grouped articles 2 is placed around the articles 2, which is particularly characterized in that it is a closed strapping band 5 with a circumferential length U5, which circumference length U5 is greater than an outer circumference A3 of article group 3 ( 1 such as 3A and 3B) .

The strapping band 5 is preferably positioned at a defined position, in particular at a defined height, on the article group 3 and is held in this position.

The strap 5 has at least one recess 6 or at least one opening. Furthermore, adjacent to this recess 6 there is at least one application of adhesive 7 on the outside of the strapping band 5.

The recess 6 can already be formed in the prepared, closed strapping band 5 . Alternatively, the recess 6 can also be made in the strapping 5 by means of a suitable device only at the same time as the positioning of the strapping 5 on the article group 3 or at the same time as the formation of a loop 8 described below.

The at least one closed strap 5 is pulled taut at at least one point, forming a loop 8 . The loop 8 is then turned over or folded over and fixed on the outside of the strapping band 5 by means of an adhesive connection to a region 9 of the strapping band 5 covered by the loop 8 . In particular, the covered area 9 of the strap 5 and the loop 8 form a three-layer fastening area 10.

As in 4A shown, the loop 8 is formed in particular by two partial areas 8-1 and 8-2. The recess 6 is arranged in the first partial area 8 - 1 , which adjoins the area 9 of the strapping band 5 that is subsequently covered by the loop 8 . In particular, it is provided that the adhesive application 7 is or is arranged in this area 9 covered by the loop 8 .

When the loop 8 is folded over, in particular the application of adhesive 7 and the recess 6 are brought into congruence with one another. After the loop 8 has been folded over, adhesive of the adhesive application 7 can pass through the recess 6 onto the inside of the strap 5 on the two th portion 8-2 of the loop 8 pass through and thus form an adhesive connection between the area 9 covered by the loop 8 and the second portion 8-2 of the loop 8. In this way, a secure adhesive connection is formed in the three-layer fastening area 10 ( 2 such as 3B and 3C ).

The loop 8 is formed in particular with the aid of folded edges 12, which are provided between the central first partial area 8-1 and the partial areas 8-2 and 9 adjoining it. The folded edge 12 between the first partial area 8-1 and the second partial area 8-2 is identified below with the reference number 14. The folded edge 12 between the first partial area 8 - 1 with the recess 6 and the area 9 of the adhesive application 7 is identified below with the reference number 13 .

In particular, three layers of the strapping tape 5 are thus glued together in the fastening area 10 . The middle layer contains the recess 6 so that the two outer layers formed by the partial areas 8 - 2 and 9 can be connected to one another directly via the adhesive 7 .

The formation of the three-layer fastening area 10 can be supported by suitable pressing tools.

The strapping band 5 fixed to the strapping container 1 in this way now has a reduced circumferential length U1, which corresponds to the outer circumference A3 of the article group 3. Alternatively it can be provided that the reduced circumferential length U1 is even slightly shorter than the outer circumference A3 of the article group. In particular, a tension is applied by the strap 5 with the reduced circumferential length U1, which holds the articles 2 of the article group 3 firmly together.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example, an upper gripping cardboard packaging 11 or similar is placed and fastened to the articles 2 of the article group 3 in order to additionally stabilize the strapping container 1 ( 3E) . The upper grip carton packaging 11 can, for example, have handle openings or a carrying area designed in some other way for easier handling of the strapping bundle 1 by the user.

the 4A until 41 show different embodiments of a strapping banderole or a strapping band 5 including recess 6 and adhesive application 7. In particular, different ways of forming the recesses 6 and the adhesive application 7 are shown. The adhesive application 7 can largely correspond completely to the shape of the recess 6 ( 4A , 4B , 4G , 4H or just fill out a part of it ( 4C until 4F and 41 ).

the 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a device 20 for forming a strapping bundle 1 according to the invention (cf. 2 and 3 ). In order to improve clarity, the articles were not shown.

The device 20 comprises a clamping tool 21 which has two folding elements 22 which are spaced apart from one another and which can be rotated about a vertical axis D located between the folding elements 22 . The folding elements 22 engage in the strapping band 5 and can close the loop 8 (cf 2 , 3B and 3D ) form by rotating about the vertical axis D and transfer to the area 9 of the strap 5.

In particular, the folding elements 22 rotate by 180° or largely 180°, as a result of which both folding elements 22 can rest against an article located in the region of a loop 8 formed in this way.

Furthermore, an application device 45 for applying adhesive 7 to an outer lateral surface of the strapping band 5 is assigned to the clamping tool 21 . In particular, the adhesive is applied in area 9 adjacent to the sub-areas 8 - 1 , 8 - 2 forming the loop 8 , which area 9 is covered after the loop 8 has been folded over and thus forms the three-layer fastening area 10 together with the loop 8 .

The clamping tool 21 has, for example, two folding elements 22 in the form of prongs or the like. To make it easier to distinguish them, they are identified by the reference symbols 22-1 and 22-2. In particular, the preconditioned or prefabricated, in particular preglued, strapping band 5 is gripped by the tensioning tool 21 at the fold lines or fold edges 12, 13, 14 in such a way that the first partial area 8-1 with the recess 6 (cf 4A) is arranged between the two folding elements 22. The other partial areas 8 - 2 and 9 , which subsequently form the three-layer fastening area 10 together with the first partial area 8 - 1 , are assigned to both sides of the folding elements 22 .

By rotating the clamping tool 21 by 180°, the three (partial) areas 8-1, 8-2 and 9 are placed one on top of the other, forming the three-layer fastening area 10. In particular, the recess 6 and the adhesive Order 7 brought into congruence, so that the adhesive 7 can pass through the recess 6 onto the second partial area 8 - 2 and thus form an adhesive bond between the second partial area 8 - 2 and the area 9 .

As in comparing the 5A and 5B can clearly be seen, rotating the tensioning tool 21 causes a rearrangement of the folding lines or folding edges 12, 13, 14 and the (partial) areas 8-1, 8-2 and 9 relative to the remaining areas of the strapping band 5.

the 6A until 6F show a second embodiment of a device 20 and a method for forming a strapping bundle according to the invention (cf. 2 and 3 ). In order to improve clarity, the articles were not shown.

In contrast to the embodiment of 5 , in which the folding elements 22 of the clamping tool 21 have a fixed distance from one another, the distance between the folding elements 22 in the clamping tool 21 is according to 6 variably adjustable. In particular, an essentially fixed or static folding element 23 and a folding element 42 designed to be movable are provided.

The use of the movable folding element 24, for example in connection with a pressure sensor, a force sensor or a tension sensor or the like (not shown), enables in particular a flexible compensation of tolerances, in particular in the case of possibly deviating circumferential lengths U5 of the strapping band 5.

Provision is preferably made for the two folding elements 23, 24 to engage in the strapping strip 5 and for the loop 8 to be formed by moving the movable folding element 24 relative to the static folding element 23 and correspondingly folded over to form the fastening area 10.

Provision is preferably made for the movement path or movement curve of the movable folding element 24 to be predetermined by a link guide.

First, the articles are positioned within stops, shuttle frames or the like of the device 20 in order to specify the desired arrangement of the pack and - if provided - for the subsequent placement of an upper grip carton packaging (cf 3E) to align

The strapping band 5 is placed in the tensioning tool 21 of the device 20 and aligned in such a way that the folded edge 13 that will later lie on the inside is arranged between the first partial area 8-1 with the recess and the area 9 subsequently covered by the loop 8 at the level of the passive folding element 23 is ( 6A) . For example, the position of the recess 6 can be used as an alignment aid. Alternatively, the strapping band 5 can have a special alignment element (not shown), which is detected, for example, by a suitable sensor of the device 20 .

The strapping band 5 is fixed for the folding process in order to prevent the folding elements 23, 24 from slipping off or slipping through.

Adhesive 7 is then applied in partial area 9. After the strapping 5 has been folded and the necessary strap tension has been applied and formed, the adhesive 7 ensures that the strapping 5 is fixed in the area of the fold, giving the strapping bundle the desired stability. For the adhesive application 7, adhesive in the desired quantity and arrangement is applied to the outside of the strapping band 5 in the area 9 (cf 4A) upset. The adhesive is taken from a corresponding supply.

Alternatively, a corresponding prefabrication of the strapping band 5 is already conceivable during the production thereof, for example by applying cold glue or radiation-activatable glue or the like to the strapping band 5 in advance.

In order to fold the strapping band 5 and apply the band tension, the active folding element 24 is moved along a predetermined link curve. According to one embodiment, the shape of the link is designed in such a way that the folding element 24 initially takes the flap or loop 8 to be folded along on a circular path, so that buckling and thus possible damage to the strapping band 5 can be prevented due to the constant tension ( 6B and 6C ).

As soon as the loop 8 has been almost completely folded over, the connecting link curve becomes a straight line in order to be able to apply a pretension to the strapping band 5 . In practice, however, it may be necessary to deviate from the ideal circular path in order to ensure that the link guide runs smoothly, especially in the transition between the contact cam and the clamping cam. In particular, the movable folding element 24 is moved along the straight line of movement until a constant clamping force is reached. In the process, the active folding element 24 is guided past the passive folding element 23 .

Furthermore, the active folding element 24 is guided in the direction of the articles until it is in contact with the strapping band 5 . The folding edge 14 that later lies on the outside between the first partial area 8-1 and the second partial area 8-2 of the loop 8 is arranged in particular at the level of the active folding element 24 ( 6C ).

After the necessary belt tension has been generated, the (partial) areas 8-1, 8-2 and 9, which are now lying against one another, are pressed together with the aid of pressing elements 25, for example pressure stamps 26. By forming the adhesive connection between the second partial area 8-2 and the area 9 via the recess 6 of the first partial area 8-1 arranged between the second partial area 8-2 and the area 9, these are fastened to one another in the three-layer fastening area 10 and thus the tensioned state of the strap 5 fixed with the reduced circumference U1 ( 6D and 6E) .

After the bonding agent 7 has set, the force on the moving folding element 24 can be removed and the strapping bundle or the clamping tool 21 can be removed. For example, the folding elements 23, 24 are pulled up or down. The finished strapping bundle 1 can now be removed from the device 20 and fed to further handling, for example palletizing.

In this embodiment of the device 20, it is particularly advantageous that a defined clamping force can be generated largely independently of tolerances that occur on the articles, the preconditioned straps 5 or the positioning of the articles within the device 20, since the clamping force is applied in a force-controlled manner and not path-controlled .

Due to the movement of the second folding element 24 relative to the first folding element 23, the twisting of the strap 5 to form the loop 8 is broken down into several individual steps. It is in particular possible to build up a force-controlled, constant tensile stress on the strapping band 5 . The design of the folding elements 23, 24 is to be selected in particular in such a way that the strapping band 5 can easily roll or slide over them in order to be able to build up the necessary tension on the entire strapping bundle 1 in the desired manner.

A tool according to 6 greatly simplifies the automation of the strapping process and at the same time increases reproducibility.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that before or after the strapping strip 5 is attached to the group of articles, an upper grip cardboard packaging is additionally applied to the group of articles (cf 3E) .

the 7A until 7D show different views of a further embodiment of a device 20 for forming a strapping bundle 1 according to the invention 6 referred.

In particular, in the 7A ff. The positioning of the articles 2 of the article group 3 within stop elements 29 and the temporary fixing of the strapping band 5 within the device 20 by a fixing device 28 are shown. In addition, in the 7C and 7D the movement of the movable folding element 24 in the link guide 27 is shown, which is driven, for example, by a hydraulic cylinder 30 according to the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the movement of the active folding element 24 can be generated by means of the link guide 27 by lengthening or shortening the hydraulic cylinder 30 and/or by pivoting the hydraulic cylinder 30 .

The in the 5 , 6 and 7 Devices 20 shown are also suitable for attaching strapping bands without perforation, ie strapping bands that do not have a portion 8-1 with a recess 6, to an article group 3.

If the strapping band 5 is pulled in the strapping bundles 1 produced according to the invention, the adhesive connection in the three-layer fastening area 10 is released.

the 8th shows an example of the use of clamps 31 for additional fixing of the three layers or partial areas of the strapping band 5 arranged one on top of the other.

the 9 shows an example of the formation of a snap-in connection 32 between partial areas of the strapping band 5. In particular, on the outer folding edge 14 between the central first partial area 8-1 and the inner area 9 of the fastening area 10 there is a rastele ment 33 is formed, which engages in a latching receptacle 34, which latching receptacle 34 is formed in a region 9 and the fastening region 10 adjoining another partial region 40 of the strapping band 5. To form the snap-in connection 32 , the snap-in element 33 is hooked into the snap-in receptacle 34 .

Furthermore, it is disclosed within the scope of this application that further fastening elements, for example clamps 31 or locking elements 33, can be used to fasten three layers of the correspondingly tensioned strapping band 5 to one another without the three layers of the strapping band 5 being connected to one another in advance via an adhesive connection. The fixing of the three layers to one another in the fastening area 10 is also described here for straps without a cutout and without an application of adhesive. In particular, such a fixation is also useful for straps without a gap, in which, for example, only the two outer layers of the three-layer fastening area are connected to one another via an adhesive connection.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible.

Even if "schematic" representations and views are generally referred to in connection with the description of the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description are to be of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite capable of extracting enough information from the diagrammatically and abstractly drawn illustrations to make it easier for him to understand the invention, without having to look at the drawn and possibly not exactly true-to-scale proportions of the articles and/or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in any way in his understanding. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated more generally and/or more abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Reference List

1

strapped bundle

2

article

3

item group

4

Bottle

5

strapping

6

recess

7

Adhesive application, adhesive

8th

loop

8-1

first section

8-2

second section

9

Adhesive application area

10

three-layer fastening area

11

upper grab carton packaging

12

folding edge

13

inner folding edge

14

external folding edge

20

contraption

21

clamping tool

22

folding element

23

passive folding element

24

active, movable folding elements

25

pressing element

26

pressure stamp

27

link guide

28

fixing device

29

stop element

30

hydraulic cylinder

31

bracket

32

snap connection

33

locking element

34

snap-in mount

40

adjoining section

45

application device

A3

Outer circumference article group

D

vertical axis

U1

reduced circumference

U5

Circumferential length of strapping

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US6041572A [0007]

Claims (15)

Strapping bundle (1) with at least two articles (2), which are held together with at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band (5) completely surrounding the article (2), which at least one closed strap (5) has a circumferential length (U5) that is greater than an outer circumference (A3) of the surrounded articles (2) of the strapping bundle (1), which at least one closed strapping band (5) is pulled taut at at least one point to form a loop (8) and the loop (8) thus formed that is folded over and placed on an outside of the (9) by means of adhesive bonding on an area covered by the loop (8). of the strap (5) is fixed, wherein the strap (5) has at least one recess (6) in the folded portion forming the loop (8), and wherein the adhesive compound is located in the portion provided with the recess (6). Strapping bundle (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the loop (8) and the area (9) of the strap (5) covered by the loop (8) form a three-layer fastening area (10). Strapping bundle (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the strap (5) to form the loop (8) comprises two sections (8-1, 8-2), wherein within the loop (8) a fold line (14) between the two sections (8-1, 8- 2) are formed, and wherein a further fold line (13) is formed to the adjacent area (9) covered by the loop (8). Strapping bundle (1) according to claim 3 , wherein the recess (6) is formed in a first partial area (8-1) of the loop (8) which borders on the adjacent area (9) covered by the loop (8). Strapped bundle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strapped bundle (1) is secured in the fastening area (10) by a further fastening means (31, 32) and/or wherein at least one further packaging means is arranged on the articles (2), in particular a top grab carton package (11). Process for the production of strapped bundles (1), which are each formed by at least two items (2), wherein the items (2) to be strapped are grouped and at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band (5) completely encircles the grouped items (2) around the items (2) is laid, which at least one closed strap (5) has a circumferential length (U5) that is greater than an outer circumference (A3) of the group of articles contained (3), the at least one closed strap (5) at at least one point pulled taut and when the strapping (5) is pulled taut around the articles (2) of the article grouping (3) that are pulled together, at least one loop (8) is formed, which is folded over and attached to an area of the strapping (5 ) is fixed, the strap (5) in the loop (8) forming folded section with at least one recess ung (6), and wherein an adhesive (7) is associated with the recess (6) provided area. procedure after claim 6 wherein adhesive (7) is applied to an outside of the strap (5) adjacent to the recess (6), wherein when the loop (8) is folded over, the application of adhesive (7) and the recess (6) are brought into congruence with one another. procedure after claim 6 or 7 , wherein the loop (8) is formed from two partial areas (8-1, 8-2) of the strapping band (5), wherein a fold line (14) is formed between the two partial areas (8-1, 8-2) and wherein another fold line (13) is formed towards the area (9) to be covered with the loop (8). Procedure according to one of Claims 7 or 8th , wherein the adhesive (7) is applied in the area (9) to be covered with the loop (8) which adjoins the first partial area (8-1) of the loop (8) with the recess (6). Tool (21) for the production of strapped bundles (1) according to claim 1 , In particular for carrying out a method according to claim 6 , which tool (21) has two folding elements spaced apart from one another, and wherein the tool (21) is assigned an application device (45) for applying adhesive (7) in an area (9) assigned to the loop (8). Tool (21) after claim 10 , wherein the tool (21) is associated with a fixing device (28) for at least temporarily fixing the position of the strap (5) on the articles (2). Tool (21) according to one of Claims 10 or 11 , The folding elements (22) being rotatable about a vertical axis (D) located between the folding elements (22), the folding elements (22) can engage in the strapping band (5) and form the loop (8) by rotating about the vertical axis (D), the tool (21) with the folding elements (22) being spaced apart from one another performing a rotation of approximately 180° and both Folding elements (22) can be applied to an article (2) located in the region of a loop (8) designed in this way. Tool (21) according to one of Claims 10 or 11 , wherein a first of the folding elements (23) is static and a second of the folding elements (24) is movable, wherein the folding elements (23, 24) engage in the strap (5) and the loop (8) by moving the movable folding element ( 24) is formed relative to the statically formed folding element (23) and folded over to form the fastening area (10). Tool (21) after Claim 13 , wherein the movably designed folding element (24) is associated with a slotted guide (27). Tool (21) after Claim 13 or 14 , A hydraulic cylinder (30) or a pneumatic cylinder being assigned to the movably designed folding element (24).

Images