EP0693365A2 - Machine for making carry-bags with handle - Google Patents

Abstract

The appts. to fit cord handles to tote bags has a section (15,16) to clamp the edges of the bag together with a punch (20) to stamp holes in the bag edges. A feed (19) guides the cord between the stamped holes for the cord ends to be knotted (17,18). At least the feed (19) for the cord (3) is at the clamping unit or can be positioned at it. Controls operate the punch stamping and cord feed alternately. Also claimed is an operation where the appts. is passed over the bag edges for them to be clamped. The punch is activated to stamp holes in the bag edges and a guide channel for the cord is formed between the two knotting units (17,18), giving an exact positioning of the stamped holes and the cord guide (19). An air stream carries the cord through the first module (17) and the first punched hole, through the guide channel (19) and through the second punched hole to the second knotting module (18). A cutter severs the cord (3), and the free cord ends are clamped at the knotting modules (17,18). The cord guide channel (19) is moved away from the knotting modules (17,18) to tense the knots and pull them clear of the modules (17,18). The two half sections of the cord guide (19) are opened, to release the cord handle loop. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for assembling carrier bags with carrying cords, which are guided through punched holes in the optionally reinforced pocket edge, the free ends of the cord being knotted.
These carrier bags for high-quality products made from laminated and multi-color printed paper could previously only be assembled by hand, since threading the cord into the punching holes in the carrier bag and knotting the free ends using the previously available technologies was not economically feasible. An aggravating boundary condition for this task is that the carrier bags are manufactured in very different dimensions, so that such a device has to be designed very flexibly and easily and can be converted to other types of bags in a short time.
The actual carrier bags are normally punched out, folded and glued from the already printed and laminated paper in a fully mechanized production line and generally provided with reinforcements on the bottom and edge of the bag. Since the assembly with the cords could only be carried out by hand, usually at home, the carrier bags had to be provisionally folded, packed and, after returning from the assembly to completion, quality assurance and packaging, reintroduced into the production line. This interruption of the process often leads to considerable logistical problems and the frequently necessary changes in production lead to disruptions in the production process.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device which enables fully mechanized assembly of carrier bags with carrying cords and which is therefore suitable for being integrated into an automatic production line for such bags. This object is achieved by the combination of the following features, some of which are known per se: a device for clamping the pocket edges, a punching device arranged on or positioned on the clamping device for punching the holes in the pocket edge and a device for guiding the cord between the punched holes and knotting devices for knotting the ends of the cords, wherein at least the guide device for the cords is arranged on the clamping device or can be positioned thereon and control devices are provided which alternately use the punching and insertion device.

The invention further relates to a number of configurations of the new device and to methods for assembling the above-mentioned carrier bags. With regard to details, reference is made in particular to the appended claims.

• Fig. 1 zeigt in axionometrischer Darstellung eine Einrichtung zum Konfektionieren von Tragtaschen.
• Fig.2 veranschaulicht im Schnitt ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig.1
• Fig.3-5 zeigen weiter Einzelheiten dieser Einrichtung.
• Fig.6 veranschaulicht in axionometrischer Darstellung eine Variante zu der in der Vorrichtung nach den Fig. 1-5 eingesetzten Konstruktion des
  
  
  Knot-Moduls".
• Fig. 7 ist ein Schnitt durch den in Fig.6 gezeigten Modul gemäß der Ebene II-II.
• Fig. 8 zeigt ein 2.Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in Frontansicht.
• Fig. 9 stellt ein Detail der Einrichtung ebenfalls in Frontansicht in der nächsten Phase des Arbeitsablaufes dar.
• Fig. 10,13 und 16 zeigen Details der Einrichtung in den darauffolgenden Phasen in verkleinertem Maßstab, wobei die
• Fig. 11,12;14,15;17 und 18 die Führungseinrichtung jeweils in Frontansicht und in Draufsicht in den zugehörigen Phasen veranschaulichen.
• Fig. 19 und 20 zeigen in einer Darstellung analog zu Fig. 9 die beiden letzten Phasen des Arbeitsprozesses.

Further features of the invention result from the following description of two exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing:

• 1 shows an axionometric representation of a device for assembling carrier bags.
• FIG. 2 illustrates in section a detail of the device according to FIG. 1
• Fig. 3-5 show further details of this device.
• FIG. 6 illustrates in an axionometric representation a variant of the construction of the used in the device according to FIGS. 1-5
  
  
  Knot module ".
• FIG. 7 is a section through the module shown in FIG. 6 according to plane II-II.
• Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of the invention in front view.
• Fig. 9 shows a detail of the device also in front view in the next phase of the workflow.
• 10, 13 and 16 show details of the device in the subsequent phases on a reduced scale, the
• 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 illustrate the guide device in front view and in plan view in the associated phases.
• 19 and 20 show a representation analogous to FIG. 9, the last two phases of the work process.

Figures 1 to 5 show schematically the device according to the invention for assembling carrier bags made of laminated and printed paper, which are provided with loops made of cords. For the reasons mentioned at the outset, it has so far not been possible to mechanize this assembly process. Correspondingly fitted cord pieces had to be threaded into the punched-out carrying bags by hand and knotted at their free ends. The invention makes it possible to integrate these operations into a fully mechanized production line for such carrier bags.

The assembly device consists of two identical components 15, 16, each assigned to a pocket edge. These two components are arranged on a carriage (not shown), which can be moved vertically, and are inserted into the open carrying bag from above in a first phase of the assembly process. Each of the two components comprises two knot modules 17, 18 and a connecting channel 19 with punching devices 20 for making the holes through which the cord 3 running from a supply spool 21 is threaded. The knot modules and the connecting channel can be displaced in parallel relative to one another (a guide is shown schematically in the drawing and designated by 22). The modules 17, 18 are removed from the connecting channel 19 while the carriage is being moved into the pocket 23, in the next step they are pressed against one another, the edge of the carrier bag being clamped.

The punching device 20 provided in the connecting channel comprises the punch 24, which has a step 25 on its shaft. this stage cooperates with a cam 26 of a flap 27 which, in the retracted position of the stamp 24, forms a closed channel for the cord 3 and, when the stamp is advanced, the flap 27 pivots against the force of a spring 28 out of the path of the stamp. The stamp finally hits the edge of the carrier bag and punched a hole in it, the diameter of which corresponds to that of the cord. The holes 29 punched in this way lie exactly opposite the inlet and outlet channels of the knot modules 17, 18. It is crucial that after withdrawing the punching device 20 and closing the channels through the flaps 27 without releasing the clamping of the edge of the Carrying bags 23 immediately the cord 3 is shot through the first knot module 17, the punch hole 29, the connecting channel 19, the next punch hole 29 and the second knot module 18.

FIG. 3 shows the first knot module in various details. The module is designed in two parts, both module halves 17a and 17b being connected via a hinge 30 and pressed together by a spring 31. The cord 3 is sucked into the channels by vacuum, the negative pressure inside the module 17 additionally increasing the closing force of the two mold halves 17a and 17b. The lower part 17a of the module is provided with an inlet funnel 32. A cutting blade 33 is also slidably mounted on the lower part and is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder (not shown). Parallel to the cutting blade 33, a clamping jaw 34 is slidably arranged, which is carried by the cutting blade 33 via a spring 35 and clamps the cord end with a defined force (FIG. 4).

The second knot module 18 is constructed analogously, it is also in two parts and is kept closed by spring force (FIG. 5). The exit of the module is connected to a vacuum line 36, a grid 37 arranged between the module 18 and the vacuum line limiting the path of the cord 3 and ensuring that it takes up a precisely defined position after being inserted. A light barrier 38 signals the control of the machine when the cord 3 has reached its end position

The function of the device described above is as follows:

The already opened carrier bag moves into the assembly station on a conveyor belt, the slide with the two components 15, 16 is inserted into the bag from above and clamps the two edges of the bag 23. In the next step, 20 holes 29 are made in the punching device Punched pocket edges, the stamps 24 are then withdrawn, so that the flaps 27 close the connecting channel for the cord 3 again. The control of the machine now connects the vacuum line 36 to a vacuum boiler via a solenoid valve (not shown). Due to the negative pressure, the cord 3 is shot in through the first knot module 17, the first punch hole 29, the connecting channel 19, the second punch hole 29 and finally through the second knot module 18 until the end abuts the grid 37 and the light barrier 38 is thus activated. This causes the solenoid valve and thus the vacuum to switch off. At the same time, the pneumatic cylinders are activated, which actuate the cutting device 33 and the clamping jaw 34. The cord 3 is thus cut off directly on the knot module 17, both ends are clamped outside the knot modules 17, 18. Subsequently, the connecting channel 19 is withdrawn from the edge of the pocket, the cord 3, which initially lies loosely in the channels of the knot modules, tightens to form a knot. The contracting knot presses the two halves of the knot module against the force of the spring 31. As a result of the increasing force on the cord, the holding force of the clamping jaws 34 is overcome and the cord ends are pulled out of the clamping devices. Entry channels drawn and further compressed. As soon as the knots have emerged from the modules, the slide with the components 15-20 is extended out of the pocket, the connecting channel 19 opening along a horizontal plane and releasing the cord loop.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a variant of the knot modules 17 and 18 shown in the above figures. FIG. 6 shows a module 1 made in one piece from plastic, which in its Inside has a channel 2, which corresponds on the one hand to the dimension of the cord 3 to be knotted and on the other hand in terms of its shape to the desired type of knot. As the section according to FIG. 7 clearly shows, the channel forms a one-sided, inwardly open channel, so that the cord can contract into the cavity 4 enclosed by this channel and tighten to a knot. The inlet channel 5 has a diameter which enables the passage of a taut knot. It is also possible to remove the knot from the module through the outlet channel 6; in this case the diameter of the outlet channel is of course increased accordingly. Module 1 can be manufactured by casting using an inserted core. It can also be made of metal instead of plastic.

eingesaugt". Zum Straffen des Knotens wird ein Ende der Kordel 3 vom Modul weg ruckartig beschleunigt, wobei sich zufolge der Trägheitswirkung der Knoten zunächst leicht zusammenzieht. Durch weiteres Ziehen wird durch die Reibung der verschiedenen Kordelteile aneinander der Knoten weiter verdichtet. Durch das Durchziehen durch den Kanal 5 bzw.6 wird der Knoten weiter gestrafft und in der gewünschten Weise kalibriert. Anstelle der ruckartigen Beschleunigung zu Beginn der Straffung des Knotens kann das freie Kordelende leicht gebremst werden während am anderen Ende mit gleichmäßiger und konstanter Kraft gezogen wird, wie dies im obigen Beispiel beschrieben ist.The cord is injected through the inlet channel using compressed air or, as in the example above, using a vacuum

To tighten the knot, one end of the cord 3 is jerkily accelerated away from the module, the knot initially contracting slightly due to the inertia effect. By pulling further, the friction between the different cord parts against one another further tightens the knot. By pulling through The knot is further tightened and calibrated as desired in channels 5 and 6. Instead of the sudden acceleration at the beginning of the tightening of the knot, the free end of the cord can be braked slightly while the other end is pulled with a uniform and constant force, as in the The above example is described.

A further exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 8-20, the same reference numerals as in the example above being used for parts and components of the same type.

Kopf" 41 angeordnet, der in seinem Inneren 4 pneumatisch betätigte Stanzwerkzeuge 20 und in einer darunter liegenden Ebene 4 Knotmodule enthält, deren Ein-bzw.Austrittskanäle mit den Stanzwerkzeugen fluchten. Der Kopf 41 und die zugehörige Peripherie ist symmetrisch in Bezug auf die Achse 46 aufgebaut, in der Zeichnung wurde daher vielfach darauf verzichtet, die Einrichtung komplett darzustellen. Dem Kopf gegenüber liegt die aus 2 Teilen 44 und 45 aufgebaute Führungseinrichtung. Diese kann durch den Pneumatik-Zylinder 42 an den Kopf 41 herangefahren werden. In der Unterseite des Oberteiles 44 der Führungseinrichtung ist ein U-förmiger Kanal 47 für die Kordel 3 vorgesehen, die Oberseite des Teiles 45 ist hingegen plan. Der U-förmige Kanal 47 ist an seinem einen Ende mit einer Vakuumleitung in verbindbar, an der anderen Seite befindet sich eine Zuführeinrichtung für die Kordel 3 sowie eine Schneidvorrichtung mit der die Kordel nach Einführen in den Kanal 47 abgelängt wird. Die zuletzt genannten Einrichtungen entsprechen im wesentlichen den analogen Einrichtungen in der Einrichtung gemäß den Figuren 1-7, sodaß auf eine detaillierte Darstellung verzichtet werden konnte.On a traverse 40 of the assembly machine is a stationary

Head "41 is arranged, which contains 4 pneumatically operated punching tools 20 in its interior and 4 knot modules in an underlying level, the inlet and outlet channels of which are aligned with the punching tools. The head 41 and the associated periphery are symmetrical with respect to the axis 46 In the drawing, therefore, the device was completely omitted in many cases, opposite the head is the guide device, which is made up of two parts 44 and 45. This can be moved up to the head 41 by the pneumatic cylinder 42. In the underside of the upper part 44 of the guide device, a U-shaped channel 47 is provided for the cord 3, on the other hand, the top of the part 45 is planar. The U-shaped channel 47 can be connected at one end to a vacuum line, and on the other side there is a feed device for the cord 3 and a cutting device with which the cord is cut to length after insertion into the channel 47. The latter devices essentially correspond to the analog devices in the device according to FIGS. 1-7, so that a detailed description could be dispensed with.

The operation of the machine according to Figures 8-20 is as follows:

By means of a pneumatically operated stamp (not shown), the pocket 23, which has already been folded, glued and provided with a reinforcing edge, is pushed over the head 41 from below until the upper edge of the pocket dips into the gap between the cutting plate 43 and the head 41 and finally strikes the stop 48. In the next phase (FIG. 9), the punching tools 20 are activated and punch a total of 4 holes in the reinforced pocket edge. Figures 10 to 12 show the next step: the clamping of the pocket edge is loosened and the pocket from the stamp, not shown, is moved downwards by a defined distance in which the pocket edge punched holes 29 lie in the plane of the channel 47 of the guide device. A piece of cord 3 is sucked into the channel 47 by vacuum and then cut to length by the cutting device. In the phase shown in FIGS. 13-15, the guide device 44, 45 is moved to the head 41 by the pneumatic cylinder 42, the channel 47, the punched holes in the pocket edge and the entry channels of the knot modules being aligned. The other two channels of the knot modules are connected to a vacuum system. If vacuum is now applied to the two knot modules, the free ends of the prepared U-shaped cord loop are sucked into the knot modules. The top part 44 of the guide device is lifted off by a further pneumatic cylinder 49, so that in each case a sufficient piece of cord can be inserted into the knot modules. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the guide device 44, 45 is then withdrawn from the head 41. In the phase shown in FIG. 19, the clamping of the edge of the pocket is loosened or completely released and the pocket is moved downward, with the knots still in the knot modules being held. The modules are designed in two parts analogously to the modules 17 and 18 of the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the opening of the two halves can be supported by pneumatic cylinders. By moving the bag, the cord is pulled through the punched holes in the edge of the bag until it stops. The further downward movement of the pocket causes the knots to be tightened and compressed by pulling them in or out. Exit channel of the knot modules until the knots are finally completely pulled out of the modules (Fig. 20). The bag is now fully assembled and is folded up in the following stations of the system and packed ready for dispatch.

The invention is not restricted to the examples shown. Various other combinations of features and components are of course also possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

Devices for assembling carrier bags with carrying cords, which are guided through punched holes in the reinforced pocket edge, the cord ends being knotted, characterized by the combination of the following features, some of which are known per se:
a device (15, 16) for clamping the pocket edges,
one arranged on the clamping device or positionable thereon
Punching device (20) for punching the holes (29) in the pocket edge and
means (19) for guiding the cord between the punched holes
and knotting devices (17, 18) for knotting the ends of the cords, wherein at least the guide device (19) for the cords (3) is likewise arranged on the clamping device or can be positioned thereon and control devices are provided which alternately use the punching and insertion device. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is part of a production line for carrier bags and is preferably arranged on a carriage and can be inserted into the opened pockets (23). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by two knot devices known per se in the form of preferably two-part modules (17, 18), which have a channel (2) in their interior, which essentially has the contour of a loose knot of the cord (3 ), whereby the cord is conveyed through the module by air and the exit or entry channel of the first module (17) is opposite one channel end of the guide device (19), while the other channel end is opposite the entry channel of the second module (18), and preferably the guide device (19) is relatively displaceable relative to the two knot modules (17, 18) for tightening the knots and can be opened in the direction of movement of the slide for removing the cord. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the knot modules are equipped in a manner known per se with clamping and possibly cutting devices (34 and 33) for the cord on the side facing away from the guide device (19), the clamping devices (34 ) are activated before the guide device (19) is moved relative to the knot modules in order to tighten the knots. Method for assembling carrier bags with carrying cords with a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is pushed over the edge of the pocket and the pocket edge is clamped in the device, the punching device is activated and punched holes (29) in the edge, then the guide device (19) is activated and forms a continuous channel for the cord between the two knot modules (17, 18), the clamping of the pocket edge on the device and the arrangement or positioning of the punching device and the guide device on the clamping device making it exact Alignment of the punched holes (29) and the guide device (19) is ensured and the cord (3) by means of air through the module (17), the first punched hole (29), the guide device (19), the second punched hole (29) and the second knot module (18) is shot, the cutting device (33) separates the cord, the clamping devices (34) on the modules (17, 18) secure the free end of the cord, the guide device (19) relative to the modules (17, 18 ) is moved away, the knots being tightened and pulled out of the modules, the clamping of the pocket edges being released, the device being lifted off the pocket edge, the two halves of the guide device (19) being opened in the direction of movement of the device and the cord loop being released . Method for assembling carrier bags with carrying cords with a device according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the edge of the pocket (23) is inserted into the device and the pocket edge is clamped therein, the punching device (20) is activated and punch holes (29) into the edge, then the pocket is moved against the direction of insertion, so that the punch holes in the pocket edge on the one hand directly opposite the output channels of the guide device (44, 45 and 47) on the other hand, the inlet and outlet channels of the modules, using air a cord loop is inserted into the guide device and cut to length there with a cutting device, then the two ends of the cord are shot through air through the punched holes (29) and the module (17) or the second knot module (18), whereupon the guide device (44, 45) and preferably a ventilated clamping device counter the pocket (23) n the insertion direction is moved out of the device, the nodes in the modules being compressed as they are pulled through their outlet channels and finally pulled out of them.

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