EP0695687B1 - Device for strapping goods - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for strapping of packaged goods according to the preamble of claim 1.

In strapping machines of the type from which the invention is based, the strapping, at modern machines almost exclusively weldable, thermoplastic band, by means of a Conveyor through which on a packing table or round the packaged goods provided Guide frame shot in by a conveyor. Depending on the machine type, this happens either near the strapping stock or in the area of the strapping device, these Conveyors usually made of roller-shaped Roller pairs with at least one driven roller exist, the strapping between the rollers is advanced. With increasing strapping funding takes the free, pushed strapping section steadily increasing in length, and safety of the strapping circulation within the strapping guide frame is increasing accordingly the quality of the tape, especially the tape Buckling stiffness dependent. On the other hand, strapping guide frames usually four though rounded corner areas, but even with careful Manufacturing the leading strapping end can oppose a particular resistance. At large machines, especially in so-called 'Packaging presses' is the length of the strapping guide frame, in which the strapping is loaded must be 12 meters and more. This shows that the strapping in a strapping guide frame is quite problematic be and lead to considerable malfunctions can.

One therefore has in addition to that of the strapping stock or associated with the closure assembly Conveyor arranged an intermediate conveyor, at a position within the strapping guide frame, at the that with the conveyor straps transported about 2/3 has covered its entire orbit.

GB-A-2 082 138, of which the invention corresponds the characteristics of the generic term of the independent Claims, shows and describes a semi-automatic Strapping device in which the leading End of the strapping inserted between two rollers whose prismatic circumferential profiles to the Grip the longitudinal edges of the strapping tool. One of the Rolling is held in a fixed position and rotatably driven. About friction of this driven roller on the strapping and this on the second role becomes the latter also driven by rotation. Only this second role is against the action of a spring within one of the strapping defined level on the strapping too tense or laterally outwards (e.g. regarding Fig. 9 to the outside) stored.

This makes it possible for the strapping means to pull laterally this from the drive area between the both roles and can be released, the tape on the one hand aside from the prismatic leadership of the first role emerges and the other role against Action of the spring pushes aside.

Fig. 9 of GB-A is intended to illustrate this. Now lie but the actual conditions are in no way like represents. Because only one roll can be moved to the side the other role remains fixed in space, stand on the two longitudinal edges of the strapping completely different forces if that Strapping tool across the plane defined by him in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 9 of GB-A-2 082 138 out of the area should be pulled out between the rollers. The means that one of the two longitudinal edges of the tape comes out sooner than the other long edge.

The release of the tape during tape retraction by means of a clamping device is done using high Forces so that the tape is basically whip-like is released. Due to a role arrangement accordingly GB-A-2 082 138 creates an effect that the strapping agent away from the spatially fixed role hurls, which entails the risk that the The tape is not in the correct position on the packaged goods creates.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention based, a device in the preamble of the claim 1 to provide a more detailed type, at that the additional conveyor is made considerably simpler is. Another aspect of the invention relates a simplified way to ventilate at least one Role of the additional conveyor roller pair. Furthermore from the roles of the additional conveyor to the Strapping forces exerted as little as possible be, but in no case lead to malfunctions can.

The invention solves the problem in connection with the Features of the preamble of claim 1 by its distinctive features. After that it is provided that each roll at one end of a roll axis is arranged, which is remote from a roll pivoted recording is held, and that the Roles are synchronized with each other in such a way that Swinging out of a role inevitably leads to that the second roll is swung out accordingly.

Both are in accordance with the present invention Roll against the action of a spring force from the strapping relocatable away, in particular arranged pivotable. The movements of the rollers take place synchronous and forced. So that can also the whip effect described above can be avoided, because this forced synchronization and control of both Roles and the additional conveyor different attacking forces on the two longitudinal straps avoids.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer als 'Verpackungspresse' ausgestalteten Umreifungsmaschine,

Fig. 2

die wesentlichen Teile eines Zusatzförderers entsprechend der Erfindung in der Umreifungsmittel-Förderphase,

Fig. 3

eine Stirnansicht in Richtung des Ansichtspfeiles III der Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine der Fig. 2 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei nun die Rollen des Zusatzförderers zur Freigabe des Umreifungsmittels gelüftet sind,

Fig. 5

eine der Fig. 3 entsprechende Stirnansicht auf Fig. 4, und

Fig. 6

bis 9 im wesentlichen den Fig. 2 bis 5 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei im Bereich des Zusatzförderers zusätzliche, das Umreifungsmittel während des Förderns rückhaltende Klappen vorgesehen sind.

Further refinements of the invention and expedient and advantageous features are specified in the subclaims and also result from the following description of the invention using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. In it show:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic view of a strapping machine designed as a 'packaging press',

Fig. 2

the essential parts of an additional conveyor according to the invention in the strapping conveying phase,

Fig. 3

3 shows an end view in the direction of the arrow III of FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

2 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2, the rollers of the additional conveyor now being released to release the strapping means,

Fig. 5

an end view corresponding to FIG. 3 on FIG. 4, and

Fig. 6

2 to 5 essentially corresponding to FIGS. 2 to 5, additional flaps retaining the strapping means during the conveying being provided in the region of the additional conveyor.

The device designated overall by 10 in FIG. 1 is used for strapping especially compressible Packaged goods 11 such as corrugated cardboard layers or the like. includes first a stock of strapping material arranged close to the ground 12 with strapping wound on a drum 13 14, in particular thermally weldable Plastic strap.

At posts 15, 15 'is a cross member 16 in the direction the double arrow 17 arranged vertically movable. The cross member 16 forms a press plate for compression of the packaged goods 11 or is a component thereof and stores a roughly indicated known strapping device 18, which is the formation of a closure overlapping strapping ends of the later around the packaged goods 11 tightened strapping serves. The closure assembly 18 is a strapping agent store 19 assigned to how the closure unit 18 uniform in motion and thus synchronized with the Press plate 16 is driven and guided.

Both the posts 15, 15 'and the cross member 16 are strapping guides 20 to 23 in shape of straight channels or channel sections known Design assigned. It is also known, the portal-like Strapping guide channel structures 20 to 23 thereby to a self-contained strapping guide frame train that a bottom the goods to be packaged 11 or the pallet on which it is stored, traveling underneath Lance or a bayonet 24 is arranged, which also contains a straight strapping guide channel.

So that the strapping means 14 around the packaged product 11 can be performed, it must first of all the locking unit 18 are supplied. There is a strapping device for this purpose 25 immediately behind the strapping stock 13 provided by means of Strapping conveyor rollers 26, at least of which one mechanically driven and the other with this is positively coupled, on the designated 27 Strapping means feed the strapping 14 in advance a strap guide 28, which next to the post-like strapping guide 21 and arranged in parallel (behind the drawing) is. At this strapping 28 is a strap deflection 29 vertically movable arranged, which has the task of strapping 14 each at the point at which the strapping means deflection 29 is located on a horizontally arranged To hand over strapping 30 which it continues to the closure unit 18. In the embodiment this happens through the strapping agent store 19 through. Once the leading free Strapping means end a target position in the closure unit Has reached 18, is the starting position for a first strapping of a packaged product 11 is achieved.

This is to be strapped perpendicular to the plane of the drawing Packaged goods 11 have been conveyed into the strapping zone. The Strapping means 14 in turn becomes two Having conveyor rollers and the sealing unit 18 assigned conveyor 32 advanced, and 1 counterclockwise strapping guides 20, 21, 24, 22, and 23 as well as in between in the strapping existing strapping redirections 33 to 36 until the front end of the strapping 14 comes back into the closure assembly 18.

Already while this strapping around or immediately afterwards, press plate 16 lower, Closure unit 18 and tape storage 19 down the top of the packaged goods 11, which now depends on the nature and requirement compressed accordingly becomes. Then around the strapping 14 around the to tighten compressed packaged goods 11, the drive the strapping roller 32 reverses so that this brought up from the strapping stock 12 Retract strapping 14 while the other Strap end by means of a clamp on the closure assembly 18 is held. Because of the strapping retraction the strapping 14 is made from the inside pulled out all strapping guides that are designed in a known manner, for example So flexible lips or opening against spring action Have flaps.

From the above description it can be seen that from the strapping guides 20-23 and the Strap redirector 33-36 trained strap guide frame 31 a very long orbit represents for the strapping.

It is therefore understandable that difficulties in the strapping supply can occur if it is left to the conveyor 32 only, the strapping device in a circumnavigating the packaged goods 11 Way through the strapping guide frame 31 to shoot. That's why it is already known, in addition to the conveyor 33 an additional conveyor designated 37 the strapping guide frame 31 assign or in the To integrate the orbit of the strapping means 14. Here the additional conveyor has proven to be advantageous 37 at one point on the strapping guide frame 31 to be arranged on which the conveyor 32 transported straps 14 approximately 2/3 of its distance for a complete strapping guide frame filling has traveled. Consistently is therefore in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the additional conveyor 37 behind the third Strapping means deflection 35 in the area of the second vertical frame portion 22 is provided.

2, based on a first embodiment the invention is explained, the Additional conveyor 37 - initially in accordance with the State of the art - two rollers 38 and 39 for promotion of strapping 14, the axes of which are not in front and behind that by the movement of the strap 14 defined orbit, but to the either side of the orbit, and axes 40 and 41 enforce this essentially perpendicular. The consequence of which is that the one shown is rectangular in cross section Strap as strapping 14 with the narrow Longitudinal edges 14 'contacted by the rollers 38 and 39 is formed as flat disc-shaped wheels are.

In detail, the arrangement is such that the roller 38 is driven by a motor 45 and that on the end of the axle 38 remote from the roller 38 a pinion 46 is rotatably attached, which with a Pinion 47 meshes, which at the associated end the axis 41 sits, the other end of the second role 39 wears.

Two are used to hold the parts described Recordings 48 and 49, each one to the drawing plane perpendicular and thus to the longitudinal direction of the strapping 14 or to the orbit of the strapping 14 parallel axis 50 and 51 in the direction of in Fig. 4 of the arrows 52 and 53 shown are pivotable. The arrangement of the pivot axes 50 and 51 is conscious made close to gears 46 and 47 so these always, i.e. also in the case of the swung apart 4 their meshing engagement not lose.

The two rollers 38 and 39 are by means of a spring 54 clamped against each other. The feather 54 is designed as a tension spring and from opposite Sides reachable adjusting spindles 55 in their Adjustable spring force.

The nip is limited by independent adjustable stops 56, which are also are designed as screw spindles and at a central Store receptacle 57 with one in FIG. 2 and 4, not shown, but indicated in FIG. 1 with 58 machine-fixed console is connected. The serve free ends of the adjustable stop spindles 56 as stops for the central webs of the holder 48 and 49, as can be seen from FIG. 2 and also from FIG. 4 is. Because each holder 48 and 49 has its own adjusting spindle 56 is assigned, a side adjustment of the Nip, i.e. the rollers 38 and 39 can be in their exact transverse position to the strapping 14 are aligned.

Otherwise, the construction is still so executed that by means of a not shown in detail Lever mechanism 59 swiveling e.g. of the Roll 38 in the direction of arrow 52 to do so leads that the second roller 39 accordingly in the direction the arrow 53 is pivoted, even if on this no force in this regard directly acts.

The strapping 14 on its longitudinal edges frictionally driving peripheral surfaces of the rollers 38 and 39, as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, concave, in particular V-shaped swept. This ensures exact centering of the strapping 14 guaranteed in the nip and on the other hand also avoiding the rollers 38 and 39 favored (arrows 52 and 53) when the strapping 14 deducted in the direction of arrow 60 becomes. This situation is shown schematically in Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 shows the associated view.

While in the embodiment according to the 2 and 5 the ventilation of the rollers 38 and 39 by train directly on the strapping means 14 in the direction of arrow 16 6 to 9 is another one shown further embodiment, which is different from the first described differs in that additionally as Flaps 61 and 62 serving as strapping retainer plates are present that the strapping guide channel 31 also in the area of the additional conveyor 37 to the inside cover the frame 31. The main difference to the first embodiment is that in If the strapping means 14 is pulled off in the direction the arrow 60, the strapping 14 itself from the Flaps out, opening the flaps. There the flaps 61 and 62 move uniformly with the rollers 38 and 39 are connected by the embodiment also attached to the holders 48 and 49 are, this causes the rollers 38 and 39th are already ventilated when the flaps 61 stripping out 14 the position of the Rolls 38 and 39 reached. Only when the strapping tool 14 also pulled out of the area of the flaps 62 the roles 38 and 39 go from theirs Release position (Fig. 8 and 9) back into position corresponding to FIGS. 6 and 7 back, in which it is a seize and promote newly arriving strapping 14 can.

Both described embodiments are the same Working together. Ventilation at least a roller 38 or 39, in the embodiment that synchronous ventilation of both roles 38 and 39 at the same time happens either directly by accessing the strap 14 on the peripheral surfaces of the rollers 38 and 39 (Fig. 2 to 5) or indirectly in that the Strapping means 14 opening directly on the flaps 61 attacks, which in turn the roles 38 and 39 in Transfer release position.

As in particular from a comparison of FIG. 3 with FIG. 5 (or FIG. 7 with FIG. 9), are only for releasing the strapping 14 very small swiveling distances required. The tape 14 applied force that is necessary to get out of the drive of the additional conveyor 37 is essentially free by the adjustable force of the spring 54 certainly. In any case, this force is so great that reliable, frictional conveying of the strapping material 14 is possible by the rollers 38 and 39, on the other hand so low that the pressure of the rollers 38 and 39 on the narrow longitudinal edges 14 'of the strapping means 14 not sufficient to prevent disadvantageous longitudinal buckling or - Corrugations of the strap-like strapping in particular to evoke.

As far as the description of the invention using a preferably a flat rectangular ribbon in cross section has been described, it now goes without saying extensive knowledge of the invention and its properties by itself that also string-shaped strapping easily with the help of the additional conveyor 37 could be used.

Claims (6)

1. Device (10) for strapping goods (11) by means of a ribbon-like strapping means (14), in particular thermoplastic tape, comprising a strapping means guide frame (31) through which the strapping means (14) is advanced along a circular path by means of a strapping means conveyor means (25) in order to loop around the goods (11), and a closing unit (18) for the ends of the strapping means (14) freed from the strapping means guide frame (31) and tightened around the goods (11), wherein the strapping means conveyor means (25) is followed by an additional strapping means conveyor (37) which carries the leading region of the tape through the strapping means guide frame (31) and includes a roller pair (38, 39) bearing frictionally against the strapping means (14), the rollers (38, 39) of which bear predominantly frictionally against the narrow sides or longitudinal edges (14') of the strapping means (14) via their substantially prismatic profiles and wherein at least one roller (38; 39) can be moved away to the side out of the path of motion of the strapping means against the action of a spring (57) loading the rollers (38, 39) relative to the strapping means (14) solely as a result of transverse tension (arrow 60) of the strapping means (14) freed from the strapping means guide frame (31), characterised in that each roller (38, 39) is arranged at one end of a roller axis (40, 41) held by a swivel-mounted holder (48, 49) remote from the roller (38, 39) and that the rollers (38, 39) are synchronised with one another in such a manner that, when one roller (38 or 39) swings out, the second roller (39 or 38) necessarily swings out in a corresponding manner.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one swing-out flap (61 or 62) covering the strapping means guide frame (31) towards the inside is associated with the additional conveyor (37), one of the ventilable rollers (38 or 39) is connected to move as one unit with the flap (61 or 62) and the rollers (38, 39) are ventilated as a result of transverse tension applied to the flap (61 or 62) by the strapping means (14) (arrow 60).
3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the two rollers (38, 39) or the two flaps (61) are spring-mounted relative to one another and are mounted to swing towards one another or away from one another (arrows 52, 53) in a symmetrical arrangement relative to the longitudinal centre of the guide path or the strapping means (14).
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rollers (38, 39) are tensioned relative to one another by means of a tension spring arrangement (54, 55) with adjustable force.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that adjustable stop means (56, 57) for adjustment of the roller nip width and, if necessary, for lateral adjustment of the roller nip are associated with the rollers (38, 39).
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rollers (38, 39) are positively coupled by means of friction or gear wheels (46, 47) mounted at the respective other ends of the roller axes (40, 41).

Images