EP0890509B1 - Method and device for tying single objects or stacks of objects - Google Patents

Description

The invention is in the field of packaging technology and relates to a Method and a device according to the preambles of the corresponding independent claims. The method and the device serve the strapping of essentially cuboid objects or of Stacking items on a conveyor in a strapping position conveyed, stopped there and strapped and then out of the strapping position be carried away.

It is known to be essentially cuboid objects or stacks of Strapping objects in a strapping position across the conveyor path, by being arranged in a belt channel arranged in a loop around the conveyor path a tape loop unwound from a supply reel is positioned by the object to be strapped is conveyed into the area of the band channel, by pulling the tape out of the channel and thereby wrapping it around the object and by stretching the ribbon loop around the object, closed and separated from the tape of the supply spool. The strapped object is then conveyed away from the strapping position.

Devices with band channels for carrying out such strapping are described for example in the publications US-4520720 or DE-3,814,029th Such devices are in a wide variety of applications can be used and the strapping thus created fulfills the conditions imposed on them.

A disadvantage of the known cross strapping devices described above is that they are complicated and have a large number of moving ones Need parts. The band channel alone, which runs along its entire length closed for inserting the tape loop and for pulling out the Belt loop has to be opened is a very complex device part. If the device is also to be used for a strapping material, whose inherent rigidity is not so great that the material in the Band channel can be pushed, the band channel is even more complex.

Another disadvantage of the known devices with band channel is in that the strapping process does not depend on different formats strapping objects is customizable. The one to be provided for strapping Strap loop is independent of the format of the object to be strapped always the same size. This means that when strapping is smaller Formats a larger length of tape must be withdrawn again, which extends the cycle time.

The object of the invention is a method and a device for strapping objects or stacking objects create, with the method and the device the above Disadvantages of the known methods and devices using the same Serve purposes to be remedied. The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention should therefore be simpler than known ones such methods and devices and they are intended to be used without disadvantages be for strapping successive objects, that have very different formats, especially very different heights.

This object is achieved by the method and the device as it is are defined in the claims.

The method according to the invention essentially consists in the strapping, which in a starting position is essentially straight from one side of the conveyor path extends to an opposite side, with Help from two opposite sides of the Conveyor path arranged belt positioning means to form a belt arch to shape, to convey the object to be strapped into the ribbon bow and the band bow in the area of the starting position of the band around the Tension the object, close it to a strapping (by connecting for example by welding) and separate that the object is strapped and the tape returns to its starting position.

In the starting position, the belt runs below the conveyor path, for example and essentially transverse to this and the ribbon bow passing through Raising the belt is essentially vertical Level so that the strapping is a transverse strapping (level of strapping perpendicular to the conveying path). With a ribbon sheet created in the same way, that of an essentially central vertical or horizontal through the Conveyor path running belt starting position starts and in one plane vertical or horizontal Longitudinal strapping (level of strapping parallel to the conveying path) created become.

The sheet stretched with the help of the belt positioning means is through appropriate control of the belt positioning means in such a way to strapping object or stack matched that for the to be stretched In addition to the starting position, the sheet does not have the required length of tape Case is greater than the strap length required for strapping. Thereby the device does not need any means to retract the tape, which simplifies the device compared to known strapping devices and shorten the cycle time. As will be shown later, these are also Band positioning means significantly easier than a known band channel, so that the device according to the invention compared to strapping devices with tape channel are easier in two ways.

Another advantage of the inventive method and the inventive Device is that they are in the same simple way can also be used for strapping with a very low intrinsic stiffness, for strapping straps that do not form a strap loop could be pushed into a band channel. Tapes can also be used are used, their quality in terms of length and thickness constancy and is significantly less twist than that of devices with band channel must be assumed.

Figuren 1 bis 6

aufeinanderfolgende Phasen eines Zyklus zur Querumreifung nach dem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren;

Figur 7

eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung einer weiteren Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens zur Erstellung von Querumreifungen (gleiche Phase wie Figur 2);

Figuren 8 und 9

zwei beispielhafte Vorrichtungen zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens zum Erstellen von Längsumreifungen.

Figur 10

eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung als schematische dreidimendionale Darstellung.

The method according to the invention and exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention are to be described in more detail with reference to the following figures. Show:

Figures 1 to 6

successive phases of a cycle for cross strapping according to the inventive method;

Figure 7

is a schematic three-dimensional representation of another device for performing the inventive method for creating transverse strapping (same phase as Figure 2);

Figures 8 and 9

two exemplary devices for performing the inventive method for creating longitudinal strapping.

Figure 10

a further embodiment of the device according to the invention as a schematic three-dimensional representation.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show successive phases of a strapping cycle (transverse strapping) using the strapping method according to the invention using a very schematically illustrated, exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention. FIGS. 1 to 6 show the device with an angle of view parallel to the conveying path, on which the objects or stacks to be strapped are conveyed into the strapping position U and conveyed away therefrom. The conveying direction is therefore perpendicular to the paper plane of the figures.

• ein Fördermittel 1 (beispielsweise eine Anordnung von Förderbändern, die schematisch als strichpunktierte Auflagefläche dargestellt sind), mit Hilfe dessen ein zu umreifender Gegenstand oder Stapel in die Umreifungsposition U gefördert und nach der Umreifung aus der Umreifungsposition weggefördert wird, wobei die Auflagefläche des Fördermittels 1 im Bereiche der Umreifungsposition eine sich quer über den Förderweg erstreckende und mindestens für die Umreifung geöffnete Lücke aufweist;
• zwei Bandzuführungsmittel 2 und 2' (beispielsweise Vorratsspule 21, Führungsrolle 22 und Klemmbackenpaar 23) für die Zuführung von Umreifungsband 3 und 3' zur Umreifungsposition und zur Erzeugung einer Bandspannung (zwischen Vorratsspule 21 und Klemmbackenpaar 23 kann in bekannter Weise auch ein Bandspeicher beispielsweise in Form einer Anordnung von Tänzerrollen angeordnet sein), welche Bandzuführungsmittel auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Förderweges angeordnet sind;
• zwei auf denselben, einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Förderwegs angeordnete Bandpositionierungsmittel 4 und 4' deren distales Ende zur Erzeugung des Bandbogens im wesentlichen senkrecht verschiebbar ist und eine Bandführung 41 (beispielsweise wie dargestellt eine Nut oder eine Führungsrolle mit zum Bandverlauf quer angeordneter Achse) aufweist;
• zwei unterhalb der Auflagefläche der Fördermittel angeordnete, quer zum Förderweg verschiebbare Bandspann-verbindungs-trenn-Mittel 5 und 5' (beispielsweise wie beschrieben in der Publikation EP-0592049, Endra) zum Spannen des Bandbogens um einen zu umreifenden Gegenstand, zum Schliessen des Bandes zu einer Umreifung und zum Abtrennen des um den Gegenstand geschlossenen Bandes derart, dass das weiter zugeführte Band wieder die Bandausgangsposition einnimmt.
• Steuermittel (nicht dargestellt) zur Ansteuerung des Fördermittels 1, der Bandzuführungsmittel 2 und 2', der Bandpositionierungsmittel 4 und 4' und der Bandspann-verbindungs-trenn-Mittel 5 und 5' zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Umreifungsverfahrens.

The essential elements of the device according to the invention and their functions are (FIG. 1):

• a conveyor 1 (for example an arrangement of conveyor belts, which are shown schematically as a dash-dotted support surface), with the aid of which an object or stack to be strapped is conveyed into the strapping position U and, after the strapping, is conveyed away from the strapping position, the support surface of the conveyor 1 in Regions of the strapping position has a gap which extends across the conveying path and is at least open for the strapping;
• two tape feed means 2 and 2 '(for example, supply reel 21, guide roller 22 and pair of clamping jaws 23) for the supply of strapping 3 and 3' to the strapping position and for generating a band tension (between the supply reel 21 and pair of clamping jaws 23, a band storage device, for example in the form, can also be used an arrangement of dancer rollers) which are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor path;
• two belt positioning means 4 and 4 'arranged on the same, opposite sides of the conveyor path, the distal end of which can be displaced substantially vertically to produce the belt arch and has a belt guide 41 (for example, as shown, a groove or a guide roller with an axis arranged transversely to the belt path);
• two strap tensioning connection separating means 5 and 5 'arranged below the support surface of the conveying means and displaceable transversely to the conveying path (for example as described in publication EP-0592049, Endra) for tightening the strap sheet around an object to be strapped, for closing the strap for strapping and for severing the band closed around the object in such a way that the band which is fed in again assumes the band starting position.
• Control means (not shown) for controlling the conveying means 1, the band feeding means 2 and 2 ', the band positioning means 4 and 4' and the band tensioning connection-separating means 5 and 5 'for carrying out the strapping method according to the invention.

A strapping cycle essentially consists of the successive ones Phases illustrated in Figures 1 to 6.

Figure 1 shows the starting position: the strapping 3/3 'extends below the conveyor path (in the area of the mentioned gap of the conveyor belts) essentially straight and transverse to the conveyor path from one side to the opposite side, or from one side of the conveyor path Tape feed means 2 to the tape feed means 2 'arranged on the opposite side. The object to be strapped is not yet in the strapping position. Its dimensions relevant to the strapping (dimensions of the conveying path to be kept clear for the next object to be strapped) are shown with dash-dotted lines G '. The band positioning means 4 and 4 'and the band tensioning connection-disconnecting means 5 and 5' are in their starting positions, such that the band 3/3 'can assume its starting position undisturbed by these means.

FIG. 2 shows the band bow created for the transverse strapping. To create this band bow, the strapping band 3/3 'is raised by a corresponding stroke of the band positioning means 4 and 4' in such a way that it extends in an arc around the conveyor path and releases it after the positioning is complete. For the positioning of the band bow, the band 3/3 'is fed essentially without braking by the band feed means 2 and 2'. The stroke of the belt positioning means 4 and 4 'is dimensioned (arrows H) so that the belt arch is slightly higher than the object to be strapped next.

It is also conceivable not only to adjust the height of the ribbon bow Lifting the distal ends of the band positioning means 4 and 4 ' adjust the height of the object to be strapped but also to its width, which is caused by a displacement of the belt positioning means The distance between the belt guides can be changed (arrow B) is.

FIG. 3 shows the object G to be strapped which is positioned in the strapping position U, that is to say under or in the band arch spanned around the conveying path.

Figure 4 shows the strap positioning means 4 and 4 'again in their starting position, whereby the strap 3/3' rests on the object G to be strapped. The band tensioning connection separating means 5 and 5 'are moved against one another, whereby they carry the band, the supply of which is now braked to generate a band tension, in a loop.

FIG. 5 shows the strap tensioning connection-separating means 5 and 5 'which have met and are initiated for connecting and severing the strap, in such a way that the strap placed around the object G is closed for strapping (for example welded), that the strapping is separated from the fed tape 3/3 'and its two free ends are put together again.

FIG. 6 shows the finished strapped object G and the strapping band 3/3 'joined at point 31, which in turn assumes its starting position as in FIG. 1. The band tensioning connection separating means 5 and 5 'are again in their starting position.

All movements necessary for the strapping process take place in the Areas of the above-mentioned gap in the support surface of the conveyor 1 through which the strapping 3/3 'and the strap positioning means 4 and 4 'from their starting position below the support surface of the conveyor 1 can be moved over this contact surface.

For this reason there is a movement of the band tensioning connection disconnecting means 5 and 5 'against each other only possible if the belt positioning means 4 and 4 'from their area, that is essentially to their starting position are moved back.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic, three-dimensional representation of a further embodiment of the device for transverse strapping according to the invention. With this embodiment, an essentially simultaneous movement of the strap tensioning connection separating means and the strap positioning means is possible, whereby the time required for a strapping cycle can be further reduced.

The device according to FIG. 7 differs from the device according to FIG Figures 1 to 6 only in the belt positioning means 6 and 6 '. The other device elements are essentially the same and are also designated with the same reference numerals.

The belt positioning means 6 and 6 'are in the direction of the conveyor path arranged in relation to the gap 11 in the funding 1 and the Tape guide at the distal end of the tape guide means (here as a guide role 61 is formed with an axis arranged perpendicular to the band course) on a pivoting lever projecting substantially parallel to the conveying path 62 arranged. The pivot lever 62 is opposite the belt positioning means 6 or 6 'pivotable (arrow C) in an operative position in which he is shown in Figure 7, and in a rest position in which the tape guide roller 61 from the area of the band course, for example towards the bottom is swung out.

If the object to be strapped is under the stretched arch is positioned, the tape guides (61/62) of the tape positioning means 6 and 6 'pivoted into their rest positions. So that are the belt positioning means 6 and 6 'entirely from the area between to be strapped The object and ribbon bow are removed and the ribbon tension connection disconnect means 5 and 5 'can be moved against each other. At the same time or at a later time the belt positioning means 6 and 6 'is lowered and when its distal end is under the ligament-connecting-disconnecting means 5 and 5 'has arrived, the tape guides (61/62) swung back into its operative position.

Of course, it would also be possible to determine the starting position of the tape To be arranged above the conveyor path and to form the ribbon sheet this by a corresponding stroke of the belt positioning means downwards to move under the contact surface of the object to be strapped. A such embodiment is less advantageous because of an adjustment not only the arc height to the height of the object to be strapped the stroke of the belt positioning means 4 and 4 '(or 6 and 6') but also the height of the band tensioning connection separating means 5 and 5 'can be adjusted got to.

The device parts shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are for the person skilled in the art easy to implement so that they are not described in more detail have to. The drives for the moving parts are, for example, in both Directionally actuable, pneumatically, hydraulically or motor-driven Piston. Also those for carrying out the strapping according to the invention necessary control of the individual device elements is for the expert realizable without problems.

Instead of the strapping from two opposite sides of the conveyor path, it can also be fed from only one side and on the other hand can be recorded accordingly, for example by one of the band tensioning connection separating means 5 or 5 ', as also from Longitudinal strapping according to the prior art is known.

For strapping, in particular of stacks, it is advantageous in addition to the device elements shown in Figures 1 to 7 also means for Pressing the stack to be strapped and / or means for lateral stabilization of the stack to be strapped.

Figures 8 and 9 show two exemplary variants of longitudinal strapping according to the inventive method. Both figures show the same cycle phase as FIG. 3, the view for FIGS. 8 and 9 being directed transversely to the conveying path (arrow F). Since most of the components of the devices are the same as described for FIGS. 1 to 7, if they are shown at all, they are also given the same reference numbers.

For the variant of a vertical longitudinal strapping shown in FIG are the belt positioning means 4 and 4 'above and below the Conveyor path arranged and its distal end is in a horizontal direction displaceable. In the starting position, the band 3/3 'runs essentially vertically, for example, in the middle of the conveyor path. The ribbon bow is in a substantially vertical plane that runs parallel to the conveyor path and is closed on the back of the object G to be strapped.

For the variant of a horizontal longitudinal strapping shown in FIG. 9 are the belt positioning means 4 and 4 'to the left and right of the conveyor path arranged and its distal end is displaceable in the horizontal direction. In the starting position, the band 3/3 'runs essentially horizontally, for example, in the middle of the conveyor path. The ribbon bow is in an essentially horizontal plane that runs parallel to the conveyor path and is closed on the back of the object G to be strapped.

Also for the longitudinal strapping method represented by FIGS. 8 and 9 can additional pressing and / or lateral stabilizing agents Application come.

In contrast to known longitudinal strapping processes, in which a through the strapping spanned by the feed movement of the object to be strapped around it and on the back of the subject is closed according to the process variants Figures 8 and 9 the tape has no effect on the moving, yet not strapped object, which makes much more delicate objects and particularly unstable stacks can easily be strapped lengthways.

FIG. 10 shows in the same representation as FIG. 7 yet another exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention. This differs from the previously described embodiments in particular by the configuration of the belt positioning means 7 and 7 '.

The remaining parts of the device are essentially the same as in the context described with Figures 1 to 7, and are also with the same Designated reference numbers. The belt positioning means 7 and 7 'act from above and pull the ribbon to form a vertical ribbon bow towards the top, while the belt positioning means of Figures 1 to 9 the Push the tape out of the starting position to form the tape bow.

The band positioning means 7 and 7 'in turn have at their distal ends actuatable band guides, for example swiveling, hook-shaped Band guides 71. In an operative position, these engage under the And release it by swinging it away to a rest position (arrow C). The operable band guides 71 are advantageously via the band tension controllable in such a way that they with or without low belt tension Belt tension is kept in its operative position and by an increase the belt tension (due to the retraction of the belt tensioning connection-separating means 5 and 5 'when the brake means 23 are actuated into their rest position snap out of which they back in by appropriate control means the operative position is moved.

The belt positioning means 7 and 7 'according to FIG. 10 can form one single, central belt positioning means that the Band guides 71 carries, for example, on laterally protruding arms. The Belt positioning means 7 and 7 'can also be used as a means for Pressing or stabilizing an object to be strapped, in particular of a stack to be strapped.

The essential parts of the belt positioning means (4/4 ', 6/6', 7/7 ') are in in each case the band guides (41, 61, 71) which are located at distal ends of the band positioning means are arranged. Belt positioning means and belt guides are arranged and designed in such a way that the Tape guides for creating the tape sheet on one of two each other opposite sides of the conveying path are displaceable (transverse to the conveying direction for transverse strapping, parallel to the conveying direction for longitudinal strapping), that they push or pull the tape with them during this shift and that they are for the effective strapping from the band area are removable.

By combining the longitudinal strapping method according to the invention with the cross strapping method according to the invention results in a cross strapping method, that can be carried out in a combined device. In The strapping methods according to the invention and the Strapping devices according to the invention with transverse or longitudinal strapping methods and devices according to the prior art for cross strapping processes and devices can be combined.

The central advantage of the method and of the invention Device for transverse strapping, for longitudinal strapping or for Cross strapping is its simplicity, the small number of moving device parts, the simplicity of these movements and the savings in cycle time by controlling the band bow according to the format of the strapping Object in such a way that no tension is pulled back for the tension of the strapping must become.

Claims (13)

1. Method for strapping with a strapping tape (3/3') substantially parallelepipedic objects (G) or stacks of objects being conveyed on a conveying path into a strapping position (U) and out of the strapping position, wherein in the strapping position the strapping tape (3/3') is formed into a tape bow, wherein the object or stack to be strapped is then conveyed into the tape bow and positioned in the tape bow and wherein the tape bow is then tensed and closed around the object (G) or stack to be strapped and the tape is cut off, characterized in that the tape bow is formed by pushing or pulling the strapping tape in a manner adapted to the dimensions of the object or stack to be strapped from a starting position in which it extends, substantially straight from one side of the conveying path to the opposite side of the conveying path, using for pushing or pulling two tape guides (41, 61, 71) arranged on two opposite sides of the conveying path, that for the tensing the tape the tape guides (41, 61, 71) are removed from the area of the tape bow and that on closing and trimming the tape the tape starting position is reestablished.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that for transverse strapping, the tape starting position is below the conveying path and the tape bow is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the conveying path.
3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that for parallel strapping, the tape (3/3') in its starting position extends substantially vertically or horizontally across the conveying path and the tape bow is substantially vertical or horizontal and parallel to the conveying path.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the strapping tape (3/3') is supplied from both opposite sides of the conveying path or from only one side.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for tensioning, closing and cutting the tape, tape-tensioning-closing-cutting-means (5, 5') are moved towards each other from opposite sides of the conveying path.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the tape-tensioning-closing-cutting-means (5, 5') are moved at least partly simultaneously with the tape guides (41, 61, 71).
7. Device for strapping with a strapping tape (3/3') substantially parallelepipedic objets (G) or stacks of objects being supplied to a strapping position (U) and conveyed away from the strapping position, which device comprises conveying means (1) having a conveying surface for conveying the objects (G) or stacks to be strapped in a lying manner into a strapping position (U) and away from the strapping position (U), at least one tape supply means (2/2') for supplying strapping tape (3/3') to the strapping position (U), means for establishing a tape bow in the strapping position and tape-tensioning-closing-cutting-means (5, 5') for tensioning the strapping tape (3/3') around the object (G) or stack to be strapped, for closing the tape (3/3') tensed around the object or stack to form a strapping and for cutting the strapping from the tape supply, characterized in that the means for establishing the tape bow comprises two displaceable tape guides (41, 61, 71) being displaceable in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the conveying path on two opposite sides of the conveying path and control means for controlling the tape guides such that the tape bow is adapted to the dimensions of an object or stack to be strapped and the tape bow is established before the object or stack to be strapped is positioned in the strapping position.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the tape guides (41, 61, 71) are arranged on distal ends of tape positioning means (4/4', 6/6', 7/7').
9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the tape guides for pushing the tape, are designed as grooves or guide rolls and the tape guides for pulling the tape are designed as hooks.
10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the distance between the tape guides (41, 61, 71) is adaptable to the corresponding dimension of an object (G) or stack to be strapped.
11. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized, in that the tape guide (61, 71) of the tape positioning means (6/6', 7/7') is pivotal from an operative position in the way of the tape into a resting position out of the way of the tape.
12. Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that for supplying the strapping tape (3/3'), tape supply means (2/2') are provided on two opposite sides of the conveying path or only on one side of the conveying path.
13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the tape supply means (2/2') each comprise a storage reel (21), a guide roll (22) and braking means (23).

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