EP0894721A1 - Method and device for tying single objects or stacks of objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The objects or stacks (S) are conveyed along a track to and from a wrapping position (U) where a lengthwise wrapper (2) tensions a first piece of wrapping material (A,A') which is then closed and cut off. A second, transverse piece of wrapping material (B) is wrapped round the object or stack by means of a transverse wrapper (3). A front (4) and back (5) press and stabiliser presses down and stabilises the object or stack. Two brake and guide mechanisms (22,22') consist of a pair of clamping jaws and a guide roller swivelling by means of a lever at right angles to the conveyor track. The transverse wrapping unit has a storage reel (31) for the second wrapping material, and a duct (32) into which the second wrapping material is inserted.

Description

The invention is in the field of packaging technology and relates a method and a device according to the preambles the corresponding independent claims. The procedure and the Devices are used for strapping essentially cuboid objects or stacks of objects such as stacks of newspapers or magazines that are successively in a strapping position and after the strapping be promoted out of this.

According to the prior art, objects or stacks of objects, that are conveyed on a conveyor path, transverse to this The direction of conveyance is strapped around the conveying path with the help of a loop extending band channel, in the area of which the object to be strapped is stopped. A tape loop positioned in the tape channel is then pulled out of the band channel to tension the object and for example closed by welding around the object.

Corresponding band channels are also used for strapping parallel to the conveying direction Applicable if it is ensured that the belt channel is conveyed away of the strapped object. For example, this will realized by making the band channel or parts thereof movable that they are removed before the stripped object is removed can be removed from the conveyor path (e.g. DE-4421661), or by Belt channel parts that could hinder further conveyance, on the side of the conveying path be arranged and the tape only when pulling out of the Belt channel is moved into the area of the Föderbahn (DE-4230730).

According to the state of the art, objects are also made to each other in two strapped substantially perpendicular directions by a A plurality of devices, as briefly described above, sequentially arranged one behind the other or integrated into each other. Simple arrangements have two transverse strapping devices arranged sequentially one behind the other on, the conveying direction of the objects to be strapped changed between the two devices by 90 ° or the straps to be strapped Objects are rotated by 90 °.

Devices for simultaneous longitudinal and transverse strapping with the help of band channels are described for example in the publications DE-3909223 and US-5078057. These devices are both mechanical and also complex in terms of control. Furthermore, the methods with band channels, especially for longitudinal strapping limited to narrow strapping material, i.e. they are only applicable for strapping, but not for Wrapping with a wider material, and the tape channels are only there device simple when using strapping material that has sufficient stability to be pushed into the channel can.

This also applies to the relatively simple device with two in the area of one The strapping position arranged obliquely to the conveying direction (DE-3303956) in their area of activity the objects to be strapped or stacks are conveyed with their diagonals parallel to the conveying direction have to.

There are also methods for strapping parallel to the conveying path (longitudinal strapping) known in which the strapping material (e.g. band) is relative to two opposite sides of the conveyor path (top / bottom, left / right) is fed. The ends of the tapes fed from one side each are connected to each other so that the tape is curtain-like across the Conveyed path of the object or stack to be strapped through is. The object or stack is on the conveyor path against the over Conveyor path tensioned belt moves so that this is on the front places and is pulled along. If the back of the object to be strapped has passed through the place of the ribbon curtain, the two Ribbons on the back of the item or stack reconnected and severed such that the two severed pieces of tape are parallel to Direction of funding around the item are closed and that for the subsequent item the belt is in turn stretched through the conveyor path.

Devices for carrying out this type of longitudinal strapping are, for example described in publications EP-225665, EP-592049, DE-2548786 or DE-2513668. Devices are also in the same publications for connecting and disconnecting the tapes from the two tape sources described.

Devices in which the strapping material works also work according to the same principle is fed from one side only and in which the free end of the tape with the help of a movable gripper or a similar mechanical Clamped through the conveyor path and around the object to be strapped is closed.

The strapping using a strained through the conveyor Strapping material is like the methods described above with Strap channel applicable for relatively narrow and relatively rigid strapping. But it is also easily adaptable for use with wider ones Strapping materials and the use of strapping materials that have no or very little inherent rigidity. Objects and So stacks of objects can be made using these latter methods also, for example, with thin plastic films, which are essentially have the same width as the objects to be strapped or wider than these, are "strapped" or rather wrapped.

In publication EP-113874 there is also a combination of transverse strapping described with the longitudinal strapping described above. In this combination is at least in the longitudinal direction only a strapping without any noteworthy Tension like this for strapping in the sense of wrapping with Foil is common, possible.

The object of the invention is a method for strapping successively fed, essentially cuboid objects or to show stacks. With the method according to the invention, it should be possible with a simple device and largely independent of the strapping material (different widths, different requirements to the tension necessary for the strapping) create. In addition, the process is said to be highly flexible with regard to the type of strapping Enable (longitudinal strapping, cross strapping, cross strapping), the cycle time should be essentially independent of the desired one Type of strapping and in addition to the stop in the strapping position Promotion of the objects to be strapped and strapped as continuously as possible and should stay straight. It is also an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for performing the method.

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

The method according to the invention is based on a combination of a longitudinal strapping method with a first strapping material stretched over the conveyor path (Strapping parallel to the conveying path) and a cross strapping process for example, with the help of one aligned transversely to the conveying path Canal loop (strapping across the conveyor path). The first is Strapping material at the entrance to a strapping position via the conveyor tensioned and the channel loop is for example in the middle of it, single strapping position (for a substantially central transverse strapping) arranged so that the first strapping material essentially is already wrapped around the object to be strapped when it is in the strapping position is stopped. When the item is in the strapping position stands still, essentially at the same time as tensioning, Closing and separating the longitudinal strapping the cross strapping from the Canal flipped, tensioned, closed and separated. So that the longitudinal and Cross strapping independently of one another with sufficient tension can be created are particularly compressible for strapping Objects or stacks appropriately designed and driven Provide pressing and possibly stabilizing agents.

For objects that are only to be strapped lengthways, cross strapping is used not initiated. For objects that are only to be strapped across moved the first strapping material so that it next to the conveyor path or above the conveyor path and the object can happen without taking the strapped material with you. For a multiple cross strapping can be the object in the strapping position can easily be moved or a plurality of band channels be provided. For multiple longitudinal strapping, you can several strapping materials are spanned by the conveyor. The strapping material for the longitudinal strapping can be a strapping or a wider wrapping material, such as a plastic film. Such a wrapping material has any width, that is for example the same width as the objects or stacks to be strapped or wider than this.

Figuren 1 bis 6

aufeinander folgende Stadien des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens, angewendet für die Längs- und/oder Querumreifung von Stapeln von Zeitungen oder Zeitschriften mit Blickrichtung quer zum Förderweg (Figuren 1 und 4 bis 6) und parallel zum Förderweg (Figuren 2 und 3);

Figur 7

eine Tandemvorrichtung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens;

Figur 8

eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens integriert in eine Anordnung zum Herstellen von Kreuzstapeln, zur Bestückung der Stapel mit einem Deckblatt und zur wahlweisen Längs- und/oder Querumreifung des bestückten Stapels.

The method according to the invention is to be illustrated with the aid of the following figures in a schematically illustrated exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention. Show:

Figures 1 to 6

successive stages of the method according to the invention, applied for the longitudinal and / or transverse strapping of stacks of newspapers or magazines with a direction of view transverse to the conveying path (FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6) and parallel to the conveying path (FIGS. 2 and 3);

Figure 7

a tandem device for performing the inventive method;

Figure 8

a device for carrying out the method according to the invention integrated into an arrangement for the production of cross stacks, for loading the stacks with a cover sheet and for optional longitudinal and / or transverse strapping of the loaded stack.

Figures 1 and 4 to 6 show very schematically an exemplary embodiment of the device for carrying out the method according to the invention with a viewing angle perpendicular to the conveying direction F, in which the stacks S to be strapped are conveyed to the strapping position U and strapped stacks S 'are conveyed away from the strapping position U.

• ein Fördermittel 1 zur Zuförderung von zu umreifenden Stapeln S auf einem Förderweg in die Umreifungsposition U und zur Wegförderung von umreiften Stapeln S' aus der Umreifungsposition U,
• ein Längsumreifungsmittel 2 zum Aufspannen eines ersten Umreifungsmaterials A/A' senkrecht durch den Förderweg und zum Spannen, Schliessen und Abtrennen des ersten Umreifungsmaterials hinter dem Stapel S,
• ein Querumreifungsmittel 3 zum Bilden einer Querschlaufe aus einem zweiten Umreifungsmaterial B und zum Spannen, Verschliessen und Abtrennen der Schlaufe,
• gegebenenfalls ein Verschiebungsmittel zum Verschieben des durch den Förderweg gespannten ersten Umreifungsmaterials A/A' aus dem Bereich des Förderwegs,
• vordere und gegebenenfalls hintere Press- und Stabilisierungsmittel 4 und 5 zur Pressung und Stabilisierung eines Stapels S beim Einlauf in die Umreifungsposition U und während der Umreifung und gegebenenfalls zur Spannung des ersten Umreifungsmaterials A,
• und ein Steuermittel 6 zur Steuerung der genannten Mittel 1 bis 5 und des Verschiebungsmittels für eine wahlweise Erzeugung von Längs- und/oder Querumreifungen um in die Umreifungsposition U geförderte Stapel S.

The strapping position U is equipped with the following means:

• a conveying means 1 for feeding stacks S to be strapped on a conveying path into the strapping position U and for conveying away strapped stacks S 'from the strapping position U,
• a longitudinal strapping means 2 for tensioning a first strapping material A / A 'perpendicularly through the conveying path and for tensioning, closing and severing the first strapping material behind the stack S,
• a cross strapping means 3 for forming a cross loop from a second strapping material B and for tensioning, closing and severing the loop,
• optionally a displacement means for displacing the first strapping material A / A 'stretched through the conveying path from the region of the conveying path,
• front and optionally rear pressing and stabilizing means 4 and 5 for pressing and stabilizing a stack S when entering the strapping position U and during strapping and optionally for tensioning the first strapping material A,
• and a control means 6 for controlling said means 1 to 5 and the displacement means for an optional generation of longitudinal and / or transverse strapping around stack S conveyed into strapping position U.

The funding 1 is implemented for example by conveyor belts 11, 12 and 13, between which at the entrance of the strapping position U a gap for the first strapping material A / A 'and for example in the middle of the strapping position U a gap for the loop from the second strapping material B are provided.

The longitudinal strapping means 2 essentially has an upper and a lower one Supply spool 21 and 21 'of the first strapping material A / A', upper and lower brake / guide means 22 and 22 'for guiding the strapping material and for generating a tension as well as against each other in the conveying path movable upper and lower, cooperating means 23 and 23 ' for tensioning, connecting and severing the first strapping material. Such longitudinal strapping means 2 belong to the prior art (see the publications cited at the beginning) and are without detailed description can be realized for the expert.

Optionally, the braking / guiding means 22 and 22 'are coordinated Way arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction F such that they the curtain stretched over the conveyor path laterally (vertically in the figure to the paper plane) from the conveyor path, and thus the Take over the function of the displacement means.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show, with an angle of view parallel to the conveying direction, such brake / guide means 22 and 22 'in their operative position (FIG. 2), in which they tension the first strapping material A / A' through the conveying path, and in their non-operative position (FIG 3), in which they guide the first strapping material to the side of the conveyor path. The brake / guide means 22 and 22 'consist, for example, of a pair of clamping jaws 22.1 and a guide roller 22.2 which can be moved in a plane transverse to the conveying path by means of a lever 22.4 which can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 22.3. Depending on the width and elasticity of the strapping material, it is advantageous to rotate the brake shoe pair 22.1 and guide roller 22.2 and thus the strapping material by 90 ° and also to pivot adjacent deflecting rollers (for example deflecting roller 22.5), as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The cross strapping means 3 essentially has a supply spool 31 for the second strapping material B, a loop around the conveyor extending loop channel 32 and means 33 for inserting the second Strapping material B in the loop channel 32 and to fold the Loop around the stack as well as for tensioning, connecting and severing. Such cross strapping means 3 belong to the prior art and are Can be implemented by a specialist without a more detailed description (see for State of the art cited at the beginning).

In particular for creating tensioned straps around compressible Stacks or objects, the device has front and optionally also rear pressing and stabilizing means 4 and 5. The front one Pressing and stabilizing agent 4 acts essentially on the leading one Stack part and is cyclically movable, such that it is already during the Coming in of the stack S presses on it and thus additionally prevents the individual items (newspapers or magazines) through the Effect of the open curtain of the first strapping A / A 'in Shift conveying direction F relative to each other. Depending on the requirements the longitudinal strapping and its tension shows the front pressing and stabilizing means a gap through which the first strapping material runs, and then does not act on the first strapping material or press it also on the first strapping material and thus contributes to the tension of the first strapping material around the leading part of the strapping Stack.

The rear pressing and stabilizing agent 5 acts on the trailing one Stack part and is for example as a pair of up and down movable press pieces formed between which the first strapping material runs.

Stabilizing means also arranged on the side of a stack to be strapped, as from strapping devices according to the prior art are known can be provided for the strapping of unstable stacks become.

The control means 6 (in Figure 1 schematically as a box with dashed lines Lines to the device parts to be controlled) are data of the supplied stacks. Based on this data decided whether a stack lengthways, lengthways, lengthways and lengthways or not at all to be strapped. Based on the data, it may also be decided how far device elements (e.g. elements 23, 4, 5) have to be moved, around a stack to be strapped unhindered into the strapping position to be able to promote, i.e. how big the minimum necessary movement to Removal of these device elements from the conveyor path.

Before the entry of a stack S (Figure 1), which is strapped lengthways and crosswise should, with the help of the control means 6, the following device configuration created: funding 1 is running, brake / guidance 22/22 'are in operational Rest position (but tighten the strapping material through the conveyor path do not brake it), means 23/23 'are at rest above and below of the conveying path, loop of the second strapping material B is in the loop channel 32 prepared, front pressing and stabilizing agent 4 in one Starting position above the conveying path (e.g. in the conveying direction in its rearmost position, shown in solid lines), rear pressing and stabilizing agent 5 also in its starting position above the conveyor path. The position of the front press and shown in dashed lines in FIG Stabilizing means 4 is the rest position in which it is not in the range of Loop channel 32 is sufficient.

When it enters the strapping position U, the stack does this the first strapping means stretched along the conveying path, that of the two Coils 21 and 21 'is subsequently delivered, being for a quick subsequent delivery known tape storage between the supply reel and conveyor path provided could be.

When the stack S is the starting position of the front pressing and stabilizing means 4 (Figure 4), it is lowered onto the stack and is pressed onto the stack in the conveying direction F. For very unstable Pile messed up by the strapping material to be carried could be brought is the front pressing and stabilizing agent to design and move such that it is already stabilizing the stack accompanies when this is on the first stretched over the conveyor Strapping material hits.

When the stack is positioned in the strapping position U (Figure 5), be triggered the following actions: Funding 1 (especially conveyor belts 12 and 13) is stopped and the rear pressing and stabilizing agent 5 lowered onto the stack, brake / guide means 22/22 'are in Brake position brought, means 23/23 'are brought into the action position and activated for connecting and disconnecting the first strapping material A / A ' and at the same time the means 33 for cross strapping is activated.

When the two straps are created (Figure 6), the following will be Actions triggered: front and rear pressing and stabilizing means 4 and 5 are raised over the funding route, funds 23/23 'are from the Area of the conveyor is moving, funding 1 starts up, braking / guiding means 22/22 'are brought into the rest position, a new loop by second Strapping material B is created in the loop channel.

By adjusting the height of the rest position of the upper means 23 and the starting positions of the pressing and stabilizing means 4 and 5 on the The cycle time for batches with a smaller batch can be the height of a subsequent batch Height reduced and thus an average cycle time can be reduced.

For stacks that are only to be strapped transversely, the first strapping material is used A / A 'by corresponding shifting of the conveyor tensioned part or by moving the brake / guide means 22/22 ' moved out of the conveyor and for the next stack if necessary moved back into the conveyor path. Operative and non-operative position of the Brake / guide means 22 and 22 'are shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The means 33 are not used for stacks which are only to be strapped lengthways activated.

It is obviously also possible to get one (possibly only from one copy existing stack) without any strapping due to the strapping position (without stopping if necessary).

For the identical strapping of identical stacks, obviously one can A series of control processes can be dispensed with and can be done from this Basically, the corresponding means can be designed more simply.

For strapping objects as opposed to strapping stacks can the first strapping material A / A 'instead of perpendicular through the conveyor can also be stretched horizontally through the conveyor path.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. It is a tandem device that straps two objects or stacks per cycle. The device essentially consists of two devices connected in series, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the device parts of which are also designated with the same reference numbers (or with the same reference numbers as .1) as the corresponding device parts in FIGS. 1 to 6. Here, however, only a curtain of the first strapping material A / A 'is provided, which is placed around both supplied stacks S and S.1 and in immediate succession first on the rear side of the leading stack S.1 and then on the rear side of the trailing stack S is tensioned, closed and separated.

With the aid of the device as shown in FIG. 7, the Strapping time can be reduced, with not quite double the equipment is necessary (only two supply spools 21 and 21 'of the first strapping material A / A '). Because of a pair of successive stacks S and S.1 either both or neither can be strapped lengthways, is the flexibility of the Device compared to the flexibility of the device according to FIG. 1 slightly reduced to 6.

FIG. 8 also shows the integration of a device according to the invention into a processing line in which individual printed products such as newspapers or magazines are fed (arrow C), are stacked in a stacking device 60 with a rotary table to form partial stacks and then to form cross stacks S. The cross stacks are conveyed by means of a slide 14 into the area of a printer and delivery arm 61, by means of which the stack is equipped with a cover sheet. In addition to or instead of the cover sheet, other information carriers can also be added. Again with the aid of a slide 14, the loaded stack is conveyed into the strapping position U of the device 62 according to the invention and strapped, as was described in detail above.

The combination example in FIG. 8 shows how compact one is such or similar processing line using the inventive Device can be designed, which is not only from Is welcomed for reasons of space, but also what the funding routes are not yet strapped and therefore sensitive stack extremely short and therefore easy makes.

The compilation of components of such a processing line is individually usable. The point 61 also serves as a calming zone in which the stack is inserted at a relatively high speed in which it is laterally stabilized and, if necessary, stopped and from which it comes with is extended at a lower speed. Such a treatment also makes processing very unstable stacks easy.

Claims (17)

Method for strapping essentially cuboid objects or stacks (S) conveyed on a conveyor path into a strapping position (U) and from the strapping position (U), the objects or stacks at the entrance of the strapping position onto a first strapping stretched through the conveyor path or wrapping material (A / A ') and taking it along so that the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A') wraps around the leading side of the article or stack, and the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') behind the object or stack is closed, separated and stretched again through the conveyor path, characterized in that in the same strapping position (U) a second strapping material (B) is wrapped around the object or stack (S), tightened and tightened the object or stack (S) is closed, the leading part of the object or stack (S) during the on bring into the strapping position (U) and during the strapping is pressed and stabilized. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') is fed from two opposite sides of the conveying path. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, for optional strapping with only the second strapping material (B), the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') is shifted from the conveying path. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') is a strapping that can be closed by welding or a plastic film. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second strapping material (B) is a strapping that can be closed by welding. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two objects or stacks (S and S.1) are conveyed in succession into strapping positions (U and U.1) one behind the other, and in that the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') is first closed between the two objects or stacks and then on the back of the trailing object or stack to a strapping. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6, which device is used for strapping substantially cuboid objects or stacks (S) and which device is a conveying means for serially conveying the objects or stacks on a conveying path into a strapping position (U) and Has conveying away from the strapping position (U) and a longitudinal strapping means (2) arranged in the region of the strapping position for tensioning a first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') through the conveying path and for tensioning, closing and severing the first strapping or wrapping material behind an object or stack (S) conveyed into the strapping position, characterized in that the device additionally comprises a transverse strapping means (3) likewise arranged in the strapping position (U) for forming a cross loop from a second strapping material (B) around the strapping position (U ) funded Object or stack and for tensioning, closing and severing the loop and a front pressing and stabilizing means (4) which is arranged such that it can be moved while being brought into the strapping position and while strapping onto the leading part of an object to be strapped or stacks. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally has displacement means for displacing the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A ') stretched over the conveying path from the conveying path. Device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that it additionally has a rear pressing and stabilizing means (5) which is arranged so that it presses on the trailing part of an object or stack to be strapped during strapping. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that conveyor belts (11, 12, 13) or slides (14) are provided as conveying means (1). Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the longitudinal strapping means (2) has two supply spools (21 and 21 ') of the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A') arranged on opposite sides of the conveying path, and two brakes / Guide means (22 and 22 ') and mutually cooperating means (23 and 23') movable in the conveyor path for tensioning, connecting and severing the first strapping or wrapping material (A / A '). Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the braking / guiding means (22 and 22 ') are movable for shifting the first strapping or wrapping material stretched over the conveying path. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the braking / guiding means (22, 22 ') consist of a pair of clamping jaws (22.1) and a guide roller (22.2) which can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to the conveying path by means of a lever (22.3). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pair of clamping jaws (22.1) and the guide roller (22.2) can additionally be rotated by 90 °. Device according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the transverse strapping means (3) a supply reel (31) for the second strapping material (B), a loop channel (32) extending in a loop around the conveying path and means (33) for introducing the has second strapping material (B) in the loop channel (32) and for folding the loop around the object or stack positioned in the strapping position (U) and for tensioning and severing the loop. Device according to one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that it has a double strapping position (U and U.1) for two successive objects or stacks (S and S.1) with a single curtain stretched over the conveying path from the first Strapping or wrapping material (A / A '). Use of a device according to one of claims 7 to 16 in a processing line, in the stack of newspapers or magazines created with a cover sheet and / or information carrier provided and then optionally strapped transversely and / or lengthways.

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