EP1000860B1 - Method and device for tying or enveloping objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The banding or wrapping process includes a number of banding steps. The banding material (4) is supplied from the input side of the conveyor path (F). Before each banding step or group of steps, a displacement step takes place, in which a preset length of the banding material is passed through. Actively from the input side of the conveyor path to the opposite side of the path.

Description

The invention is in the field of packaging technology and relates to a Method and device according to the preambles of the corresponding, independent claims. The inventive method and the Inventive device serve for strapping or wrapping of Objects, in particular of substantially cuboid objects.

Substantially cuboidal objects, such as stacks of Newspapers or magazines are strapped with ribbons and / or with transparencies or paper wrapped around them to hold them together and / or against damage and protect soiling.

One of the known methods for creating such strapping is in promoting the object to be strapped into a strapping position, wherein the strapping material (tape, foil, paper) at the entrance of the Strapping position like a curtain across the conveying path of the object extends and carried by the conveyed into the Umreifungsposition object becomes. The strapping material attaches to the leading Side of the object and may be on the trailing side of the object with appropriate means so closed to the object and be separated, that it is the object substantially parallel to the conveying direction surrounds and that it is for the strapping of a following object again extends across the conveyor.

The finished strapped object is conveyed away from the strapping position in a conveying direction which is substantially the same as in its conveying. The finished strapping of the object points to its leading and trailing each one place on, at the two ends of the strapping material connected to each other, for example, a welding point.

The strapping material (strap for strapping or foil or paper for Envelope) is for the known method described above, usually from Withdrawn supply rolls, with on each side of the conveying path on which to strapping objects promoted to the position of immaturity and by the Strapping be conveyed away, arranged such a supply roll and wherein for the strapping of each of the supply rolls substantially the same amount of strapping material is removed. For the controlled Peel off and in particular for a tension of the strapping material around the objects to be strapped, are usually between conveyor and supply rollers provided controllable braking means. Be multiple Also provided between brake means and supply rolls memory, in which unpacked strapping material is stored, so that the supply rolls, the usually have a considerable weight, not for each strapping must be driven and stopped again and thus the strapping material can be deducted faster.

When using the known methods and apparatus for strapping or wrapping, as described above, it is therefore essential that each finished strapping has two joints, and it is imperative that from two sides strapping material is supplied, for which also to provide the necessary space and what to do before a first Strapping (e.g., after changing the supply rolls) the free ends the supplied from both sides strapping material in a special Connection step must be connected to each other.

In the publication EP-0160347 a strapping system is described in which the strapping material of only one side is fed and in which after each strapping the joint in which is curtain-shaped over the conveying path extending strapping material on the feed side opposite side is drawn such that this joint is not included in the subsequent strapping.

The invention is now the task of a method for strapping or To show a serving of objects, though on the above Principle based, but does not have the above constraints. It should So also be possible according to the inventive method, strapping or make covers with only one joint and it should be possible to supply the strapping material only from one side. Nevertheless, the inventive method should be independent of properties the strapping material (width, stiffness, etc.) are generally applicable.

It is also the object of the invention to provide a device for carrying out of the method to create which device constructionally not consuming and therefore no less robust than generic, known Devices.

This object is achieved by the method and apparatus as they are are defined in the independent claims.

The inventive method is thus based on the known strapping or wrapping method, according to which method each strapping step this is to move an object to be strapped into the strapping position promoting it through the funding path Strapping material hits and pulls this, and the strapping material on the trailing side of the object to connect and disconnect, such that it surrounds the object on the one hand and on the other hand make a curtain again for a following strapping.

According to the inventive method is now ever between two consecutive Strapping steps or always before a group of strapping steps a shift step performed. At every such move step a predetermined length of the strapping material becomes active from the side (feed side) from which the strapping material is fed is, on the conveyor to the opposite side of the conveyor postponed. By appropriate control of the shift steps and the handling of the strapping material on the feed side opposite side of the conveying path it is possible, optionally strapping to make with only one or two joints.

The device for carrying out the inventive method has funds for the promotion of objects to be strapped into the Strapping position and from the strapping position (e.g. Feeding means for feeding strapping material from the feed side to the strapping position (e.g., supply roll and storage) and means for positioning the strapping material on the trailing side of the to be strapped article and for connecting and disconnecting the strapping material (e.g., suitably equipped and suitably movable Welding heads). Further, on the feed side and on the Supply side opposite side of the conveying path controllable Provide means for handling the strapping material, said Handling on the two sides of the conveyor in different ways is to control. The handling means have in addition to a general leadership function in different phases of the procedure the following functions: Braking the strapping material (on both sides of the conveyor), active Moving the strapping material (at least on one side) and Holding the strapping material (at least on the feed side opposite side).

Advantageously, they are to be provided on both sides of the conveying path Handling means as each realized a means (e.g. appropriate control for the different functions in different Configurations can be brought. Of course it is also possible for each function to provide a separate means and these funds accordingly to activate and deactivate.

The device further comprises control means for controlling the conveying means, Delivery means, the connection / separation means and the means for Handling the strapping material on. The control can be purely time or be clock-related or at least partially activated by sensor signals.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung der wesentlichen Teile einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung;

Figuren 2 und 3

zwei beispielhafte Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens, wobei jeweils eine Mehrzahl von aufeinanderfolgenden Verfahrensphasen dargestellt ist.

The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures. Showing:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of the essential parts of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive device;

FIGS. 2 and 3

two exemplary embodiments of the inventive method, wherein in each case a plurality of successive stages of the process is shown.

1 shows a very schematic representation of the essential components of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, with which a substantially vertically extending curtain is created from the strapping material, which are strapped to objects to be strapped with a substantially vertical strapping.

For the promotion of objects in the Umreifungsposition U and off the Umreifungsposition U is a by two parallel, dotted lines and an arrow F shown conveying path provided. Funding for the Promotion of the objects are, for example, two conveyor belts 1 and 2, which form a gap 3 at the entrance to the strapping position U. The strapping material 4, for example, a tape, a plastic film or a more or less wide paper strip is known from above in per se Supplied manner, for example by means of a arranged over the conveyor and in the direction of arrow rotatably driven supply roll 5 and a storage 6 for unrolled strapping material.

In the areas of the input side of the Umreifungsposition U are also in at known manner means for connecting and disconnecting and optionally also provided for tensioning the strapping material 4 such that they for the conveyance of an object to be strapped from the conveyor F movable and for the connection and separation of the strapping material 4 are movable to the trailing side of this object, wherein at move the strapping material with it. These means of connection and separating are, for example, a pair of welding heads 9, such as they are described in EP-0592049 (Endra) and how they are for joining and separating thermoplastic strapping bands suitable.

Above and below the conveying path F is ever a means of handling arranged the strapping material. These handling means 7 and 8 are configured in the illustrated embodiment as pairs of rollers. This Roller pairs are freely rotatable and disengaged in a rest configuration spaced or at least not pressed against each other. In a brake configuration They are also freely rotatable and with a predetermined Pressing force pressed together, such that the strapping material 4 with Help a predetermined traction between the roles are pulled through can. In a holding configuration, the rollers are locked in rotation and pressed together, such that the strapping material 4 with no occurring tensile force can be pulled through. In a move configuration the rollers are pressed together while one of the rollers is driven in rotation and the other passively rotates or both Rollers are driven in rotation, so that between the rollers extending strapping 4 actively moves between the rollers becomes.

Depending on the process variant and depending on the properties of the strapping material it is not necessary that both handling means 7 and 8 in all mentioned Configurations are brought. Depending on the stiffness of the strapping material this becomes more advantageous in the shifting steps, for example pulled or pushed over the conveyor or on both sides of the conveyor actively moved.

Furthermore, the device has a controller 10, by which the supply means (5/6), the funding (1/2), the connection / disconnection funds (9) and the handling means (7, 8) are controlled. In the figure 1 are corresponding Lines for control signals schematically with dashed lines represented by arrows.

In the embodiment of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 1 the strapping material 4 extends substantially vertically through the Delivery path and is supplied from above (supply side above). It goes without saying also conceivable that the strapping 4 fed from below is (feed side down) or that the strapping material 4 itself extends substantially horizontally over the conveying path and of the one or other side of the conveying path is fed (feed side right or left).

To guide shifted to the feed side opposite side Strapping material may, if necessary, enter on this page leading means, for example, as shown in phantom, a roll 10 or a container may be provided.

Figures 2 and 3 show in a very schematic representation successive process phases of two exemplary embodiments of the inventive method. Means for subfunctions are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the figure 1. The supply side Means 7 for handling the strapping material 4 and the other handling means 8 are represented by the symbol> <, with different ones Configurations by different relative positions of the left and right symbol part are shown.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the inventive method with alternating Umreifungsschritten and shifting steps, wherein in the displacement steps always a predetermined length of the Umreifungsmaterials 4 from the feed side (top) on the opposite side (bottom) of the conveying path F is shifted and manufactured strapping with only one connection point become.

In the process phase a is an object G finished strapped and the strapping material 4 runs in a substantially vertical direction over the Conveyor F and has a junction 20 with a position, the the position of the joint 20 'on the strapping of the object G equivalent. The two handling means 7 and 8 are in the last stages the strapping step in brake configuration.

The process phase b illustrates a shifting step in which the strapping material 4 between two consecutive strapping steps of the feed side to the opposite side (arrow V) is moved. The supply-side handling means 7 is in a rest configuration, the other handling means 8 in displacement configuration (strapping material is pulled). For a strapping material whose inherent rigidity also allows the Zuführungsseitige handling means 7 in displacement configuration, while the other handling means 8 is in rest configuration (process phase b ', strapping material is pulled). It is also conceivable that the strapping material for the displacement is actively and synchronously moved on both sides (both handling means 7 and 8 in shift configuration).

For the shifting step, the means 7 and / or 8 for handling the strapping material for a displacement during a predetermined Shift time and driven at a predetermined displacement speed become. But it is also possible, the last created connection point 20 or the position of the free end of the strapping material 4 sensory to monitor and the sensor signals for the control of the handling means 7 and / or 8 evaluate.

Process phase c illustrates the entrainment of the strapping material 4 by a promotional in the Umreifungsposition consequential item (not shown), wherein the strapping material exclusively from the feed side is pulled (arrow Z). This will be the free end of the strapping material 4 held by the handling means 8 (holding configuration) and by the supply-side handling means 7 (rest configuration) pulled.

Process phase d illustrates the movement of the connection / disconnection means on the trailing side of the follower article to be strapped, wherein the Strapping material is retightened from both sides (arrows Z 'and Z ") and wherein for generating a voltage in the strapping material, the two Handling means 7 and 8 are in brake configuration.

Process phase e illustrates the completion of the strapping of the subsequent object G 'by creating the two connection points 21 and 21' and corresponding separation of the strapping material 4. Here are the two Handling means 7 and 8 in brake configuration.

Process phase f illustrates a shift step such as process phase b. During b, the first shift step after a first strapping step For example, after the insertion of a new supply roll, f represents the Shifting step after seven strapping steps and correspondingly many It is obvious that the free end of the Strapping material at each shift step further from the handling means 8 has been removed and that the growing end portion 30 of the strapping material has all junctions 20 to 26. This end area 30 is then advantageously removed from the device when the Supply roll is changed. The end region 30 increases depending on the size of the strapping objects and depending on the length of the joints one different proportion of each used supply roll. The proportion in most cases will be a few percent of the total consumed material and it can be recycled for most strapping materials become.

• Verschiebeschritt (b, b', f): 7 bzw. 8 in Verschiebekonfiguration und 8 bzw. 7 in Ruhekonfiguration oder 7 und 8 in Verschiebekonfiguration;
• Einfördern des zu umreifenden Gegenstandes (c): 7 in Ruhekonfiguration, 8 in Haltekonfiguration;
• Positionieren des Umreifungsmaterials auf der nachlaufenden Seite des zu umreifenden Gegenstandes und Verbinden/Abtrennen (a, d/e): 7 und 8 in Bremskonfiguration.

In summary, for the process variant according to FIG. 2, the handling means 7 and 8 are to be controlled as follows:

• Shift step (b, b ', f): 7 or 8 in shift configuration and 8 or 7 in idle configuration or 7 and 8 in shift configuration;
• Conveying the object to be strapped (c): 7 in resting configuration, 8 in holding configuration;
• Position the strapping material on the trailing side of the object to be strapped and connect / disconnect (a, d / e): 7 and 8 in brake configuration.

Usually, the shifting step will have to be designed such that the shifted length V of the strapping material is as small as possible that but at least the extension of the connection point 20 in the longitudinal direction of the strapping material is greater than that for the positioning of the Strapping material on the trailing side of the object to be strapped extended length Z ". This ensures that one in one Strapping step created joint 20 not with one in one following strapping step to be created junction 21 in conflict comes. For very thin strapping materials, it may be acceptable if the Junctions on the end portion 30 slightly overlap. Then you have to V - Z "can be greater than half the extent of a joint.

For strapping material that bad on the object to be strapped slips (e.g., adhesive film), it is advantageous not only, as shown in Figure 2, for the positioning of the strapping material on the trailing Side of the object to be strapped (process phase d) strapping material take off from the opposite side of the feed side, but already when conveying the object to be strapped into the Strapping. For this purpose, a correspondingly larger one in the shifting step Length of strapping material to move over the conveyor.

For the method according to FIG. 2, then, if a new supply roll is used, the free end of the strapping material only on the Supply side by the handling means 7, on the conveying path and in the handling means 8 on the supply side opposite Side of the conveying path, so that this free end by the handling means 8 can be recorded. This can immediately be the first strapping step consequences.

FIG. 3 shows, in the same representation as FIG. 2, a second, exemplary one Embodiment of the inventive method in successive Process phases a to g. This method has a shifting step a group of strapping steps (e.g., all strapping steps, which are performed with a supply roll) is connected upstream, and strapping is created with two joints (except the first one) Strapping the group).

The process phase a illustrates the shifting step in the strapping material from the feed side to the feed side opposite Side of the conveying path F is moved (arrow V '). It arises here an end portion 30 ', optionally arranged by a corresponding Roll (10 in Figure 1) is taken or stored in a container becomes.

Process phases b / c / d show a first strapping step in which, as in FIG Method according to Figure 2, a first object G is strapped, wherein the Conveying the article only from the feed side strapping material is pulled out (Z) and in the positioning of the strapping material on the trailing side of the object to be strapped by both Pages (Z 'and Z "). This first strapping creates a joint 20 in strapped strapping material and a connection point 20 'at the strapping of the article G. The end portion 30' is around the Shortened length Z "of the drawn strapping material.

When strapping a follower object G '(procedural phases e / f / g analogous to process phases b / c / d) new connection points 21 and 21 ', wherein the joint 20 in the strapping of the follower article G 'comes to rest and the end portion 30' is again shortened.

• Verschiebeschritt (a): 7 bzw. 8 in Verschiebekonfiguration und 8 bzw. 7 in Ruhekonfiguration oder 7 und 8 in Verschiebekonfiguration;
• Einfördern des zu umreifenden Gegenstandes (b oder e): 7 in Ruhekonfiguration, 8 in Haltekonfiguration;
• Positionieren des Umreifungsmaterials auf der nachlaufenden Seite des zu umreifenden Gegenstandes und Verbinden/Abtrennen (c/d oder f/e): 7 und 8 in Bremskonfiguration.

The control of the handling means 7 and 8 in a method according to FIG. 3 is, for example, the following:

• Shift step (a): 7 or 8 in shift configuration and 8 or 7 in idle configuration or 7 and 8 in shift configuration;
• Conveying the object to be strapped (b or e): 7 in resting configuration, 8 in holding configuration;
• Position the strapping material on the trailing side of the object to be strapped and connect / disconnect (c / d or f / e): 7 and 8 in brake configuration.

The shift step preceding a group of n strapping steps is performed, is interpreted such that the shifted length V 'of Strapping material at least n times the extended length Z ", where Z" should be at least as large as the extent of a junction in Longitudinal direction of the connecting material (no overlap of the two Connecting points in the strapping) or at least as appropriate as large as half of this extent (overlap of joints).

The length strapping Z ", which helps in positioning the strapping material on the trailing side of the object to be strapped by the feed side opposite side is pulled out, is determined by the control of the connection / disconnection means, or by the thus defined position of the junction on the trailing Side of the strapped object. Of course it is also at one Method according to Figure 3 possible, even during the delivery of the strapping object strapping material from the feed side take off the opposite side. In such a case, the in Shifting step shifted length of strapping material accordingly enlarge.

The shift step is performed according to the method of Figure 3 by appropriate Control of the feeding means and the handling means performed, for example, after the free end of a new supply roll, as for the method according to Figure 2 from the feed side of the Förderweges has been led to the opposite side. But it is Of course, it is also possible to carry out the shifting step, so to speak, by hand, by on the side opposite the feed side a further, optionally smaller supply roll is arranged and by the both free ends of the strapping material prior to the first strapping step be connected by special means.

In a method according to FIG. 3, unlike the method according to FIG Figure 2 essentially no waste.

It is also conceivable that the method according to FIG 2 with the method is combined according to FIG. So it's not just a shift step when changing the supply roll performed but always after a plurality Umreifungsschritten, wherein after each shift step, a first Subject receives a strapping with only one joint and wherein an end region is created on which joints of these ever the first Collect strapping steps.

If necessary, it is necessary to the object to be strapped, in particular if it is a stack of compressible flat objects acts to squeeze before and / or during strapping with suitable means.

Claims (15)

1. Method for strapping or wrapping of objects (G, G') conveyed in succession to a strapping position (U) along a conveying path (F), wherein at the entry of the strapping position (U) a strapping material (4) is extended curtain-like across the conveying path (F), wherein in successive strapping steps an object (G) to be strapped at a time draws the strapping material (4) on entering the strapping position (U) placing it around the downstream side of the object (G) and the strapping material (4) is connected and separated on the upstream side of the object (G) such that it forms a strapping closed around the object (G) and being closed by a connection point (20', 21' ...) and such that for strapping of the following object, the strapping material again extends across the conveying path (F) in a curtain-like manner having a further connection point (20, 21 ...), and wherein the strapping material (4) is supplied substantially from a supply side of the conveying path (F) and before each strapping step or before each group of strapping steps a shifting step is carried out for actively shifting a predetermined length (V, V') of the strapping material (4) from the supply side of the conveying path (F) to the opposite side of the conveying path, characterized in that at least for positioning the strapping material (4) on the upstream side of the object (G) to be strapped, strapping material is drawn from the side of the conveying path opposite the supply side and that the shifting steps are controlled in dependence of the length (Z") of the drawn strapping material and in dependence of the extent of the connection points (20, 21 ...) in the direction of the strapping material length.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that for producing strappings with only one connection point (20', 21', ...) the shifting steps and strapping steps are carried out altematingly and that in each shifting step a length (V) of strapping material (4) being larger than the drawn length (Z") is shifted across the conveying path.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the difference between the shifted length (V) and the drawn length (Z") is at least as large as the extent of a connection point in the direction of the strapping material length.
4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that before each group of n strapping steps one shifting step is carried out and that in each shifting step a length (V') of strapping material (4) being shifted across the conveying path is at least as long as n times the drawn length (Z"), wherein in each first strapping step of a group of strapping steps a strapping with one connection point (20') is formed and in the further strapping steps of the group a strapping with two connection points (21'/20) is formed.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the drawn length (Z") is larger than the extent of a connection point in the direction of the strapping material length.
6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the group of strapping steps comprises all strapping steps which can be carried out with the strapping material of one supply roll.
7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the strapping material (4) is a tape, a foil or a paper strip.
8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the strapping material (4) consists at least partly of a thermoplastic material and that the connection points (20/20', 21/21' ...) are formed by means of welding the thermoplastic material together.
9. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 8 which device comprises conveying means (1/2) for conveying along a conveying path (F), objects to be strapped (G) into a strapping position (U) and strapped objects (G) out of the strapping position (U), supply means (5/6) for supplying a strapping material (4) to the strapping position (U), connecting/separating means (9) for positioning the strapping material on the upstream side of the object (G) to be strapped and for connecting and separating the strapping material (4), handling means (7, 8) for handling the strapping material on two opposite sides of the conveying path (F) and control means for controlling the conveying means (1/2) , the supply means (5/6), the connecting/separating means (9) and the handling means (7, 8), wherein the supply means (5/6) are designed for supplying the strapping material (4) from a supply side of the conveying path (F) and wherein for active shifting of the strapping material (4) in shifting steps at least one of the handling means (7, 8) can be brought into a shifting configuration, characterized in that the control means are equipped such that, during positioning of the strapping material (4) on the upstream side of the object (G) to be strapped or during the named positioning and the entry of the object (G) to be strapped into the strapping position, the handling means (8) on the side opposite the supply side is brought into a braking configuration and such that the length of the strapping material shifted during the shifting steps from the supply side to the side opposite the supply side is adapted to the length (Z") of the strapping material drawn out during the positioning or during the positioning and the entering and to the extent of the connection points (20, 21, ...) in longitudinal direction of the strapping material.
10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the handling means (8) on the side of the of the conveying path (F) opposite the supply side can be brought into a holding configuration.
11. Device according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the handling means (7, 8) are pairs of rolls.
12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the supply means (5/6) comprise a supply roll (5) and storage means (6).
13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the connecting/separating means comprise welding heads for welding of thermoplastic materials.
14. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that sensors are provided for activating a control unit (10).
15. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that for guiding strapping material (4) shifted across the conveying path, a roll (10) or a container is arranged on the side of the conveying path (F) opposite the supply side.

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