EP2394916A1 - Device and method for strapping pallets and objects and use of a guide element - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) comprises a band guiding unit (3), which extends from a resting state to an operating state, a band guiding channel for receiving a strapping band (27), and a guide element (15) with a longitudinal slot (21). The band guiding unit in the operating state extends under the object (2) to be strapped through a section (17), which is continuous for the strapping band. An independent claim is also included for a method for strapping of pallets and objects with a strapping band.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for strapping pallets and / or articles with at least one strapping band comprising at least one retractable from a rest state to an operating state tape guide means with a tape guide channel for receiving the strapping, wherein the idle tape guide means on one side of the to the object to be strapped is positioned adjacent to the object and wherein the tape guide means extends in the operating state under the object to be strapped through. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for strapping pallets and / or articles with at least one strap and a use of a guide element when strapping pallets and / or objects with at least one strapping.

A device with a back stiffened tape guide chain as a tape guide means and a method of this kind are known from EP 1 053 941 B1 known. In this case, a bearing device with the belt guide chain mounted therein is arranged laterally of an object to be strapped and on a bearing device opposite side of the object to be strapped, a deflection unit is provided. The tape guide chain is pulled out of the storage facility, below of the object passed to the deflection and deflected by this in a substantially vertical direction. During the further extension of the tape guide chain whose front end performs an upward movement along a side wall of the article to be packaged, the back rigid formation of the tape guide chain prevents them from tipping over from the object. However, it proves to be problematic to strap relatively high objects with such a device, since the mechanical stability of the tape guide chain decreases, the greater the height reached by the front end, or the greater the length of the extending in the end portion of the Bandführungskette is.

Furthermore, from the general state of the art devices for strapping pallets and / or objects are known in which a lance or a rail is pushed through under the pallet or the object, at the front end of which the strapping band is fastened. After the rail or lance is pushed under the pallet or article, a person manually picks up the front end of the strapping tape to return it along the side wall and the top of the pallet or article. There, the strapping is then stretched and closed. A disadvantage of these devices is that the burden on the person operating the device is relatively high as it has to bend over to pick up the strap and manually return it over the pallet or article.

A disadvantage of these devices is further that only relatively flat objects can be strapped, since the operator can no longer lead the tape over the top of the pallet at high objects.

Furthermore, from the general state of the art expensive, fully automatic strapping systems are known, which are stationary, d. H. not mobile, are trained. These stationary devices have a substantially completely closed frame with a generally rectangular contour. The side edges of the rectangle are formed by corresponding rails or tubes through which a strapping band can be shot. The strapping is essentially completely shot around the pallet or the object. The front end of the strapping band, after this has the pallet or the object circulated, stretched and fixed. Such devices, in addition to the high cost, have the disadvantage that they are stationary, d. H. the device can not be pushed to the pallet or article to be strapped because of the frame construction. Furthermore, it is necessary that the device has a roller belt or the like as well as a loading and unloading station. The pallet or article is placed on the roller conveyor and then positioned so that it is within the frame. The pallet or article must therefore be raised for positioning on the roller conveyor. This embodiment is necessary because otherwise the pallet or article can not be positioned within the frame. Such a device is essentially suitable for the fully automatic strapping of packages or articles which essentially always have the same format.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective device and a method for strapping pallets and / or objects with which even relatively high objects can be reliably and safely strapped.

This object is achieved by the device having the features of claim 1, by the method having the features of claim 11 and the use of a guide element according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for strapping pallets and / or articles having at least one strapping band comprising at least one retractable band guide means from a quiescent state to a belt guide channel for receiving the strapping band and a guide member having a longitudinal slot the tape guiding means located in the rest state and at least a portion of the guide element facing the object to be strapped are positioned adjacent to the object on respective opposite sides of the object, wherein the tape guiding means extends under the object to be strapped in the operating state to the section which is continuous to the strapping band, wherein a front end of the strapping band as it passes through the portion performs an upward movement to a height which is greater It is greater than the height of the object to be strapped.

There is further provided a method of strapping pallets and / or articles having at least one strapping band comprising the steps of disposing at least one band guide means extendable from a rest condition to operative condition with a strap channel for receiving the strap on one side of an article to be strapped; Providing at least one guide element with a longitudinal slot on a side facing the object to be strapped, wherein at least a portion of the guide element is arranged on a side facing away from the tape guide means of the object to be strapped; Extending the tape guide means from the idle state to the operating state, wherein the tape guide means extends in the operating state under the object to be strapped through to the section; Inserting the strap into the strap channel; Inserting the strapping band into the guide member and guiding the strapping band through the guide member and its portion, wherein a front end of the strapping band makes an upward movement to a height greater than the height of the object to be strapped; Returning the front end above the object to be strapped on that side of the object on which the tape guide means is arranged at rest; Pulling the strap through the longitudinal slot; Clamping the strapping band around the object to be strapped and closing the strapping band comprises.

In addition, a use of a guide element when strapping pallets and / or objects is proposed with at least one strapping, wherein the guide element has a longitudinal slot on one side and is arranged with this side facing the object to be strapped, and at least one portion having on one side of the article to be strapped is disposed adjacent the article, a strapping band is guided by the guide element, and a front end of the strapping belt makes an upward movement as it passes through the section to a height greater than the height of the article to be strapped; the strap is then pulled through the longitudinal slot.

According to the present invention, at least a portion of a guide member on one side of the object to be strapped positioned adjacent the article which faces away from a side of the article on which the idle tape guide means is positioned adjacent the article. The strap is inserted into the guide element and passed through the guide element. Here, the guide member prevents the strapping band from breaking out of a desired direction even if the front end of the strapping band reaches a great height. It is thus possible to straighten even high objects comfortably and safely.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise at least one bearing means positionable laterally of the object to be strapped, and the tape guiding means may comprise a tape guide chain having a plurality of successively hinged and continuous hollow tape guide members forming the flexible tape guide channel extending along the tape guide chain; at least one fastening means for attaching the strapping within the band guide channel, wherein the band guide chain in the rest position in the storage device and extendable in the operating state of the bearing device and guided by the guide element, wherein a front end of the band guide chain performs an upward movement when passing through the section. In this embodiment, although the strap is within the strap guide channel of the strap guide chain, since the strap guide chain is guided by the guide member and the strap is secured in the strap guide channel, the leading end of the strap is entrained by the strap guide chain and also passes through the guide member and particularly the portion of the guide element.

It is possible that the tape guide means in one embodiment, both an elongated, rigid member and a tape guide chain, the tape guide chain in the operating state in the below the object to be strapped extending rigid element and can be guided by this, analogous to the leadership of Belt guide chain through the guide element. The strapping band located in the band guide channel within the band guide chain is thereby pulled by the band guide chain through the rigid element.

The band guide chain can be designed as a back-rigid chain. Additionally or alternatively, the tape guide members may be provided on a side facing the article to be packaged with a tape passage opening so that when tensioning the tape, the tape is first pulled through the tape passage openings and thus separated from the tape guide chain, and then through the longitudinal slot of the guide member therethrough is pulled and can invest tightly to the piece goods to be wrapped.

One possibility for producing a band passage opening may be that it is provided in each case by a longitudinal slot running in the transport direction in a longitudinal wall facing the object to be strapped. To form the band passage opening can be provided that the divided by the longitudinal slot wall is designed to be movable in the direction of the side facing the strapping. The mobility can be achieved in a simple manner by a corresponding elasticity of the two-part wall. The tape guide members may have at least approximately a U-profile shape seen in cross-section, wherein the free ends of the legs of the U-profile are provided with the two-part longitudinal wall. An advantageous embodiment of Tape guide members may consist in that the free input openings of the tape guide members are widened. Since there is a small distance between each band guide members, it can be avoided in this way that, for example, when shooting through the tape to disturbances such. As a bumping and related jamming or binding, comes.

It is particularly advantageous if the strapping band is separated from the strapping band by a retraction or a return of the band guide chain into the bearing device. For this purpose, the strapping band can preferably be either held manually or fastened at a suitable location, so that the strapping band does not move back with the band guide chain. Subsequently, or during the return of the tape guide members, the strap can be pulled through the longitudinal slot of the guide member therethrough. This principle is from the EP 1 053 941 B1 known. In this case, can be dispensed with the tape passage openings described in the previous section in the tape guide members.

Another embodiment of the device comprises a weft device to shoot the strap through the strap guide channel into the guide member. For this purpose, the tape guide means may be formed, for example, as an elongated, rigid and in particular lance-shaped or tubular element. As a result of such an element extending in the operating state below the object to be strapped, the strapping band can be fired by means of the firing device as far as the guide element and at least through the section of the guide element or preferably to the end of the guide element. After the strapping of the article that is the band guide channel below the object to be strapped element forming under the object again pulled out. The band guiding means by which the strapping band is shot can also be a band guide chain which has, similar to the previously described band guiding chain, a multiplicity of mutually hinged and continuous hollow band guiding members which form the flexible band guiding channel extending along the band guiding chain. This has the advantage that the tape guide chain can be wound in the storage device or rolled up on a roll, whereby the space requirement is low and the device, in particular the storage device is uncomplicated movable and therefore mobile.

Insofar as it is provided that the strap is shot at least by the guide member, it is advantageous if the tape guide means is designed such that this produces a connection in the form of a tape guide channel only between the bearing means and the guide member. The strip guiding means (in any desired configuration - eg as a chain or rod) can for this purpose connect or dock onto the guide element or retract a section into it.

The tape guide chain can be manually, for example by means of a crank drive or crank mechanism, and / or motorized, for example by means of an electric motor, extendable from the bearing device and / or retractable into the bearing device. Correspondingly, a possibly stiff element can be manually and / or motor-driven under the object to be strapped. Furthermore, in particular, in a configuration as a rigid element in the operating state, the tape guiding means can be oriented substantially horizontally and in the state of rest substantially vertically. For this purpose, a folding device or a hinge can be provided.

The guide element can be, for example, simply a rail or two rails arranged in parallel, which laterally surround, for example, a band guide chain introduced into the guide element with the strapping band or only the strapping band. Other embodiments provide for the guide member an elongate, tubular member of any cross section. Thus, the cross section of the guide element may be square or rectangular. In particular, the cross section of the guide element can be designed correspondingly to that of the cable guide chain or it can be round. Therefore, simple longitudinally slotted tubes made of metal, in particular of aluminum, or plastic can be used as a guide element.

In principle, the shape of the guide element can be arbitrary, as long as the front end of the strapping band gains in height when passing through the guide element. For example, the guide element can be bent in the form of an elliptical section or circular arc section or even have wave-shaped turns. However, a guide element with at least one straight, elongate section is preferred. In the simplest case, the section is straight and aligned substantially vertically. If a back-restrained cable guide chain passes through such a guide element and if the front end of the cable guide chain protrudes sufficiently from an upper end of the guide element, it tilts down on the object to be strapped, as in known devices due to its own weight. Upon further extension of the tape guide chain, this moves on an upper side of the object to be packaged on that side of the object on which the bearing device is arranged.

In another embodiment of the guide element, the guide element comprises a straight and substantially vertical section and a bent section adjoining the vertical section at an upper end. In this case, the guide element is arranged such that an open end of the bent portion is located above an upper side of the object to be strapped. A guided by such a guide element tape guide chain exits substantially parallel to the top of the object to be strapped from the bent portion and is thus located on the top of the article, without requiring a tilting movement of the front portion of the tape guide chain. Upon further extension of the tape guide chain moves this as in the embodiment described above on the top of the object to be packaged on the side of the object on which the bearing device is arranged. Because a secure guidance of the tape guide chain is ensured by the guide element to the top of the object to be strapped, the tape guide chain no longer has to be formed back stiff, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the tape guide chain.

A further embodiment of the guide element has a straight and substantially vertical section, a bent section adjoining the vertical section at an upper end, and a straight and substantially horizontal section adjoining the bent section. The horizontal section is arranged above the top of the article to be packaged. It can only extend over part of the top of the article to be packaged. Preferably, however, the horizontal portion extends to the side of the object on which the bearing device is arranged. Preferably, the horizontal portion ends vertically above the Bearing device or shortly before reaching the object to be strapped facing the front end of the bearing device. Such a horizontal section ensures safe guidance of the tape guide chain over part of the top of the article to be packaged or over its entire top.

Further, the guide member may have a straight and substantially vertical portion, a bent portion adjoining the vertical portion at an upper end, a straight and substantially horizontal portion adjoining the bent portion, and a downwardly bent portion adjacent to the horizontal portion Section. The downwardly bent portion is provided in such a way on the side facing the bearing device of the article to be packaged, that a front end of the tape guide chain passing through the guide element with the strapping or only the strapping (Schusslösung) exits on this side of the guide element. The leaked out of the guide element front end of the strapping can now, as it hangs down, are easily taken by an operator.

Insofar as it is provided that the strapping band should be passed through the guide element or that a chain passing through the guide element should generally be dispensed with, it may be advantageous if the vertical section of the guide element arranged on the side of the bearing device adjoins or is connected to the bearing device is or ends in or at the storage facility. As a result, the strapping band can be easily tensioned and closed by a corresponding device (eg a band-tensioning and closing device).

During operation of the device, the guide element can be held manually or it may be advantageous to provide a holder for the guide element, to which the guide element is attached. Preferably, however, the apparatus of the present invention has a frame for supporting the guide member. The frame may comprise two elongated vertical frame members and an elongate horizontal frame member, respective opposite ends of the horizontal frame member being connected to an upper end of a respective one of the vertical frame members and the guide member being attached to one of the two vertical frame members or to one of the two vertical frame members and horizontal frame element fitting arranged and / or connected thereto and the bearing device is arranged adjacent to the other of the two vertical frame members. For example, if the guide member includes a vertical and a horizontal portion, the vertical portion may abut and / or be connected to the vertical frame member and the horizontal portion may abut and / or be connected to the horizontal frame member.

Preferably, the device further comprises a holder for a supply roll for the strapping and / or a Bandspann- and closure device and / or a deflection unit for the tape guide chain and / or at least one roller for the guide element and / or a drive for extending and retracting the tape guide chain , For example, a deflection unit, as in the above EP 1 053 941 B1 is described, be provided, which deflects the tape guide chain by 90 ° upwards and initiates directly into the guide element (regardless of whether then in sequence the tape guide chain passes through the guide member or whether the strapping tape is shot through). Since the band guide chain after Pulling out of the storage device is usually moved close to the ground, the deflection of an operator saves a cumbersome bending for insertion of the tape guide chain in the guide element. By contrast, the rollers for the guide element increase the mobility of the device.

Particularly preferably, the tape guiding means and / or the bearing device and / and the holder for the supply roll and / or the belt tensioning and closing device and / or the drive and / or the shooting device are designed as a mobile module. With a module designed in this way, a fully automatic operation can now also be achieved with a mobile device in case of need. In particular, a detachable connection between this module and the guide element and / or the frame may be provided in order to be able to detach the module from the guide element or frame and to make it easier to transport the elements of the device when the device changes location.

Preferably, the guide element is adjustable in height to adapt the device to pallets and / or objects of different heights and to be able to comfortably grip them. For example, the guide element may have telescopically nested and extendable elements.

The term "a plurality of successively arranged, hinged to each other and continuous hollow tape guide members" should fall within the scope of the invention, tape guide members, which are composed of elongated tubular or strand-shaped members. These can be z. B. be formed by a tube or strand is divided into 20 cm long or larger segments. The segments can be received or stored running in the bearing device on a roll or in the vertical direction (tower-shaped). A However, such solution makes it difficult to insert the tape guide members into the guide member. Therefore, it is preferable to form as large a number of rather short tape guide members as possible over large, elongated tape guide members.

A particular advantage of the invention is the modular structure, in particular that the bearing device is separable from the guide channel.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen mobilen Vorrichtung während eines Umreifungsvorgangs;

Fig. 2

einen vergrößerten Querschnitt durch ein Bandführungs-glied;

Fig. 3

eine Ausgestaltung von Bandführungsgliedern mit einer trichterförmigen Eintrittsöffnung, jeweils im Schnitt;

Fig. 4

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße mobile Vorrichtung.

Die in der Fig. 1 dargestellte mobile Vorrichtung 1 zur Umreifung von Paletten ist grundsätzlich bereits bekannt, wozu beispielsweise auf die EP 1 053 941 B1 des gleichen Anmelders verwiesen wird, weshalb nachfolgend nur auf die für die Erfindung wesentlichen Teile näher eingegangen sind.The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with the aid of figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a mobile device according to the invention during a strapping process;

Fig. 2

an enlarged cross section through a tape guide member;

Fig. 3

an embodiment of band guide members with a funnel-shaped inlet opening, respectively in section;

Fig. 4

another mobile device according to the invention.

The in the Fig. 1 shown mobile device 1 for strapping pallets is basically already known, including, for example, on the EP 1 053 941 B1 Reference is made to the same applicant, which is why below only in detail for the invention essential parts.

The Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for strapping packages or piece goods 2, which stand on a pallet or similar device. The device 1 is provided with a tape guide device, which as a chain third is formed, which consists of a plurality of tape guide members 4. The arranged in chain form band guide members 4 form in this way a flexible band channel, wherein the individual band guide members 4 are interconnected in the drawing only in principle indicated bolt 5 each. The chain 3 with the tape guide members 4 can be pulled to strapping the objects 2 out of a base unit 6 out. The tape guide members 4 are wound in the base unit 6 on a supply roll, wherein a pinion 7, which is driven by a drive motor, not shown, the chain 3 with the tape guide members 4 respectively pushes out of the base unit 6. Instead of a drive of the pinion 7 by a motor can of course also this manual rotation, z. B. by a hand crank or the like, be provided for a transport of the chain 3.

The end of the wound-up chain 3 is fixed in a bearing device 8 in the base unit 6, in which the chain 3 can be completely received and stored in a resting state.

From the Fig. 1 Furthermore, a carriage 9 with a deflection unit 10 and a pushing part 11 can be removed. The carriage 9 is shown in the deflection position at the rear (relative to the thrust direction of the chain), bottom corner of the piece 2. As can be seen, the deflection unit 10 is pivoted in this position by about 90 ° relative to its initial position by a transverse to the Einfahrbewegungsrichtung (arrow 12) and Rückfahrbewegungsrichtung (arrow 13) about a pivot point formed by a bolt 14. About the pin 14, the deflection unit 10 of the carriage 9 with the thrust part 11 of the carriage 9 is positively and rotatably connected.

On a side facing away from the base unit 6 side of the piece 2, a guide member 15 is further arranged with a rigid band channel 16. The guide element 15 comprises a section 17 which is arranged above the deflection unit 10 and is substantially vertically aligned, an arcuate section 18 adjoining it, a section 19 adjoining this and essentially horizontal, and subsequently a further arcuate section 20, which points downwards bent or curved. As can be seen extending in the Fig. 1 the vertical section 17 beyond an upper side of the piece goods 2 addition. The horizontal portion 19 extends in the horizontal direction over the cargo 2 to the side of the piece 2, on which the base unit 6 is arranged. The guide member 15 projects with the downwardly bent portion 20 beyond said side. It is further provided on a the piece goods 2 side facing along its entire length with a longitudinal slot 21.

Furthermore, a frame 22 in the Fig. 1 to see, which has substantially the shape of an inverted U with two vertical legs 23, 24 and a connecting these two legs 23, 24 at the upper ends connecting element 25. The base unit 6 is detachably connected to the leg 24, while the vertical portion 17 of the guide member 15 with the leg 23 and the horizontal portion 19 of the guide member 15 is connected to the connecting element 25.

How further from the Fig. 1 it can be seen, during the strapping process, the chain 3 with the flexible band channel and the band guide members 4 out of the base unit 6 and from below to the guide member 15 and the rigid band channel 16 and the vertical portion 17, respectively, after a corresponding unwinding, in which or in which it is introduced after deflection by the deflection unit 10. For easier docking of the vertical portion 17 of the rigid band channel 16 at the insertion point for the chain 3 with an extended, namely funnel-shaped or cone-shaped inlet opening 26 is provided.

Within the flexible band channel extends a band 27 which is fixed to a front end of the chain 3. When the chain 3 is withdrawn from the base unit 6, the band 27, which is located within the flexible band channel and originates from a supply roll, not shown, is pulled out of the base unit 6, deflected by the deflection unit 10 with the chain 3 and inserted into the stiff band channel 16.

Connected further to the basic unit 6 is a band-tensioning and closing device 28, the structure and mode of operation of which is basically already known.

The inventive structure of the tape guide members 4 is from the EP 1 053 941 B1 known. This structure is also particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

From the FIGS. 2 and 3 is in principle the embodiment of individual tape guide members 4 in a particular embodiment, which differs from the embodiment shown in the EP 1 053 941 B1 is disclosed.

The tape guide 4 after FIGS. 2 and 3 have in cross-section at least approximately a U-profile shape, wherein at the free ends of the legs of the U-profile, a two-part longitudinal wall 29a and 29b is arranged. The lengths or widths of the two-part longitudinal wall 29a and 29b are chosen so that a gap 30 remains therebetween. The two Longitudinal walls 29a and 29b are elastically formed, whereby they can be moved in the direction of arrow outwards, so that in the interior of the tape guide members 4 during clamping by the not shown in detail Bandspann- and closure device 28 from the tape guide members 4 and through the longitudinal slot 21 from the guide element 15 pulled-out band 27 can be pressed tightly in this way for clamping to the objects 2 to be strapped.

To stabilize or stiffen the band guide members 4, they may also be provided with an optional transverse wall 31 in the interior. In this case, the band guide members 4 are arranged so that the two-part longitudinal wall 29a and 29b is respectively arranged on the side facing the strapping.

Like from the Fig. 3 can be seen, the band guide members 4 seen in cross-section in the region of its inlet opening funnel or cone-shaped. As can be seen, a shock and pinch-free shooting of the belt 27 in the arrow direction is made possible in this way.

For the realization of the invention are from the EP 1 053 941 B1 to prefer known tape guide members. Further, instead of shooting through a belt, it is preferable to convey the belt 27 to the desired position by attachment to the chain 3.

To strap with the device 1, the cargo 2 with the belt 27, the piece goods 2 is first as in the Fig. 1 shown between the base unit 6 and the guide member 15, and its vertical portion 17, respectively. In other words, the bearing unit 8 encompassed by the base unit 6 for the chain 3 and the chain 3 mounted in it are arranged on one side of the piece goods 2, while the guide element 15, and in particular its vertical portion 17, on which the base unit 6 opposite side of the piece 2 is arranged. The band 27 is inserted into the flexible band guide channel and fixed therein. Now the chain 3 is extended out of the base unit 6 and guided below the piece goods 2 on the side with the guide element 15, where it opens into the deflection unit 10. From this, the chain 3 is deflected vertically upwards. As a result of the deflection, the chain 3 is inserted at the lower end of the vertical section 17 into the guide element 15 or in its rigid band channel 16. It passes through the guide element 15 on further extension, wherein the chain 3 is guided by the guide element 15. By passing through the vertical portion 17, the front end of the chain 3 makes an upward movement and gains in height. At a height which is greater than the height of the piece goods 2, the front end of the chain 3 is deflected by the arcuate portion 18 in a horizontal direction and in the horizontal portion 19, which the chain 3 above the top of the piece 2 again back to Side with the basic unit 6 leads. Here, the front end of the chain 3 emerges from the guide element 15 on the arcuate section 20. The extension of the chain 3 from the base unit 6 is stopped as soon as the front end of the chain 3 at a tangible height from the bent portion 20 depends down. The front end of the chain is grasped and the attachment of the band 27 is released. After loosening the band 27 from the chain 3, the chain 3 is withdrawn or returned to the base unit 6 or the bearing device 8. After or during the return of the chain 3, the band 27 can be removed through the longitudinal slot 21 from the guide element 15 or the band channel 16. The band 27 is inserted into the band-tensioning and closing device 28, which tensions the band 27. Alternatively or in addition to the return of the chain 3, the band 27 can also be removed through the gap 30 of the band guide members 4, when the band guide members 4 have a configuration according to Fig. 2 has been described. In this case, it may be provided that the tape leaves the tape guide members 4 through the gap 30 as soon as the tape 27 is tensioned by the tape tensioning and closing device 28. Immediately thereafter, the band 27 is pulled out of the guide element 15 through the longitudinal slot 21. The band 27 is further stretched around the cargo 2 and finally closed.

After tensioning the belt 27 around the cargo 2, the belt 27 is cut to separate the piece goods 2 strapped end portion of the belt 27 from the rest of the belt.

In the FIG. 4a ), another device 32 according to the present invention is shown schematically, which comprises a frame 33, a guide element 34 and a module 35. The guide element 34 may essentially correspond to the previously described guide element 15, from which it may differ from a lower section 36 bent toward the underside of the piece goods 2 to be strapped. In section 36, an opening for introducing a strapping band is provided in the guide member 34, which for perspective reasons in the FIG. 4a ) is not visible. The module 35 comprises a rigid, elongated, hollow and lance-like element 37 as a tape guiding means. Alternatively, the tape guide means may also be formed as a (possibly back-stiff) chain, as according to the embodiment of FIGS FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown. In the FIG. 4a ) is the element 37 and the tape guide means shown in the operating state in which it extends below the piece goods 2 to be strapped. Furthermore, the module 35 comprises a known band tensioning and closing device, a holder for a supply roll for the strapping and a weft device, which for reasons of simplicity in the FIG. 4a ) are not detailed. Module 35 and guide member 34 are supported on respective legs of the frame 33, which is substantially in the shape of an inverted U.

For strapping the piece goods 2, the strapping tape is shot from the firing device through the element 37 and through the opening in the section 36 into the guide element 34. Within the guide element 34, the strapping band is guided around the article 2 and a front end of the strapping band finally exits on the side of the article 2 from the guide element 34, on which the module 35 is arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the guide element 34 on the side of the object to be strapped, which faces the module 35, has a vertically extending section which ends in the module 35. The module 35 can have a band-tensioning and closing device. There then exits the front end of the strapping.

Alternatively, the guide member 34 may end as shown in FIG Fig. 1 is shown or a portion in the direction of the module 35 to be extended. In this case, the front end of the strapping band hanging from the guide element 34 can be gripped by an operator and pulled out of the guide element 34 as described above. Subsequently, the strapping is stretched around the cargo 2 and closed in the manner already described. After strapping the element 37 is pulled out under the cargo 2, as in FIG. 4b ) you can see. Thus, the element 37 is not as in FIG. 4b ) protrudes from the frame 33 and forms a potential source of danger, the element 37 is designed to be hinged. It can therefore of the in the FIG. 4b ) horizontal position are folded into a vertical position, which represents the resting state of the element 37. This is in Figure 4c ).

The rigid element 37 can be replaced by a band guide chain with a plurality of successively arranged, hinged to each other and continuously hollow band guide members, which form a band guide channel extending along the tape guide chain. In operation, such a band guide chain as the element 37 in the FIG. 4a ) can be arranged. After passing through the strap through the tape guide channel of the tape guide chain in the guide member 34, or after the strapping of the piece 2, such a tape guide chain can be easily retracted or retracted into the module 35, where it assumes its idle state. At rest, the tape guide chain can be wound on a roll (or the like), this is for example on the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment.

Claims (15)

Device (1, 32) for strapping pallets and / or articles (2) with at least one strapping band (27) comprising at least one slack guide means (3, 37) extendable from a rest condition to an operative condition with a sliver guide channel for receiving the strapping band (27 ) and a guide element (15, 34) with a longitudinal slot (21), wherein the idle state tape guide means (3, 37) and at least a portion (17) of the longitudinal slot (21) to the object to be strapped (2) facing guide member (15, 34) on respective opposite sides of the article (2) the item (2) are each adjacent positioned, wherein the tape guide means (3, 37) in the operating state under the object to be strapped (2) through to the section (17) which is continuous for the strapping band (27), wherein a front end of the strapping band (27) when passing through the portion (17) an upward b ewegung to a height that is greater than the height of the object to be strapped (2). Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one laterally of the object to be strapped (2) positionable bearing means (8) and wherein the tape guide means comprises a tape guide chain (3) having a plurality of successively arranged, hinged together and continuously hollow tape guide members (3). 4), which form the flexible band guide channel extending along the band guide chain (3) and at least one attachment means for securing the strapping band (27) within the band guide channel, wherein the band guide chain (3) in the storage device (8) can be stored in the rest position and in the operating state of the Bearing device (8) extendable and by the guide element (15) can be guided, wherein a front end of the tape guide chain (3) when passing through the section (17) performs an upward movement. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the tape guide chain (3) is designed as a back-rigid chain and / or wherein the tape guide members (4) on a the object to be packaged (2) facing side with a tape passage opening (30) are provided. The device (32) of claim 1 including a weft device for shooting the strap through the strap guide channel into the guide element (34). Apparatus (1, 32) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the tape guide means (3) manually and / or motor driven from the storage device (8) extendable and / or retractable into the storage device (8). Device (1, 32) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion (17) is aligned straight and substantially perpendicular, or wherein the guide element (15, 34) has a straight and substantially vertical portion (17) and one at an upper one End of the vertical portion (17) subsequent curved portion (18) or wherein the guide element (15, 34) has a straight and substantially vertical portion (17) having a bent portion (18) adjoining the vertical portion (17) at an upper end and a straight and substantially horizontal portion (19) adjoining the bent portion (18), or wherein the guide member (15 , 34) has a straight and substantially vertical portion (17), a bent portion (18) adjoining the vertical portion (17) at an upper end, a straight and substantially horizontal portion adjoining the bent portion (18) (19) and a down to the horizontal portion (19) adjoining downwardly bent portion (20). Device (1, 32) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a frame (22, 33) for holding the guide element (15, 34). The device (1, 32) of claim 7, wherein the frame (22, 33) comprises two elongate vertical frame members (23, 24) and an elongated horizontal frame member (25), respective opposite ends of the horizontal frame member (25) being upper End of a respective one of the vertical frame members (23, 24) are connected and the guide element (15, 34) on one of the two vertical frame members (23, 24) or on one of the two vertical frame members (23, 24) and the horizontal frame member (25 ) is arranged adjacent and / or connected thereto and the bearing means (8) is arranged adjacent to the other of the two vertical frame members (23, 24). Device (1, 32) according to one of the preceding claims with a holder for a supply roll for the strapping band (27) and / or a band tensioning and closing device (28) and / or a deflection unit (10) for the tape guide chain (3) and / or at least one roller for the guide element (15) and / or a drive for extending and retracting the tape guide means (3). Device (1, 32) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tape guiding means (3) and / or the bearing device (8) and / or the holder for the supply roll and / or the band tensioning and closing device (28) and / or the drive and / or the firing device is or are designed as a mobile module (6, 35). Method for strapping pallets and / or articles (2) with at least one strapping band (27) with the following steps: (a) arranging at least one tape guide means (3, 37) extendable from an idle state to an operating state, having a tape guide channel for receiving the strapping tape (27) on one side of an object (2) to be strapped, (b) providing at least one guide element (15, 34) with a longitudinal slot (21) on a side facing the object (2) to be strapped, at least a portion (17) of the guide element (15, 34) resting on a strap guide means (3 , 37) facing away from the object to be strapped (2) is arranged; (C) extending the tape guide means (3, 34) from the idle state to the operating state, wherein the tape guide means (3, 34) extends in the operating state under the article to be strapped (2) to the section (17); (d) inserting the strapping band (27) into the band guide channel; (e) inserting the strapping band (27) into the guide member (15, 34) and guiding the strapping band (27) through the guide member (15, 34) and its portion (17) with a front end of the strapping band (27) moving upwards to a height greater than the height of the object to be strapped (2); (f) returning the front end above the object to be strapped (2) to that side of the object (2) on which the tape guiding means (3, 37) is placed at rest; (g) pulling the strapping band (27) through the longitudinal slot (21); (h) tensioning the strapping band (27) around the object (2) to be strapped and closing the strapping band (27). A method according to claim 11, wherein in step (a) on one side of the object to be strapped (2) a tape guiding chain (3) comprising tape guiding means and at least one bearing means (8) are arranged, wherein the tape guiding chain (3) a plurality of successively arranged , mutually hinged and continuous hollow tape guide members (4) forming the flexible tape guide channel extending along the tape guide chain (3) for receiving the strap (27) and having at least one attachment means for securing the strap (27) within the tape guide channel the tape guide chain (3) in a resting state in the storage device (8) can be stored and in an operating state of the storage device (8) is extendable; wherein in step (d) the strapping band (27) is secured in the band guide channel; wherein in step (e) a front end of the tape guide chain (3) in the guide element (15) introduced and the tape guide chain (3) through the guide member (15) and its portion (17) is guided; and wherein between steps (f) and (g) the attachment of the strapping band (27) in the band guide channel is released and the strapping band (27) is separated from the band guide chain (3). The method of claim 11, wherein in step (d) the strap (27) is shot through the strap guide channel. Use of a guide element (15, 34) when strapping pallets and / or articles (2) with at least one strap (27), wherein the guide element (15, 34) on one side has a longitudinal slot (21) and with this side to and at least one section (17) which is arranged on one side of the object to be strapped (2) adjacent the object (2), wherein a strapping band (27) by the guide element (15, 34) and a front end of the strapping band (27), when passing through the portion (17), makes an upward movement to a height greater than the height of the object (2) to be strapped, and wherein the strapping band (27) subsequently through the longitudinal slot (21) is pulled. Use of the guide element (15) according to claim 14, wherein the strapping band (27) is received and secured within a band guide channel of a band guide chain (3) having a plurality of successively hinged and continuous hollow band guide members (4) arranged one behind the other the band guide chain (3) extending flexible band guide channel forming, and at least one fastening means for securing the strapping band (27); wherein a leading end of the tape guide chain (3) is inserted into the guide member (15) and the tape guide chain (3) is guided by the guide member (15) and its portion (17); and subsequently releasing the attachment of the strapping band (27) in the band guide channel and separating the strapping band (27) from the band guide chain (3) before pulling it through the longitudinal slot (21).

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