EP2428453B1 - Method for applying flat straps around packages - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying strapping bands to packages by means of a strapping device with two or more band guide channels, and with at least one guide member, wherein the two band guide channels connect to a closure head and taken together, the package respectively surround and spaced from each other. In addition, the subject of the invention is an associated strapping device.

A method and a corresponding strapping device of the structure described at the outset are described in the generic document EP 2 116 470 A2 presented. As explained in detail there, strapping devices are usually used to summarize objects or packages to be strapped with the aid of one or more strapping bands. For this purpose, a closure head of the strapping device is regularly positioned on the package to be strapped. Subsequently, the strapping band is guided around the package and tensioned. At the conclusion of the strapping process, the ends of the strapping band are connected together within the closure head. This is generally done cohesively or positively. The strapping band originating from a leader roll is severed and the closure head is lifted off the package. As a result, the package can be removed from the strapping apparatus at the end of the described procedure. This has proven itself in principle.

In the generic state of the art according to the EP 2 116 470 A2 the strapping is passed around the package to be strapped several times. As a result, two belt loops crossing at a crossing point become Are defined. At the crossing point, the band guide channels are connected to each other via a crossing part, which acts as a guide member.

The DE 40 07 264 A1 deals with a packaging station of a packaging machine, in which a good stack is strapped with a packaging tape. For this purpose, a work table for receiving the good stack is provided. In addition, a guide means for guiding the packaging tape is realized around the good stack. The worktable is at least partially formed by a turntable rotatable about an axis of rotation, which consists of at least four sectors. The sectors have at least two diametrically to the axis of rotation extending distances from each other, one of which is located above a guide channel. As a result, the goods stack can be strapped with a plurality of intersecting packaging straps.

In practice, however, often requirements such that not always and in all packages with a Mehrfachumreifung is working or has to be worked. D. h., Depending on the dimension and design of the package, a flexible attachment of the strapping is required, which the prior art can not deliver in this consequence. - This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of providing such a method and an associated strapping device, which provide a flexible attachment of the respective strapping band, in particular with regard to the number of strapping.

To solve this technical problem, a generic method in the invention is characterized in that the strapping in accordance with a predetermined position of the adjustable guide member is guided either simply, twice or more times around the package, in which case the guide member is largely traversed transversely compared to a spanned by the two band guide channels channel level.

Band guide channel means in the context of the invention any guide means for an associated strapping, by means of which the strapping band is guided around the package to be strapped. Typically, the two or more tape guide channels are formed as shown in FIG EP 2 116 470 A2 is described. D. h., The strapping usually undergoes a fixation between a jaw and a support jaw of the band guide channel and can define one or more band loops by rotation of the band guide channel about its axis of rotation. As in the present invention, two or more band guide channels are provided, the have a distance from each other, can be realized with the help of the described strapping device at least one Doppelumreifung.

Of particular importance now, however, is the fact that according to the invention optionally also a single strapping or even a multiple strapping in the sense of a triple strapping, Vierfachumreifung etc. can be provided. As a result, the strapping device or the described method can be flexibly adapted to the package, in particular with regard to its length, its dimensions, its weight, the material of the strapping bands, etc.

For this purpose, the guide member can attack as part of a first alternative to at least one end of a band guide channel. This end of the one band guide channel is typically connected to an opposite with respect to the already mentioned crossing portion other end of the other band guide channel. In the context of the invention, the said end point can now be moved, with the aid of the guide member, in the direction of the one already mentioned tape guide channel or in the direction of another (further third) tape guide channel.

In other words, if necessary, the guide organ ensures that the strapping band is guided around the package within the same band guide channel in the sense of a single strapping. In addition, however, it is also possible and conceivable for the guide member to adjust the at least one end point of the relevant band guide channel so that the strapping band, after one revolution, defines a first band loop in a crossing point after passing the intersection member into the other Runs in the guide channel for defining the adjacent second belt loop and double strapping the package in this way.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of guide members may be provided, which engage at associated end points of the at least one band guide channel. The two terminals are directly opposite or are arranged in shock to each other. In principle, of course, the already mentioned crossing part can be interposed. In any case, it is possible with the help of one or more members of the guide to align the at least two band guide channels on the one hand in the sense of a single strapping and on the other hand in the sense of a double or Mehrfachumreifung.

In the former case, the one or the two management organs ensure that the respective end points of a band guide channel face each other abutting and adjoin one another. In this case, if necessary, between the two terminals and a corresponding guide member be interposed. As a result of this constellation, the package undergoes a single strapping.

In the case of a double strapping the adjustable guide organ ensures that the end of the first band guide channel is aligned with the end of the other second band guide channel. This can again be done in such a way that the two said terminals are opposite each other and are aligned in shock to each other. Likewise, again may be interposed a guide part or in this case an intersection. This defines another second strap loop. Since the strapping band in the double strapping in a crossing point of the other second band guide channel returned to the one first band guide channel If necessary, the management body must, if necessary, also ensure that the two outlet end points or starting points of the first and second band guide channel are also aligned and arranged abutting.

These all functional positions can be easily realized in the event that the at least one or the two band guide channels are flexible, at least in the region of their respective endpoints or starting points at which attack the one or more management bodies. As a rule, the band guide channels are consistently flexible.

This flexibility can be achieved by the respective band guide channel is composed of two or more channel segments which are movable relative to each other. In an advantageous embodiment, the channel segments are coupled together by a flexible connection means. Moreover, it is within the scope of the invention to allow the guide member not only to attack in the region of the respective end of the tape guide channel, but to interpret the guide member so that, if necessary, the entire tape guide channel can be acted upon. In this case, the guide member is arranged along the respective band guide channel. Then the band guide channel has an adjustable by means of the guide organ flexible channel course.

To adjust the management body this is usually equipped with a drive. The drive may be a synchronous servo motor, recirculating ball drive, etc. In any case, the guide member or the associated drive at least one encoder is assigned. In this way, the governing body a predetermined Complete travel and accurately returned to its original position.

The one or more guide members are advantageously placed in the region of an optional or virtually virtual crossing point of different belt loops. Alternatively or additionally, an arrangement along the cable guide channel is conceivable, as already described. If the guide member is arranged at or at the crossing point, then it is typically opposite a closure head, to which the two band guide channels connect.

As part of an alternative approach, the adjustable guide member is equipped with different guide sections and quasi replaces the stationary designed crossover part after the EP 2 116 470 A2 , For this purpose, depending on the type of strapping desired, the individual guide sections can be moved between spaced and associated end locations of the band guide channel to be respectively closed by means of the guide section. If, for example, a single strapping is pursued within the scope of the invention, then a rail-like and continuous guide section is used, which connects the two end points of one and the same strap guide channel and consequently closes the one (single) strap guide channel. For this purpose, the guide portion may be designed curved, because the two end points of a first band guide channel form an obtuse angle between them, in order to ensure in connection with the second adjacent band guide channel a double strapping.

In the case of the desired Doppelumreifung comes in the form of the already mentioned intersection part designed second guide section of the management body used. Thus, to define a double strapping, that the two different guide sections having guide member so transversely moved to the channel plane, that now the four end points of the two adjacent band guide channels to be connected coupled by the second guide portion in the form of the intersection and the two band guide channels are closed ,

As a result, a method is provided for applying strapping bands around packages and an additional strapping device that for the first time provides flexible adjustment of the strapping to the actual requirements. Depending on the dimension and weight of the package to be strapped, the strapping used, etc. can be used either with a single strapping, a Doppelumreifung or even a Mehrfachumreifung in the sense of a triple, quadruple, etc. strapping. From such flexibility, the prior art is far away.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Umreifungsvorrichtung in einer Frontalansicht

Fig. 2

einen Blick auf den Gegenstand nach Fig. 2 aus Richtung X,

Fig. 3

ein Detail des Gegenstandes nach Fig. 1 bzw. das dortige Führungsorgan im Bereich eines Kreuzungspunktes von zwei gebildeten Bandschlaufen,

Fig. 4

das Führungsorgan nach Fig. 3 in einer vergrößerten perspektivischen Ansicht und

Fig. 5

verschiedene mit Hilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Umreifungsvorrichtung herstellbare Bandschlaufen inklusive der Umreifungsvorrichtung ausschnittsweise.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

Fig. 1

a strapping device according to the invention in a front view

Fig. 2

take a look at the object Fig. 2 from the direction of X,

Fig. 3

a detail of the object Fig. 1 or the local executive body in the region of a crossing point of two formed belt loops,

Fig. 4

the governing body Fig. 3 in an enlarged perspective view and

Fig. 5

various belt loops producible with the aid of the strapping device according to the invention, including the strapping device in sections.

In the Fig. 1 a strapping device is shown, with the aid of a strapping 1 can be placed around one or more packages 2. For this purpose, the strapping device has a frame 3, 3 'with two vertical columns 3, 3'. To the vertical column 3 a movable in height boom 5 is connected, which carries a closure head 4. At the closure head 4 close each band guide channels 6, 7, namely, as evidenced by Fig. 2 a first band guide channel 6 and a second band guide channel 7. Both band guide channels 6, 7 together take together the package 2.

The two band guide channels 6, 7 are spaced apart and have a maximum distance A, as in the side view of the Fig. 2 is shown. The band guide channels 6, 7 may be designed and operate as in the EP 2 116 470 A2 is described. In any case, a rotation of the tape guide channels 6, 7 about an axis of rotation R or with respect to the package 2 ensures that the strapping 1 is guided around the package 2 in each case.

Associated ends of the strapping band 1 are joined together in the closure head 4, for example by welding or otherwise. Previously, the strapping 1 may still be stretched, like this is basically known and in the already referenced EP 2 116 470 A2 will be described in detail.

Of particular importance for the invention is now at least one in the Fig. 3 to 5 indicated management organ 8. In the context of the variant Fig. 5 are two guide members 8 realized, which are present and not limiting to actuators and in particular predominantly linearly operating actuators.

The guide member or the two guide members 8 are transversely movable formed in comparison to a channel plane. The channel plane is spanned by the respective band guide channel 6, 7 and coincides predominantly with the plane of the drawing Fig. 1 together. The movement of the two guide members 8 in the Fig. 5 is indicated by a double arrow.

In the context of the embodiment, the first band guide channel 6 has one or more separation points 9. In fact, two separation points 9 are provided in the first band guide channel 6. These two separation points 9 are each realized at an intersection part 10, which closes the two band guide channels 6, 7 for the purpose of producing a double strapping. In the region of the respective separation point 9 in the first band guide channel 6 each end points or starting points 11 of the first band guide channel 6 are formed.

The two guide members 8 are arranged in the region of the mentioned end points 11 of the first band guide channel 6. By a in the Fig. 5 indicated adjusting movement, the two guide members 8 ensure that the terminals 11 of the first band guide channel 6 can be removed from the other hand, stationary intersection part 10. This will close the two terminals 11 no longer the solid angle shown an obtuse angle between them, but can be converted into a more or less straight and dash-dotted lines indicated course. An additional and introduced between the two terminals 11 guide member 12 ensures in this case that the first band guide channel 6 is closed. The guide member 12 may be mounted as well as the crossing part 10 fixed in the strapping device. In addition, the guide member 12 is disposed adjacent to the crossing part 10.

The Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the guide member 12 and the adjacent crossing part 10 are as it were merged and form a single component. In contrast, according to the variant Fig. 5 a separate interpretation followed on the one hand the crossing part 10 and on the other hand, the guide member 12. It may in the example after the Fig. 5 a guide member 8 for the guide member 12 and a further second guide member 8 for independently designed and spaced therefrom intersection part 10 may be provided. Of course, you can only work with a single guide member 8 in this variant.

The two guide members 8 can work on the first band guide channel 6 in the manner described, because the band guide channel 6 is flexible at least in the region of the described end points 11. In most cases, the band guide channel 6 is designed to be flexible over its entire length. In this case, and in particular embodiments are within the scope of the invention, in which the band guide channel 6, 7 of two or more channel segments 6 'composed, as shown in a section in the Fig. 5 is shown. The channel segments 6 'are interconnected by a flexible connecting means 13. In the connection means 13 likes it is a spring steel strip, which also serves as a support for the strapping band 1 guided thereon.

In any case, the first band guide channel 6 can easily perform the actuating movements caused by the two actuators 8 in the region of its two terminals 11, so that at the end of this process a (single) closed band guide channel 6 is available. Whose two terminals 11 are now not (more) coupled by the intersection part 10 with each other or with the adjacent second band guide channel 7, but form with the interposition of the guide member 12 a single closed band guide channel 6. If this band guide channel 6 is loaded with the strapping 1, so leaves attach to the package 2 a single strapping, as the dash-dotted line in the Fig. 5 clarified.

Thus, the package 2 in the context of the embodiment Fig. 5 Alternatively, it can be equipped with a double strapping, it is only necessary to apply the respective end points 11 of the first band guide channel 6 by means of the guide members 8 to the stationary crossing part 10. In this case, the outlet side and in the representation right end 11 of the first band guide channel 6 is connected to an inlet or an inlet-side end 11 of the second adjacent band guide channel 7.

After the strapping band 1 has passed the second band guide channel 7 defining a second band loop 15 in comparison to a first band loop 14, the crossing part 10 ensures that the strapping band 1 passes a crossing point K. After passing through the crossing point K, the strapping tape 1 is returned to the first tape guide channel 6 via the left end point 11 in the exemplary embodiment and reaches the closure head 4. With its help, the two ends are coupled together, for example, welded, as the Fig. 5 suggests.

It becomes clear that the strapping band 1 can optionally be guided around the package 2 either simply or twice in accordance with a predetermined position of the one or more adjustable guide members 8, or can be guided around. Of course, a more than two times strapping is conceivable and is included. In any case, the guide member 8 acting on at least one end point 11 of the band guide channel 6 ensures that the said terminal 11 can be moved in the direction of the other or one and the same band guide channel 6, 7. In the context of the embodiment, in the Fig. 5 right end 11 of the first band guide channel 6 is arranged and aligned in the direction of the second band guide channel 7 and is moved by means of the guide member 8 in the direction of the other hand, the first band guide channel 6, or vice versa.

It can be seen that the guide member 8 and the two guide members 8 are arranged in the region of the optional crossing point K. At this crossing point K is a more or less virtual point, because - as described - a single strapping without definition of a crossing point K is possible. The crossing point K is arranged opposite the closure head 4. In addition, two or more of the already mentioned belt loops 14, 15 are formed in a double or multiple strapping.

The Fig. 4 shows an alternative approach to the tape guide channels 6, 7 for an optional single strapping, double strapping, etc. to gain. Because in this case, the guide member 8 itself is equipped with a plurality of different guide portions 16, 17 and engages a single guide member 8 to a unit from the crossing part 10 and the guide member 12 at. The guide portions 16, 17 are driven depending on the type of the desired strapping between the respective spaced end portions 11 of the means of the guide portion 16, 17 to be closed each band guide channel 6, 7.

Also in this case, the guide member 8 is formed as an actuator or adjusting means and has as in the case of the embodiment according to Fig. 5 via a respectively indicated drive 18. The drive 18 may be a servomotor or the like. Of particular importance is the fact that the drive 18 is associated with an indicated sensor 19. The sensor 19 is usually a displacement sensor or a displacement sensor. In this way, the completed by the drive 18 and the guide member 8 travel can be detected and allows the guide member 8 accurately return to its original position after its adjustment. For this purpose, the drive 18 and the encoder 19 may be connected to a control unit 20, which specifies the already described adjustments of the guide members 8 and ultimately the type of strapping, namely either simple, double or multiple defined.

In the guide portions 16, 17, in the guide member 8 in the context of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 are on the one hand to an arcuate and rail-like guide portion 16 and on the other hand, a crossing portion 17 which has a similar expression, as the stationary crossing part 10 in the context of the example according to Fig. 5 , The operation of the crossing portion 17 as well as that of the stationary crossing part 10 is in each case as in the EP 2 116 470 A2 has already been described with reference to the local intersection part 21 and the associated elements, so that it is expressly referred to.

The arcuate and rail-like guide portion 16 and the guide member 12 takes into account the fact that with its help, the two end points 11 of the first band guide channel 6 are connected to each other. Since the two end points 11 of the first band guide channel 6 enclose an obtuse angle with each other, the guide portion 16 is designed arcuate. As soon as the two end points 11 of the first band guide channel 6 are joined together by the arcuate portion 16, the first band guide channel 6 in question is closed. A strapping band 1 dispensed from the closure head 4 is guided around the package 2 to be strapped only by the first band guide channel 6. As a consequence of this one observes those in the Fig. 5 already shown and dash-dotted reproduced Einfachumreifung.

If, however, in the context of the embodiment Fig. 4 a Doppelumreifung desired, so the drive 18 of the guide member 8 ensures that the two separation points 11 of the first band guide channel 6 are no longer connected by the arcuate guide portion 16 with each other, but rather connect to the crossing portion 17. For this purpose, the guide member 8 is moved, such as a double arrow in the Fig. 4 indicates, and transversely to the plane defined by the band guide channels 6, 7 channel plane.

The crossing section 17 works in a similar way to the crossing part 10 in the context of the example Fig. 5 so that reference can be made to the statements there. In any case, opens the intersection portion 17 for connecting the tape guide sections 6, 7 with each other, the possibility that in Fig. 5 shown by double Doppelreifreifung using the alternative actuator 8 of Fig. 4 to realize.

Claims (13)

1. A method for applying strapping bands (1) around packages (2) by means of a strapping device, comprising two or more band guiding ducts (6, 7), and comprising at least one guide member (8), wherein

   - the two band guiding ducts (6, 7) connect to a closure head (4) and, put together, in each case surround the package (2) and are spaced apart from one another

   characterized in that

   - the strapping band (1) is optionally guided once, twice or multiple times around the package (2) in accordance with a predetermined position of the adjustable guide member (8), for the purpose of which

   - the guide member (8) is for the most part displaced at right angles as compared to a duct plane, which is spanned by the two band guiding ducts (6, 7).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide member (8) is equipped with different guide sections (16, 17), which are moved between spaced apart end positions (11) of the band guiding duct (6, 7), which is to be closed by means of the guide section (16, 17) in each case, depending on the type of the strapping.
3. The method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide member (8) engages with at least one end position (11) of the one band guiding duct (6, 7) and displaces this end position (11) displaces in the direction towards the other band guiding duct (7, 6).
4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide member (8) is positioned in the area of an optional point of intersection (K) of different band loops (14, 15) and/or along the band guiding duct (6, 7).
5. A strapping device for applying strapping bands (1) around packages (2), in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising two or more band guiding ducts (6, 7), and comprising at least one guide member (8), wherein

   - the two band guiding ducts (6, 7) connect to a closure head (4) and, put together, in each case surround the package (2) and are spaced apart from one another

   characterized in that

   - the guide member (8) works adjustably with reference to the respective band guiding duct (6, 7) so as to guide the strapping band (1) optionally once, twice or multiple times around the package (2) in accordance with its position and, for this purpose,

   - the guide member (8) is embodied so as to be capable of being displaced at right angles as compared to a duct plane, which is spanned by the band guiding ducts (6, 7).
6. The strapping device according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide member (8) is arranged in the area of end positions (11) of the respective band guiding ducts (6, 7).
7. The strapping device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the guide member (8) is connected to one or more end positions (11) of the corresponding band guiding duct (6, 7).
8. The strapping device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the guide member (8) displaces one or more end positions (11) of the respective one band guiding duct (6, 7) in the direction towards another band guiding duct (7, 6).
9. The strapping device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the guide member (8) is arranged along the respective band guiding duct (6, 7).
10. The strapping device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the band guiding duct (6, 7) is embodied so as to be flexible at least in the area of its respective end position (11).
11. The strapping device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the band guiding duct (6, 7) is assembled from two or more duct segments (6'), which can be moved relative to one another.
12. The strapping device according to claim 11, characterized in that the duct segments (6') are coupled to one another by means of a flexible connecting means (13).
13. The strapping device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that a drive (18), for example a servo synchronous motor, a ball screw drive, etc., and at least one displacement sensor (19) are assigned to the guide member (8).

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