EP3593982A1

EP3593982A1 - Lacing system for baler

Info

Publication number: EP3593982A1
Application number: EP18182883.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank Buchwald Bertelsen; Peter Søren Siersbæk Simonsen
Original assignee: Unibaler AS
Current assignee: Unibaler AS
Priority date: 2018-07-11
Filing date: 2018-07-11
Publication date: 2020-01-15

Abstract

A baler is proposed, the baler (100) suitable for making bales of compressible material by compressing such material in a compartment and then strapping the compressed material with a strap, thereby fixing the material in a compressed state. The baler comprises a ram arrangement comprising a ram (109) and a press plate (108) configured for displacement within the compartment (101) for compressing the material. The press plate (108) comprises at least one track (120) being disposed in a compressing surface of the press plate, such compressing surface being oriented adjacent to the compressible material in a compressing procedure, whereby, when strapping the compressed material, the strap can be pulled through said track while maintaining the bale in a compressed state, by means of a slider (130). Thereby, the track (120) provides an ability to strap a bale of compressible material in a compressed state. In other words, the compressible material may be strapped while the press plate (108) is lowered/providing a compression of the compressible material. Thus, the lacing system is greatly optimised. The track (120) in the press plate (108), specifically the compressing surface (108a), allows for pulling through a strap belonging to the lacing system, such that said strap is immediately disposed across the top surface of the compressible material, the top surface being the surface of said compressible material being in contact with the press plate (108).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lacing system for a baler. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lacing system providing easy lacing of straps around a bale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compacting or compressing waste, especially recyclable waste, is common practice in multiple industries where such waste is generated. Commonly, a waste compactor (also known as a baler) is employed to compacting such waste by means of a displaceable ram comprising a press plate operable within a compartment for containing the waste. Thus, the waste is compressed by displacing said ram and press plate towards said waste. When compressed, the waste is shaped into bales, which may easily be transported to a recycling or waste management facility. However, the bales need to be held into shape by means of straps, as the compression alone is usually not sufficient to do so.
Commonly, the straps are guided in a lacing system, where an end of each strap is tied to a knob at a bottom part of the baler and extending behind the bale/compressed waste and upwards towards a top part of the baler, where rolls of straps are provided. Thus, as the bale is formed, straps cover a bottom surface and a first side surface thereof. When the baler is full, i.e. a bale is to be removed from the compartment, one retracts the press plate and pulls in the straps arranged along the back wall of the baler (where the straps extend from the bottom surface towards the rolls of straps in the top part of the baler). When pulling, strap is provided from the rolls of strap. One should pull an amount of strap sufficient to cover the top surface and the second side surface of the bale, the top surface being opposite the bottom surface, and the second side surface being opposite the first side surface. Once the sufficient amount of strap has been disposed, one reactivates the press plate, whereby the bale is compressed one last time, making the bale, and thus the straps, as tight as possible. With the bale recompressed, one ties the ends of the straps together and retracts the press plate. Commonly, the bale is ejected by means of an ejector. Thus, the ejected bale is tied together by means of straps.
Several problems arise because of this procedure. First, the process is somewhat cumbersome due to the intermediate retraction of the press plate for disposing straps across the top surface and second side surface. Further, while reactivating the press plate, one should make sure the straps are tight, such that the final bale does not expand because of an excess amount of straps. Thus, the intermediate retraction of the press plate for arranging the straps on the top surface reduces the potential of said straps to be tied strongly around the circumference of the bale.
Second, a security aspect lies in the necessity to pull in the straps from the back wall of the baler towards its opening. Typically, a hook is used, such that the operator does not have his/her arms within the compartment and as such below the press plate. Nonetheless, this process constitutes an unnecessary risk.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The object of the invention is to solve some of the above-mentioned problems. A baler is proposed, the baler suitable for making bales of compressible material by compressing such material in a compartment and then strapping the compressed material with a strap, thereby fixing the material in a compressed state. The baler comprises a ram arrangement comprising a ram and a press plate configured for displacement within the compartment for compressing the material. The press plate comprises at least one track being disposed in a compressing surface of the press plate, such compressing surface being oriented adjacent to the compressible material in a compressing procedure. The baler further comprises a slider being engagable and slidable within said track whereby, when strapping the compressed material, the strap can be pulled through said track by said slider while maintaining the bale in a compressed state.
By a baler is meant a device capable of compressing compressible material by exerting a pressure towards said material, whereby said compressible material collapses/is compressed. The baler fundamentally comprises an inner compartment, e.g. a compartment bound by side walls, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and preferably one or two doors providing access to the compartment. Once open, the doors allow for loading compressible material or ejecting bales of compressed material, while once closed, the doors defined the inner compartment. Preferably, all doors are closed and locked during compressing procedures for security and efficiency reasons. The doors may extend across an entire front of the baler, thereby providing a wide filling opening. Likewise, the doors may be automatic, manual, hinged to the side walls, or hinged to a top or bottom of the baler. Especially the lower door, providing access to a bottom portion of the compartment, may be equipped with retainers, e.g. serrated elements, for keeping down already compressed material when retracting the press plate for loading more compressible material.
The compressing procedure is carried out by means of a ram arrangement comprising a ram and a press plate. The ram may be a motorised rod/cylinder capable of displacement in a single direction, preferably in a vertical direction in a vertical baler. The ram may likewise be a spindle, a piston, or any other means capable of being displaced in a single direction. In the end of the ram, a press plate is arranged, the press plate being horizontal once attached to a vertical ram. In other words, the ram is arranged normal to the press plate. The press plate has dimensions (width and length) corresponding to the inner dimensions (width and length) of the compartment, such that said press plate efficiently compresses all material down towards the bottom of the compartment (in a vertical baler). The thickness of the press plate should be selected in order to avoid bending during use and when exerting the intended pressure to the compressible material. The pressure exerted onto said compressible material may depend on the size of the baler and the motor controlling the ram. Thus, the skilled person acknowledges that the pressure may vary. For example, the motor may be driven by hydraulics, pneumatics/compressed air, or an electric motor. The type of motor may depend on the required pressure to be attainable in the specific baler.
By a compressible material is preferably meant waste material. Waste material may for example be cardboard, boxes of cardboard, plastics, e.g. plastic containers such as plastic bottles, (shredded) paper, and the like. A major advantage of compressing the material in a baler is the ability to strap such material into bales, which are easier to handle and transport to a waste or recycling facility. Other types of compressible material are foreseen within the scope of the invention, e.g. fodder.
Through a lacing system, the baler allows for strapping the compressed material with a strap. Preferably, more straps, e.g. three to five straps, are used. For three straps, three tracks should be provided in the compressing surface, and so forth. By a strap is meant a strip or wire of a flexible material for fastening or holding things together. Preferably, the strap is inextensible, meaning it cannot stretch. The strap may be made of a plastic material, e.g. a nylon strip, or be a metal wire. Thereby, the straps maintain the shape of the bale once said is bale is ejected from the compartment. As described in the background, the lacing system commonly comprises a strap extending from a roll of strap provided in a top part of the baler along the inner surface of the back wall towards the bottom of the compartment. Here, the strap extends across said bottom towards the (lower) door of the baler, where an end of said strap is tied/fixated to a knob. Thus, while the baler is loaded with compressible material, the strap covers the bottom surface and back wall of the compartment. Thereby, the strap initially covers the bottom of the formed bale and a first side surface thereof, the first side surface being adjacent the back wall of the baler. Once the baler is full, the operator disposes strap across the top surface and second side surface of the bale, the top surface being opposite the bottom surface and the second side surface being opposite the first side surface in a cubic bale. Finally, the operator ties the strap together. Disposing strap across said top surface and second side surface is eased and optimised in a baler according to the invention, as will be explained further below.
By a track is meant a feature resembling a groove, a recess, a channel, or in general an elongated indentation in a surface. The cross section of the track may take any shape, but a triangular or quadrangular may be preferred, as such shapes provide a side edge, which may flush with the compressing surface of the press plate. However, a partly circular cross section is foreseen as well, where only a minor arc of the circle is substituted by free space, the free space providing an opening and ability for pulled-through strap to be disposed across the top surface of the material. Thus, the track is provided in a compressing surface of the press plate. By a compressing surface is meant the surface of the press plate, which comes into contact with the compressible material during compressing procedures. In other words, the compressing surface is opposite the side of the press plate attached to the ram. The track may likewise be considered a rail. In general, the track provides an open passage from its first end to its second end. Preferably, the track is straight and extends across the compressing surface of the press plate from one side edge to the opposite side edge. More specifically, the track may provide an open passage from the inner surface of the back wall of the baler towards the doors of said baler, the doors being arranged opposite the back wall/on the other side of the press plate. For example, the track may be 40 cm to 120 cm long, and 3 cm to 10 cm in width. By an open passage is meant that once the press plate is compressing the compressible material, said material is in general compressed in a planar manner dictated by the planar nature of the compressing surface. However, due to the provision of one or more tracks in said compressing surface, these tracks are free of compressible material, and thereby provides an open passage. Thus, in a situation where no material is being compressed, the tracks are grooves limited partly by the compressing surface, partly by free space. Thus, once compressible material is adjacent the compressing surface of the press plate, the free space delimiting part of the track is substituted by said material. The track may be adapted to receive slider. Further, the track may be adapted to fixate such a slider in at least two dimensions, such that said slider is allowed to slide/move in a single dimension only.
Through the open passage provided by the track in the compressing surface, a strap belonging to the lacing system of the baler may be pulled through.
Thereby, the track provides an ability to strap a bale of compressible material in a compressed state. In other words, the compressible material may be strapped while the press plate is lowered/providing a compression of the compressible material. Thus, the lacing system is greatly optimised. The track in the press plate, specifically the compressing surface, allows for pulling through a strap belonging to the lacing system, such that said strap is immediately disposed across the top surface of the compressible material, the top surface being the surface of said compressible material being in contact with the press plate. Thereby, through the strap already disposed (prior to loading material into the compartment) across the bottom and first side surface of the compressible material, the user may pull strap through the track and tie said strap to a first end of the same strap, the first end being disposed prior to compressing material. Thereby, strap may be tied/bound along a circumference of the compressed material while the press plate is engaged/lowered/providing a pressure onto said material. Thus, strap may be tied much more strongly along the circumference. Further, the step known from prior art involving retracting the press plate to dispose the strap across the top surface of the compressed material may be omitted. Finally, a baler according to the invention is safe to operate, since the operator may manipulate the strap with the press plate lowered, e.g. he/she is not required to operate in a space between the compressed material and a retracted press plate.
By a slider is meant an elongated member having dimensions substantially reflecting inner dimensions of the track. Preferably, the slider has a length corresponding to the length of the track, such that said slider may fully engage the track. Thus, the slider is capable of moving/sliding within the track. In order to retain the slider within the track, said track may be equipped with retention means, e.g. through flanges or projections, such that said slider is fixated in two dimensions, but free to slider in a single dimension.
Thereby, an elongated member is supplied, which may engage and slide within the track, and aid pulling strap through the open passage provided by said track when the press plate is lowered onto compressible material.
In an embodiment, the slider may be provided with an opening, the opening being for receiving the strap and easing pulling said strap through the track by means of the slider.
Thereby, the slider is supplied with means for holding onto the strap. The opening may be considered an aperture in the slider. The opening extends through the slider in an angle being orthogonal to the extension of the slider.
In a lacing system as previously disclosed, the strap may extend along the back wall from the roll of strap and towards the bottom of the baler. In this route, the strap passes through the opening of the slider. This is ensured during the preceding steps of preparing the baler for compressing procedures, i.e. while setting up the lacing system. Thereby, pulling in the slider results in the strap being pulled along, while the excess strap being provided from the roll of strap. Thereby, when the compressed material is to be strapped/tied, one may pull in the slider arranged in the track during compressing procedures, whereby strap passing through the opening is pulled through the track as well. Thus, the opening in the slider provides an ability to secure the strap to the slider in an easy manner. Once the slider has been pulled all the way through the track, the user may pull further in the strap in order to provide enough strap (from the roll of strap) to dispose strap across the second side surface as well, and in the end cut the pulled-through strap and tie the ends of the strap together. Once cut, the strap still passes through the opening of the slider, and as such, the user may easily insert the slider with the strap into the track again. While doing so, the strap is easily disposed within the compartment and ready for a new compressing procedure. Preferably, a tension is applied to the strap while inserting the slider into the track to ease said insertion.
In an embodiment, the opening may be provided in a first end of the slider.
Thus, when the length of the slider corresponds the length of the track, and with the opening provided in a first end of said slider, the strap may easily pass through the opening while extending across the back wall from the top part of the baler towards the bottom.
The slider may be supplied with a handle in its second end for easing handling.
In an embodiment, the track may be a groove provided in the compressing surface of the press plate.
Thereby, the track is shaped as an elongated indentation in the compressing surface. The groove may be equipped with retention means, e.g. projections, flanges, or protrusions for fixating the slider to move in a single dimension only.
In an embodiment, the track may be partly delimited by the compressing surface and free space, the track thereby forming an open passage delimited by the compressing surface and compressible material, once said compressing surface is arranged adjacent such compressible material.
As previously disclosed, this provides the ability to provide strap across the top surface of the compressible material with which the compressing surface is in contact. More specifically, the strap may be guided by the walls defining the track in the compressing surface and the top surface of the compressible material. Thereby, the strap is immediately disposed across said top surface when pulled through the open passage provided by the track in the interface between compressible material and the compressing surface.
In an embodiment, the press plate may be quadrangular, and wherein the track is straight and extends from a first edge of said press plate towards its opposing edge.
To ensure the most efficient compression, the compartment of the baler should have inner dimensions resembling the dimensions of the press plate, and as such, the compartment should be quadrangular according to this embodiment.
Thereby, the track may extend from the side edge of the press plate adjacent to the inner surface of the back wall of the baler to the side edge of the press plate adjacent to the inner surface of the doors. With the doors open, this side edge is adjacent to the front of the baler, and as such free space. Thereby, the track extends all the way across the compressing surface, which in turn provide an open passage for a strap all the way through from the back wall to the front.
In an embodiment, the track and/or the slider may be provided with a locking mechanism for fixating said slider in said track.
Thereby, the slider may be secured or locking into the track, such that said slider is fixated in all three dimensions. Thereby, during use, the slider maintains it position. Thus, when strap is to be disposed across the top surface of the compressed material, the user may unlock the slider from the track, and retract the slider and the accompanying strap from the track, thereby pulling strap through.
In an embodiment, the at least three tracks may be provided in the compressing surface.
Preferably, the tracks are evenly distributed across the width of the compressing surface/press plate. In certain embodiments, the outermost tracks may be provided close and parallel to the edge of the press plate, with the central track being equidistantly arranged in the centre. Thereby, the compressible material is especially strapped along the edges, where it is most likely to escape.
Preferably, the tracks are mutually parallel.
By providing three or more tracks, three or more straps may accordingly be disposed across the top surface and in turn along a circumference of the compressed material. Having more straps better ties the compressed material together. Thus, four, five, or six tracks in the compressing surface is foreseen within the scope of the invention. Of course, the lacing system in general, including the number of rolls of strap, should be adapted to the number of tracks in the compressing surface.
In an embodiment, a slider may be engagable with and slidable within each of the at least three tracks.
Thus, it is to be understood, that each track may receive a slider, such that each slider is designated a particular strap of the lacing system. The user then retracts three or more sliders from the three or more tracks when pulling strap through the tracks.
In an embodiment, the track may be provided with flanges for keeping said track substantially free of compressible material and/or for fixating the slider to a one-dimensional movement.
By flanges is meant retention means provided in the compressing surface and extending towards each other, thereby partly closing the track. However, a gap between the flanges on each side of the track ensure that there is communication between the track and the compressible material disposed below. Thereby, a strap may be pulled through the track and subsequently be disposed immediately on top of the compressible material, as the strap may exit the track through the gap formed between the flanges.
Thereby, the track is kept substantially free of compressible material, which could potentially fill up the open passage formed by said track. By substantially is meant that some compressible material entering the track is indeed likely despite the flanges. Thereby, a slider is more easily slidable within the track, as obstacles formed by the compressible material are reduced by blocking it by means of the flanges. Further, the flanges provide a retention means for holding the slider, such that it does not fall down when compressible material is not disposed immediately underneath/adjacent to the compressing surface. Thereby, the slider is fixed to movement in a single/one-dimensional direction.
The invention further relates to a slider for use in a baler according to previous disclosures, the slider being elongated and comprising a fixation means in a first end, the fixation means being for retaining a strap.
The slider should be engagable with a track as previously disclosed. Thus, the slider should be elongated, such that it may extend through such a track. Further, the slider comprises fixation means in a first end, such that a strap may be retained. For example, the fixation means may be an opening in the first end, such that the strap may pass through said opening, whereby the strap is partly retained by the slider, but is passable through the opening. By pulling the slider, strap is thereby pulled along. Fixation means may likewise be a hook
The invention further relates to a method of strapping compressible material with a strap using a bailer according to previous disclosures. The method comprises the steps of compressing the compressible material using a press plate, pulling strap through a track disposed in a compressing surface of the press plate, the track thereby forming an open passage delimited by the compressing surface and the compressible material, and tying the pulled through strap to a first end of the strap, the first end extending across side surfaces of the compressed material.
Thereby, compressible material is compressed while the compressible material is being compressed by the press plate. In other words, the method involves binding the compressed material with a strap while said material is being compressed. Such strapping is allowed since the strap is pulled through an open passage provided by the tracks in the compressing surface of the press plate, the open passage being provided in the interface between the compressed material and the press plate.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises the preceding steps of arranging a slider in the track prior to compressing the compressible material, and passing a strap through an opening in a first end of said slider, the strap being fixated in a first end and provided from a roll of strap in its opposing end. Thereby, the strap can be pulled through the open passage formed by the track by means of the slider.
Thus, by preceding steps is meant that they are carried out prior to compressing the compressible material. By passing the strap through an opening in a first end of the slider, said strap becomes partly fixated, such that it may be pulled through the track when pulling the slider through said track.

SHORT LIST OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, example embodiments are described according to the invention, where

Fig. 1 illustrates a baler according to the invention,
Fig. 2 illustrates a baler according to the invention,
Fig. 3 illustrates a slider according to the invention,
Fig. 4 illustrates a slider according to the invention,
Fig. 5 illustrates a frontal view of a baler according to the invention,
Fig. 6 illustrates two cross sectional side views of a baler according to the invention,
Fig. 7 illustrates a cross sectional top view of a baler according to the invention, and
Fig. 8 illustrates a bale bound by strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following the invention is described in detail through embodiments hereof that should not be thought of as limiting to the scope of the invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates a baler 100 according to the invention. The baler 100 comprises a compartment 101 defined by two side walls 102, a back wall 103, a bottom 104, a top 105, and a front. The front is closable by means of a first door 106 and a second door 107. The first door 106 provides access to a top portion of the compartment 101, whereas the second door 107 provides access to a bottom potion of the compartment 101. The bottom portion of the compartment 101 is meant for accumulation of compressible material (not shown), whereas the top portion of said compartment 101 is meant for loading said compressible material into the baler 101. A press plate 108 is vertically movable within the compartment 101 by means of a ram 109 as illustrated by the arrow D. The ram 109 is motorised and may extend through the top 105 of the baler 100. The press plate 108 has dimensions substantially corresponding to the inner dimensions of the compartment 101, such that said press plate 108 is moveable and has a snug fit within said compartment 101. The press plate 108 is then capable of compressing compressible material arranged below its compressing surface 108a. The compressing surface 108a of the press plate 108 is the surface to be arranged adjacent to the compressible material. Thus, the press plate 108 is attached at a first surface 108b to an end of the ram 109, with the compressing surface 108a being the surface opposite to said first surface 108b.
In the following, compressible material is referred to as waste material, as the latter constitute the most common kind of material to be used in a baler according to the invention. However, a person skilled in the art will acknowledge that any kind of compressible material may be used, and that not all kinds of waste material are compressible. However, by waste material is commonly understood cardboard, plastics, etc., suitable for baling to reduce its bulkiness.
A lacing system is provided within the compartment, the lacing system providing the ability to arrange at least one strap along a circumference of a bale of accumulated waste material within the compartment 101. Strap (not explicitly shown) is provided from rolls 111 of strap arranged in a top part of the baler 100. The rolls 111 are rotatable around an axis, allowing said rolls 111 to provide strap to the lacing system. The strap extends from the rolls 111 along an inner surface of the back wall 103, i.e. within the compartment 101, towards an inner surface of the bottom 104 of the baler 100, and across said bottom 104 towards the second door 107 (once said door is closed). Preferably, the strap is secured to a knob 112, in order to retain a tension in the strap running from the rolls 111 to said knob 112.
During use, the second door 107 is closed by means of a locking mechanism 107a to allow an accumulation of waste material within the bottom portion of the compartment 101. Once a user desires to compress a waste material, e.g. cardboard, he/she retracts the press plate 108 towards the top of the compartment 101 and opens the first door 106. Thereby, the user has access to a space between the already accumulated waste material, or the bottom of the compartment 104, in case the baler 100 is empty. Accumulated waste material is partly retained by means of retaining means 107b, the retaining means 107b preferably being a serrated element. The user loads waste material into the space between the press plate 108 and the accumulated waste material and closes the first door 106. With the doors closed, the user activates the ram 109, causing the press plate 108 to move downwards, towards the waste material. Settings of the baler 100 or ram 109 determine by what force the ram 109 and press plate 108 are to compress the waste material. Once the cardboard is compressed to the maximum, the press plate 108 and ram 109 may stay in the attained position to keep the waste material compressed until the baler 100 is to be used again.
According to the invention, the press plate 108 comprises at least one track 120 and at least one slider 130 being slidable within said track 120. The slider 130 comprises an opening 131 for engaging with a strap of the lacing system. Thus, the slider 130 may engage with the track 120. The track 120 and the slider 130 extend the entire depth of the inner compartment 101 and thus the press plate 108 for reaching from the front towards the back wall 103, where the straps extend from the rolls 111 in the top part of the baler 100 towards the bottom 104. The track 120 is provided in the compressing surface 108a of the press plate 108, and may thus be considered as grooves in said surface 108a. Thus, the track 120 is provided in an interface between the press plate 120 and waste material arranged below said press plate 108, i.e. in the bottom portion of the compartment 101. Thereby, the slider 130 is slidable within the track 130 in the interface between waste material and the press plate 108, while said press plate 108 is engaged, i.e. when the press plate 108 is lowered towards the waste material, thereby compressing said waste material. Thereby, the user may retract the slider 130, with a strap engaged in its opening 131, towards himself/herself, whereby said strap becomes disposed across the waste material with the press plate 108 engaged. Once retracted, the strap may be collected by said user and tied to the other end of said strap. In other words, the ability of the slider 130 to be slidable in a track 120 provided in the compressing surface 108a of the press plate 108 allows for retracting a strap through said track 120, whereby said strap may be cut and tied to its opposing end. Doing so, while the press plate 108 is engaged, allows the strap to be disposed across the waste material, resulting in a tighter binding of the formed bale of waste material.
Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a baler 100 similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, like features are provided with like reference numbers where relevant. The embodiment differs from Fig. 1 in that the sliders 130 are engaged with the tracks 120 within the compressing surface 108a of the press plate 108. Fig. 2a illustrates a zoom-in on a part of the press plate 108 as indicated by the circle C. The press plate 108 is provided with three tracks 120 extending from a front of the baler 100 and towards the back wall 103 of said baler. The tracks 120 are shaped as grooves in the compressing surface 108a of the press plate 108, the compressing surface 108b being opposite the first surface 108b of said press plate 108, the first surface 108b being attached to the ram 109. The track 120 and the slider 130 are shaped accordingly or correspondingly, such that said slider 130 may slide within the track 120 with least resistance. According to the illustrated embodiment, the slider 130 is provided with a handle 132 allowing for easy retraction of the slider 130 from the track 120. Further, the slider 130 and the track 120 may be provided with a locking mechanism 121 for fixating said slider 130 in said track 120 during compressing procedures. The locking mechanism 121 may involve a tap arranged on the track 120 engaging with an opening in the slider 130. The slider 130 according to the embodiment is U-shaped in its cross section, with the open part of the U being inserted opposite the track 120. The slider 130 may likewise take on a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thereby, the slider 130 may more easily slide/be pulled across waste material being disposed immediately adjacently. With the slider 130 having a U-shape or rectangular cross section, the track 120 should preferably have a corresponding rectangular cross section to allow the slider 130 to be slidable within said track 120, noting that a U-shaped slider 130 may be slidable within a rectangular track if the legs of the U-shape constitute part of a rectangle.
Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c illustrate two different cross sections of the track 120. The reference number 120 points to the track as such, but one notices that the track may likewise be considered the free space bound by three outer walls and potentially a set of flanges, as discussed below. Fig. 2b illustrates a simple track 120 allowing for the insertion of a tool capable of retracting the strap. Fig. 2c illustrates a track 120 comprising flanges/retention means 122 for fixating a slider 130 (drawn as a rectangle for simplicity) within said track 120, the flanges 122 restricting said slider 130 to be moveable in a single direction only (out of plane in the present view). The flanges 122 extend partly underneath the slider 130 when engaged, thereby still allowing a strap pulled through the track 120 to be arranged immediately on top of a waste material disposed underneath the compressing surface 108a. In other words, the flanges 122 extend towards each other, but leaving a gap between them, such that a strap may be transferred from the track onto a waste material disposed underneath. Further, the flanges 122 keep the track 120 substantially free of waste material once the compressing surface 108a is adjacent such material, as such material otherwise may fill up said track/formed cavity. Thereby, the slider 130 is more easily slidable within the track 120, despite the presence of waste material.
Fig. 3 illustrates a slider 130 and a piece of strap 110 engaged with an opening 131 in a first end of said slider 130. The strap 110 is pulled or supplied from a roll 111 of strap 110. The roll 111 and the end 110a of the strap 110 may be considered stationary in a lacing system and baler according to the invention, such that displacing said slider 130 results in strap 110 being provided from the roll 111. The slider 130 is provided with a handle 132 in its second end, the handle 132 providing easy handling and retraction once said slider 130 is engaged with a track (not shown).
Fig. 4 illustrates a slider 130 and a strap 110 engaged with the opening 131 of said slider 130. As in Fig. 3, strap 110 may be supplied from a roll 111 considered stationary, just as the end 110a of the strap 110 is stationary due to a bale 1 being arranged upon a portion of said strap 110 or because of said end 110a being tied to a knob (not shown). By pulling, moving, or displacing the slider 130 as illustrated by the arrow E (replicating movement/sliding within a track), strap 110 is supplied from the roll 111 by means of unwinding said strap 110 from said roll 111. Thus, by moving the slider 130, strap 110 supplied from the roll 111 is distributed or arranged across the top surface 2 of the bale 1. By moving the slider 130 or manually pulling the strap 110 further, additional strap 110 is supplied from the roll 111, thereby unwinding an amount of strap 110 sufficient to cover the second side surface 3 of the bale 1 as well. By cutting the strap 110 once said sufficient amount of strap has been supplied, the formed end may be tied to the end 110a of the strap 110, whereby the bale 1 is bound by strap along a circumference. The strap 110 serves to keep the bale 1 in shape once pressure is released, i.e. pressure applied by means of the compartment of the baler and the press plate (not shown).
In a baler (not shown) according to the invention, the slider 130 is arranged in a track (not shown) provided in the press plate (not shown). Thereby, the slider 130 may be pulled and thereby supply strap 110 across the top surface 2 of the bale 1, while the bale 1 is compressed by means of the press plate. Thus, the slider 130 may be considered an aid for pulling strap 110 from a back wall of the compartment (not shown) and towards the user, the strap 110 being arranged underneath the press plate. Thereby, strap 110 is supplied across the top surface 2 of the bale 1 while said bale is under pressure because of the press plate. The tracks are arranged in the surface of the press plate being adjacent the bale 1, such that the slider 130 and thereby the strap 110 are displaceable/movable in the interface between the press plate and the bale 1.
Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of a baler 100 according to the invention, the baler 100 having open doors 106, 107. For like features, like reference numbers are used. The front view illustrates three rolls 111 of strap arranged in the top part of the baler 100. The rolls 111 provide strap in a lacing system provided in the baler 100. Further, the front view illustrates the press plate 108 in a lowered position. The lines A-A and B-B indicate two different cross sectional side views of the baler 100, which are discussed in relation to Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, and Fig. 7. Reference numbers for the slider 130 and the track 120 are combined 120/130 due to said slider 130 being engaged with said track 120.
Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b illustrate the side view indicated by the line A-A of Fig. 5 in two different steps of the procedure of operating the baler 100. The following discussion focusses on the lacing system. From the roll 111 of strap arranged in a top part of the baler, strap 110 extends towards the bottom 104 of the baler, wherein its end 110a is tied to a knob or in any other way fixated. While extending from the top part to the bottom part, the strap 110 passes through an opening 131 provided in a first end of the slider 130. During compression procedures, the slider 130 is arranged within the track 120. Once the bottom portion of the compartment 101 is occupied by compressed waste material forming a bale 1 to be ejected (not part of a baler according to the invention, but illustrated for educational purposes), the press plate 108 is kept in such lowered position. The user then retracts the slider 130 from track 120, causing the strap 110 passing through the opening 131 to pass through the track 120 as well, the strap 110 being provided by the rolls 111 of strap. Once the user has pulled a sufficient amount of strap 110 through the track 120, one cuts said strap 110 and ties it to the opposing end 110a by a tie 113 or similar means. The bale 1 has now been bound by a strap 110 along an entire circumference, the strap 110 thereby maintaining the compression when the press plate 108 is disengaged/raised. The bale 1 may now be ejected from the compartment, e.g. by means of an ejector. Preferably, multiple tracks and sliders are provided in the press plate 108, whereby multiple straps may be disposed across the top surface of the bale 1 in a configuration where the press plate 108 is engaged. Following the ejection of the bale 1, the newly cut strap 110 supplied from the roll 111 remains passing through the opening 131 in the slider 130. Once the slider 130 has been engaged with the track 120 again, the strap 110 is disposed across the bottom portion of the baler, as previously described, such that the baler 100 is prepared for a new compressing procedure. Thus, the strap 110 is easily handled using a slider 120.
Fig. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the baler 100 according to the invention as seen from above, i.e. along the line B-B of Fig. 5. For like features, like reference numbers are used. The view particularly highlights the rolls 111 of strap and straps 110 extending towards the back wall 103 of the baler 100, where said strap 110 extends through the opening 131 of a slider engaged with a track in the press plate (not shown) and further towards the bottom of said baler.
Fig. 8 illustrates a bale 1 of compressed waste material 10, the waste material 10 being cardboard suitable for recycling at a recycling facility. However, the skilled person acknowledges that other types of waste may be compressed to reduce its volume. Waste may include plastics, shredded paper, cardboard, and other types of waste material being compressible. The bale 1 is a result of a baler (not shown) having compressed the cardboard 10 by means of a press plate. Once the compartment of the baler is full, i.e. cardboard occupies its entire volume, straps 110 are arranged along a circumference of the formed bale 1. In a preferred embodiment, the baler supplies 3 to 5 straps. The ends of each strap 110 are joined by means of a tie 113. Thus, each strap 110 extends from said tie 113, across the bottom surface 4 of the bale, towards a first side surface 5, across said first side surface 5, towards the top surface 2, across said top surface 2, towards a second side surface 3 being opposite the first side surface 5, and across said second side surface 3 towards the tie 113. Thereby, the strap 110 extends along a circumference (formed by surfaces 2, 3, 4, 5) of the bale 1. The straps 1 are made of a substantially inflexible material (e.g. plastic straps or metal wires), in order to keep the cardboard/waste material 10 in its compressed state once removed from the baler. Depending on the weight of the bale 1, it may be favourable or necessary to arrange it on a pallet 9 to ease subsequent handling. The bale 1 may be arranged on the pallet 9 immediately after ejection of said bale 1 from the baler as a result of the activation of an ejector within said baler.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

C: Zoom-in
D: Moving direction of Ram 109
E: Moving direction of Slider 130
1: Bale
2: Top surface of Bale 1
3: Second side surface of Bale 1
4: Bottom surface of Bale 1
5: First side surface of Bale 1
9: Pallet
100: Baler
101: Compartment
102: Side walls of Baler 100
103: Back wall of Baler 100
104: Bottom of Baler 100
105: Top of Baler 100
106: First door
107: Second door
107a: Locking mechanism of Second door 107
107b: Retaining means
108: Press plate
108a: Compressing surface of Press plate 108
108b: First surface of Press plate 108
109: Ram
110: Strap
110a: End of Strap 110
111: Roll of Strap 110
112: Knob
113: Tie of Strap 110
120: Track
121: Locking mechanism of Track 120
122: Retention means
130: Slider
131: Opening in Slider 130
132: Handle of Slider 130

Claims

A baler (100) for making bales of compressible material by compressing said material in a compartment (101) and then strapping said compressed material, thereby fixing said material in a compressed state, the baler (100) comprising a ram arrangement comprising a ram (109) and a press plate (108) configured for displacement within the compartment (101) for compressing the material, wherein the press plate (108) comprises at least one track (120), said track (120) being disposed in a compressing surface (108a) of the press plate (108), said surface (108a) being oriented adjacent to said compressible material in a compressing procedure, wherein said baler further comprises a slider (130) being engagable and slidable within said track, whereby, when strapping said compressed material, said strap (110) can be pulled through said track (120) by said slider while maintaining said bale in a compressed state.
A baler according to claim 1, wherein the slider is provided with an opening, the opening being for receiving the strap and easing pulling said strap through the track by means of the slider.
A baler according to claim 2, wherein the opening is provided in a first end of the slider.
A baler according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the track is a groove provided in the compressing surface of the press plate.
A baler according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the track is partly delimited by the compressing surface and free space, the track thereby forming an open passage delimited by the compressing surface and compressible material, once said compressing surface is arranged adjacent such compressible material.
A baler according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the press plate is quadrangular, and wherein the track is straight and extends from a first edge of said press plate towards its opposing edge.
A baler according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the track and/or the slider is provided with a locking mechanism for fixating said slider in said track.
A baler according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least three tracks are provided in the compressing surface.
A baler according to claim 8, wherein a slider is engagable with and slidable within each of said at least three tracks.
A baler according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the track is provided with flanges for keeping said track substantially free of compressible material and/or for fixating the slider to a one-dimensional movement.
A slider for use in a baler according to claims 1-10, the slider being elongated and comprising a fixation means in a first end, the fixation means being for retaining a strap.
A method of strapping compressible material with a strap (110) using a baler (100) according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of
- arranging a slider (130) in the track (120),

- passing a strap (110) through an opening (131) in a first end of said slider (130), the strap being fixated in a first end (110a) and provided from a roll (111) of strap in its opposing end,

- compressing the compressible material using a press plate (108),

- pulling strap (110) through said track (120) by means of said slider (130), and

- tying the pulled-through strap (110) to a first end (110a) of the strap (110), the first end (110a) extending across side surfaces of the compressed material.