GB1017873A - Automatic strapping machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1,017,873. Binding machine. CARISTRAP INTERNATIONAL Ltd. Aug. 22, 1962 [Dec. 6, 1961], No. 32309/62. Heading B8C. [Also in Division F2] In a machine for securing a flexible band e.g. non-metallic strapping about an article a gripper engages the free end of the band and moves in a path of more than 360 degrees about the article and, after the overlapping portions have been secured, as by a deformable seal, disengages the band and returns to its original position in the reverse direction. The band is then cut between the secured and re-engaged portions. Operation (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, not shown).- The gripper 22 is fixed to an endless chain 12 entrained about an article -10 on a slotted table 11 and engages the free end of a band 18. The chain travels so that the gripper carries the band about the article and fingers 23 are inserted under the band (Fig. 3) permitting a seal to be applied. As a tensioning roller 21 is lowered a lever 204 (Fig. 8) with its free end on the roller shaft swings downwards so that the spring- loaded jaw 194 of a gripper 19 may clamp the band. The stroke of the roller may be varied to suit various sized articles, and to adjust the tension of the band. After the seal has been applied, the gripper is disengaged from the band by a lever 26 on a plate 27 which moves to the left as shown (Fig. 6). The gripper returns to its starting position and regrips the band, which is then cut by a device 28. - The operation of the various parts of the machine are controlled by cams on a drive shaft and a clutch (see Division F2). GripperÀ-The gripper (Figs. 9, 10, 11, not shown) comprises an arm 112 resiliently mounted by means including a spring 114 for sliding relative to a body 96 fixed to the chain and in a direction at right angles to the latter and is provided with a slotted end 122 for engaging the band 18. The gripping member 132 is pivoted to the arm and includes a gripping portion 130, Fig. 10, within the end 122. The member is urged downwards by a spring 134 so that the portion 130 grips the band. The band is released when the member 132 is urged upwards by the lever 26. The portion 122 moves clear of the band and the gripper is retained open when the arm is slid to the left by movement of the plate 27, the member 132 sliding along a surface 106 of the block. During reverse movement of the chain the arm is retained in its leftward position by the vertical edge of the plate 27 but when the gripper reaches a point below the plate, the arm 112 is urged to the right by the spring 114, so that the end 122 again embraces the band and the member 132 can rotate clockwise, Fig. 9, to cause gripping. Sealing device.-The device, Fig. 23 (not shown) (see also Division B6) comprises two sets of pivoted jaws 220, 222 consisting of spaced flat elements which crimp the seal 25 about the band, Fig. 21. The jaw carrier 208 is urged to its operative position about the band by a push rod 242. Continued movement of the rod against the action of the springs 252, 254 when the carrier has been halted closes the jaws seriatim. As the device is withdrawn a seal is pushed down between the jaws from the magazine 278 (Fig. 8), the seals being urged forward towards a feeder slide by means operated by a weight 294. Cutting device.-The cutting device, Figs. 25, 27 (not shown), comprises a slide 360 provided with a fixed cutting edge 402 and a pivoted cutting member 390. The plate 27 in moving to its retracted position, i.e. to the right of that shown in Fig. 6, withdraws the slide by engagement of a projection 418 with a lug 444 on the cutter 390. When the plate moves to its position of Fig. 6 a spring 374 urges the slide advance and is locked in the band engaging position by a latch 420 to permit a spring 394 to open the cutter blades on release of the lug 444. Immediate movement of the slide with the plate is, however, prevented by a stop 378. The stop is withdrawn by the advancing plate which remains advanced during reverse movement of the gripper and when the latter has again gripped the band, the plate 27 withdraws, the projection 418 engages a roller 410 on the cutter 390 to rotate it to cut the band. A lug 416 at the same time releases the latch 420 so that the slide may be urged back by the plate. As the projection 418 withdraws it permits a lever 380 to swing upwards, raising the stop 378 behind the slide to hold it in the inoperative position.