GB1295210A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1295210 Strapping machines FMC CORP 25 Oct 1971 49476/71 Heading B8C In a strapping machine, a strap 36 from a supply, not shown, is formed into a loop having overlapping strap portions, the overlapping portions are moved sideways, the loop is tightened around an object and severed from the supply, and a new loop is formed whilst the overlapping portions of the first loop are being secured together. The strap 36 is fed from the supply by a feed roller 38 and is guided into a loop-forming guide 16 by a track 28 formed in a reciprocable shuttle 24 and a slot 32 formed in a member 20. When the leading end 36<SP>1</SP> of the strap 36 leaves the guide 16, it is guided through a channel 26 in the shuttle 24 and into a space 22 formed between the member 20 and a slidable anvil 18 to abut a switch 40. This abutment energizes a solenoid which causes a latch 70 to release a lever 58 which carries the shuttle 24 so that the shuttle is moved to the left by a coil-spring 74. Thus the strap 36 is moved into a slot 82 formed in a strap gripper 80 whilst the leading end 36<SP>1</SP> enters a space between the gripper 80 and the anvil 18. The switch also energizes a motor which rotates a cam-shaft 54 which causes the gripper 80 to rise and hold the leading end 36<SP>1</SP> of the strap against the anvil, and the motor is then stopped. An object is then placed on the anvil 18 and the roller 38 is reversed to withdraw the strap from the guide 16 and tighten the loop about the object, the roller 38 then being halted and the cam-shaft motor re-energized. Thus a second gripper 92 rises to engage the leading end 36<SP>1</SP> and a blade (38, Figs. 7-10) adjacent the gripper 80 severs the strap 36. Thus a new leading end (36a, Figs. 5, 6, 9 and 10) is created and is located within the slot 82. Whilst the loop is being secured, the shuttle 24 is moved back to its initial position by means of a cam 66 so that the new leading end (36a) enters the slot 32, the roller then being energized to advance the strap around the guide 16. When the overlapping strap-portions have been secured, the anvil is retracted so that the loop snaps against the bottom of the object.