WO2015193136A1

WO2015193136A1 - Method and device for connecting end regions of plastics straps

Info

Publication number: WO2015193136A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/062686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Winzinger
Original assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2014-06-20
Filing date: 2015-06-08
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Also published as: DE102014211849A1

Abstract

A method is disclosed for connecting end regions (22, 23) of plastics straps (5). In the context of the method, end regions (22, 23) of a particular strap (5) are positioned opposite one another. Furthermore, a welding head (3) is moved in the direction of the end regions (22, 23) of the strap (5). The end regions (22, 23) of the particular strap (5) are subjected to heat via the welding head for a particular duration, in order to heat said end regions (22, 23). Subsequently, the welding head (1) is moved away from the opposite end regions (22, 23) of the particular strap (5). This is followed by a stamp (3) being guided with applied force against a pressure plate (2) with end regions (22, 23) of the particular strap (5) positioned in between, such that said end regions (22, 23) of the strap (5) are connected cohesively together as a result of the temperature control of said end regions (22, 23) and the forced abutment. Furthermore, one or more physical actual parameters of the welding head (1), of a strap (5) and/or of the cohesive joining-together of joined end regions (22, 23) are sensed and/or determined by sensors, the one or more physical actual parameters are transmitted to a computer-aided control device (80), and a temperature level of the welding head (1) and/or the duration of the application of heat to end regions (22, 23) via the welding head (1) and/or a period and/or force of abutment of the stamp (3) against the pressure plate (2) is/are specified and/or controlled via the computer-aided control device (80), taking the one or more physical actual parameters into account.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONNECTING

END AREAS OF PLASTIC EXISTING TREATMENT

The present invention relates to a method and a device for

Connection of end areas made of plastic existing strapping.

To back up multiple items grouped into an item group

known to provide them with a so-called strapping.

The articles may, for example, be objects such as packaged or unpackaged articles, cardboard boxes, containers such as beverage bottles or cans, or packages of multiple objects, the objects of a package being self-adhesive by itself, for example by means of a strapping about a wrap, a shrink tube or a carton or a support frame can be held together, to name just a few conceivable embodiments. Before strapping, the articles are first selected according to a desired

Arranged arrangement within a group of articles and then folded when strapping with a fastener tape, the so-called strapping. Under the

Strapping can be introduced to protect the article edge protection. The strapping is then tensioned, secured and cut with the aid of a strapping device.

Depending on the required force, period of time within which two consecutive strapping takes place, as well as size of the article and of several

articles that have been formed and to be gathered

either manual strapping used in which the strap is lashed by a person via a clamping lever, or there are strapping machines to

Application that automates the process and that can apply both high forces, as well as achieve high timing. As a strapping is depending on the needed

Strength used a plastic or steel strip. The strapped tape is secured and cut after clamping by staples, sleeves, seals or welding techniques. A first cost factor when dealing with articles, for example in packaging technology and in the packaging industry, is the timing, with which as many articles as possible can be handled within the shortest possible time. The higher the timing, the higher is the article turnover and the higher and thus better is the utilization of the machines, systems and equipment intended for this purpose

Institutions. The clocking can thus be described as the quotient of the number of articles and the length of time within which this number of articles is handled.

Fully automatic strapping devices are used in packaging technology and in the packaging industry in order to be able to achieve high speeds, which, in connection with strapping bands made of plastic, place the strapping band around an article group within a fraction of a second, lash and cut it and weld it within milliseconds to secure it.

The production of a strapping with a strapping band made of plastic, which is placed around an article group, stretched, clamped and cut by means of a fully automatic strapping device and welded by heating, is known for example from DE 10 2007 022 438 B3. The strapping device comprises a welding device with a movably arranged welding tongue, a stamp and a counterpressure plate. To weld the strapping band made of plastic, the welding tongue first protrudes between the overlapping ends of the strapping band. After the strapping band has melted, the welding tongue is withdrawn, whereupon the punch seals the two overlapping ends of the strap

Strapping against the counter-pressure plate presses, whereby the two overlapping ends welded together and thereby materially connected. By WO 2012/052312 A1 is known, a carrying handle on a by a

To provide strapping held together container, which is attached to the strapping or at least partially surrounds the strapping. The attachment of the carrying handle on the strapping can also be done as the securing of the strapping by welding. Welding devices for securing strapping by welding the overlapping ends of plastic strapping bands and / or to the aforementioned attachment of a carrying handle to a strapping band are known, for example, from EP 1 970 31 1 A2, DE 103 23 153 A1 and DE 103 23 171 A1 , These each comprise a movably arranged welding tongue, a stamp and a

Platen. To weld the strapping band made of plastic stands out

hot welding tongue initially between the mutually overlapping ends of the Umreif ungsbands. After the strapping has melted on, the welding tongue is withdrawn, whereupon the punch seals the two overlapping ends of the strap

Strapping bands press against the platen to overlap the two

To weld ends together and thus materially together

connect.

By DE 199 48 880 A1 is known, the two overlapping ends of a

To secure strapping bands made of plastic by means of laser welding.

By DE 602 01 785 T2 is known, the two overlapping ends of a

Plastic strapping to secure by friction welding.

So that a strapping band made of plastic, whose overlapping ends to secure it are firmly bonded together, always under the same

Force can be removed, is known from DE 10 2004 022 418 A1, a

Provide predetermined breaking point in the strapping band.

A second cost factor when dealing with articles, for example in the

Packaging and in the packaging industry, the quality that can be achieved during any handling of articles within a chain of passages with articles represents the quality with which each article handling occurs or is completed before any other dealings with articles in the chain.

With regard to a quality of welding-secured strapping with a plastic strapping band that is consistent at any time of a strapping process, no satisfactory solutions have been found so far, whether it be a laser, friction or ordinary welding process using a hot welding tongue the plastic strapping is secured after lashing.

It has been found that especially at the beginning of a strapping process the achievable quality very much of environmental factors, such as

Ambient temperature, air movement, humidity is dependent, to only a few

To name influencing factors.

If a strapping process runs for a longer time, for example for half an hour, the mentioned environmental factors lose influence until they become weaker after a relatively long time Beginning of the strapping process, for example after one hour, none at all

Have more impact on the quality achieved. In particular with regard to the beginning of a strapping process, there is therefore a need in practice to provide methods and devices in which the integral connection of these strappings is formed with a constant and defined quality. So strapping are not desired in which the cohesive connection, for example, is too strong and too weak. For the reasons mentioned, the desired quality of cohesive connections can not be provided with certainty, in particular at the beginning of a strapping process. The invention is based on the object, a method and also as

Umreif ungsvorrichtung designated device for welding Umreif ungsbändern to specify plastic, which at any time of a Umreifungsprozesses, especially at the beginning of a Umreifungsprozesses, a consistently high quality to be achieved

Guarantee welding. The object is achieved in each case with the features of the independent claims.

Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

A first subject of the invention accordingly relates to a method for

Connection of end areas made of plastic existing strapping. The

respective strapping can already in possible embodiments

However, it is also conceivable that a

Connection in endless web material takes place and the respective strapping after

cohesive connection is cut to length.

All steps described below of embodiments of the

inventive method can be carried out via a strapping device

become. It is envisaged here that the end regions of a respective

Umreifungsbandes be positioned opposite each other. For example, this may be provided a tape guide element, which previously a

Article group laid and possibly strained strapping over the

overlapping own ends leads or positions the end regions opposite each other. Furthermore, a welding head is moved in the direction of the end region of the strapping band. Here, the welding head with the Enbereichen in plant or in

Surface contact be brought. It is also conceivable that no surface contact between the end regions and the welding head is produced, the movable Welding head, however, is moved into an area in which the end areas are acted upon by the welding head with temperature.

In a further process step takes place over a certain residence time and for the purpose of heating a temperature of the end regions of the respective Umreif ungsbandes on the tempered welding head. It is conceivable that the welding head between a working position, in which the welding head

between the oppositely positioned end portions of the previously by one

Article group laid and possibly strained strapping sticks to

this melt and a retraction position, in which the welding head

is pulled out between the oppositely positioned end portions of the strapping, is movably arranged. Sweat head and the respective

Strapping ungsband or welding head and the respective end portions of the

Umreifungsbandes can thus possibly be moved relative to each other.

If the strapping band possibly in surface contact with the welding head, it can be provided that a first end region of the strapping band with its the

Welding head remote broadside surface with a stamp is in surface contact. Further, another end portion of the strapping with his the

Welding head remote broadside surface with a following even closer

be brought into contact pressure plate described. In conceivable embodiments of the method according to the invention also the punch and / or the pressure plate for a weld or for

Assisting a welding of the end portions of the respective strapping band are heated.

The preheating of the pressure plate possibly facing part of the punch can be done by heated and / or hot welding head of the punch preferably without a strapping is therebetween, is moved against the welding head, so that heat conduction between the welding head and the punch takes place.

Accordingly, the method may provide at least and / or at least at the beginning of a strapping process preferably to preheat all components of the device that come into contact and / or stand in contact with the two overlapping ends of the strapping band when heated. In a further method step, the welding head of the

moved away opposite end portions. In this case, the surface contact between the welding head and the opposite end regions of the respective strapping band may be canceled. Further, as previously mentioned, the welding head can be moved to a retreat position.

It is further contemplated that subsequently a punch is subjected to force against a pressure plate at intermediate end portions of the respective

Strapping is performed, so that these end portions of the strapping band resulting from their temperature and the kraftbeaufschlagten system are materially connected together. It may be that the punch is moved in the direction of the pressure plate, the pressure plate, however, remains in position. The

Pressure plate can also be designed as a movable punch.

In addition, one or more physical parameters of the welding head, a strapping band and / or the cohesive connection of interconnected end regions are sensed and / or sensory detected.

For example, an actual temperature of the welding head as a physical

Parameters are detected and / or an actual temperature of the strap can be detected as a physical parameter. As a sensor, for example, a

Non-contact sensor and in particular a pyrometer find use. The respective actual parameters are then sent to a computer-aided

Transfer control device. On the control device, an algorithm may be stored, by means of which a temperature level of the welding head and / or the residence time of the welding head in surface contact with strapping bands and / or a duration and / or force of the guide of the punch against the printing plate, taking into account the one or more physical actual Parameter is specified and / or controlled.

Since, in the course of a strapping process, after some time the physical parameters at least approximately form a constant, this has become

inventive method especially proven to at the beginning of a

Strapping process a cohesive connection of the end of the

To produce strapping with high and consistent quality.

It is conceivable, for example, that an actual temperature of the welding head and / or the strapping band is sensory detected as a physical parameter. For this one or more temperature sensors can be provided which are arranged, for example, on the strapping device.

Within the scope of various embodiments of the method according to the invention, it is also conceivable that a multiplicity of sensory detections of physical actual parameters are carried out at specific time intervals and in the case of one or more deviations of the respective one or more detected physical actual parameters from the setpoint values stored in the control device. Parameters of the time interval of several consecutive sensory acquisitions is shortened.

In this way it can be ensured that the respective actual parameters are adapted within the shortest time or within a few steps in the strapping process to desired desired parameters. The shortening of the time intervals can take place until the respective detected actual parameters correspond to the setpoint parameters optionally stored in the control device.

It may also be that, for the purpose of sensory detection of physical parameters, the interconnected end regions of the respective strapping band are disassembled until the material connection is released, whereby the force for releasing the integral connection is sensed and / or sensory determined and as a physical parameter to the

computer-aided control device is transmitted. In this way it can be ensured that an inadequate or too solid cohesive connection is detected and if necessary this is counteracted by means of the control device.

For example, if the connection is too strong, the temperature level of the welding head could be lowered and / or the determined dwell time during which the welding head could be brought into contact with the end regions of strapping bands

Surface contact is brought to be shortened in time.

Furthermore, the force for releasing the respective cohesive connection can be detected and / or determined indirectly and with the aid of one or more cameras. The strength and / or a volume of a respective cohesive connection can be detected and / or determined via the one or more cameras and transmitted or transmitted as a physical parameter to the control device. A residence time of the temperature application and / or a force of the system of the stamp on the pressure plate and / or a temperature level of the welding head can - as previously described - by means of Control device and the detected by the one or more cameras

Information defined defined or controlled.

In particular, the force for releasing the respective cohesive

Connection can be detected by a pair of pliers and / or a finger, wherein

With the help of the pliers and / or the finger in cohesive connection of the

End regions a loop is formed in the strapping. Such a loop is disclosed, for example, by EP 2 488 420 B1. When forming the loop, the strapping band can be held by the forceps or the finger, wherein by means of two pliers or the finger on opposite sides of adjacent punch each a cohesive connection is made by clamping the strapping. The loop may be interposed by cohesive connection between the two cohesive connections.

Furthermore, the force for releasing the cohesive connection of a first of a plurality of strapping bands whose respective free end regions are connected one behind the other can be detected, the first strapping band subsequently being sorted out and the other strapping bands following the first strapping band in each case via a plurality of beverage containers for the purpose of their Summary be led as a container. The first of the several strapping bands, which is sorted out, can hereby be located in a test area, which is arranged on the side of a horizontal conveying device possibly conveying the beverage containers. The

Strapping device may be for detecting physical parameters of the material connection in the direction of the test area and possibly away from the

Move horizontal conveyor.

Furthermore, it may be that successively respective end regions of a plurality of strapping bands are connected and in the computer-aided

Controlling means an assignment is deposited, which, taking into account a processing sequence of the plurality of strapping a temperature level of the welding head and / or the residence time of the welding head in surface contact with strapping and / or a duration and / or force of the system of the stamp on the printing plate on the computer-aided control device for at least two of the plurality of strapping different predetermines and / or controls.

Also, an input mask - for example, a display, designed as a touch screen or the like, be present, by means of which an operator Deposit or set control logic for the process or the device. In particular, the respectively detected physical parameters can be selectively freely assigned to a temperature level of the respective welding head and / or a duration of the temperature loading of respective free end regions and / or a force and / or duration of abutment of the stamp on the respective printing plate. The assignment here can be stored and adapted by an input device in the control device.

This is particularly advantageous if subsequently new sensors or actuators are installed in the device. Even with the use of new strip materials, a complete overhaul of a control can be specified. In other words, the regulation can be adjusted after a certain production operating time.

In particular, new manipulated variables and measured variables can be included in the control and assigned to other already existing or also new control or measured variables. In particular, an influence value (weighting) and / or a calculation rule can be set for each assignment. The calculation rule may, for example, be a factor with which a difference from the desired force to the measured force is multiplied in order to specify the required residence time or temperature.

In particular, the control concept or the input mask in the

stored computer-based control and callable on a display of the device and operated.

In particular, the containers during strapping and the

Welding continuously transported and accompanied by a strapping head on which the welding head is mounted, along part of the path of the container. In particular, a test force is applied to one or both welding points on the

Adjacent discharge loop, applied by the finger and / or the pliers, which also pulls the discharge loop.

If a test is carried out with destruction of the cohesive connection of the respective strapping on already strapped containers, the individual containers are preferably in the container stream in front of the device for strapping

recycled. This can be done automatically via a turnout and a conveyor belt or manually. The invention further relates to a device for the connection of

End areas made of plastic existing strapping. It should be mentioned that features which were previously mentioned as embodiments of the method according to the invention are also conceivable embodiments of the

inventive device can be used. Also features that are described below to various embodiments of the device according to the invention may be formed in conceivable embodiments of the method according to the invention.

The device has at least one positioning device which aligns end regions of a respective strapping band opposite one another. Further, a movable welding head, with which for the purpose of heating a temperature application of end regions of the respective strapping band can be effected. The free end areas can in this case with the welding head in

Be surface contact or rest on opposite sides of the welding head. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one clamping device which has a

Stamp and a stamp associated with the pressure plate has. Stamp and / or printing plate can be tempered in addition to the welding head and are for a clamping interposed end portions of the respective strapping together with each other brought into contact. Next is a computer-aided for the inventive device

Control device provided, which is brought into connection with the clamping device and with the welding head.

The device also has at least one sensor for detecting one or more physical parameters of the strap, the welding head and / or a cohesive connection of the end portions. With the computer-aided

Control device is brought into operative connection with the at least one sensor system such that the duration of a force-bearing contact of the punch on the pressure plate for the purpose of a

Clamping of end areas, a clamping force when the punch is applied to the

Pressure plate, a temperature level of the welding head and / or a duration of

Temperaturbeaufschlagung the free end regions defined via the welding head and / or can be controlled. In particularly preferred embodiments, the movable

Welding head, the at least one stamp, the at least one stamp assigned pressure plate and the at least one sensor as part of a raised and lowered strapping head or as part of a raised and lowered

Strapping device be formed.

The device according to the invention may also include a horizontal conveyor for transporting beverage containers. The strapping head or the strapping device can be movably guided along the horizontal conveying device via a suspension extending along the horizontal conveying device. The at least one sensor, the heatable welding head and the at least one stamp can in this case together with the strapping device or the

Umreifungskopf be moved by means of the suspension along the horizontal conveyor.

In conceivable embodiments, the at least one sensor may comprise a pair of pliers and / or a finger which can be brought into surface contact for the detection or determination of one or more physical parameters of the strapping band and / or the integral connection with the strapping band.

Furthermore, the device can have at least one temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the welding head and / or the strapping band as a physical actual parameter. The at least one temperature sensor can likewise be fixed on the strapping head or on the strapping device and moved together with the strapping device or the strapping head.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a strapping head, as it can be used for various embodiments of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a detailed schematic view of the position A of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a further detailed schematic view of the position A of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 shows a further detailed schematic view of the position A of Figures 2 to 4; FIG. 6 shows a further detailed schematic view of position A from FIGS

FIGS. 2 to 5;

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a strapping head 11 as it can be used for various embodiments of a device 10 according to the invention. For strapping articles, such as packaged goods, magazines,

Magazines and closed containers, these are strapped with a plastic strapping. Depending on the nature of the material to be strapped strapping is stretched stronger or weaker. For welding the Umreif ungsbands 5, a heatable welding head 1 of a strapping head 1 1 is heated to the welding of strapping bands 5 made of plastic to the required welding temperature at the beginning of production or Umreif ungsprozesses. If this temperature is reached, the overlapping strap 5 is welded and cut via the Umreif ungskopf 1 1 for welding strapping bands 5 made of plastic.

The strapping head 1 1 comprises a positioning device 4 or a band guide, in which the strapping band 5 is guided, so that end regions 22 and 23 of the strapping band 5 are arranged opposite one another. Further, a heatable welding head 1, which is brought to the melting between the overlapping strapping 5 and between the end portions 22 and 23, one or more punches 3, which can press the strapping 5 against the heatable welding head 1 during the melting of the strapping 5 and, after the heatable welding head 1 is removed between the overlapping strapping band 5, press it against a pressure plate 2, whereby a fuse of the Strapping ungsbands 5 by welding the overlapping end portions 22 and 23 takes place. Following this or earlier, the strapping band 5 is cut off.

A strapping head 1 1 for welding strapping bands 5 from

Plastic comprises in the embodiment of Figure 1 and in the embodiment of the remaining figures below: at least one positioning device 4, which overlaps the previously placed around an article group and possibly strapped strapping 5 on its own ends or the end portions 22 and 23 of the strapping. 5

arranges opposite,

a heatable welding head 1, which projects between a working position in which the welding head 1 between the overlapping end portions 22 and 23 of the strapping band 5 previously laid around the group of items and possibly tensioned to melt this, and a retraction position, in which the welding head 1 between is pulled out of the two overlapping ends of the strapping band 5, is movably arranged,

at least one printing plate 2, and

at least one punch 3, which presses after retraction of the welding head from its working position in its retracted position, the two overlapping end portions 22 and 23 of the Umreifungsbands 5 against at least one lot of the pressure plate 2 and thereby against each other and so the overlapping end portions 22 and 23 of the

fused strapping band 5 welded together.

The strapping head 1 1 for welding strapping 5 from

Plastic may also include jaws 6, and 7, which are against the

Pressure plate 2 can be moved to the overlapping ends of the

Strapping Bandes 5 between them and the counter-pressure plate 2 at least for the duration of welding the overlapping ends 22 and 23 to clamp. The jaws 6, 7 preferably press against other parts of the pressure plate 2, as the punch 3, or they can alternatively against another, common or against each

press further, own pressure plates.

To recognize further is a control device 80, which with the

Welding head 1 is in communication. The compound is shown in FIG. 1 via phantom lines

indicated and may be formed in practice by a respective cable connection or wireless. Further, a connection of the controller 80 to the Jaws 6 and 7, the stamp 3 and to a sensor or to a first sensor S1 and a second sensor S2 made. The sensors S1 and S2 are in the present case formed by temperature sensors.

Via the control device 80, the entire process of welding the two end regions 22 and 23 is predetermined or controlled. About the

Control device 80 is thus given a temperature of the welding head 1, the punch 3 moves against the pressure plate 2 and the jaws 6 and 7 actuated.

Are the end portions 22 and 23, as shown in Figure 1, positioned opposite one another and the welding head 1 with the end portions 22 and 23 in

Surface contact is maintained, the surface contact is maintained over a certain residence time to heat the end portions 22 and 23 for their welding to a defined temperature level.

After a certain residence time, the surface contact between the welding head 1 and the opposite end portions 22 and 23 of the

Hooping 5 lifted, the welding head 1 is moved to a retracted position. Immediately thereafter, a movement of the punch 3 in the direction of the pressure plate 2 to clamp the strap 5 and the heated end portions 22 and 23 of the strap 5 between punch 3 and pressure plate 2 and thereby cause a welding of the end portions 22 and 23. The dwell time is set via the control device 80, in addition, the movement of the punch 3 is initiated via the control device 80. The retraction movement of the welding head 1 is also carried out at the instigation of the control device 80th Die

Controller 80 is therefore single for the entire coordination

Process steps of welding responsible. Instead of a surface contact between the end portions 22 and 23 with the welding head 1, it may also be sufficient to move the welding head 1 only in the vicinity or in the region of the end portions 22 and 23, without the welding head 1 with the end portions 22 and 23 in

Surface contact occurs. The welding head 1 can also be formed by a laser or a friction welding device.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, two sensors S1 and S2 or two temperature sensors are provided, wherein the temperature sensor S1 is an actual temperature of the strapping band 5 in FIG

Detected area and at least one of its end portions 22 and 23 and / or notes and information about the respective detected actual temperature to the

Control device 80 transmits or passes on and - the temperature sensor S2 detects an actual temperature of the welding head 1

and / or detects and transmits information about the respective detected actual temperature to the control device 80.

The control device 80 compares the information about the respective actual temperature of the welding head 1 and the respective actual temperature of the at least one end region 22 or 23 of the strapping band 5 with target values stored in the control device 80 for the respective actual temperature. If the respective actual temperatures deviate from the stored nominal values, the control device 80 can react thereto and adapt certain parameters of the welding in order, if necessary, to match the respective actual temperatures to those in the

Control device 80 to cause stored target values and desired

To achieve characteristics of cohesive connection produced by welding.

For example, it can be provided that when the actual temperature of the desired values stored in the control device 80 deviates, a temperature level of the welding head 1 and / or the residence time of the welding head 1 is raised or lowered in the case of surface contact with the end regions 22 and 23. It is also conceivable that the duration of the force-applied installation of the punch 3 on the pressure plate 2 is lengthened or shortened by the computer-aided control device 80, taking into account a respective deviation of the actual temperature from the target values stored in the control device 80. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that the clamping force between punch 3 and pressure plate 2 is increased or reduced with intermediate end regions 22 and 23, taking into account in each case a deviation of the actual temperatures from desired values stored in control device 80. It can be provided here that the sensors S1 and S2 are continuous

Values for the actual temperature of the respective strapping band 5 or of the welding head 1 are transmitted to the control device 80 and one or more of the previously mentioned possibilities for influencing any process parameters of the Welding at least approximately in real time by the controller 80 are performed.

It can also be provided that, when the respective actual temperature of the desired values stored in the control device 80 deviates, a temperature level of the welding head 1 and / or the residence time of the welding head 1 in the case of surface contact with strapping bands 5 and / or the duration and / or force of the Guide the punch 3 against the pressure plate 2 successively and taking into account a

Processing sequence is adjusted until the actual temperatures match the stored target values. For example, the temperature level of the

Welding head 1 for a following strapping band 5 are first raised sharply and lifted for further downstream strapping 5 in smaller steps until the actual temperatures match the predetermined target values and the desired characteristics of the material connection of the free end portions 22 and 23 are made , FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention. The device 10 comprises a feed belt 30 for beverage containers not shown in FIG. 2 and a discharge belt 32 aligned with the feed belt 30 in the direction of transport of the beverage containers Conveyed bundled items transported in the direction of a palletization.

Interposed between the feed belt 30 and the discharge belt 32 are a plurality of strapping heads 1 1, which may for example have a structure according to the embodiment of the previous figure 1 and / or a structure according to the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6. The strapping heads 32 can move along a horizontal conveyor 34. By means of the sensors S1 and S2 shown in Figure 1, the strapping heads 1 1, which as part of the

Device 10 are formed, the actual temperature of their belong

Welding head 1 as a physical actual parameter capture and to the

Control device 80 transmitted. An adaptation of process parameters when welding the strapping 5 over the respective strapping head 1 1 takes place here as previously described for Figure 1.

Evident is also a position A, which is arranged laterally of the feed belt 30 and the discharge belt 32 between horizontal conveyor 34. The Position A is designed as a test area, within which physical actual parameters of the integral connection 13, as described in detail in the following figures 3 to 6, are determined or detected.

The position A or the test area can present the two in

Transport direction of the horizontal conveyor 34 right hand arranged gripping heads 1 1. On the opposite side of the horizontal conveyor 34, a further test area is arranged, which the two in the transport direction of the

Horizontal conveyor 34 left side arranged gripping heads 1 1 can approach.

The number of gripping heads 1 1 shown in FIG. 2 as well as test areas is only to be understood as an example. Also, if necessary, an alternative position for the test area, which differs from the position A of Figure 2, may be provided.

In test area A, strapping with and / or without containers is allowed

Test purposes performed or at least the tested materials such as

Strapping 5 or container with strapping 5 parked. In particular, there are disposed of in a torn test tearing strapping bands 5.

As an alternative to region A, the destructive tests may also be performed over the conveyor 34. In that case, either an operator has to remove the destroyed strapping bands 5 and / or they are laterally slid off the belt with a rake or slider (not shown)

Conveying direction) and / or the belts 5 are transported by the conveyor 34 via the conveyor 32 to a sink after the conveyor 32.

If packages are tested as a whole by destroying the strapping 5, the articles which are no longer strapped are in particular returned to volume 32 and thus reused when the regular production operation is resumed. It would also be conceivable to test only one or both of the front strapping heads 1 1 seen in the transport direction and then one or the two rear heads 11 so as not to be able to completely stop production during the tests or to travel with a reduced discharge line.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed schematic view of the position A from FIG. 2. A strapping head 11, which in the present case is located in the test area already described or which in the present case already described, can be seen and has moved to the side of the horizontal conveyor 34 (see Figure 2) arranged test area.

In addition to the gripping head 1 1 of the embodiment of Figure 1, the gripping head 1 1 of the embodiment of Figure 3 has a further welding head 1 or a total of two welding heads ß 1 and a further punch 3 or a total of two stamp 3. Each of the stamp 3 is thus assigned a welding head 1. The

Welding heads 1 bind in Figure 3 already in a retreat position behind the image plane, which retraction position is indicated by phantom lines.

Prior to welding, a first end region 22 is moved away from the second end region 23 by means of a finger 15, which is also formed as part of the respective gripping head 1 1. 3 shows a position in which the end regions 22 and 23 have already been tempered via the welding heads 1 and are now guided in a clamping manner against a pressure plate 2 via the punches 3. With the cohesive connection 13 (see FIG. 4) formed thereby, the two end regions 22 and 23 are held together.

A control device 80 can be seen, which predetermines the movement of the finger 15 for separating the end regions 22 and 23 from each other. Furthermore, the return movement of the welding heads 1 is specified via the control device 80 and the respective punch 3 is guided against the pressure plate 2. The movement of both punches 3 can be done synchronously.

Figure 4 shows a further detailed schematic view of the position A of Figures 2 and 3. The cohesive connections 13 between the end portions 23 and 25 are now formed. The two punches 3 were withdrawn starting from the position of FIG. 3 from the free ends 22 and 23 of the strapping band. In addition, a movement of the finger 15 takes place substantially parallel to the retraction movement of the punches 3 after the material-bonded connections 13 have been produced. The direction of movement of the finger 15 is indicated by means of an arrow. Moreover, FIG. 4 shows a strain measuring strip 17, which is connected to the strapping band 5. About the strain gauge 17, the respective actual voltage of the strapping band 5 is detected and to the Control device 80 transmitted. The strain gauge 17 is arranged in the region of the relief loop 25.

FIG. 5 shows a further detailed schematic view of the position A from FIGS. 2 to 4. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a maximum tension or elongation of the strapping band 5 before breakage of one or both integral connections 13. The strain or voltage is further detected via the measuring strip 17 and information is transmitted to the control device 80. The movement of the finger 17 continues to be in the direction of the arrow. The punches 3 remain in their already shown in Figure 4 retreat position. FIG. 6 shows a further detailed schematic view of position A from FIGS

FIGS. 2 to 5. Starting from the maximum elongation of FIG. 5, the finger 15 has been moved further in the direction away from the pressure plate 2, resulting in a break of the cohesive connection 13 still recognizable on the right side in FIG. Since the tension of the strapping band 5 at break of one or more of cohesive

Compounds 13 decreases and the controller 80 with the

Strain gauge 17 is connected, the control device 80 can recognize in this case, at which maximum elongation of the strapping band 5, a break of the respective cohesive connection 13 was carried out. A tearing of the tape usually does not happen. The maximum possible strain as well as its detection via the

Strain gauge 17 allow predicting the characteristics of the

cohesive connection 13. In addition, setpoint values for the maximum elongation or maximum tension of the strapping band 5 can be stored in the control device 80. If the maximum elongation or tension of the strapping band 5 detected by means of the extensional measuring strip 17 as a physical actual parameter deviates until fracture of one or more of the integral connections 13 from that in FIG

Control device 80 deposited target values, an adaptation of one or more processes in welding the end portions 22 and 23 can be carried out to the desired characteristics of the material connection 13 in more

To reach strapping 5.

Since one of the two connections 13 is intended to serve as a predetermined breaking point when using the relief tab, it is preferable to specify a maximum value and a minimum value for one of the connections 13. In particular, both welds 13 can be tested separately from each other. For this purpose, it would be conceivable to cut the tape 5 between the two welding points 13 before the test and to pull with two gripping tongs at the respective ends. Alternatively or additionally, the pliers could each attract from one side of the respective welding point 13, which faces away from the other welding point 13.

In particular, the tensile tests can be carried out in consideration of gravity. For this purpose, a container including strapping 5 can be raised before the test, so that the weight of the article in addition to the test force acts. In particular, the limit for the breaking limit force for the second

Welding point 13 (which loosely holds together the container in the unloaded state after the breakage of the first welding point 13) are higher than that of the first one.

The test according to FIGS. 3 to 6 does not have to be carried out in the area A but can also be carried out at the normal operating position. The test can be carried out with pincer-like elements which are placed in the

Production range of Umreifungsköpfe 1 1 are moved into the test mode and are arranged on which sensors for force detection. The determined forces

Tear forces and / or even tensile profiles (force over time or path) are transferred to the controller 80 following the test. If a welding point 13 tears when the test force is too low, in particular the heat output applied to the strip 5 (the duration of the heating and / or the heat applied to the strip 5 per

Time unit) increased.

Since an excessive heat input to the band 5 can also have an opposite effect, it may u.U. be necessary to additionally perform a camera control. Normally, however, you do not move within these limits.

If tapes 5 made of a new material are tried on a device 10, then a test mode can be implemented in the controller 80 which finds out exactly the limit up to which heat input and / or pressure force of the punch 3 a welded connection 13 becomes stronger and from which heat input and / or compressive force a weld 13 is weakened again.

Furthermore, it can be attempted in a test mode to optimize the device energetically by testing different parameter values in Combination smallest possible amounts of heat per strapping 5 can be realized. This could happen during a nondestructive test during regular production.

Furthermore, a test operation can also be carried out during regular production in which the minimum limits of the tear strength of the weld points 13 are tested continuously (with each container) or at regular intervals by a test force. This can be done in particular by the finger, the

Relief tab pulls.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 welding head

2 pressure plate

3 stamps

4 positioning device

5 strapping band

6 jaw

7 jaw

10 device

1 1 strapping head

13 cohesive connection 15 fingers

17 strain gauges

22 end area

23 end area

25 unloading loop 30 feeding belt

32 discharge conveyor

34 breakage

80 control device

Claims

Method for connecting end regions (22, 23) of plastic strapping bands (5), in which

End portions (22, 23) of a respective strapping band (5) each other

be positioned opposite each other,

- A welding head (1) in the direction of the end portions (22, 23) of the strap (5) is moved over a certain residence time and for the purpose of heating a temperature of the end portions (22, 23) of the respective

Strapping band (5) over the movable welding head (1),

- Subsequently, the welding head (1) of the opposite end portions (22, 23) of the respective strapping band (5) is moved away and

- Subsequently, a punch (3) subjected to force against a pressure plate (2) at intermediate end portions (22, 23) of the respective strapping (5) is guided, so that these end portions (22, 23) of the strapping band (5) from their tempering and the kraftbeaufschlagten plant resulting materially connected to each other, characterized in that

- One or more actual physical parameters of the welding head (1), one

Strapping band (5) and / or the cohesive connection of interconnected end regions (22, 23) sensory detected and / or sensory detected

- The one or more physical actual parameters are transmitted to a computer-aided control device (80) and

a temperature level of the welding head (1) and / or the residence time of the application of temperature to end regions (22, 23) via the welding head (1) and / or a duration and / or force of the abutment of the punch (3) on the

Pressure plate (2) via the computer-aided control device (80), taking into account the one or more actual physical parameters predetermined and / or controlled. Method according to Claim 1, in which a temperature level of the welding head (1) and / or the residence time of the temperature exposure of the free end regions (22, 23) via the welding head (1) and / or a duration and / or force of the abutment (3 ) on the printing plate (2) upon detection of the respective one or more actual physical parameters are predetermined and / or controlled at least approximately in real time.

Method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which an actual temperature of the welding head (1) and / or of the strapping band (5) is sensed as a physical actual parameter.

Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, in which a multiplicity of sensory detections of physical actual parameters are carried out at specific time intervals and in the case of deviations of the respective one or more detected physical actual parameters from in the

Control device (80) stored target parameters of the time interval of several successive sensory detections is shortened.

Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, in which, for the purpose of sensory detection of physical actual parameters, the interconnected end regions (22, 23) of the respective strapping band (5) are separated until the material connection (13) is released, wherein the force for releasing the cohesive connection is sensed detected and / or sensory and is transmitted as a physical actual parameter to the computer-aided control device (80).

The method of claim 5, wherein the force for releasing the cohesive

Connection is detected by a pair of pliers and / or a finger, wherein

With the aid of the forceps and / or the finger in the case of cohesive connection of the end regions (22, 23), a loop is formed in the strapping band (5).

A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the force to release the

cohesive connection (13) of a first of a plurality of strapping bands (5) whose respective end regions (22, 23) are connected successively in time is detected, the first strapping band (5) is sorted out and the following strapping bands (5) following strapping bands (5) 22, 23) each over several

Beverage containers for the purpose of their summary as a container.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the force for releasing the cohesive connection (13) with the aid of a strain gauge (17) detected and / or detected.

9. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein temporally successively respective end regions (22, 23) of a plurality of strapping bands (5) are connected and wherein in the computer-aided control device (80) an assignment is deposited, which takes into account a

Processing sequence of the plurality of strapping bands (5) a temperature level of the respective for the connection of the plurality of strapping bands (5) respectively provided welding head (1) and / or the residence time of the

Temperature exposure of end regions (22, 23) via the welding head (1) and / or a duration and / or force of installation of the stamp (3) provided for connecting the plurality of strapping bands (5) to the pressure plate (2) via the computer-aided control device (80) for at least two of the plurality of strapping bands (5) different predetermines and / or controls.

10. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least two Umreifungsköpfe (1 1), each associated with its own temperable welding head (1), a separate punch (3) and a separate pressure plate (2), wherein means the computer-aided control device (80) an assignment of the respective sensory detected and / or detected physical actual parameters to one of the at least two Umreifungsköpfe (1 1) takes place and the strapping heads (1 1) via the control device (80) selectively controlled taking into account the assignment become.

1 1. Device (10) for connecting end regions (22, 23) made of plastic

existing strapping bands (5), comprising

a positioning device (4) which aligns end regions (22, 23) of a respective strapping band (5) opposite one another,

- A movable welding head (1), with which for the purpose of heating a temperature of end portions (22, 23) of the respective strapping band (5) is effected,

- At least one clamping device, comprising a punch (3) and a stamp (3) associated pressure plate (2), for a clamping Intermediate end portions (22, 23) of the respective strapping band (5) are engageable with each other and

- A computerized control device (80), which with the

Clamping device and with the welding head (1) is associated, characterized in that

- The device (10) at least one sensor (S1, S2) for detecting one or more physical parameters of the strapping band (5), the

Welding head (1) and / or a material connection (13) of the

End regions (22, 23), with which at least one sensor (S1, S2) the computer-aided control device (80) is brought into operative connection, that via the computer-aided control device (80) the duration of a force-applied contact of the punch (3) on the Pressure plate (2) for the purpose of clamping end portions (22, 23), a clamping force upon contact of the punch (3) on the pressure plate (2), a temperature level of the welding head (1) and / or a duration of the temperature application of end portions (22 , 23) can be predefined and / or controlled via the welding head (1).

12. Device (10) according to claim 1 1, wherein the movable welding head (1), the at least one punch (3), the at least one punch (3) associated pressure plate (2) and the at least one sensor (S1, S2 ) are formed as part of a raised and lowered strapping head (1 1).

13. Device (10) according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pair of pliers and / or a finger (15) over which at least one

End region (22, 23) of the strapping band (5) can be tensioned, which end region (22, 23) with a strain gauge (17) is in communication, for detecting and transmitting the respective actual tension of the strapping band (5)

physical actual parameter to the control device (80) is formed.

14. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the sensor system (S1, S2) at least one temperature sensor for detecting a

Has temperature of the welding head (1) and / or the strapping band (5) as a physical actual parameter.