U.S. patent application number 10/059545 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for apparatus for strapping items with tension bands.
Invention is credited to Bartelmuss, Heinz, Bartelmuss, Klaus.
Application Number | 20020112456 10/059545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3670698 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartelmuss, Klaus ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Apparatus for strapping items with tension bands
Abstract
The strapping installation is configured to strap items with
bands, in particular to strap pulp bales with paper bands. An
assembly conveys the tensioning bands around the items to be
strapped, and the bands are then tensioned and connected to form a
closed ring. The conveying assembly is form by a drawing
configuration, such as a belt or the like, which encloses the
respective item and is designed with a carry-along element for a
band. The drawing configuration is assigned a drive with which the
carry-along element, together with the forward end of the
tensioning band can be moved around the item.
Inventors: |
Bartelmuss, Klaus;
(Teufenbach, AT) ; Bartelmuss, Heinz; (Teufenbach,
AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER AND GREENBERG, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 2480
HOLLYWOOD
FL
33022-2480
US
|
Family ID: |
3670698 |
Appl. No.: |
10/059545 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/589 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 13/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/589 |
International
Class: |
B65B 013/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 22, 2001 |
AT |
A 279/2001 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An installation for strapping items, comprising: a conveying
assembly for conveying a tensioning band around an item to be
strapped, said conveying assembly having a drawing configuration
and a carry-along element for a tensioning band mounted thereto,
and having a drive connected to said drawing configuration for
moving said carry-along element around the item; and a tensioning
and connecting device for tensioning the band and for connecting
the tensioned band enclosing the item.
2. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said
drawing configuration is formed with a belt encompassing the item
to be strapped and carrying said carry-along element for slaving
the band around the item.
3. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein the
item to be strapped is a pulp bale, and said tensioning band is a
paper band to be strapped onto the pulp bale.
4. The strapping installation according to claim 1, which comprises
a plurality of deflecting rollers about which said drawing
configuration is guided, and wherein at least one of the deflecting
rollers is a driven roller.
5. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said
drawing configuration is a toothed belt.
6. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said
carry-along element has two clamping jaws that are adjustable
relative to one another, said clamping jaws are disposed laterally
outside said drawing configuration in a direction of movement
thereof, and said clamping jaws are configured to clamp said
tensioning band therebetween.
7. The strapping installation according to claim 6, which comprises
a spring disposed to act on said two clamping jaws to hold said
clamping jaws in a closed position, and an actuating device
assigned to said carry-along element for adjusting said clamping
jaws into an open position in which said tensioning band may be
introduced therebetween.
8. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said
carry-along element includes a first clamping jaw fastened to said
drawing configuration and a second clamping jaw that is adjusted
relative to said first clamping jaw.
9. The strapping installation according to patent claim 8, wherein
said first clamping jaw is formed with a through-passage adapted to
receive a bolt projecting from said second clamping jaw, an
actuating spring encloses the bolt, and an actuating device
assigned to said bolt for adjusting said clamping jaws into an open
position.
10. The strapping installation according to claim 1, which
comprises a channel assigned to said carry-along element and
through which said tensioning band can be pushed toward said
carry-along element, and a clamping device for displacing said
tensioning band relative to said conveying channel.
11. The strapping installation according to claim 1, wherein said
tensioning and connecting device includes a tensioning assembly for
said tensioning band, an adhesive-bonding device for said
tensioning band, a pressing device for said tensioning band, and a
cutting device.
12. The strapping installation according to claim 11, which
comprises a channel assigned to said carry-along element and
through which said tensioning band can be pushed toward said
carry-along element, and a first clamping device for displacing
said tensioning band relative to said conveying channel.
13. The strapping installation according to claim 12, which
comprises a carriage carrying said clamping device and said
adhesive-bonding device, and said carriage is displaceably mounted
counter to an advancement direction of said tensioning band for
strapping the item, and which further comprises a second, fixed
clamping device assigned to said first clamping device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1 . Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for strapping
items by means of tensioning bands, in particular for strapping
pulp bales with paper bands. The apparatus is equipped with
configurations for conveying the tensioning bands around the items,
and for tensioning the bands and for connecting the tensioned bands
enclosing the items.
[0003] Such an apparatus, which is known, for example from U.S.
Pat. No. 5,560,180, has a guide channel which fully encloses the
respective item and through which a tensioning band is pushed. As a
result, the band is thus guided around the item, whereupon it is
then tensioned. The guide channel is designed, on the side which is
directed toward the item, with swing-action elements which open as
soon as the band is tensioned. The tensioning band thus passes into
abutment against the item and can then be joined together by gluing
the overlapping segment.
[0004] The prior art apparatus, however, is disadvantageous in that
the tensioning band--due to the fact that it must be pushed through
the guide channel--has to have a high level of rigidity. In
addition, in particular on account of the swing-action elements,
the guide channel constitutes a component which is of complex
design and in which, in addition, functioning may be disrupted
since the band can jam in the channel or become stuck on the
swing-action elements as the latter are opened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a
device for tying bulk goods with tensioning straps, which overcomes
the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices
and methods of this general type.
[0006] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, an installation for
strapping items, in particular for strapping pulp bales with paper
bands. The installation comprises:
[0007] a conveying assembly for conveying a tensioning band around
an item to be strapped, the conveying assembly having a drawing
configuration and a carry-along element for a tensioning band
mounted thereto, and having a drive connected to the drawing
configuration for moving the carry-along element around the item;
and
[0008] a tensioning and connecting device for tensioning the band
and for connecting the tensioned band enclosing the item.
[0009] In other words, the objects of the invention are achieved in
that the conveying assembly is formed by a drawing configuration,
e.g. a belt, which encloses the respective item, is designed with a
carry-along element and is assigned a drive system by means of
which the carry-along element can be moved around the item.
[0010] Since the tensioning band is drawn around the item, it may
have a lower level of rigidity than if it is pushed through a guide
channel. In addition, disruptions to functioning are, to the
greatest extent, avoided. Furthermore, it is possible for the
tensioning band to be guided around the item with a small spacing
therefrom, as a result of which the operation of bracing it
requires lower outlay than in the case in the known apparatus. This
additionally rules out twisting of the band during the tensioning
operation.
[0011] The drawing configuration is advantageously guided over a
plurality of, in particular four, deflecting rollers. At least one
of the deflecting rollers is assigned a drive. In this case, the
drawing configuration is designed, in particular, as a toothed
belt.
[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the carry-along element
has two clamping jaws which-can-be-adjusted in relation to one
another, are located laterally outside the belt, in the movement
direction of the latter, and between which the tensioning band can
be clamped. It is possible here for the two clamping jaws to be
subjected to the action of a spring, by means of which they are
kept in their closed position, and it is possible for the
carry-along element to be assigned an actuating arrangement by
means of which the clamping jaws can be adjusted into their open
position, as a result of which a band can be introduced between
them. The carry-along element is preferably designed with two
clamping jaws, a first clamping jaw is fastened on the belt or the
like and the second clamping jaw can be adjusted in relation to the
first clamping jaw. It is possible here for the first clamping jaw
to be provided with a through-passage through which a bolt or the
like projecting from the second clamping jaw passes, the actuating
spring enclosing the bolt or the like, and this also being assigned
the actuating arrangement. Furthermore, the carry-along element is
preferably assigned a channel through which the tensioning band can
be pushed toward the carry-along element, there being provided for
the tensioning band a clamping device by means of which the
tensioning band can be displaced in relation to the conveying
channel.
[0013] According to further preferred features, the installation
also contains a tensioning assembly for the band, an
adhesive-bonding device for the band, a pressing device for the
band and a cutting device. It is possible here for the clamping
device and the adhesive-bonding device to be arranged on a carriage
which can be displaced counter to the advancement direction of the
tensioning band for strapping the item, and for the first clamping
device to be assigned a second, fixed clamping device.
[0014] Other features which are considered as characteristic for
the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
[0015] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in an apparatus for strapping items by means of bands,
it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
[0016] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an axonometric illustration of an installation for
strapping items by means of tensioning bands with an apparatus for
applying and tensioning the bands;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an elevational end view of the apparatus according
to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2a is a side elevational view of the apparatus for
applying and tensioning the bands;
[0020] FIGS. 3 to 6 are end views of the apparatus according to
FIGS. 2 and 2a in four different operating positions;
[0021] FIGS. 7 and 7a are detail view of the apparatus in a side
view, partly in section, and in elevation;
[0022] FIGS. 8 to 10 are elevational views of a constituent part of
the apparatus in three successive operating positions;
[0023] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are elevational views of further
constituent parts of the apparatus, in elevation and in different
operating positions; and
[0024] FIGS. 11a and 13a are side views of the further constituent
parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and
first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, the installation
illustrated in FIG. 1 for strapping items 10 by means of tensioning
bands 20 has an apparatus 1 for applying the tensioning bands 20
around items 10 and a conveying apparatus, e.g. a roller conveyor
1a, by means of which the items 10 are fed to the apparatus 1.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 has a rectangular
carrying framework 11, at the four corners of which there are
mounted deflecting rollers 12, 12a, a drawing configuration in the
form of a toothed belt 2 being positioned around the deflecting
rollers. The deflecting roller 12a is assigned a drive 13. A
carry-along element or sled 3 for a tensioning band is arranged on
the belt 2. The carry-along element 3 is actuated by a control
device 4. The drive 13 rotates the deflecting roller 12a, as a
result of which the belt 2 is moved and the carry-along element 3
is guided, in the direction of the arrow A, around the item 10 that
is to be strapped.
[0027] With further reference to FIG. 2a, the deflecting and drive
roller 12a is coupled for carry-along action with the drive 13 via
a belt 13a. It can also be seen that the carry-along element 3 is
designed with two clamping jaws 31 and 32 that project laterally
from the conveying belt 2 and are assigned the control device 4. As
soon as the two clamping jaws 31 and 32 are located in their open
position, the front end of a tensioning band can be introduced
between them, the tensioning band then being guided around the item
10, as is explained hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.
[0028] As can further be seen from FIGS. 3 to 6, the apparatus 1 is
assigned a band store 20a from which a tensioning band 20 is drawn
off by a conveying and tensioning assembly 5 and moved in the
direction of the carry-along element 3. Also provided are an
adhesive-bonding device 6, a pressing device 7, and a cutting
devicet 8, the design and functioning of which are explained
hereinbelow.
[0029] As is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 4 to 6, the
tensioning band 20 is guided around the item 10 by means of the
carry-along element 3 until it encloses the item to the full extent
and butts loosely against the same. It is then tensioned around the
item 10 and joined together by adhesive bonding. Thereafter, the
item 10 is transported further.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 7a, the carry-along element 3
is designed with a carrying plate 30, which is fastened on the
conveying belt 2 by means of a clamping plate 21 and bolts 22. The
first clamping jaw 31 is fastened rigidly on the carrying plate 30.
In contrast, the second clamping jaw 32 is fastened on a push rod
33, which passes through a bore 34 of the carrying plate 30 and is
subjected to the action of a compression spring 35. The push rod 33
is assigned a push rod 41 of the opening arrangement 4. As soon as
the push rod 41 is adjusted upward, the second clamping jaw 32 is
lifted off from the first clamping jaw 31 counter to the action of
the compression spring 35, as a result of which the front end of
the tensioning band 20 can be pushed in between the two clamping
jaws 31 and 32. Once the push rod 41 is restored, the tensioning
band 20 is retained between the two clamping jaws 31 and 32, as a
result of which it can be guided around the item 10 by the
carry-along element 3.
[0031] FIGS. 8 to 13 will be used hereinbelow to explain the
construction and the functioning of the conveying and tensioning
assembly 5 for the tensioning band 20, of the adhesive-bonding
device 6, of the pressing device 7, and of the cutting device
8.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the conveying and
tensioning assembly 5 has a conveying channel 51, 51a for the
tensioning band 20. It is possible for the part 51a to be pivoted
by means of an actuating cylinder 52. The conveying and tensioning
assembly 5 also has a further actuating cylinder 53 and a first
clamping device 54, which can be displaced in relation to the
conveying channel 51 by means of the actuating cylinder 53. In
order to introduce the tensioning band 20 between the clamping jaws
31 and 32 opened by means of the control device 4, the clamping
device 54 is set in operation and displaced in the direction of the
arrow B by means of the actuating cylinder 53, as a result of which
the free end of the tensioning band 20 is pushed in between the
clamping jaws 31 and 32 through the conveying channel 51 and
through the part 51a. The carry-along element 3 is then moved
around the item 10 to the full extent by means of the conveying
belt 2. Thereafter, the movable part of the conveying channel 51a
is pivoted away from the carry-along element 3 in the direction of
the arrow C by means of the actuating cylinder 52.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 11, thereafter, the front end of the
tensioning band 20 is secured by means of the carry-along element
3, the first clamping device 54 is closed and the actuating
cylinder 53 is activated such that the tensioning band 20 is drawn
back in the direction of the arrow D by means of the first clamping
device 54. The tensioning band 20 is then tensioned around the item
10. As can further be seen from FIG. 11, the conveying and
tensioning assembly 5 as well as the adhesive-bonding device 6 are
borne by a carriage 50, which can likewise be displaced in the
direction of the arrow D by means of a drive 50a. As can be seen
from FIG. 11a, the adhesive-bonding device 6, which is designed
with an adhesive-bonding nozzle 61, can be pushed in beneath the
tensioned band 20, guided around the item 10, from one side, in the
direction of the arrow E, by means of an actuating cylinder 62. It
can be further be seen from FIG. 11a that the conveying channel 51
is formed by two rails which contain grooves and between which the
first clamping device 54 and a second clamping device 55 for the
band 20 come to act on the latter.
[0034] Then, as is illustrated in FIG. 12, the first clamping
device 54 is opened, the second clamping device 55 is activated and
the carriage 50 is displaced in the direction of the arrow D.
During the displacement operation, adhesive is applied, by the
adhesive-bonding nozzle 61, to that end of the tensioning band 20
which is guided around the item 10. A displacement of the carriage
50 in the direction of the arrow D causes the ends of the
tensioning band 20 to overlap, with the adhesive between them.
[0035] As can also be seen from FIG. 13, a pressing device 7 and a
cutting device 8 are also provided. By means of the pressing device
7, those sections of the tensioning band 20 which are located one
upon the other, i.e., in the overlapping segment, are pressed
together. As can be seen from FIG. 13a, the pressing device 7 has a
framework 70, on which a pressing cylinder 71 with a piston 72 is
mounted in a pivotable manner. A pressing plate 73 is articulated
on the piston 72. The pressing plate 73 is assigned a mating plate
74, which is located between the item 10 and the two sections 20a,
20b of the tensioning band 20. As soon as the piston 72 is adjusted
by means of the pressing cylinder 71, the pressing plate 73 is
adjusted in the direction of the mating plate 74, as a result of
which the two sections 20a, 20b of the tensioning band 20, between
which adhesive is located, are pressed.
[0036] Following completion of the pressing operation, the cutting
device 8, which is arranged at the end of the conveying channel
51a, is set in operation, as a result of which the tensioning band
20 is cut off. Thereafter, the item 10 is moved laterally, as a
result of which the tensioning band 20 is released from the
pressing plate 73 and the mating plate 74, and the item is
transported away by the roller conveyor 1a. It is then possible to
strap a further item 10 fed by means of the roller conveyor 1a.
[0037] Such an apparatus is used for strapping any desired item. A
preferred application is the operation of strapping pulp bales.
* * * * *