STRAPPING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING STRAPPED PACKAGES

Abstract

The invention relates to a strapping device and a method for producing strapped packages, which combine at least two articles by means of at least one strap. The strapping device is paired with a device for providing two or more grouped articles. and the strapping device comprises a handling device (10) with two pivoting arms (11, 12) which can be adjusted relative to each other and each of which is equipped with clamping devices (14, 15) for fixing the belt ends (27) of a strapping belt (26) or a strapping blank (28) in a clamped manner. The pivoting arms (11, 12) can surround the grouped articles for the purpose of strapping same, thereby pivoting the first pivoting arm (11) and the second pivoting arm (12). The strapping device additionally comprises a fixing device for connecting the two belt ends (27) of the strapping belt (26) or the strapping blank (28).

Claims

1. A strapping device (4) for producing strapped packages (31) formed from at least two articles (20) combined by at least one strap, which strapping device (4) is paired with a device (3) for providing two or more grouped articles (20), the strapping device (4) comprising: a handling device (10) with two pivoting arms (11, 12) which can be adjusted relative to each other and each of the two pivoting arms (11, 12) is equipped with clamping devices (14, 15) for fixing two belt ends (27) of a strapping belt (26) or a strapping blank (28) in a clamped manner, wherein the two pivoting arms (11, 12) are adapted to surround the grouped articles (20) for the purpose of strapping same by pivoting the first pivoting arm (11) and the second pivoting arm (12), and a fixing device (18) for connecting the two belt ends (27) of the strapping belt (26) or the strapping blank (28).

2. The strapping device (4) of claim 1, wherein the two pivoting arms (11, 12) are pivotably arranged about at least one axis of rotation.

3. The strapping device (4) of claim 2, wherein the two pivoting arms (11, 12) are each pivotable about a separate axis of rotation (D1, D2).

4. The strapping device (4) of claim 3, wherein the two pivoting arms (11, 12) are arranged on a base element (13) of the handling device (10),

5. The strapping device (4) of claim 3, wherein the two pivoting arms (11, 12) are formed by multi-axis robot arms.

6. The strapping device (4) of claim 1, wherein the fixing device (18) is arranged on the handling device (10) or is paired with the handling device (10).

7. The strapping device (4) of claim 6, wherein the fixing device (18) comprises a welding unit or an ultrasonic welding unit.

8. The strapping device (4) of claim 6, wherein the fixing device (18) comprises a gluing unit.

9. The strapping device (4) of claim 6, wherein the fixing device (18) comprises a device for introducing corresponding incisions or folding edges, located one above the other, into each of the two belt ends (27) with adjoining folded or bent sections, wherein the folded or bent sections of the belt ends (27) lying one above the other adjoin each other at least partially and connect the belt ends (27) to one another in a form-fitting and adhesive manner at the joint (26).

10. A method for producing strapped packages (31) formed from at least two articles (20) combined by means of at least one strap, comprising: providing two or more grouped articles (20), providing a strapping belt (26) or a strapping blank (28) of a length corresponding to at least one circumference of the grouped articles (20), fixing a first belt end (27) of the strapping belt (26) or strapping blank (28) on a first pivoting arm (11) in a releasable or clamped manner, and fixing a second belt end (27) of the strapping belt (26) or strapping blank (28) on a second pivoting arm (12) in a releasable or clamped manner, surrounding the grouped articles (20) by pivoting the first pivoting arm (11) and pivoting the second pivoting arm (12), wherein the fixed belt ends (27) approach one another and the strapping belt (26) or the strapping blank (28) is placed around the grouped articles (20) and is tightened or pretensioned, connecting the two belt ends (27) of the strapping belt (26) or the strapping blank (28) to form a strapped package (31), releasing the belt ends (27) from the pivoting arms (11, 12), and removing the pivoting arms (11, 12) from the strapped package (31).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the belt ends (27) are arranged to overlap and are fixed to one another in the overlap area.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the belt ends (27) are connected to one another by welding or ultrasonic welding or gluing.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the belt ends (27) are connected to one another by mechanical connection.

14. The method claim 13 wherein the belt ends (27) are connected to one another by crimping.

15. The strapping device (4) of claim 6, wherein the fixing device (18) comprises a device for introducing corresponding incisions or folding edges, located one above the other, into each of the two belt ends (27) with adjoining folded or bent sections, wherein the folded or bent sections of the belt ends (27) lying one above the other adjoin each other at least partially and connect the belt ends (27) to one another in a form-fitting and welded manner at the joint (26).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the invention and their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements relative to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions since some forms are simplified while other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

[0058] FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a packaging system for conveying, handling and packaging articles or article groupings.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment variant of an open-state handling device for strapping articles, which handling device can be a component of the packaging system shown in FIG. 1.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows the closed-state variant of the handling device shown in FIG. 2 for strapping articles.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows details of the handling device as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Identical reference numerals are used for identical elements of the invention or those having the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference signs 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 according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be configured, and they are non-limiting.

[0063] The side view of FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a packaging system 1 and some of the assemblies pertaining to it. The packaging system 1 shown comprises a device 2 for providing two or more grouped articles 20, in particular an arrangement module 3.

[0064] The schematically indicated articles 20 can, for example or preferably, be beverage containers, in particular bottles made of glass, PET or of another suitable material. However, the articles 20 can also be a beverage containers in the form of cans made of plastic and/or metal sheet such as aluminum or the like.

[0065] However, the packaging system 1 is also suitable for combining other suitable articles 20 with a corresponding strap 25 as package units 30 or strapped packages 31.

[0066] Preferably, at least two identical, in particular at least two identically configured articles 20 are assembled as article group 21 in an arrangement module 3 or the like, and are combined by an outer package 25 to give sales units, package units 30 or strapped packages 31.

[0067] Optionally, at least two different articles 20 can be assembled as an article group 21 in the arrangement module 3 or the like, and can subsequently be combined by a strap 25 to give sales units or package units 30. By assembling differently formed articles 20 (not shown), so-called mixed packages can be produced, for example.

[0068] The articles 20 are supplied to the arrangement module 3 via a suitable transport device 5, for example a conveyor belt 6, in a transport direction TR. The articles 20 are supplied, for example, in an ordered or unordered mass flow.

[0069] Subsequently, the strap 25 is fastened to the articles 20 of the article group 21 in a strapping device 4, wherein a strapping belt 26 or a strapping blank 28 is tensioned around the articles 20 of the article group 21. For this purpose, the strapping device 4 comprises, in particular, a handling device 10 shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 to 4 and described in detail below

[0070] The article group 21 strapped in this way forms a finished packaging unit 30 which is also referred to as strapped package 31. If necessary, the application of a further outer package, for example the fastening of an upper handle package or the like, can be provided simultaneously or subsequently or also beforehand.

[0071] The strapping belt 26 can be formed by a plastic belt. Alternatively, it is conceivable to use a paper belt, a pulp belt or a belt made of a composite material.

[0072] The strapping belt 26 is provided at least in a length L26, which length L26 corresponds to at least one circumference of the article group 21. It is preferably provided for the strap to be formed by a flat strapping blank 28 which is provided in a stacking magazine 40 standing or lying.

[0073] For strapping an article group 21, a strapping blank 28 is removed from the stacking magazine in each instance and transferred to the handling device 10 described below. The strapping blank 28 can be formed from a stiffer and/or thicker material, for example from a cardboard or the like.

[0074] The schematic perspective view of FIG. 2 shows a part of a handling device 10 for strapping articles 20 in an open state oZ.

[0075] The schematic perspective view of FIG. 3 shows the handling device 10 in a closed state gZ.

[0076] The schematic detail view of FIG. 4 shows further details of the handling device 10.

[0077] The handling device 10 has two pivoting arms 11, 12 which can be adjusted relative to each other and which are arranged pivotably on a base element 13, for example. In particular, a first pivoting arm 11 and a second pivoting arm 12 are arranged on the base element 13. Clamping devices 14,15 for fixing the two free belt ends 27 of a strapping belt 26 or a strapping blank 28 in a clamped manner are provided on each of the two pivoting arms 11, 12. Hereinafter, reference will be made only to the strapping belt 26, but this will also apply to the strapping blank 28.

[0078] In the open state oZ according to FIG. 2, the two pivoting arms 11, 12 are arranged to be pivoted away from each other such that the distance A14 between the clamping devices 14,15 of the two pivoting arms 11, 12 substantially corresponds to the length L26 of the strapping belt or the distance A27 between the free belt ends 27 of the strapping belt 26.

[0079] To form the strap 25, the pivoting arms 11 and 12 are pivoted around the article group 21 so that the article group 21 is enclosed or embraced by the handling device 10 in the closed state gZ according to FIG. 3.

[0080] The pivoting movement is produced, for example, by a simple rotation or via a joint having multiple members. The embodiment shown here provides for a pivoting of the two pivoting arms 11, 12 about two parallel axes of rotation D1 and D2. For this purpose, the first pivoting arm 11 is fastened, for example, in a first pivot point 16 to the base element 13 so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation D1, and the second pivoting arm 12 is fastened in a second pivot point 17 to the base element 13 so as to be pivotable about a second axis of rotation D2.

[0081] By pivoting the two pivoting arms 11, 12, the pretensioned strapping belt 26, which is held tightly between the clamping devices 14, 15, is placed around the article group 21. In this case, the strapping belt 26 is preferably tightened and/or tensioned around the outer lateral surfaces of the articles 20.

[0082] The two free belt ends 27 of the strapping belt 26 are thereby brought closer to one another and preferably arranged in a partially overlapping or at least abutting manner and connected to one another. For example, it is provided for the two pivoting arms 11, 12 to fold in order to produce the overlapping arrangement of the belt ends 27 (cf. FIG. 4).

[0083] During the pivoting movement of the pivoting arms 11, 12, the clamping devices 14, 15, which fix the strapping belt 26, perform a movement relative to the pivoting arms. At the same time, due to the torque of the pivoting arm drive (not shown), the required pretensioning force of the strapping belt 26 can be applied, for example a pretensioning force of about 160 N. A force control of the drive for the pivoting arms 11, 12 can be used for this. According to one embodiment, it can be provided that in the closed state gZ, the pivoting arms 11, 12 be temporarily connected to one another in the overlap area and that the pretensioning force be generated by an additional pneumatic or electric drive in order to reduce the torques due to the long lever arms.

[0084] A fixing device 18, for example, is provided for connecting the belt ends 27. The fixing device 18 can be designed, for example, as a welding device with a punch and die. The fixing device 18 could also be formed by a gluing device, an adhesive being applied to the belt ends 27 to be connected in a targeted manner via a glue nozzle or the like.

[0085] Furthermore, the fixing device 18 could be designed as an ultrasonic unit with a sonotrode and an anvil tool in order to connect the belt ends 27 to one another by ultrasonic welding or ultra-friction welding or, respectively, ultrasonic friction welding.

[0086] In addition, the fixing device 18 can have suitable means for producing crimp connections, which has already been explained in more detail above. In the present context, crimp connections are understood to mean the formation of corresponding incisions and fold edges which are introduced into the overlapping belt ends, after which each folded section optionally projects from the surface of the belt end or, for example, can also be folded. The bent or folded sections form material tongues, wherein the incisions and sections lying one above the other form tongue pairs in each instance, which are lifted out of the belt plane, are bent and/or folded together, thus giving the desired stable connection of the two belt ends and thus a closed strapping belt.

[0087] Alternatively, it can be provided for the components for connecting the belt ends 27 to be allocated separately to the handling device 10 and, for example, to be formed by a separate component which is arranged in a stationary manner or which is arranged on a tool arm that is configured to be movable.

[0088] Subsequently, the pivoting arms 11, 12 are disconnected from the strapping belt 26 by opening the clamping devices 14, 15, and the pivoting arms 11, 12 are again pivoted away from each other so that the strapped package 31 produced in this way can be removed from the handling device 10 and supplied to further processing.

[0089] The entire handling device 10 can, for example, execute a linear movement in the horizontal direction or can also be moved synchronously with the article group 21. It can also be provided that already half-closed strapping belts 26 be attached to the respective article group 21 from above.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, this method can be used to produce a connection of the belt ends 27 both on a longitudinal side and on a transverse side of an article group 21. When the belt ends 27 are connected in the region of a longitudinal side, the pivoting arms 11, 12 can be designed to be shorter, as a result of which the torques are lower.

[0091] The handling device 10 described herein is characterized by high performance and at the same time low susceptibility to errors. Various belt widths can be processed within the device. Optionally, the pivoting arms 11, 12 and also the base element 13 can be designed to be variable in length, so that the handling device 10 can be easily changed so that different belt lengths L26 and/or different article groups 21 can be processed. In addition, materials with high stiffness and thickness can also be processed with the handling device 10, which materials cannot be provided as continuous material on a roll.

[0092] The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with an embodiment are applicable for all embodiments provided the features are not incompatible.

[0093] If, in the context of the description of the description of the figures, reference is also generally made to schematic representations and views, this means by no means that the figure representations and their description are to be of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is certainly able to derive sufficient information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that will make it easier for the person skilled in the art to understand the invention without being confused in any way by the drawn and possibly not exactly true-to-scale proportions of the articles and/or parts of the device or other drawn elements. The figures enable the person skilled in the art as reader to get a better understanding of the inventive idea, which has been formulated more generally and/or more abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description, on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

[0094] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

List of Reference Signs

[0095] 1 Packaging system [0096] 2 Device [0097] 3 Arrangement module [0098] 4 Strapping device [0099] 5 Transport device [0100] 6 Conveyor belt [0101] 10 Handling device [0102] 11 (First) pivoting arm [0103] 12 (Second) pivoting arm [0104] 13 Base element [0105] 14 (First) clamping device [0106] 15 (Second) clamping device [0107] 16 (First) pivot point [0108] 17 (Second) pivot point [0109] 18 Fixing device [0110] 20 Article [0111] 21 Article group [0112] 25 Strap [0113] 26 Strapping belt [0114] 27 Free belt end [0115] 28 Strapping blank [0116] 30 Package unit [0117] 31 Strapped package [0118] 40 Stacking magazine [0119] A14 Distance between clamping devices [0120] A27 Distance between free belt ends [0121] D1 (First) axis of rotation [0122] D2 (Second) axis of rotation [0123] gZ Closed state [0124] L26 Strapping belt length [0125] oZ Open/opened state [0126] TR Transport direction