BAND-WIDTH-ADJUSTABLE BANDEROLING MACHINE

Abstract

A curved guide of a band-width-adjustable banderoling machine and a corresponding insert allow the curved guide to be adapted to bands of different widths. The curved guide mounted on the banderoling machine has a band guiding surface which is restricted on a first side and unrestricted on a second side. The insert has a restriction surface which, in the assembled state, is intersected by the continuation of the band guiding surface. The restriction surface is selected in such a way that in the assembled state the distance between the first side of the band guiding surface and the restriction surface is adapted to the width of the desired band. The restriction surface of the insert restricts the band guiding surface on the second side. In addition to such an adaptable curved guide, a banderoling machine preferably also comprises an adaptable band drive with an at least partially replaceable band channel.

Claims

1. An insert for a curved guide of a band-width-adjustable banderoling machine, which allows an adjustment of the curved guide to bands of different, desired widths, the curved guide mounted on the banderoling machine having a clear opening and outer dimensions and comprising a band guiding surface restricted on a first side and unrestricted on a second side, wherein a) the insert has a clear opening which is larger than or equal to the clear opening of the curved guide and, in the assembled state, is arranged in alignment with the clear opening of the curved guide, and b) wherein the insert has a restriction surface which, in the assembled state, is intersected by the continuation of the band guiding surface c) and wherein the restriction surface is selected such that, in the assembled state, the distance between the first side of the band guiding surface and the restriction surface is adapted to the desired width.

2. The insert according to claim 1, wherein a) the inserta set of at least two parts, and b) the insert has the shape of an arch, preferably open on at least one straight section, i) whose outer dimension is smaller than or equal to the outer dimension of the curved guide, and c) wherein the outer dimension of each individual part is smaller than the clear opening of the curved guide.

3. The insert according to claim 2, wherein the insert exactly four parts, each forming a corner of a substantially rectangular arc.

4. The insert according claim 1, wherein a) each of the parts of the insert is equipped with a first half of a fastening system, b) wherein the fastening system in particular permits fastening and loosening without tools.

5. The insert according to claim 4, wherein c) the fastening system is a latching system, and d) wherein a first half of the latching system comprises in particular a blind hole equipped with a resilient thrust piece, which can cooperate with a socket pin with corresponding groove belonging to a second half of the latching system and mounted on the curved guide, and e) wherein the latching system enables in particular a twist-proof fastening by the latching system i) either two or more blind holes equipped with resilient thrust pieces, which are linearly independent of one another in their direction of expansion ii) and/or in that the blind hole equipped with the resilient thrust piece is formed in a region of the insert which is not rotationally symmetrical in the narrower sense about the direction of expansion of the blind hole and which can cooperate with a complementarily formed region on the curved guide.

6. The insert according to claim 1, wherein each of the parts of the insert is provided with a handle recess.

7. A curved guide of a band-width-adjustable banderoling machine which allows the curved guide to be adapted to bands of different widths, wherein the curved guide mounted on the banderoling machine has a band-width-adjustable band guiding surface which is restricted on a first side and unrestricted on a second side, so that the curved guide can be adapted to bands of different widths by inserting an insert according to claim 1.

8. The curved guide according to claim 7 comprising a cover surrounding the band guiding surface and a volume for receiving the insert .

9. The curved guide according to claim 7, wherein a) the distance between the first and the second side of the band guiding surface is adapted to the width of the narrowest band, and b) wherein the insert can be mounted relative to the band guiding surface in such a way that the distance between the restriction surface and the first side of the band guiding surface is adapted to the width of a respective desired band, and c) wherein preferably the distance between an inner wall of the cover and the first side of the band guiding surface is adapted to the width of the widest band.

10. The curved guide according to claim 7, wherein the insert comprises a set of at least two parts, and a) which for each of the parts of the insert is equipped with a second half of the fastening system, b) wherein the fastening system allows in particular a tool-free fastening and loosening.

11. The curved guide according to claim 10, wherein c) the fastening system is a latching system, and d) wherein the second half of the latching system comprises in particular a socket pin with a groove mounted on the curved guide, which socket pin can cooperate with first half of the latching system located on the parts of the insert, which socket pin comprises a blind hole provided with a resilient thrust piece e) wherein the latching system allows in particular a twist-proof fastening by the latching system comprising i) either two or more socket pins, each provided with a groove , which are linearly independent of each other in their direction of extension ii) and/or in that a socket pin provided with a groove is attached to the curved guide in a region which is not rotationally symmetrical in the strict sense about the direction of expansion of the socket pin and which can cooperate with a complementarily formed region on the insert.

12. A banderoling machine with adaptable band drive, which are suitable for banderoling an object with different bands, wherein the band drive comprises a band channel and at least one drive roller, and wherein the drive roller is adapted to drive the different bands in the area of the band channel, wherein the band channel is at least partially interchangeable and can be selected to be adapted to the width and preferably the band thickness of one of the different bands, whereby the band drive is designed to be adaptable to the different bands wherein the banderoling machine further comprises a curved guide according to claim 7, and being particularly suitable for using bands that differ in width and band thickness and can preferably be thinner than 300 .Math.m as banderoling material.

13. The banderoling machine according to claim 11, wherein f) the outer dimensions of the band drive are not changed by the adaptation to bands of different widths, g) the position of a first longitudinal side of the band channel relative to the band drive is not changed by the adaptation to bands of different widths, h) and the adaptation of the band drive to bands of different widths is achieved by adapting the position of a second longitudinal side of the band channel relative to the band drive, and i) preferably, adaptation of the band drive to different band thicknesses is achieved by adjusting the height of the channel cover relative to the band drive.

14. The banderoling machine according to claim 12, wherein the channel sides and the channel cover are realized by side components, and a) all side components are exchangeable, while the bottom component remains installed in the banderoling machine.

15. The banderoling machine according to claim 14, wherein the bottom component is provided with at least one notch and two edge steps which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis over the entire channel length, wherein the distance of the facing edges of the at least one notch and one of the edge steps, is adapted to the width of a narrower band and the distance of the facing edges of the two edge steps from each other is adapted to the width of the widest band, and wherein for each of the bands there are a front and a rear side member, the portions of which forming the channel side walls can engage in the corresponding notch and the associated edge step of the bottom member, so that the bottom component, front side component and rear side component complement each other to form a band channel with an internal cross-section having a width and a height adapted to the width and band thickness of one of the different bands.

16. The banderoling machine according to claim 12, wherein b) the drive roller and/or its counter pressure roller has a plurality of support areas arranged in such a way that i) for each of the intended widths of the bands in operation with the band inserted ii) the distance between a first edge of the band and the first outer edge of one of the support areas which is closest to this first edge and rests on the band is equal to iii) the distance between a second edge of the band and the second outer edge of one of the support areas, which is nearest to this second edge and rests on the band iv) and preferably these distances are the same for all intended widths of bands. c) and particularly preferably an encoder wheel is arranged offset towards a channel side in such a way that in operation with the narrowest intended band it rests over its entire width on this band.

17. Adapting a banderoling machine according to claim 12 to a band having a desired width, comprising the following steps: a) adapting the band drive to the width of the desired band, in particular by at least partially replacing the band channel, and b) adapting the curved guide to the width of the desired band by inserting the insert; wherein said insert for a curved guide of a band-width-adjustable bamderoling machine which allows an adjustment of the curved guide bands of different desired widths, the curved guide mounted on the banderoling machine having a clear opening and outer dimensions and comprising a band guiding surface restricted on a first side and unrestricted on a second side, wherein a) the insert has a ciear opening which is larger than or equal to the clear opening of the curved guide and, in the assembled state, is arranged in alignment with the clear opening of the curved guide, and b) wherein the insert has a state, is restriction surface which , in the assembled intersected by the continuation of the band guiding surface c) the restriction is and wherein surface selected such that, in the assembled state, the between the first side the band guiding surface and the restriction surface is distance of adapted to the desired width.

18. The insert according to claim 2, wherein a) each of the parts of the insert is equipped with a first half of a fastening system, b) wherein the fastening system in particular permits fastening and loosening without tools.

19. The insert according to claim 3, wherein a) each of the parts of the insert is equipped with a first half of a fastening system, b) wherein the fastening system in particular permits fastening and loosening without tools.

20. The insert according to claim 2, wherein each of the parts of the insert is provided with a handle recess.

21. The insert according to claim 3, wherein each of the parts of the insert is provided with a handle recess.

22. The insert according to claim 4, wherein each of the parts of the insert is provided with a handle recess.

23. The insert according to claim 5, wherein each of the parts of the insert is provided with a handle recess.

24. The curved guide according to claim 8, wherein a) the distance between the first and the second side of the band guiding surface is adapted to the width of the narrowest band, and b) wherein the insert can be mounted relative to the band guiding surface in such a way that the distance between the restriction surface and the first side of the band guiding surface is adapted to the width of a respective desired band, and c) wherein preferably the distance between an inner wall of the cover and the first side of the band guiding surface is adapted to the width of the widest band.

25. The curved guide according to claim 8, wherein the insert comprises a set of at least two parts, and a) which for each of the parts of the insert is equipped with a second half of the fastening system, b) wherein the fastening system allows in particular a tool-free fastening and loosening.

26. The curved guide according to claim 9, wherein the insert comprises a set of at least two parts, and a) which for each of the parts of the insert is equipped with a second half of the fastening system, b) wherein the fastening system allows in particular a tool-free fastening and loosening.

27. A banderoling machine with adaptable band drive, which are suitable for banderoling an object with different bands, wherein the band drive comprises a band channel and at least one drive roller, and wherein the drive roller is adapted to drive the different bands in the area of the band channel, wherein the band channel is at least partially interchangeable and can be selected to be adapted to the width and preferably the band thickness of one of the different bands, whereby the band drive is designed to be adaptable to the different bands wherein the banderoling machine further comprises a curved guide according to claim 8, and being particularly suitable for using bands that differ in width and band thickness and can preferably be thinner than 300 .Math.m as banderoling material.

28. A banderoling machine with adaptable band drive, which are suitable for banderoling an object with different bands, wherein the band drive comprises a band channel and at least one drive roller, and wherein the drive roller is adapted to drive the different bands in the area of the band channel, wherein the band channel is at least partially interchangeable and can be selected to be adapted to the width and preferably the band thickness of one of the different bands, whereby the band drive is designed to be adaptable to the different bands wherein the banderoling machine further comprises a curved guide according to claim 9, and being particularly suitable for using bands that differ in width and band thickness and can preferably be thinner than 300 .Math.m as banderoling material.

29. A banderoling machine with adaptable band drive, which are suitable for banderoling an object with different bands, wherein the band drive comprises a band channel and at least one drive roller, and wherein the drive roller is adapted to drive the different bands in the area of the band channel, wherein the band channel is at least partially interchangeable and can be selected to be adapted to the width and preferably the band thickness of one of the different bands, whereby the band drive is designed to be adaptable to the different bands wherein the banderoling machine further comprises a curved guide according to claim 10, and being particularly suitable for using bands that differ in width and band thickness and can preferably be thinner than 300 .Math.m as banderoling material.

30. A banderoling machine with adaptable band drive, which are suitable for banderoling an object with different bands, wherein the band drive comprises a band channel and at least one drive roller, and wherein the drive roller is adapted to drive the different bands in the area of the band channel, wherein the band channel is at least partially interchangeable and can be selected to be adapted to the width and preferably the band thickness of one of the different bands, whereby the band drive is designed to be adaptable to the different bands wherein the banderoling machine further comprises a curved guide according to claim 11, and being particularly suitable for using bands that differ in width and band thickness and can preferably be thinner than 300 .Math.m as banderoling material.

31. The banderoling machine according to claim 13, wherein the channel sides and the channel cover are realized by side components, and a) all side components are exchangeable, while the bottom component remains installed in the banderoling machine.

32. The banderoling machine according to claim 13, wherein b) the drive roller and/or its counter pressure roller has a plurality of support areas arranged in such a way that i) for each of the intended widths of the bands in operation with the band inserted ii) the distance between a first edge of the band and the first outer edge of one of the support areas which is closest to this first edge and rests on the band is equal to iii) the distance between a second edge of the band and the second outer edge of one of the support areas, which is nearest to this second edge and rests on the band iv) and preferably these distances are the same for all intended widths of bands. c) and particularly preferably an encoder wheel is arranged offset towards a channel side in such a way that in operation with the narrowest intended band it rests over its entire width on this band.

33. The banderoling machine according to claim 14, wherein b) the drive roller and/or its counter pressure roller has a plurality of support areas arranged in such a way that i) for each of the intended widths of the bands in operation with the band inserted ii) the distance between a first edge of the band and the first outer edge of one of the support areas which is closest to this first edge and rests on the band is equal to iii) the distance between a second edge of the band and the second outer edge of one of the support areas, which is nearest to this second edge and rests on the band iv) and preferably these distances are the same for all intended widths of bands. c) and particularly preferably an encoder wheel is arranged offset towards a channel side in such a way that in operation with the narrowest intended band it rests over its entire width on this band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0128] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

[0129] FIG. 1 Sketch of a banderoling machine

[0130] FIG. 2 Schematic structure of a band drive

[0131] FIG. 3 Curved guide with an inserted insert consisting of four parts, viewed from the front

[0132] FIG. 4a Curved guide with second halves of two latching systems in a sectional view, with the viewing direction perpendicular to the band guiding surface.

[0133] FIG. 4b Curved guide as shown in FIG. 4a, with the widest band to which the banderoling machine can be adapted also inserted.

[0134] FIG. 4c Curved guide according to FIG. 4a, whereby a multi-part insert is also inserted in order to adapt the banderoling machine to a medium-width band also shown.

[0135] FIG. 4d Curved guide as shown in FIG. 4a, where a multi-part insert is also used to adapt the banderoling machine to the narrowest band also shown.

[0136] FIGS. 5a,b The curved guide according to FIG. 3 during insertion of the parts of the insert.

[0137] FIG. 6. A latching connection in detail.

[0138] FIG. 7 Band drive roller with supporting surfaces and their position on a wide and the narrowest band.

[0139] FIG. 8 Band drive of the first type for a banderoling machine in which the position of the first longitudinal side of the band channel is the same for all band widths.

[0140] FIGS. 9a,b,c Side components of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 8 for a narrow band

[0141] FIGS. 10a,b,c Side components of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 8 for a wide band

[0142] FIGS. 11a,b Bottom component of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 8

[0143] FIGS. 12a,b Cross-section through the band channel of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 8 for a narrow and a wide band

[0144] FIG. 13 Band drive of first type

[0145] FIGS. 14a,b,c Side components of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 13 for a narrow band

[0146] FIGS. 15a,b,c Side components of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 13 for a wide band

[0147] FIGS. 16a,b Bottom component of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 13

[0148] FIGS. 17a,b Cross-section through the band channel of a band drive of the first type according to FIG. 13 for a narrow and a wide band

[0149] FIG. 18 Banderoling machine with a band drive of the second type

[0150] FIG. 19a Support of a second type of band drive

[0151] FIG. 19b Band channel of a band drive of the second type

[0152] FIGS. 20a,b Cross-section of band channels of band drives of second type for a narrow and a wide band.

[0153] Basically, the same parts are given the same reference signs in the figures.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0154] FIG. 1 shows a sketch of a banderoling machine 1 with a curved guide 18, by means of which a band 100 is placed around an object 105. The curved guide 18 is mounted on a housing 102. In the housing 102 there is a band drive 2 with the aid of which the band 100 is shot into the curved guide 18. The band 100 is injected to such an extent that it ultimately overlaps with itself. The beginning of the band is held in this overlapping area, which is located below the object 105 in the sketch. Then the band drive 2 runs backwards, pulling the band back and tightening it. As it does so, the band leaves the curved guide 18 and wraps around the object 105. Once a desired length or tension is reached, the band 100 is joined to itself, for example by an ultrasonic welding process. The band 100 is cut and the band 100 in the band drive 2 is re-fed into the curved guide 1004 for banderoling the next object. The band 100 is taken from a supply roll 101 and guided through a band insertion opening 103 to the, inside the housing 102, band drive 2.

[0155] The band drive 2 comprises, on the one hand, a band channel 3 which guides the band 100 and, on the other hand, a drive roller 4a which accelerates the band 100. As a rule, the infeed and the retraction of the band 100 are carried out with the aid of the same drive roller 4a. However, it is also possible to use two rollers, each of which can be driven in one direction and run freely in the opposite direction.

[0156] FIG. 2 shows the schematic structure of a band drive 2. Here, the band channel 3 consists of two parts: A front part 3b and a rear part 3a. The band 100 runs in this band channel 3. The drive roller 4a is arranged between the front part 3b and the rear part 3a of the band channel 3. In the example shown, the drive roller 4a presses the band against a counter pressure roller 4b. The drive roller 4a and the counter pressure roller 4b each run on an axle which also carries a gear wheel 40a, 40b. The gear wheels 40a, 40b mesh with each other in the operating state. The drive roller 4a is driven by a motor not shown. The counter pressure roller 4b is coupled to the drive roller 4a by the gear wheels 40a, 40b and is thus also driven. The band 100 is clamped between the two rollers and can thus be accelerated. It has proved advantageous to manufacture the drive roller 4a from aluminum and to coat the counter pressure roller 4b with rubber. In this way, good power transmission to the band 100 can occur and the machine can be easily maintained.

[0157] In order to simplify the threading of the band 100 at the beginning of operation and to reduce the risk of a band jam in the band channel 3, the band drive can have an input drive roller 5a. This may be driven by the same motor as the drive roller 4a. Here, too, the band 100 is pressed on with the aid of a counter pressure roller 5b. The combination of a driven aluminum roll as input drive roll 5a and a counter pressure roll 5b made of rubber has also proved successful here. Although it is possible in principle to couple the counter pressure roller 5b and the input drive roller 5a, this was not done here.

[0158] To determine the length of the injected and retracted band, an encoder wheel 6a is used in the example shown. For reliable measurement, there should be as little slip as possible between band 100 and encoder wheel 6a. This is achieved by using a counter pressure wheel 6b.

[0159] In the example of FIG. 2, the band channel 3 is interrupted in the area of the drive roller 4a and does not begin until after the input drive roller 5a. For the encoder wheel 6a and the counter pressure wheel 6b, the band channel 3 has a recess in the bottom component and the ceiling component.

[0160] FIG. 3 shows a curved guide 18 with an inserted insert 20 as seen from the front. The insert 20 consists of four parts 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d. The curved guide 18 includes a cover 182 and a band guiding surface 181. The curved guide 18 is part of a banderoling machine that also includes a table 104. The goods to be banded are placed on the table 104 during banderoling, and the band guiding surface 181 guides the band around the goods. The surface of the table 104 is therefore just above the band guiding surface 181 and restricts the clear opening 180a of the curved guide 18. Otherwise, in the example shown, the cover 182 restricts the clear opening 180a.

[0161] The insert 20 is arranged to provide a restriction surface 201 for the band guiding surface 181. The restriction surface 201 is interrupted over short distances on the straight sections to facilitate insertion of the insert.

[0162] Each of the portions of the insert 202a,b,c and d is provided with a handle recess 203. These handle recesses 203 are located outside the clear opening 180a of the curved guide but inside the clear opening of the band guiding surface. They can therefore be gripped by the user, but at the same time do not restrict the size of the goods to be banded.

[0163] FIG. 4a shows a curved guide with second halves 302 of two latching systems 30 in a sectional view. The direction of view is perpendicular to the band guiding surface 181. In this view, the band guiding surface 181 appears extended as an elongated rectangle. The band guiding surface 181 is restricted on the first side 1811, for example by a board. This restriction prevents the band from slipping off the band guiding surface 181 beyond the first side 1811. On the second side 1812, the band guiding surface is unrestricted, allowing the band to overhang there.

[0164] The band guide surface 181 shown is a portion of the arc shown in FIG. 3, and it continues above and below, projecting from the plane of the image. The band guiding surface 181 is surrounded by the cover 182. The cover 182 is open to the interior of the curved guide 18. Two second halves 302 of latching systems are mounted on the inner surface of the outer side of the cover 182.

[0165] The upper second half of a latching system 302 comprises two socket pins 3021 mounted parallel to each other on the inner surface of the outer side of the cover 182. The two socket pins 3021 extend perpendicularly from this inner surface. In the view shown, they therefore appear as circles.

[0166] The lower second half of a latching system 302 comprises a socket pin 3021 mounted on a region 3023 on the curved guide, which is not rotationally symmetrical in the strict sense. In the present case, the region 3023 is shaped as a section of a square pyramid. The socket pin 3021 has a groove 3022. The socket pin 3021 extends parallel to the inner surface of the outer surface of the cover 182.

[0167] Both of the second halves of the latching systems 302 shown here are examples of anti-rotation fastening systems.

[0168] FIGS. 4b, c and d illustrate how bands of different widths 19a, b and c are guided in the curved guide shown in FIG. 4a.

[0169] FIG. 4b shows the situation with the widest band 19c that can be processed by the banderoling machine shown. The band 19c is shown hatched but transparent: This band 19c is guided at its first edge by the restricted first side 1811 of the band guiding surface and is prevented from slipping off at its second edge by the cover 182. The curved guide 18 is similar to that shown in FIG. 4a.

[0170] FIG. 4c shows the situation with a band 19b of medium width. In order to guide this band 19b securely, a multi-part insert 20 is used in the example shown: an upper part 202b uses the upper latching system 30. The lower part 202a uses the lower latching system 30. The parts 202a and 202b of the insert 20 have a step: one surface continues the band guiding surface 181, and a surface perpendicular to it represents the restriction surface 201. The distance between the restriction at the first side 1811 of the band guiding surface and the restriction surface 201 is adapted to the width of the band 19b. Thus, the band 19b cannot slip or kink in any direction.

[0171] FIG. 4d shows the situation with the narrowest band 19a that can be used in the curved guide shown. In order to guide this band 19b safely, a multi-part insert 20 is also used in the example shown: The upper portion 202b utilizes the upper latching system 30, and the lower portion 202a utilizes the lower latching system 30. The portions 202a and 202b of the insert 20 are substantially plate-shaped, and project sufficiently toward the interior of the curved guide to restrict the band guiding surface 181 on its second side 1812, thereby forming the restriction surface 201. The distance between the restriction on the first side 1811 of the band guiding surface and the restriction surface 201 is adapted to the width of the band 19a and just corresponds to the width of the band guiding surface 181. Thus, the band 19a cannot slip or kink in any direction.

[0172] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate how the insert 20 according to FIG. 3 is inserted into the curved guide 18. In FIG. 5a, the lower two parts 202a and 202d are inserted: These are inserted into the cover 182 from the inside and can then, along the inner surface of the outer side, be slid downwards onto the second half 302 of the latching system 30 and thus be fixed against rotation. For this purpose, the two lower parts 202a and 202d are equipped with a first half 301 of the latching system 30, which is not visible in this view. FIG. 5a shows the situation before engagement, so that the parts 202a and 202d are still above their operating position and therefore only restrict the band guiding surface 181 over short distances.

[0173] FIG. 5b shows the insertion of the upper parts 202c and 202a. The part 202c is shown twice in the figure: on the one hand, it is already in its operating position and fixed by the upper latching system 30, on the cover 182 of the band guide. On the other hand, it is drawn inside the clear opening 180a of the curved guide 18: The outer dimensions 2020b of the part 202c of the insert 20 are smaller than the clear opening 180a of the curved guide 18, so that the part 202c, as well as the other parts of the insert, can be conveniently brought from the inside to the inner surface of the outer side of the cover 182 and fixed there. In this example, the latching system 30 with which the upper parts 202b and 2020c are fastened is designed differently from that of the lower parts 202a and 202d: it comprises two socket pins projecting perpendicularly from the inner surface of the outer side of the cover 182, onto which the upper parts 202b and 2020c, each having a first half of the latching system 301 consisting of two blind holes 3011, are pushed.

[0174] FIG. 6 shows the latching system 30 in detail, with which the lower parts 202a and 202d are fastened to the cover 182 in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 5a,b. The attachment to the cover 182 of the band guide 18 is cuboidal in shape and merges at the upper end into a region 3023, the shape of which corresponds to a section of a square pyramid. A socket pin 3021 is attached to this area 3023. This socket pin 3021 is provided with a groove 3022. The area 3023, which is not rotationally symmetrical in the strict sense, and the socket pin 3021 with its groove 3022 constitute the second half 302 of a latching system 30. This second half 302 of the latching system 30 is attached to the curved guide 18.

[0175] The corresponding first half 301 of the latching system 30 is formed in the fastening part 202a of the insert 20. It is a blind hole 3011 provided with a resilient thrust piece 3012. The blind hole 3011 is formed in an area 3013, of the part 202a of the insert 20, which is shaped complementary to the area 3023 of the second half 302 of the latching system.

[0176] When the two halves of the latching system 30 are engaged, the tip of the resilient thrust piece 3012 rests in the groove 3022 and thus, together with the regions 3013 and 3023 resting on each other, prevents relative movement in the direction of expansion of the blind hole 3011 and the insertion bolt 3012. The interaction of the blind hole 3011 and the socket pin 3012 prevent relative translational movement perpendicular to the direction of expansion of the blind hole 3011 and the socket pin 3012. Finally, the shape of the complementary shaped portions 3013 and 3023 also prevents relative rotational movement about the direction of expansion of the blind hole 3011 and the socket pin 3012. Thus, the part 202a is securely and non-rotationally fastened by the snap-fit connection without the need for a tool to make or break the connection.

[0177] In FIG. 6, the area of the part 202a that can serve as a restriction surface 201 is also indicated by hatching. FIG. 6 shows a plate-shaped part 202a of an insert 20 which does not continue the band guiding surface but only restricts it. In an embodiment in which the part 202a continues the band guiding surface, the step is found within the hatched area, one side of which continues the band guiding surface while the other side restricts the band guiding surface and thus forms the restriction surface 201.

[0178] FIG. 7 shows a counter pressure roller 4b to a band drive roller with bearing surfaces 41a and 41b. Also shown is the counter pressure wheel 6a to the encoder wheel. FIG. 7 illustrates the design and arrangement using the example of the narrowest band 19a and a wider band 19b that the banderoling machine can handle. The arrangement shown in FIG. 7 is preferably used in embodiments in which the position of the first edge of bands of all widths is the same relative to the band drive. In this case, unlike in FIGS. 13 to 17 which follow later, the bands do not run centered in the band drive, but along the first side of the band drive.

[0179] In this embodiment, the encoder wheel and the counter pressure wheel to the encoder wheel 6a are positioned near the first edge of the bands or the first side of the band drive in such a way that they are still in full contact even with the narrowest band 19a. This means that the encoder wheel and the counter pressure wheel for the encoder wheel 6a are in a range in which they are fully in contact with the width of each of the possible bands and can therefore provide reliable measured values.

[0180] The band drive roller should be able to act as symmetrically as possible on each of the possible bands in order to ensure uniform and symmetrical insertion. This requirement can be achieved by a band drive roller and/or a counter pressure roller 4b to the band drive roller with bearing surfaces 41a, 41b. In fact, it has been found that interruptions in the contact with the band drive roller 4a in the center of the band have hardly any influence on the uniformity of the insertion if only the edges of the band are accelerated equally. The supporting surfaces 41a are therefore dimensioned in such a way that the distance 42a between the first edge of the band and the first side of the first supporting surface 41a, i.e. the width of the free surface on the first side, is equal to the distance 42b between the second edge of the band and the second side of the supporting surface nearest to the second edge of the band and running on the band, i.e. the width of the free surface on the second side. The support surface nearest the second edge of the band and running on the band is the support surface 41a for the narrowest band 19a and the support surface 41b for the wider band 19b.

[0181] FIG. 8 shows the band channel 3 of a band drive of the first type, in which the bands of different widths are guided in such a way that the first edge is located at the same position in the band drive for bands of all band widths. A front and a rear side member, 8a and 8b, form the channel top and the channel side walls. The channel bottom is formed by a bottom component 7. The band channel 3 has a recess in the area of the drive roller and its counter pressure roller, both of which are not shown, both in the channel bottom and in the channel ceiling. At this point, the front and rear side components 8a and 8b abut each other. Both side components 8a, 8b near the drive roller are flattened in order to guide the band as far as possible into the space between the two rollers.

[0182] On the front side component 8a, the counter pressure wheel 6b to the encoder wheel is mounted in a recess in the channel cover. The counter pressure wheel 6b is slightly offset towards the first side in order to rest completely on even the narrowest band. At the front end of the front side component 8a, the counter pressure roller 5b is also mounted to the input drive roller 5a. The counter pressure roller 5b is a rubber roller structured to have as many parallel bearing surfaces as there are different widths of bands for the banderoling machines. Two bearing surfaces are shown here, separated by a groove.

[0183] On the rear side component 8b there is a laterally projecting handle 80.

[0184] The side components 8a and 8b are held to the bottom component 7 by three clamps 11a, 11b and 11c. The clamps 11a, 11b, 11c are U-shaped in design and are slid laterally into grooves on the top of the side components 8a and 8b and into a guide of the bottom component 7 and are secured by hand-tightenable screws.

[0185] In order to adapt the first type of band drive to the width and thickness of a band, the securing screws of the clamps 11a, 11b, 11c are first loosened and the clamps are pulled off. Then the front side component 8a can be pulled out to the front, through the band insertion opening. At the handle 80, the rear side component 8b can then be lifted slightly and then pulled out sideways. Then the side components 8a and 8b adapted to the band are inserted in reverse order and secured with the aid of the clamps 11a, 11b and 11c.

[0186] FIGS. 9a, b and c show the side components of the band drive according to FIG. 8 for a narrow band. FIG. 9a shows the front side component 8a from below. The counter pressure roller 5b is mounted at the front end. Adjacent to this is the essentially flat underside of the side component 8a. The underside has the shape of a rectangle with a width corresponding to the width of the bottom component 7 and a length corresponding to the distance between the input drive roller 5a and the drive roller. To the right and left of the location where the counter pressure roller of the drive roller is to engage, the bottom side continues a little further. The front side component 8a is provided at one point with a recess in which the counter pressure wheel 6b is mounted.

[0187] The flat surface of the underside is structured as follows: A first protrusion having a first height extends along the outer, long edges. The first height corresponds to the height of the desired inner cross-section of the band channel. Adjacent to this first protrusion on the inside and also extending along the entire length are second protrusions with a second height. This combination of first and second protrusions interacts with the corresponding edge step (10c1, 10c2).

[0188] Parallel to these second protrusions and also extending along the entire length is a third protrusion, which is the second channel sidewall forming section 9. It also has the second height. The third protrusion and the second protrusion on the first side of the side member constitute the channel sidewall forming sections 9. They are spaced apart by a distance equal to the width of the desired inner cross-section of the band channel. The section of the flat surface of the underside between the two sections 9 forming the channel side walls forms the channel ceiling in the assembled state.

[0189] The second height as well as the width of the projections are selected in such a way that they can engage in the corresponding notch 10d and the edge steps 10c1, 10c2 of the bottom component 7 and, in particular, in such a way that the first projection can rest on the bottom component 7.

[0190] FIG. 9b shows the rear side component 8b, which belongs to the front side component 8a of FIG. 9a. The underside is also shown. This underside is also a substantially flat surface with first, second and third projections corresponding in arrangement, height and width to those of the front side component 8a. The underside of the rear side component 8b is also substantially rectangular with a width corresponding to the width of the bottom component 7 and a length corresponding to the distance between the drive roller and the rear end of the bottom component 7. On the side facing the drive roller, the rear side member 8b extends a little further in a central region, so that when the rear side member 8b and the front side member 8a are arranged in their operating position on the bottom member 7, a portion of the rear side member 8b is surrounded on the right and left by portions of the front side member 8a, and a recess remains between the two side members 8a and 8b in which the counter pressure roller can engage with the drive roller.

[0191] FIG. 9c shows a cross-section through a side component 8 according to one of FIGS. 9a or 9b: First, second and third projections pointing downward are attached to a rectangular basic shape. The first projections are on the right and left outside and have a first height which is smaller than the second height of the second and third projections. The second projections are arranged directly adjacent to the first projections. The third protrusion and the second protrusion on the first side represent the channel sidewall forming portions 9 of the side member 8.

[0192] FIGS. 10a to c show the side components 8 of the band drive according to FIG. 8 for a wide band. They are similar to FIGS. 9a to c except that there are no third projections, but the second projections represent the channel side wall forming portions 9 of the side member 8. The facing sides of the sections 9 forming the channel side walls are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the width of the desired inner cross-section of the band channel. The width is obviously greater than in the case of the side members according to FIGS. 9a to c.

[0193] In order to match the height of the inner cross-section of the band channel, the height of the projections is selected to be correspondingly adapted. In order not to have to replace clamps and possibly other fastening elements when adapting to the thickness of a band, the rectangular basic shape shown in FIGS. 9c and 10c can be adapted in such a way that the sum of the height of the first projections and the height of the basic shape is the same for all side components.

[0194] FIGS. 11a and b show the bottom component 7 of the band drive according to FIG. 8. FIG. 11a shows a top view of the bottom component 7. The bottom component 7 also has an essentially flat, rectangular shape. At the front end, in this embodiment, the input drive roller 5a is mounted. There are also recesses for the encoder wheel and the drive roller. The plane of the bottom component 7 is provided with two edge steps 10c1 and 10c2 and a notch 10d extending along its entire length. The edge step 10c1 runs along the first side of the bottom component 7. The edge step 10c1 runs along the second side of the bottom component 7. The distance of the inner sides of the edge step 10c1 on the first side of the bottom component 7 to the side of the notch 10d facing it, corresponds to the width of the inner cross section of the band channel desired for a certain band width. The notch 10d can receive the third projection of the side member according to FIGS. 9a-c and the edge steps 10c1, 10c2 can receive the first and second projections of the side member according to FIGS. 9a-c and 10a-c.

[0195] FIG. 11b shows a cross-section through the bottom component 7 according to FIG. 11a with the notch 10d and the two edge steps 10c1 and 10c2.

[0196] FIGS. 12a and 12b show the cross-sections through the band channel when once the side components 8 for narrow bands according to FIGS. 9a-c and once the side components 8 for wide bands according to FIGS. 10a-c are used: Thanks to the notch 10d and the edge steps 10c1, 10c2 and projections 9, the transition between the bottom component and the side components is always below the channel bottom. This means that the guided band does not run along a gap between the two components and can hardly jam. The edge steps 10c1, 10c2 and projections 9 also align the band channel correctly, so that the necessary precision in the order of 0.1 mm is achieved without measuring and adjusting when replacing the side components 8. If required, further notches and corresponding side components can be designed analogously to the examples shown. Adaptation to different band thicknesses is achieved by appropriate selection of the height of the projections.

[0197] FIG. 13 shows the band channel 3 of a band drive of the first type, in which bands of different widths are guided in a centered manner. A front and a rear side member, 8a and 8b, form the channel top and the channel side walls. The channel bottom is formed by a bottom component 7. The band channel 3 has a recess in the area of the drive roller and its counter pressure roller, both of which are not shown, both in the channel bottom and in the channel ceiling. At this point, the front and rear side components 8a and 8b abut each other. Both side components 8a, 8b near the drive roller are flattened in order to guide the band as far as possible into the space between the two rollers.

[0198] At the front side component 8a, the counter pressure wheel 6b to the encoder wheel is mounted in a recess in the channel cover. At the front end of the front side component 8a, the counter pressure roller 5b to the input drive roller 5a is also mounted. The counter pressure roller 5b is a rubber roller structured to have two parallel running surfaces separated by a centrally extending groove.

[0199] A laterally projecting handle 80 is located on the rear side component 8b.

[0200] The side components 8a and 8b are held to the bottom component 7 by three clamps 11a, 11b and 11c. The clamps 11a, 11b, 11c are U-shaped in design and are slid laterally into grooves on the top of the side components 8a and 8b and into a guide of the bottom component 7 and are secured by hand-tightenable screws.

[0201] In order to adapt the first type of band drive to the width and thickness of a band, the securing screws of the clamps 11a, 11b, 11c are first loosened and the clamps are pulled off. Then the front side component 8a can be pulled out to the front, through the band insertion opening. At the handle 80, the rear side component 8b can then be lifted slightly and then pulled out sideways. Then the side components 8a and 8b adapted to the band are inserted in reverse order and secured by means of the clamps 11a, 11b and 11c.

[0202] FIGS. 14a, b and c show the side components of the band drive according to FIG. 13 for a narrow band. FIG. 14a shows the front side component 8a from below. The counter pressure roller 5b is mounted at the front end. Adjacent to this is the essentially flat underside of the side component 8a. The underside has the shape of a rectangle with a width corresponding to the width of the bottom component 7 and a length corresponding to the distance between the input drive roller 5a and the drive roller. To the right and left of the location where the counter pressure roller of the drive roller is to engage, the bottom surface continues a little further. The front side component 8a is provided at one point with a recess in which the counter pressure wheel 6b is mounted.

[0203] The flat surface of the underside is structured as follows: A first protrusion having a first height extends along the outer, long edges. The first height corresponds to the height of the desired inner cross-section of the band channel. Adjacent to this first protrusion on the inside and also extending along the entire length are second protrusions with a second height. Parallel to these second protrusions and also extending along the entire length are third protrusions forming channel sidewall sections 9. They have a third height. The facing sides of the sections 9 forming the channel side walls are spaced apart by a distance equal to the width of the desired inner cross-section of the band channel. The section of the flat surface of the underside between the two sections 9 forming the channel side walls forms the channel ceiling in the assembled state.

[0204] The second and the third heights as well as the width of the projections are selected in such a way that they can engage in corresponding notches of the bottom component 7 and, in particular, in such a way that the first projection can rest on the bottom component 7.

[0205] FIG. 14b shows the rear side component 8b, which belongs to the front side component 8a of FIG. 14a. The underside is also shown. This underside is also a substantially flat surface with first, second and third projections corresponding in arrangement, height and width to those of the front side component 8a. The underside of the rear side component 8b is also substantially rectangular with a width corresponding to the width of the bottom component 7 and a length corresponding to the distance between the drive roller and the rear end of the bottom component 7. On the side facing the drive roller, the rear side member 8b extends a little further in a central region, so that when the rear side member 8b and the front side member 8a are arranged in their operating position on the bottom member 7, a portion of the rear side member 8b is surrounded on the right and left by portions of the front side member 8a, and a recess remains between the two side members 8a and 8b in which the counter pressure roller can engage the drive roller.

[0206] FIG. 14c shows a cross-section through a side component 8 according to one of FIGS. 14a or 14b: First, second and third projections pointing downward are attached to a rectangular basic shape. The first projections are on the right and left outside and have a first height which is smaller than the second and the third height of the second and third projections. The second projections are arranged directly adjacent to the first projections. The third projections represent portions 9 of the side member 8 forming the channel side walls.

[0207] FIGS. 15a to c show the side components 8 of the band drive according to FIG. 13 for a wide band. They are similar to FIGS. 4a to c except that there are no third projections, but the second projections represent the channel side wall forming portions 9 of the side member 8. The facing sides of the sections 9 forming the channel side walls are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the width of the desired inner cross-section of the band channel. The width is obviously greater than in the case of the side components according to FIGS. 14a to c.

[0208] In order to adapt the height of the inner cross-section of the band channel, the height of the projections is selected to be correspondingly adapted. In order not to have to replace clamps and possibly other fastening elements when adapting to the thickness of a band, the rectangular basic shape shown in FIGS. 14c and 15c can be adapted in such a way that the sum of the height of the first projections and the height of the basic shape is the same for all side components.

[0209] FIGS. 16a and b show the bottom component 7 of the band drive according to FIG. 13. In FIG. 16a, a top view of the bottom component 7 is shown. The bottom component 7 also has an essentially flat, rectangular shape. At the front end, in this embodiment, the input drive roller 5b is mounted. There are also recesses for the encoder wheel and the drive roller. The plane of the bottom component 7 is provided with two pairs of notches 10a and 10b, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bottom component 7 and extend along its entire length. The distance of the inner sides belonging to each pair of notches 10a or 10b corresponds respectively to the width of the inner cross-section of the band channel desired for a given band width. The pair of notches 10b can accommodate the channel side wall forming sections 9 of the side member according to FIGS. 14a-c, and the pair of notches 10a can accommodate the channel side wall forming sections 9 of the side member according to FIGS. 15a-c.

[0210] FIG. 16b shows a cross-section through the bottom component 7 according to FIG. 16a with the two pairs of notches 10a and 10b.

[0211] FIGS. 17a and 17b show the cross-sections through the band channel when once the side components 8 for narrow bands according to FIGS. 14a-c and once the side components 8 for wide bands according to FIGS. 15a-c are used: Thanks to the notches and protrusions, the transition between the bottom component and the side components is always below the channel bottom. This means that the guided band does not run along a gap between the components and can hardly jam. The notches and projections also align the band channel correctly, so that the necessary precision in the order of 0.1 mm is achieved without measuring and adjusting when replacing the side components 8. Further notch pairs and corresponding side components can be designed if required in the same way as the examples shown. Adaptation to different band thicknesses is achieved by appropriate selection of the height of the projections.

[0212] FIG. 18 shows a banderoling machine with a second type of band drive. As already described in FIG. 1, this banderoling machine also has a curved guide 18 in which a band 100 can be guided around an object not shown. FIG. 18 now also shows the sealing unit 106 in which the beginning of the band is held after the band has been inserted and is sealed after the band 100 has been withdrawn.

[0213] In the case of a band drive of the second type, the entire band channel is exchanged in order to adapt the banderoling machines to the desired band thickness and/or width. To make this possible, the banderoling machine shown has a holder 12 which, on the one hand, can hold the band channel and, on the other hand, holds the drive roller 4a, the counter pressure roller 4b of the drive roller 4a and the input drive roller 5a and its counter pressure roller 5b. The drive roller 4a and the input drive roller 5a are coupled via bands to a motor that drives them. The drive roller 4a and its counter pressure roller 4b are coupled by gears. The gear wheel 40b of the counter pressure roller 4b is visible in FIG. 18.

[0214] The two counter pressure rollers 4b and 5b are mounted movably relative to the drive rollers 4a and 5a by means of a lever mechanism and can thus be raised.

[0215] The band channel is hardly visible in FIG. 18 because it is largely concealed by the holder 12. Visible, however, is a clip 11 which is attached to the band channel above the holder 12 and prevents the band channel from slipping out downward, through the band insertion opening 103.

[0216] FIG. 19a shows the bracket 12 removed and in an oblique top view. In this view, the textured drive roller 4a and the counter pressure roller 4b are visible at the rear end of the holder, and the textured input drive roller 5a and its counter pressure roller 5b are visible at the front end. A lever is mounted on an axle between the two counter pressure rollers. On the same axis, the support of the counter pressure roller 4b of the drive roller is also supported so that it lifts when the lever is pressed down from its rest position. When the lever is pressed, the lever itself presses on a shoulder belonging to a rocker, the other end of which supports the counter pressure roller 5b of the input drive roller 5a. Pressing the lever pushes the shoulder down, and thus pushes up the counter pressure roller 5b of the input drive roller 5a. Thus, the lever pressure raises both counter pressure rollers 4b and 5b and creates space for insertion or extraction of the band channel.

[0217] The holder can also support an encoder wheel and a counter pressure wheel to the encoder wheel. Preferably, the counter pressure wheel is also attached to the lever mechanism in such a way that it is lifted by the pressure of the lever to allow the band channel to be pushed in or pulled out.

[0218] The two drive rollers 4a and 5a are each structured by three grooves running parallel to each other in such a way that four roller-shaped sections appear on the running surface of the drive rollers 4a, 5a. The drive rollers 4a, 5a are preferably made of aluminum. The counter pressure rollers 4b, 5b are preferably rubber rollers and unstructured. Their running surface is smooth.

[0219] FIG. 19b shows a band channel 13 for a narrow band. The channel bottom of the band channel is largely continuous, the channel side walls are of substantially the same design over the entire length, and the channel top is closed in a rear section, while in the front section it has a wide recess extending over the entire length of the front section. In the area of the counter pressure rollers which delimit the front section, the recess of the channel cover is as wide as the running surface of the counter pressure rollers 4b, 5b. The channel bottom has a plurality of recesses. There are four recesses 14 in the area of the drive roller and four recesses 15 in the area of the input drive roller. The recesses 14 in the area of the drive roller are parallel to each other and are separated from each other only by narrow webs. The arrangement and width of the webs correspond to the grooves in the drive roller. The same applies to the recesses 15 in the area of the input drive roller. A single recess between the area of the drive roller and the area of the input drive roller is used for contact of the band with the encoder wheel.

[0220] FIGS. 20a and 20b each show a cross-sectional view of the front and rear sections of a band channel 13. The band channel 13 of FIG. 20a is suitable for a narrower band than the band channel 13 of FIG. 20b. The thickness of the bands for which the two channels shown are adapted is the same.

[0221] Common to the front and rear sections in both figures is the bottom component 7: this is formed by a plate along the outer edges of each of which is a recess. The width of these recesses is determined by the width of the band for which the respective band channel is adapted: the distance between the inner edges of the recess corresponds to the desired width. The side components 8 are inserted into this recess, the foot of which has a width corresponding to that of the recess of the bottom component 7.

[0222] In the rear section, the side components 8 are bands with a rectangular cross-section whose height corresponds to the sum of the desired height of the inner cross-section of the band channel and the depths of the recesses in the bottom component 7 and the ceiling component 17. The ceiling component 17 is also realized by a plate which has recesses along its outer edges, analogous to the bottom component 7.

[0223] In the front section, the side components 8 have a slightly different shape: Their cross-section has the shape of a 90° angle, the first leg of which is as wide as the recess in the bottom component 7. These first legs are inserted into the recesses of the bottom component 7. The facing free sides of the first legs form the channel side walls. The second legs lie in one plane. Their sides facing the channel floor form the channel ceiling in the front section.

[0224] In the example shown, the band channels are made of several parts, but then they are already assembled by the manufacturer and there is no provision for the band channels to be disassembled by the user. Thus, we are dealing with one-piece banderoling channels.

[0225] To adapt a banderoling machine with a second type of band drive to a band, the clamp 11 is first released and pulled off. Then the lever is pressed and the band channel 3 is pulled out through the band insertion opening. The adapted band channel 3 is then pushed into the holder through the band insertion opening while the lever is kept pressed. When the new band channel 3 is in the operating position, it is secured there with the clamp 11.

[0226] Banderoling bands typically have a width between 25 and 100 mm and a thickness of 50-250 .Math.m. The desired interior width, i.e. the width of the channel, is for a 25 mm band, 26 mm and for a 100 mm for example 101 mm. The interior height, i.e., the height of the channel, for a 50 .Math.m thick band can be 0.3 mm, for example, and the interior height, i.e., the height of the channel, for a 210 .Math.m thick band can be 0.5 mm.

[0227] In summary, encoder wheel and the input drive roller can also be omitted. In addition, the band channel according to FIG. 9 can also be designed in several parts. For example, different side components could be mounted on the same bottom component so that the height of the inner cross section of the band channel can be varied. Likewise, a band channel according to FIG. 13 can be inserted into a holder similar to the one in FIG. 19. The lever system shown in FIG. 19 could then be simplified, since the counter pressure roller of the input drive roller is supported by the band channel and not by the holder.

[0228] Instead of a multi-part insert, the insert 20 can also consist of only one part. Also, a cover may not be required if the band guiding surface is self-supporting. The band may be held to the band guiding surface in a variety of ways: for example, the band guiding surface may create a vacuum and draw the band slightly in, or the band guiding surface may be the bottom of a channel whose cover is removed in due course.