COMPRESSED BALE, PACKAGING DEVICE AND PRODUCTION DEVICE FOR COMPRESSED BALES

Abstract

A packaging of compressed bales (1) includes packaging (11) surrounding the compressed bale. The compressed bale is formed from highly compressed, preferably short-cut, textile fibers and has mutually opposite pressing sides (5, 6), which are acted upon by a pressing device (32) in a pressing direction (10), and circumferential sides (7, 8), which are arranged between the pressing sides. The packaging has multipart film packaging (12) resting on the bale body (4) and first strapping (22) with a plurality of parallel endless bands (23) that are laid over the pressing sides of the compressed bale. An additional strapping (25) having a plurality of endless strapping bands (26, 27) are applied to the compressed bale. The strapping bands are laid peripherally only over the circumferential sides and are arranged externally on the film packaging and on the bands. The strapping bands cross the bands, forming cross strapping (21).

Claims

1. A compressed bale comprising: a bale body; a packaging surrounding and fully enveloping the bale body, wherein the compressed bale is formed from highly compressed, short-cut, textile fibers and has mutually opposite pressing sides and circumferential sides arranged between the pressing sides, wherein the pressing sides were acted on by a pressing device in a pressing direction during the manufacture of the compressed bale and wherein the packaging comprises: a multipart film packaging comprising a plurality of flexurally elastic packaging films made of plastic and resting on the bale body and comprising a bottom film arranged on one of the pressing sides and in some areas covering adjoining circumferential sides, a top film arranged on another of the pressing sides and in some areas cover adjoining circumferential sides and a ring-shaped, closed cover film on the circumferential sides, the cover film providing an overlap at which the cover film overlaps and covers the top film externally on the circumferential sides in at least some areas; and a cross strapping comprising: a strapping comprising a plurality of parallel endless bands that are laid over the pressing sides of the compressed bale the plurality of parallel endless bands digging into the expanded bale body on the pressing sides and forming constrictions; and an additional strapping arranged externally on the film packaging as well as on the plurality of parallel endless bands the additional strapping comprising: a plurality of additional endless strapping bands which are laid peripherally only over the circumferential sides and cross the plurality of parallel endless bands, wherein at least one of the plurality of additional endless strapping bands is arranged on the overlap.

2. (canceled)

3. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compressed bale has a rectangular cuboid shape or a cuboid-like shape with circumferential sides in a trapezoidal shape.

4. (canceled)

5. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of additional endless strapping bands are two strapping bands, which are arranged off-center and adjacent to the pressing sides.

6. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of additional endless strapping bands are tightened and are applied with pressure as well as closely to the bale body and to the film packaging.

7-9. (canceled)

10. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 9, wherein the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands is arranged externally directly on the bottom film, on the top film and on the cover film, wherein the additional strapping is arranged externally on the bottom film, on the top film and on the cover film as well as on the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands.

11. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 9, wherein the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands is arranged externally directly on the bottom film and on the top film, wherein the cover film is arranged externally on the bottom film, on the top film and on the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands, and wherein the additional strapping is arranged externally on the cover film.

12. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 1, wherein the bottom film and the top film each have an edge fold folded over onto the circumferential sides as well as a folded-over corner fold, wherein the strapping bands of the additional strapping are arranged on the edge fold as well as on the corner fold.

13. A compressed bale in accordance with claim 1, wherein in that the film packaging has an endless cover film or a cover film overlapped at the end with a connection means with a weld seam, wherein the cover film has an overhang vis-à-vis the compressed bale, and wherein at least one strapping band of the additional strapping is arranged on the overhang.

14-16. (canceled)

17. A packaging device for compressed bales for applying a packaging surrounding the compressed bale, wherein the compressed bale is formed from compressed textile fibers and has mutually opposite pressing sides and circumferential sides arranged between the pressing sides, wherein the pressing sides were acted on by a pressing device in a pressing direction during the manufacture of the compressed bale, and wherein the packaging comprises a multipart film packaging resting on the bale body and a first strapping with a plurality of parallel endless bands which are laid over the pressing sides of the compressed bale, the packaging device comprising: an application device configured to apply the multipart film packaging to the compressed bale, wherein the multipart film packaging comprises a bottom film, atop film and a ring-shaped, closed, cover film, and configured to apply the bottom film and the top film to the compressed bale with the compressed bale held under compression and subsequently to apply the cover film to the compressed bale with the compressed bale relieved from the compression hold; and a strapping apparatus configured to apply an additional strapping to the compressed bale with the additional strapping comprising: a plurality of endless strapping bands, which are laid peripherally only over the circumferential sides and are arranged externally on the film packaging as well as on the bands, wherein the strapping bands cross the bands, forming a cross strapping.

18. A packaging device in accordance with claim 17, further comprising: a tightening device; and a connection device, wherein the strapping apparatus comprises a strapping head, a band guide and a strapping band supply of the strapping band, wherein the tightening device is configured to tighten the strapping band, the connection device is configured to connect free ends of the strapping band and the tightening device and the connection device are arranged at the strapping apparatus.

19. A packaging device in accordance with claim 17, wherein the strapping apparatus operates manually or automatically and is arranged in a separate strapping station, which separate strapping station is separated in space from the application device.

20. A packaging device in accordance with claim 17, wherein the strapping device is configured to apply the strapping, comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands, to the compressed bale with the compressed bale held under compression.

21-22. (canceled)

23. A packaging device according to claim 17 in combination with a bale pressing configuration to form a production device for compressed bales, which are formed from compressed textile fibers and have mutually opposite pressing sides and circumferential sides arranged between the pressing sides, wherein the pressing sides are acted on by a pressing device of the bale pressing configuration in a pressing direction during the manufacture of the compressed bale.

24. A packaging device in accordance with claim 23, wherein the bale pressing configuration of the production device comprises one or more baling presses.

25. A packaging device in accordance with claim 24, wherein the manual or automatic strapping apparatus is arranged in particular in an external strapping station, which is outside of the one or more baling presses.

26-27. (canceled)

28. A packaging device in accordance with claim 23, wherein the application device comprises: an application component arranged at the one or more baling presses and configured to apply the bottom film and the top film to the compressed bale acted on by the pressing device; and an application component arranged outside of the one or more baling presses, for applying the ring-shaped, closed cover film to the compressed bale.

29-31. (canceled)

32. A process for packaging compressed bales, the process comprising the steps of: providing a packaging surrounding the compressed bale; forming the compressed bale from compressed textile fibers and has mutually opposite pressing sides and circumferential sides arranged between the pressing sides, wherein the pressing sides are acted on by a pressing device in a pressing direction during the forming of the compressed bale and wherein the packaging has a multipart film packaging comprising a plurality of flexurally elastic packaging films made of plastic resting on the bale body and a first strapping comprising a plurality of parallel endless bands which are laid over the pressing sides of the compressed bale the bands digging into the expanded bale body on the pressing sides and forming constrictions; applying an additional strapping with a plurality of endless strapping bands to the compressed bale, which bands are laid peripherally only over the circumferential sides and are arranged externally on the film packaging as well as on the bands, wherein the strapping bands cross the bands, forming a cross strapping, wherein the multipart film packaging comprises a bottom film and a top film, which are arranged on the pressing sides and in some areas cover the adjoining circumferential sides, and a ring-shaped, closed cover film on the circumferential sides, which cover film overlaps and covers the top film externally on the circumferential sides in at least some areas, wherein at least one strapping band of the additional strapping is arranged on the overlap.

33. A process in accordance with claim 32, wherein the bottom film and the top film of the multipart film packaging are applied directly to the pressing sides and cover the adjoining circumferential sides in some areas, wherein, in addition, the ring-shaped, closed cover film of the multipart film packaging is applied to the circumferential sides, which cover film overlaps and covers the bottom film and the top film externally on the circumferential sides in at least some areas, wherein the at least one strapping band of the additional strapping is applied to the overlap.

34. A process in accordance with claim 32, wherein the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands is applied externally directly to the bottom film, to the top film and to the cover film, wherein the additional strapping is then subsequently applied externally to the bottom film, to the top film and to the cover film as well as to the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands.

35. (canceled)

36. A process in accordance with claim 32, wherein the cover film is applied to a compressed bale subsequently and outside of a baling press, which compressed bale is already provided with a first part of the multipart film packaging and with the strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands and wherein the additional strapping is subsequently applied to the cover film, wherein the cover film is arranged between the one strapping comprising the plurality of parallel endless bands and the additional strapping.

37. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In the drawings:

[0045] FIG. 1 is a side view of a compressed bale with a cross strapping and also showing a view of a pressing device and of a press box wall;

[0046] FIG. 2 is a front view of the compressed bale according to arrow II of FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the packaged compressed bale from FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 4 is a top view of a compressed bale according to arrow IV from FIG. 2 and also showing an arrangement of a strapping apparatus at the compressed bale;

[0049] FIG. 5 is a top view of a production device with a plurality of compressed bales and with an external strapping station with a strapping apparatus;

[0050] FIG. 6 is a side view of the arrangement according to arrow VI from FIG. 5;

[0051] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a production device for compressed bales;

[0052] FIG. 8 is a different perspective view showing the other embodiment of a production device for compressed bales;

[0053] FIG. 9 is another different perspective view showing the other embodiment of a production device for compressed bales;

[0054] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a variant of the arrangement from FIGS. 5 and 6 with a split application device for the multipart film packaging;

[0055] FIG. 11 is a top view of a strapped compressed bale with an application component and with a connection tool for the application of a cover film to the compressed bale;

[0056] FIG. 12 is a top view showing a variant of a compressed bale and of an application component with a different cover film; and

[0057] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a variant of a compressed bale and of an application component with the different cover film.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Referring to the drawings, the present invention pertains to a compressed bale (1) and to a packaging device (3) as well as to a packaging process for the compressed bale (1). The present invention further includes a production device (2) and a production process with said packaging device (3) and with the packaging process.

[0059] FIGS. 1 through 4 show a compressed bale (1) with a surrounding packaging (11) in different views. FIG. 1 additionally schematically shows a pressing device (32), e.g., a press punch, with strapping grooves (33). This pressing device (32) is pressed against the compressed bale (1) during the bale production with a high pressing force (F) in a preferably linear pressing direction (10). FIG. 1 schematically shows, in addition, a press box wall (35) of a press box (34), which is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 6 through 9.

[0060] The compressed bale (1) consist of highly compressed and preferably short-cut textile fibers. These are preferably the thermosensitive synthetic fibers mentioned in the specification introduction. The short-cut fibers are also called staple fibers. The fibers are preferably fibers, which are fresh and are not yet interwoven or otherwise connected to one another. The compressed bale (1) is pressed and compressed, e.g., with a high pressing force of 10 kN and higher.

[0061] The compressed bale (1) has a bale body (4), which has two pressing sides (5, 6) which are located opposite one another at a distance. The pressing sides (5, 6) are oriented at right angles to the pressing direction (10). They are preferably essentially parallel. The pressing devices (32) act on the pressing sides (5, 6). Further, the, e.g., essentially cuboid bale body (4) has four circumferential sides (7, 8) that are arranged between the pressing sides (5, 6) and are located opposite one another in pairs. The circumferential sides (7) are, e.g., the broad sides of the bale body (4) and the circumferential sides (8) are the narrow sides of the bale body (4). The circumferential sides (7, 8) are oriented along the pressing direction (10). The pressing sides (5, 6) and the circumferential sides (7, 8) are oriented essentially at right angles to one another.

[0062] The compressed bale (1) or its bale body (4) usually has an essentially rectangular cuboid shape. This is shown in FIG. 1 in the left-hand half of the figure. An anomaly, which sometimes occurs in practice is shown in the right-hand half of the figure. The compressed bale (1) or its bale body (4) may namely also have a cuboid-like shape with a trapezoidal shape (9) of the circumferential sides (7, 8). The parallel sides of the trapezoidal shape (9) are arranged on the pressing sides (5, 6), wherein the broader of these two trapezoidal sides is arranged on the pressing side (5), which is in front in the pressing direction (10). The trapezoidal shape (9) may be formed due to frictional resistance of the fibers at the press box wall (35).

[0063] The packaging (11) consists of a multipart film packaging (12) and of a cross strapping (21). The cross strapping (21) is formed from a first strapping (22) and a crossing additional strapping (25).

[0064] The one first strapping (22) has a plurality of parallel endless bands (23), which wrap around the bale body (4) and are thereby laid over the pressing sides (5, 6) as well as over the two opposing circumferential sides (7), especially broad sides. The bands (23) and the respective strapping plane defined by them are oriented along the pressing direction (10).

[0065] The additional strapping (25) has a plurality of endless strapping bands (26, 27), which are laid only over the circumferential sides (7, 8) of the bale body (4). Theses strapping bands (26, 27) cross the bands (23) at a preferably right angle. The strapping bands (26, 27) preferably do not extend over the pressing sides (5, 6).

[0066] The additional strapping (25) has, e.g., two strapping bands (26, 27), which are arranged parallel to one another. The strapping plane defined by each of the endless strapping bands (26, 27) is oriented at right angles to the pressing direction (10). The strapping plane of the bands (23) and the strapping plane of the strapping bands (26, 27) are oriented at right angles, preferably vertically, to one another.

[0067] The strapping bands (26, 27) of the additional strapping (25) are arranged parallel to the pressing sides (5, 6). The additional strapping (25) has, e.g., at least two strapping bands (26, 27), which are each arranged off-center and close to a pressing side (5, 6). The two strapping bands (26, 27) are arranged on both sides of the bale center. The strapping band (26) is adjacent to the, e.g., upper pressing side (5) and the other strapping band (27) is adjacent to the, e.g., lower pressing side (6). The additional strapping (25) may, in addition, have additional strapping bands (not shown).

[0068] The strapping bands (26, 27) of the additional strapping (25) are tightened. They rest with pressure and closely on the bale body (4). The band tension is applied in a suitable manner during the laying of the strapping bands (26, 27). The strapping bands (26, 27) have, e.g., each a connector (28) that connects and secures the band ends in their tightened position. The strapping bands (26, 27) may have, e.g., a width of 10-15 mm They may consist of plastic; as an alternative, they may consist of metal or of a different material. The connector (28) may be configured, e.g., as a frictional welded connection of plastic strapping bands (26, 27).

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the strapping bands (26, 27) are configured as tension-proof bands with finite length. They are pulled tight and tightened during the placement on the compressed bale (1), wherein their band ends are connected in the tightened position and are fixed by the connector (28).

[0070] In another variant, the strapping bands (26, 27) may be configured as finite bands which are elastic under tension, e.g., flat adhesive bands, which is elastically stretched during the placement. In this case, the connector (28) may be configured as mutual bonded connection of the overlapping band ends. The strapping bands (26, 27) may, in addition, be configured as endless bands that are elastic under tension with a closed ring shape, which have a smaller circumference than the compressed bale (1), whereby they are expanded with a stretching frame during the placement and are applied to the compressed bale (1), wherein they are then pressed elastically onto the compressed bale (1).

[0071] The strapping bands (26, 27) may be configured, e.g., as the shown flat bands with a rectangular cross section. They may, as an alternative, have a different cross-sectional shape. This includes oval or circular cross sections. The strapping bands (26, 27) may also have the shape of ropes.

[0072] The one and, e.g., upper strapping band (26) is applied to the broader and, e.g., upper side of the trapezoidal shape (9). The other and, e.g., lower strapping band (27) is applied to the narrower and, e.g., lower side of the trapezoidal shape (9). Due to the tightening of the strapping bands (26, 27), the respective strapping band (26, 27) may be adapted to the circumferential length of the bale body (4), which circumferential length is different in case of a trapezoidal shape (9).

[0073] The film packaging (12) has a multipart configuration. It may have, e.g., two, three or more parts. It has a three-part configuration in the embodiment being shown. The film packaging (12) has a bottom film (13) and a top film (14) as well as a cover film (15). The top film (14) is applied to the pressing side (5) located in front towards the pressing direction (10). The bottom film (13) covers the other pressing side (6). The top film (14) and the bottom film (13) rest directly on the compressed bale (1) or on the bale body (4). The endless cover film (15) wraps around the circumferential sides (7, 8) of the bale body (4). It lies externally on the top film (14) and on the bottom film (13). The cover film (15) may be dispensed with, e.g., in a two-part film packaging.

[0074] The film packaging (12) and the films (13, 14, 15) consist, e.g., of a plastic material. This plastic material may melt under heat, e.g., during a welding process for film connection. The film material may, further, not be stretchy or be only slightly stretchy. It has, as a result, a higher strength and resilience to external stresses, especially a bale expansion after press relief. Such a film material may consist, e.g., of polyethylene or polypropylene and may also possibly be strengthened by embedded ribbons, by stretching or the like and be stretch-resistant. Film material with embedded parallel ribbons or with embedded fabric is called ribbon film or fabric film.

[0075] The bottom film (13) and the top film (14) are present during the manufacture of a compressed bale as flat film blanks, which are laid flatly on a respective pressing side (5, 6) and thereby protrude over the bale circumference. These overhangs are each bent over and laid on the circumferential sides (7, 8). As a result, edge folds (17) are formed. In the three-part film packaging (12) shown according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the edge folds (17) of the top film and of the bottom film (14, 13) are spaced apart from one another. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the arrangement.

[0076] Further, corner folds, which are subsequently bent over on a circumferential side (7, 8), e.g., on the respective narrow side (8) and form a corner fold (18), are formed from the preferably rectangular film blanks of top film and bottom film (14, 13) during the folding down of corner folds. The corner folds (18) are shown in FIG. 2. As an alternative, the corner folds may be folded over on the broad circumferential side (7) and possibly be held by the one first strapping (22).

[0077] The cover film (15), which is also called binder, is applied to the bale body (4) after the bottom film and the top film (13, 14) during the compressed bale manufacture. The cover film (15) is thereby wrapped around the circumferential side (7, 8) and in the process overlaps the edge folds (17) and the corner folds (18) while forming an overlap (19) in at least some areas. The application of the cover film (15) may take place before the application of the one first strapping (22).

[0078] The at least two strapping bands (26, 27) of the additional strapping (25) are arranged on the edge folds (17) and on the corner folds (18). They are also arranged on the overlaps (19) in case of a three-part film packaging (12). FIGS. 1 and 2 show this arrangement.

[0079] The cover film (15), which is endless in the final state, is likewise formed from a finite and, e.g., rectangular film blanks, which is wrapped around all circumferential sides (7, 8) and encloses the circumference of the bale body (4) in a closed ring, where the free ends of the film blank are then connected with a connection means (16). This may be, e.g., a weld seam shown in FIG. 2. As an alternative, the connection means (16) may be configured as a clamping or bonding or in a different manner. FIGS. 11 through 13 show embodiment variants for this.

[0080] The cover film (15), which consists, e.g., of a material which is not stretchy or is not very stretchy, may have a greater circumferential length than the bale body (4). This may be due to the type of the connection means (16) and the connection tool (52). Due to this excessive length, an overhang (20) of the cover film (15) vis-à-vis the circumferential sides (7, 8) may be formed. The overhang (20) is usually located on the circumferential sides not covered by the strapping (22), e.g., the narrow circumferential sides (8). FIG. 4 illustrates this configuration. A cover film (15), consisting, e.g., of a stretchy material, e.g., PE, may be tightened as well as stretched possibly during the placement and may then shrink back elastically onto the bale body (4) and have less overhang (20). It may also be filled out and possibly stretched somewhat by the relieved bale body (4) and likewise have less overhang (20).

[0081] The strapping bands (26, 27) of the additional strapping (25) are laid over the circumferential sides (7, 8) and over the respective overhang (20). The strapping bands (26, 27) tighten the overhang (20) and press the cover film (15) tightly to the bale body (4) and to the edge folds (17) and corner folds (18), lying underneath on the overlap (19). The cross strapping (21) ensures a tight placement of the film packaging (12) on all sides of the bale body (4). In particular, the bale areas located between the overlaps (19) are sealed.

[0082] In one embodiment of the packaging technology, the multipart film packaging (2) is first applied to the compressed bale (1) or to its bale body (4). In this case, the compressed bale (1) or bale body (4) is held between pressing devices (32) under pressure in the pressing direction (10). The one first strapping (22) is then laid over the compressed bale (1) and the film packaging (12). Then, the additional strapping (25) is applied and the cross strapping (21) is formed. The strapping bands (26, 27) of the additional strapping (25) in this case rest on and over the bands (23) of the one first strapping (22). The strapping bands (26, 27) do not dig into the already expanded compressed bale (1) as deeply as the bands (23) of the one first strapping (22). This is an advantageous embodiment. On the other hand, the sequence during the application of the one first strapping (22) and of the additional strapping (25) may be transposed during an application in a baling press. An additional variant will be explained below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0083] The packaging (11) is applied to the compressed bale (1) by means of a packaging device (3). The additional strapping (25) with the one or more strapping bands (26, 27) is applied to the compressed bale (1) or to the bale body (4) by means of a strapping apparatus (41). The compressed bale (1) has been provided beforehand with the film packaging (12) and with the one first strapping (22). The strapping apparatus (41) can be operated and guided manually or may operate automatically and may possibly be arranged in a stationary manner.

[0084] The packaging device (3) may comprise at least the strapping apparatus (41). The packaging device (3) may additionally comprise a strapping device (38) for forming the one strapping (22) and/or an application device (46) for applying the film packaging (12).

[0085] The strapping apparatus (41) is arranged in a separate strapping station (45) in the embodiment being shown. It operates preferably automatically here. The application of the additional strapping (25) may, as a result, take place separately in terms of location and time from the application of the film packaging (12) and from the application of the one strapping (22) to the compressed bale (1).

[0086] The strapping apparatus (41) may be configured in a different manner. FIG. 4 shows a schematic exemplary embodiment.

[0087] The additional strapping (25) may be applied horizontally to a compressed bale (1) that is lying on a pressing side (6). As an alternative, the compressed bale (1) may be set up and lie or stand on one of its circumferential sides (7, 8). The additional strapping (25) may in this case be applied to the compressed bale (1) with a vertical orientation. A plurality of strapping bands (26, 27) may be laid around the compressed bale (1) together and simultaneously or one after the other.

[0088] The strapping apparatus (41), which is schematically shown in FIG. 4, has, e.g., a strapping head (42), a band guide (43) for at least one of the strapping bands (26, 27) and a band supply for strapping band. A tightening device (49) for the strapping band (26, 27) and a connection device (50) for the free ends of the strapping band (26, 27) and the application of the connector (28) may be arranged at the strapping head (42) or at a different location.

[0089] FIGS. 5 through 9 and 10 show each in examples a production device (2) with a packaging device (3) in different variants.

[0090] In the two variants according to FIGS. 5 through 9, the production device (2) has one or more baling presses (29). These baling presses (29) each have a prepress (30) and a finishing press (31). In the prepress (30), the fiber material is filled into a press box (34) with side press box walls and is precompressed with a prepressing device. The filling in and prepressing may take place in a batchwise manner.

[0091] In the finishing press (31), the prepressed compressed bale is finish-pressed and compressed under the above-mentioned high pressing force (F) in the pressing direction (10). Parts of the packaging device (3), especially a strapping device (38) for applying the one first strapping (22) and/or an application device (46) for applying the film packaging (12) to the compressed bale (1), may be arranged at the finishing press (31). The bottom film (13) and the cover film (14) may be applied and temporarily fixed to pressing devices (32), e.g., before the pressing. The application device (46) may, as an alternative, may be arranged at the prepress (30).

[0092] In the variant from FIGS. 5 and 6, the prepress (30) and the finishing press (31) are combined in a baling press (29). The prepressing and the finish-pressing take place at the same location with the same pressing direction (10) and in the same press box (34). As an alternative, the baling press (29) may be configured as a rotary press with separation of the prepress and the finishing press (30, 31).

[0093] The compressed bale (1), which is finish-pressed and provided with the film packaging (12) as well as with the one first strapping (22), may be transported away from the one or more baling presses (29) by means of a bale conveyor (37) and be fed to one or more associated or central strapping stations (45) for applying the additional strapping (25). FIGS. 5 and 6 show this configuration.

[0094] The finish-packaged compressed bale (1) with the finished packaging (11) incl. film packaging (12) and cross strapping (21) can be transported away from the strapping station (45) and be stored as needed. The compressed bales (1) manufactured according to the invention are especially suitable for the formation of a stack of compressed bales. In this case, three or more compressed bales (1) can be arranged on top of one another. Such a stack of compressed bales may be stored in a warehouse or be transported away with a suitable transporting device for further use.

[0095] FIGS. 7 through 9 show a variant of a baling press (29), in which the prepress (30) and the finishing press (31) are separated from one another. In this case, a plurality of prepresses (30) may be associated with a common finishing press (31), wherein the prepressed compressed bales (1) are fed to the finishing press (31) by means of a bale transporter (36). Otherwise, the production device (2) in the variant may have the same configuration as in FIGS. 5 and 6, especially with regard to the strapping station and the bale conveyor (37).

[0096] The application device (46) for applying the film packaging (12) may be associated with the prepress (30). The bale transporter (36) has a clampable gripping fork, with which the compressed bale (1), which is provided with a multipart film packaging (12), can be removed from the prepress (30) and be fed in the prepressed state to the finishing press (31). The bale transporter (36) may be configured, e.g., as an overhead conveyor, which can be moved along and in front of the prepresses (30), with a rotatable gripping fork. The bale transporter (36) is moved in a free aisle, which is arranged between the prepresses (30) and the spaced-apart finishing press (31).

[0097] The strapping device (38) may be associated with the finishing press (31). The strapping device (38) may have a strapping head (39) and a plurality of strapping channels (40). FIG. 9 shows the finishing press (31) with the partially packaged compressed bale (1) with the film packaging (12) and with the one first strapping (22).

[0098] The finishing press (31) has the above-mentioned pressing devices (32) and a press drive. The pressing devices (32) are formed, e.g., by press punches, which are arranged vertically above one another and with a horizontal orientation, with strapping grooves (33). The press drive moves, e.g., the upper press punch (32) against the lower stationary press punch. The pressing side (5) of the compressed bale (1) points in this case towards the upper and driven press punch (32).

[0099] In the finishing press (31), the compressed bale (1), which is prepressed and is provided with the film packaging (12), is finish-pressed and compressed, wherein the one first strapping (22) is applied in the pressed state to the compressed bale (1) by the strapping grooves (33). In case of a subsequent press relief, the compressed bale (1) relaxes in the pressing direction (10) and thereby stretches the film packaging (12), wherein the bands (23) of the one strapping (22) also cut into the bale body (4) and form the constrictions (24). The constrictions (24) are deeper on the pressing sides (5, 6) than on the circumferential sides (7), especially on the broad sides. The pressing sides (5, 6) can be distinguished from the strapped circumferential sides (7) by means of the different constrictions (24).

[0100] FIG. 10 shows another variant of the production device (2). This differs in the configuration and arrangement of the application device (46) from the embodiment from FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0101] In the variant of FIG. 10, the application device (46) has a multipart configuration for application of the multipart film packaging (12). The application device (46) has an application component (47), which is arranged at the baling press (29) and which applies the first part or the first parts of the film packaging (12) to the compressed bale (1) or to the bale body (4) thereof. This may be, e.g., the shown bottom film (13) and top film (14) that are applied to the compressed bale held between the pressing devices (32) by means of a laying device and folding fingers or the like and forming edge folds (17) and the corner fold (18). As an alternative, a first part of the film packaging (12) may be formed from at least one hood or in a different manner. The first part or the first parts of the film packaging (12) are subsequently provided with the one first strapping (22) by the strapping device (38) and fixed.

[0102] As FIG. 10 illustrates, each corner fold (18) may be folded onto the broad circumferential side (7) and may be fixed here by one or more bands of the first strapping (22). The partially packaged and strapped compressed bale (1) is then transported away with a bale conveyor (37).

[0103] The application device (46) further comprises a second application component (48), which applies an additional part of the film packaging (12), e.g., a cover film (15), to the partially packaged and strapped compressed bale (1). The application component (48) is arranged upstream, e.g., of the strapping station (45) or is integrated in this strapping station (45).

[0104] FIG. 11 shows a first variant of the application component (48). The cover film (15) may be formed by a film curtain (51) defined between two film coils and wrapped as a horizontal binder around the compressed bale (1), which is transported and moved by a conveyor (54) in the arrow direction during the transporting movement, and may be applied by cutting off and connecting, e.g., welding of the film ends by means of an adjustable connection tool (52). In this case, on the one hand, the connection means (16) of the cover film (15) and, on the other hand, a film curtain (51) are again formed behind the separation point. The conveyor (54) may be part of the bale conveyor (37).

[0105] FIGS. 12 and 13 disclose a second variant of the application component (48). The cover film (15) is wrapped around the compressed bale (1) with a connection tool (52), wherein its film ends are laid above one another on one circumferential side (7, 8), forming an overlap (53). The overlap (53) is located, e.g., on a broad side (7). Also in this variant, the cover film (15) encloses the compressed bale (1) or the bale body thereof in a closed ring. The overhang (20) may be smaller than in the previous exemplary embodiment or be dispensed with. This application variant has advantages in case of the formation of the cover film (15) from a tension-proof and stretch-resistant material, e.g., PP or ribbon film or fabric film.

[0106] The cover film (15) may be fixed to the overlap (53) with a connection means (16). This connection means (16) may be formed, e.g., by a bond or by a strapping band laid over the overlap (53). This may extend, e.g., parallel to the bands (23) of the first strapping (22).

[0107] In a view shown in broken line, FIG. 12 illustrates a connection tool (52). This connection tool (52) has, e.g., a swivel arm, which can be rotated in relation to the currently stationary compressed bale (1), with a gripping device, which grips a film end at a feed from a film coil, not shown, of the cover film (15) and in a rotary movement wraps around the circumferential sides (7, 8) of the compressed bale (1), wherein the initial film end is held at the compressed bale (1) with a suitable fixing means. After formation of the overlap (53), the cover film (15) is separated from the film web fed from the coil and the connection means (16) is positioned. The separated and feed-side end of the film web remains connected to the connection tool (52) and is ready for the next application process of a cover film or binder (15). The connection tool may be configured, e.g., according to WO 2005/012098 A1 or WO 2015/114532 A1.

[0108] In another variant, not shown, the connection tool (52) may be configured according to EP 0 528 892 B1 and have a film arm, which can be moved along and at right angles to the compressed bale (1), with a gripper, which pulls off the cover film (15) from a stationary or carried-along film coil, wraps around the compressed bale and connects the film ends to one another with or without overlap as well as again grasps the feed-side film end for the next application process.

[0109] The above-described connection tool (52) may be used with corresponding adaptation also for an application of the cover film (15) within the baling press to the compressed bale (1) held between the pressing devices (32).

[0110] EP 0 528 892 B1, WO 2005/012098 A1 and WO 2015/114532 A1 are integrated by reference (incorporated by reference) into this application disclosure.

[0111] The cover film (15) is located in both variants externally on the bottom film and the top film (13, 14) and on the first strapping (22).

[0112] The additional strapping (25) is applied in the manner described above and the cross strapping (21) is formed in the downstream strapping station (45). The additional strapping (25) is applied externally to the cover film (15) and is located in the manner described above on the overlap (19) and possibly on the corner fold (18). The cover film (15) is located between the strappings (22, 25).

[0113] Different variations of the embodiments shown and described are possible.

[0114] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the baling presses (29) are configured as vertical presses, which have a vertical pressing direction (10) and upper and lower pressing devices (32) or press punches. As an alternative, a different configuration, e.g., as a horizontal press with an especially horizontal pressing direction (10) and corresponding orientation of the pressing devices (32) and of the press drives is possible.

[0115] A multipart film packaging (12) may be a two-part film packaging. It may be formed, e.g., from two hood-like or bag-like bottom films (13) and top films (14). In a two-part configuration, the hoods or bags may overlap one another. In a three-part configuration of the film packaging (12), the bags or hoods may be enclosed by a ring-shaped endless or overlapped cover film (15) with overlap analogously to FIG. 1.

[0116] The compressed bale (1) may have a shape which is different from the preferred cuboid shape and correspondingly differently configured circumferential side(s).

[0117] Further, it is possible to combine and especially to transpose the features of the above-described exemplary embodiments and of the mentioned variations in a different manner with one another.

[0118] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0119] 1 Compressed bale [0120] 2 Production device [0121] 3 Packaging device [0122] 4 Bale body [0123] 5 Pressing side, top, top side [0124] 6 Pressing side, bottom, bottom side [0125] 7 Circumferential side, broad side [0126] 8 Circumferential side, narrow side [0127] 9 Trapezoidal shape [0128] 10 Pressing direction [0129] 11 Packaging [0130] 12 Film packaging [0131] 13 Bottom film [0132] 14 Top film [0133] 15 Cover film, binder [0134] 16 Connection means [0135] 17 Edge fold [0136] 18 Corner fold [0137] 19 Overlap [0138] 20 Overhang [0139] 21 Cross strapping [0140] 22 Strapping [0141] 23 Band [0142] 24 Constriction [0143] 25 Additional strapping [0144] 26 Strapping band [0145] 27 Strapping band [0146] 28 Connector [0147] 29 Baling press [0148] 30 Prepress [0149] 31 Finishing press [0150] 32 Pressing device, press punch [0151] 33 Strapping groove [0152] 34 Press box [0153] 35 Press box wall [0154] 36 Bale transporter [0155] 37 Bale conveyor [0156] 38 Strapping device [0157] 39 Strapping head [0158] 40 Strapping channel [0159] 41 Strapping apparatus [0160] 42 Strapping head [0161] 43 Band guide [0162] 44 Band supply [0163] 45 Strapping station [0164] 46 Application device [0165] 47 Application component, bottom film and top film [0166] 48 Application component, cover film [0167] 49 Tightening device [0168] 50 Connection device [0169] 51 Film curtain [0170] 52 Connection tool [0171] 53 Overlap [0172] 54 Conveyor [0173] F Pressing force