JP4988739B2 - Banding of stacked items - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and to a device for banding a stack of products which are to be stacked. A band is unwound from a store roll of a band machine and a loop is formed for the stack of products which is to be stacked, by a band insertion/withdrawal unit. After the free end of the band is fixed in a return device and the band is pulled to the stack of products which is to be stacked, the free end is stuck or welded and the pulled loop is cut. In a program-controlled, continuous process and prior to changing the band, the end of the band of a first band roll is detected and the remainder of the band is retracted. Then, the band threaded into the band store of a second complete band roll is inserted into the band insertion/withdrawal unit ( 39 ) and the band continuous with delay. The end of the totally automatic band exchange is optically and/or acoustically displayed and the roll can change without pressure.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for banding a stacked article, wherein the band is unwound from a reel with a band accumulator of a banding machine, and the loop for the stacked article is a band insertion / band pullback. As the free end of the band formed by the unit and pulled back is clamped in place and pressed against the stacked article, the free end is glued or welded to cut the fixed loop.

  In a banding machine, a banded sheet or film made of either paper, plastic or composite material is guided as a loop around the stacked articles to a band guide that forms an outer boundary. The band guide looks like an open or closed feed arch depending on the stiffness of the band and the size and application of the stack bundled with the band. For soft bands, many means of tightening the band during or after passing through the arch are known, but in order to secure the band, it is always necessary to ensure free pull back of the band. is there.

  Articles bundled in a band may consist essentially of any desired structure, for example, in the surface area, may be square, rectangular, circular or trapezoidal. At least one band is applied, but in the case of multiple bands, it is applied simultaneously or sequentially.

  Fully automatic banding machines first form an originally stable loop, or a loop that maintains its shape, and then the stacked articles are placed in the loop. Stacked articles can also be placed in place prior to forming the loop. The band with the free end clamped in place is pulled back until it fits to some degree depending on the nature of the article, either by sensor control or by a manual or foot switch. Next, as described at the beginning, after the end clamped in place is bonded or welded to the fixed band, the loop is cut. The basic principle of banding is well known. Patent Document 1 describes a banding machine including cold welding. This ensures a clean and clear closure, requires less maintenance, and avoids film overlap and heating element replacement.

  Despite advances in automation and improvements to individual parts, continuous production is always interrupted when reels that have been unwound from the band must be replaced. The supervisor needs to be temporarily at a certain point where the banding machine is installed, resulting in additional costs in addition to interrupting the actual operation.

European Patent Application No. 0551244

  The inventor sets for the purpose of providing a method and apparatus of the type described at the beginning, which ensures continuous operation and time flexibility for the supervisor.

  The purpose of the method is to detect the end of the band from the first band reel and pull back the rest of the band before the band change in the banding machine, by a continuous process controlled by the program, This is achieved by the present invention in which the band set in the band accumulator of the second band reel in order is pushed out into the band insertion / retraction unit and the banding operation is continued without delay. In particular, in addition to this, various embodiments of the method form the subject of the dependent claims.

  In the present invention, it is important to detect the end of the band and transmit it to the control electronics of the banding machine. The monitoring of the end of the band is preferably controlled by a sensor. The band is pulled back to a predetermined position, which is a position where the band can be inserted from the second reel of the banding machine without clogging.

  The band exchange is completely automatic in a few seconds so that it can be manufactured continuously without interruption or clogging. The fact that the band has been changed is informed by light and / or sound. Since the supervisor has sufficient time to replace the used reel and set the band in the band storage unit, the reel in use can be automatically replaced again at any time.

  When the end of the band is detected, the rest can be pulled back immediately. However, it is preferable to use the remainder of the band to leave at least one loop formed, and then pull back the remainder of the band. The number of loops left as formed depends on the length of the band from the band edge monitoring means to the welding / cutting unit and the perimeter of the stacked articles. Based on this information, the program control means of the banding machine calculates and controls the number of loops to be formed and left before the band is pulled back. Here, usually one to two loops are formed.

  After exchanging the band and inserting a new band, the sensor of the distance measuring system with the rotation conversion roller moving in exact alignment with the band is switched on. The distance measurement system measures the length of a given band to be supplied to the infeed arch of the banding machine. This predetermined length is an optimum value when a certain length x is added to the band only once in order to form the first loop after the exchange of the band. Corresponds to the distance between the sensor of the distance measuring system and the welding / cutting unit. In this way, it is possible to avoid a situation where the first loop of the bands arranged around the stacked articles is too short. This is because, unlike the subsequent loop formation, there is no band material upstream of the display photocell, and the band cannot be inserted into the welding / cutting unit.

  With respect to the banding machine, the above objective is to provide the first and second band reels that the banding machine can be controlled and operated by a program, each having a band accumulator, each of these two band accumulators. Followed by a band channel, which is configured to converge in a V shape or radially toward a common guide-roller pair and advance the band toward the drive roller of the band insertion / band pull back unit And a means for pulling the band back into the associated band channel. In particular, in addition to this, various embodiments of the banding machine form the subject of the dependent claims.

  The sensor for detecting the end of the band is preferably attached to the band accumulation area of the first reel and the second reel. This sensor is in place to make the length of the band from this sensor to the welding / cutting unit longer than the loop formed around the largest possible stacked article. Therefore, the band wound on the reel concerned is maximally utilized, leaving only a small amount that can be pulled back.

  The band channel is suitably designed as a slideway with two sides, as a roller conveyor with drive rollers or as a belt guide. The belt conveyor drive roller of the roller conveyor or the belt of the belt-type guide simultaneously forms the means for advancing or retracting the band. A sensor that operates at the end of the operation of pulling back the band, and therefore also called band monitoring means, is preferably arranged in the region of the band channel.

  Further, a determination sensor for detecting the insertion of the band is appropriately installed between the band insertion / band pull-back unit and the welding / cutting unit, and the rotation conversion roller of the distance measuring system moves toward the direction in which the band moves. Appropriately installed upstream of the band insertion / retraction unit.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. These embodiments also form the subject of the dependent claims.

  FIG. 1 shows a banding machine 10 comprising a chassis 12 with a height adjustable on a wheel 14 with a stopper. A rear band reel 18 (not visible in the figure) and a front band reel 20 coaxial with the rear band reel 18 are arranged on the cross-strap 16 of the chassis 12. Each of the band reels 18 and 20 movable in the axial direction is provided with a band accumulating section 24 and 25 that can be similarly moved, and the band 22 is unwound through the band accumulating section. Each of the band accumulators 24 and 25 includes three fixed direction changing rollers 26 and three direction changing rollers 30 attached to a shaft rotatable lever 28 to which tension is applied. In the case of a loop that forms very quickly, the band accumulators 24, 25 function as reserves and the lever 28 is lifted. In another example not shown, the band accumulating part can also be designed as a receiving part.

  The band reel 20 with the band accumulator 25 is in the operating position, and the band reel 18 with the corresponding (invisible) band accumulator 24 (also invisible) is in the reserve position. Each of these two movable band reels 18, 20 is provided with controllable band insertion / retraction means (not shown). See FIG.

  The band 22 is drawn downstream of the band accumulator 25 into a band channel 32 disposed in a machine housing 34 with a foldable table panel 36. The machine housing 34 further includes hidden machine parts. For example, the band drive roller 38 of the band insertion / band pullback unit 39, the lever 40 in the corresponding position, presses the band 22 against the band drive roller 38 or allows the band drive roller 38 to freely rotate. The roller 42, the rotation conversion roller 44 that moves accurately together with the band 22, the holding plate 46, the welding / cutting unit 48, and here is digital control means, and is electrically connected to the drive unit of the band drive roller 38 and the rotation conversion roller 44. It is the control means 60 connected.

  The band guide part 50 in the region of the stacked articles 52 is here opened by two supporting protrusions 54, the supporting protrusions 54 are arranged in plane symmetry and the bottom is open. It can be easily completed with a horizontal channel.

  The band driving roller 38 passes the band 22 through the band guide unit 50 at high speed. When the band 22 forms a feed arch, the front end of the band, which is now free from the top, is clamped in place. Then, the band drive roller 38 of the band insertion / band pull-back unit rotates in the opposite direction, pulls the band 22 and presses it against the stacked articles 52 arranged at predetermined positions. This operation is called a pull-back exercise. The rotation conversion roller 44 determines the exact length of the loop and uses the digital control means 60 to monitor the length. When the predetermined length is reached, the digital control means immediately stops the pull back movement. Then, the welding / cutting unit 48 starts operation. Of course, the return movement of the band 22 can also be controlled by some other means.

  FIG. 1 shows the entire banding machine and FIG. 2 shows the functionally important parts of the invention. One of the reel 18 and the reel 20 for the band 22 is arranged on the other in one plane. The band 22 of the first band reel 18 in operation moves on a fixed direction changing roller 26 of the band accumulating portion 24 and a direction changing roller 30 attached to a lever 28 that can rotate the shaft, and further in the direction. The transfer roller 56 also moves to enter the band channel 32. The band channel 32 is designed as a runway with two surfaces. At the entrance of the band channel 32, band insertion / band withdrawal means 39 'having a band driving roller 38' and a transfer roller 42 'is provided. Since the band drive roller 38 'and the transfer roller 42' are open, the band 22 passes freely between these rollers. A guide-roller pair 58 is present immediately after the exit of the band channel 32 to guide the band 22 to the band insertion / band withdrawal unit 39. The band insertion / band pullback unit 39 feeds the band 22 to form an arch 62 and tightens the band 22 in place. The location here is between the band drive roller 38 and the transfer roller 42. The drive motor for the band insertion / band pullback unit 39 is not shown.

  A decision sensor 64, here a photocell, monitors the insertion of the band. The determination sensor 64 controls the rotation conversion roller 44 that also belongs to the measurement system.

  Another sensor 66 in the area of the band accumulator 24 informs the end of the band 22 when appropriate as band end monitoring means. Sufficient material is left for the band to form at least one loop.

  Above the operating first band reel 18 is a ready second spare band reel 20. The band 22 of the band reel 20 is already set in the band storage unit 25 and introduced into the band channel 33. The band channel 33 is arranged in a V shape with respect to the other band channel 32 and faces the guide-roller pair 58. Another band insertion / band withdrawal means 39 "is arranged at the entrance of the band channel 33. This band insertion / band withdrawal means 39" is similarly provided with a band drive roller 38 "and a transfer roller 42". Yes. The band drive roller 38 "and the transfer roller 42" clamp the stationary band 22 in place.

  Unlike the band insertion / band withdrawal unit 39, the band insertion / band withdrawal means 39 ', 39 "are not directly involved in the banding process, and in the case of band replacement, the unwound band 22 Is simply pulled back and the front end of the spare band 22 is inserted / inserted to the band insertion / band withdrawal unit 39.

  Sensors 68, 70 are provided near the exit openings of the band channels 32, 33 to detect the end of the band being pulled back. As soon as the band reaches the position of these sensors 68, 70, here the photocells, the associated band insertion / band withdrawal unit stops immediately.

  After the exchange of the bands, a certain length x is added to the formed first loop 62 only once. This one-time fixed length corresponds to the distance between the welding / cutting unit 48 and the determination sensor 64.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of band channels 32, 33 designed as a runway for band 22. A groove 74 matching the width of the band is formed in the core layer 72. By combining this groove with the cover layer 76, there is not much free space left for the introduced band 22.

1 is a diagram of a banding machine with two band reels arranged one after the other on the same axis. FIG. It is important for the present invention to have band reels whose axes are parallel to each other and arranged one above the other. The part of a banding machine is shown. Fig. 2 shows a band channel with a runway.

Claims (10)

A method for banding a stacked article (52) comprising:
The band (22) is unwound from the first band reel (18) provided with the band accumulating section (24) of the banding machine (10), and the loop (62) for the stacked article (52) is inserted into the band. / When formed by a band pull-back unit (39), the free end of the band is clamped in place in a pull-back movement and pressed against the stacked article (52), the free end is glued or welded, comprise cutting the fixed said loop (62),
A ready second band reel (20) and band channels (32, 33) are provided, which band channels (32, 33) are in the direction of a common guide-roller pair (58). V-shaped or are converged radially, by successive treatment which is controlled by the program, before the band exchange, detects the end of the band (22) from the first band reel (18) , to pull back the rest of the band (22), in a method for banding articles (52) stacked,
For each of the first and second band reels (18, 20), a band accumulator (24, 25) follows, and each of the band accumulators (24, 25) includes the band channel. (32, 33) according to the following: these band channels (32, 33) converge in a V-shape or radially in the direction of the common guide-roller pair (58) and the ready second band -The band (22) set in the band storage section (25) of the reel (20) is pushed out into the band insertion / band pull-back unit (39), and the banding operation is continuously performed without delay. A method characterized by.   The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the end is detected by sensor control and stops the advancement of the band (22) from the first band reel (18).   The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one final loop (62) is further formed when the end of the band (22) is detected.   The determination sensor (64) comprises a rotation conversion roller (44) that moves with the band and switches on and activates a distance measuring system that measures a predetermined length of the band. The method described in 1.   In order for the distance measuring system to form a first loop (62) with the band after the replacement of the band, between the determination sensor (64) of the distance measuring system and the welding / cutting unit (48) The method according to claim 4, characterized in that a one-time constant distance (x) corresponding to the distance is added. A banding machine (10) for banding stacked articles (52) with a band (22),
a) a band accumulating unit for the band spare unit;
b) a band insertion / band pullback unit (39);
c) a welding / cutting unit (48);
d) a band guide (50) in the region of the stacked articles (52) ;
e) said banding machine (10) can be operated by program control, includes first and second band reels (18, 20),
f) Band channels (32, 33) are provided, which band channels converge in a V shape or radially in the direction of a common guide-roller pair (58) ;
and for advancing towards g) the band the band insertion / band pull-back drive roller unit (39) (38), and to retract into the band channel associated with said bands (32, 33) In a banding machine (10) provided with means (39 ', 39 ") ,
h) A band accumulator (24, 25) is provided for each of the first and second band reels (18, 20), and for both of these band accumulators (24, 25), Banding characterized in that the band channels (32, 33) follow and these band channels (32, 33) converge in a V shape or radially in the direction of the common guide-roller pair (58) Machine (10). Sensors (66, 67) for detecting the end of the band (22) are arranged in the region of the band accumulating section (24, 25) of the first and second band reels (18, 20). , loop the band length (22) from the sensor (66, 67) for pre SL related to the welding and cutting unit (48) is formed around the to be bundled stacked articles (52) The banding machine (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it is arranged to be longer than (62).   8. The band channel (32, 33) is designed as a two-sided sliding surface, as a roller conveyor with drive rollers or as a belt-type guide. Banding machine according to (10).   Sensors (68, 70), which are activated at the end of the operation for pulling back the rest of the band, are arranged in the region of the band channel (32, 33). A banding machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. A determination sensor (64 ) for inserting a band is installed between the band insertion / band pull back unit (39) and the welding / cutting unit (48), and the rotation converting roller (44) of the distance measuring system. ) Is installed upstream of the band insertion / retraction unit (39) when viewed in the direction of movement of the band (22). Banding machine according to (10).

Images