WO2012038027A1 - Strapping device for packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a strapping device (1) for strapping flat objects stacked into packets for a packaging machine, including strapping means for attaching together the flat objects of each packet, a first transport means for moving each packet from the inlet of the strapping device (1) to the strapping means, as well as second transport means (70) for moving each strapped packet from the strapping means to the outlet of the strapping device (1). The invention is characterized in that the strapping means are grouped together within a self-contained unit (10) which is separate from both the first transport means and the second transport means (70), and which is mounted so that it can be extracted from the strapping device (1) assembly.

Description

 CERCLAGE DEVICE

 FOR PACKAGING MACHINE

The present invention relates to a device for attaching stacked flat objects together in packages, and in particular packets of folding boxes.

 The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of packaging.

 In the packaging industry, the manufacture of folding boxes is traditionally done online, by folding and gluing cuts by means of machines commonly called folder-gluers. Generally, the folding boxes are delivered in the form of a continuous stream, so that it is relevant to condition them into packets as soon as said boxes are intended to be stored before their first use.

 In this logic, it is known to package the folding boxes in the form of bundled packets, that is to say stacks of boxes that are attached individually through one or more links. Different types of strapping means can be used to accomplish this task, depending on whether it is desired, for example, to tie each package by means of at least one fine link such as a string, to circle each package via less a close bond such as a strip, or wrapping each package through the use of at least one broad link such as a band.

At the industrial level, such a packaging function is usually provided by a machine that is able to form packages from a continuous stream of folding boxes coming out of the folder-gluer, and then binding together all the boxes of each package. The objective is to deliver a succession of bundled packages which can then be easily palletized for handling and / or storage.

 In practice, the packaging process implemented consists first of counting the boxes one by one, so as to be able to separate them regularly as soon as a specific number is reached, and thus create a succession of lots of boxes. . The process then continues through packetization which consists of forming packets by stacking more or less complex a small number of batches, usually two. The packaging is then continued by strapping, during which the boxes of each packet are assembled together via one or more links. Finally, the process ends with the provision of each circled packet at a dedicated reception area.

 In fact, packaging is a process that requires the implementation of a relatively large number of successive operations. This is why packaging machines of the state of the art traditionally have a modular structure in which the various packaging operations are distributed among several modules.

Thus among the packaging machines known in the state of the art, there are those who use permanently integrated strapping means in one of the modules; transport means are also located both upstream and downstream of said strapping means to ensure the movement of packets through said module. Unfortunately, this type of arrangement has the disadvantage of making the packaging machine particularly inflexible.

 The fact that the configuration of the strapping module is fixed makes it impossible to change any strapping means within said module. This means that if you have to change the type of link used when moving from one packaging job to another, then you have to replace the module as a whole. In practice, this amounts to an exchange, and therefore to a double displacement. Given their congestion and their respective masses, moving two strapping modules is obviously not easy. As a result, this exchange operation will inevitably require a prolonged stop of the production line folding boxes, which proves extremely penalizing in terms of productivity.

 That said, the fact that the strapping means are permanently integrated within the module has other disadvantages. This characteristic has a natural tendency to limit accessibility to the strapping means, and thus to significantly complicate any maintenance and / or troubleshooting. In both cases, however, this is reflected again in the obligation to permanently stop the manufacture of folding boxes.

Another category of packaging machines with a modular structure is known from the state of the art, which does not pose such problems. This kind of machine is remarkable in that it uses strapping means which are integrated into a mobile and autonomous device which is intended to be interposed between two modules of said machine.

 But unfortunately, too, there is a major drawback this time around the interfaces between this mobile strapping device and the two static modules that surround it. These three elements being structurally relatively independent, the transfer zones that join them are not optimized in terms of guidance. As a result, in practice, it is still difficult to transfer the non-circled packets from the upstream module to the strapping apparatus, and then to transfer the strapped packets of said strapping apparatus to the downstream module. It should be noted that this problem is all the more marked as the format of the folding boxes is complex.

 Also, the technical problem to be solved by the object of the present invention is to provide a device for strapping packaged flat objects in packages for a packaging machine, comprising strapping means for fastening together the flat objects composing each package. first conveying means for moving each packet from the entrance of the strapping device to the strapping means, as well as second conveying means for moving each rimmed package of the strapping means to the exit of the strapping device strapping device that would avoid the problems of the state of the art including offering substantially increased versatility.

The solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that the strapping means are grouped together in an autonomous unit which is independent of both the first means of transport and the second means of transport, and which is mounted extractible relative to the entire strapping device.

 It is understood that the invention applies to any type of strapping means, that they are able to tie each package by means of at least one end link such as a string, to strapped each package by the intermediate of at least one close link such as a strip, wrapping each package by the use of at least one wide link such as a strip, or individually attaching each package by any combination of nature and of any size. This means in common terms that the strapping unit can be indifferently a stringer, a strapping machine or a wrapper.

 Whatever the case may be, the invention as thus defined has the advantage of offering a great deal of flexibility.

 Indeed, it gives first of all the possibility of changing the strapping unit by another of a different type, depending on the packaging work to be performed. This makes it possible to select the strapping means most appropriate to the nature and / or the shape and / or dimensions of the flat objects to be packaged, and in particular to choose between stringing, strapping or wrapping.

The invention also makes it possible to exchange the strapping unit with an equivalent unit. This characteristic is of course of interest in the event of a breakdown, since it makes it possible to quickly replace a faulty unit with a fully functional unit. However, it is also advantageous in case of maintenance operation insofar as it allows to intervene from the machine ¹ of packaging.

 Finally, the invention offers the possibility of temporarily extracting the strapping unit from the packaging machine in order to use it manually completely independently.

 The present invention further relates to the features which will emerge in the course of the description which follows, and which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

 This description, given by way of non-limiting example, is intended to better understand what the invention is and how it can be achieved. The description is further given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

 Figure 1 illustrates a strapping device which is according to the invention and which is shown in working conditions, that is to say with the strapping unit positioned in said strapping device.

 Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but with the strapping unit being extracted from the strapping device.

 Figure 3 shows in detail locking means which equip the strapping device object of the invention.

 Figure 4 shows second means of transport which is further provided the strapping device.

For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by identical references. Likewise, only the essential elements for understanding the invention have been represented, and this without regard to the scale and in a schematic manner. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a strapping device 1 which is intended to integrate, in module form, in a packaging machine capable of transforming a continuous stream of folding boxes coming out of a folder-gluer, into a succession rimmed packages ready to be manipulated and / or stored.

 As its name suggests, the strapping device 1 is more particularly responsible for binding folding carton stacks which are constituted upstream of said device, in this case at an assembly table 2. The objective is to produce circled packets that will be made available at a reception table 3.

 To fulfill its function, the strapping device 1 has strapping means for attaching together the folding boxes composing each packet, first means of transport 60 to move each packet from the entrance of the strapping device 1 to the strapping means , as well as second transport means 70 for moving each bundle bundle strapping means to the output of the strapping device 1. The set of these elements is integrated inside an enclosure 4 which is provided with a sliding access door 5, which extends between the assembly table 2 and the reception table 3.

 In accordance with the object of the present invention, the strapping means are grouped together in an independent unit 10 which is independent of the first transport means 60 as well as the second transport means 70, and which is mounted extractible relative to to the entire strapping device 1.

As can be clearly seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the strapping unit 10 is mounted mobile moving between an internal position and an external position. The assembly is arranged so that in the internal position (FIG. 1), the strapping unit 10 is able to function inside the strapping device 1, and in the external position ( 2), said strapping unit 10 is disposed outside said strapping device 1.

 It is understood that at this stage of the description, the strapping unit 10 is likely to be extracted or introduced into the strapping device 1, without having its own means of displacement. In this case, a strapping unit 10 is thought to be simply placed on rollers or rollers forming an integral part of the enclosure 4.

 However, and in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the strapping unit 10 here has its own moving means 20 for moving between the internal position and the external position. In this embodiment, these displacement means 20 are constituted by four rollers 21 which are rotatably mounted at the four corners of the strapping unit 10.

 According to a feature of the invention, the strapping device 1 is provided with guiding means 30 which are able to guide the movement of the strapping unit 10 between the internal position and the external position.

In this exemplary embodiment, the guiding means 30 comprise two internal guide rails 31, 32 which are fixed inside the strapping device 1, as well as two external guide rails 33, 34 which are capable of being mounted. removably outside the strapping device 1, substantially in the extension of the guide rails The assembly is furthermore arranged in such a way that the inner and outer guide rails 31, 32, 33, 34 are able to cooperate directly with the displacement means 20 of the strapping unit 10. However, it is understood here that it is perfectly possible to design and use guiding means 30 which are independent of the displacement means 20 specific to the strapping unit 10.

According to another feature of invention 1 ^1, 1 banding device is also provided with centering means 40 which are capable of accurately positioning the strapping unit 10 within said strapping device 1.

 In this exemplary embodiment, centering takes place at the four corners of the strapping unit 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. In accordance with FIG. four pins 41 which are able to fit into four positioning holes 42 formed inside the enclosure 4.

 According to another feature of the invention visible in FIG. 3, the strapping device 1 also has locking means 50 which are capable of immobilizing the strapping unit 10 inside said strapping device 1.

In this embodiment, the locking means 50 consist of a single bolt 51 which is conventionally composed of a screw 52 and a nut 53. Conventionally, this bolt 51 is engaged both through a first fixing hole 54 which is formed at the chamber 4, and through a second fixing hole 55 depending on the strapping unit 10. Of course, other fixing bolts 51 could be used, especially at the other corners of the strapping unit 10.

 Due to the extractability of the strapping unit 10, the latter has a relatively simple structure so as to remain easily manipulated. Thus the strapping unit 10 is logically devoid of any means of transport capable of passing each packet through it, and that it is the rest of the strapping device 1 which is equipped, both in as regards the upstream part as the downstream part of the strapping unit 10.

 Thus, first transport means 60 are provided for moving each packet from the entrance of the strapping device 1, and to bring it into the strapping unit 10. In the same manner, second means of transport 70 are also implanted to extract each bundle package from the strapping unit 10, then convey it to the output of the strapping device 1.

 In this embodiment, the structure and operation of the first transport means 60 are similar to those of the second transport means 70. Also, for the sake of clarity, the first transport means 60 have not fully represented on the Figures 1 and 2, and only the second transport means 70 will be described in detail.

According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the second conveying means 70 are constituted here by a conveying member 71 which operates up to the strapping unit 10, in this case up to the level of the zone in which the strapping takes place. This conveying member 71 is also mounted movably in displacement between a position active and a passive position. The assembly is arranged in such a way that in the active position (FIG. 1), the conveying member 71 extends substantially in the plane in which the packets circulate in the strapping device 1, and that in passive position (Figure 2), said conveying member 71 is held at a distance from the strapping unit 10 to allow the free movement of the latter if necessary.

 As can be seen more clearly in Figure 4, the conveying member 71 is pivotally mounted relative to an axis 72 which is transverse to the strapping device 1, and which is away from the strapping unit 10. Concretely, the conveyor member 71 is in the form of a conveyor belt 73 which is conventionally mounted movably between a drive shaft 74 coupled to an electric motor 75, and a return roller 76 simply rotatably mounted.

 Particularly advantageously, the second transport means 70 are provided with locking means which are able to immobilize the conveying member 71 in the active position (FIG. 1). Although this is not visible in the various figures, in this embodiment, the locking means in question are constituted by a single pin.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the second transport means 70 are furthermore provided with assistance means 77 which are able to drive the conveying member 71 towards the passive position (FIG. 2). As can be seen in FIG. 4, the assistance means 77 of this exemplary embodiment consist of two gas cylinders 78 which are located on each side of the conveying 71, and which act to push said conveying member 71 away from its active position, that is to say in the direction of the passive position.

 Of course, the invention more generally relates to any packing machine flat objects including folding boxes, which comprises at least one strapping device 1 as previously described.

Claims

1. Apparatus for strapping (1) flat objects stacked in packages for packaging machine, comprising strapping means for fastening together the flat objects composing each package, first transport means (60) for moving each package of the package entry of the strapping device (1) to the strapping means, as well as second conveying means (70) for moving each rimmed package of strapping means to the exit of the strapping device (1), characterized in that the strapping means are grouped together in an independent unit (10) which is independent of both the first transport means (60) and the second transport means (70), and which is mounted extractible with respect to the assembly of the strapping device (1). 2. strapping device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the strapping unit (10) is mounted movably in displacement between an internal position in which it is able to operate within the same strapping device (1), and an outer position in which it is disposed outside said strapping device (1). 3. strapping device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the strapping unit (10) has its own moving means (20) to move between the inner position and the outer position. 4. strapping device (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises guiding means (30) capable of guiding the movement of the strapping unit (10) between the internal position and the external position. 5. strapping device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide means (30) comprise two inner guide rails (31, 32) which are fixed inside the strapping device (1), as well as two external guide rails (33, 34) which are adapted to be removably mounted outside the strapping device (1), substantially in the extension of the inner guide rails (31, 32), said rails for guiding internal and external (31, 32, 33, 34) being able to cooperate directly with the moving means (20) of the strapping unit (10). 6. strapping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises centering means (40) adapted to position the strapping unit (10) inside the device strapping (1). 7. strapping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises locking means (50) adapted to immobilize the strapping unit (10) inside the device strapping (1). 8. strapping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the transport means (60, 70) comprise a conveying member (71) which is operating in the l strapping unit (10), and which is movably mounted in displacement between an active position in which it extends substantially in the plane in which the packets circulate in the strapping device (1), and a passive position in which is held at a distance from the strapping unit (10) to allow the movement of the latter. 9. strapping device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the conveying member (71) is pivotally mounted relative to an axis (72) which is transverse relative to the strapping device (1) and which is away from the strapping unit (10). 10. A strapping device (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the transport means (60, 70) comprise locking means adapted to immobilize the conveying member (71) in position active. 11. Strapping device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the transport means (60, 70) comprise assistance means (77) adapted to drive the conveying member ( 71) to the passive position. 12. Packaging machine for flat objects including folding boxes type, characterized in that it comprises at least one strapping device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.