Background

[0001] The disclosure relates to a strapping apparatus for packages, having a frame-like strapping channel which is composed of an upper and a lower channel section which are connected by way of a first and a second vertical section,

having a first diverting device which connects the first vertical section to the lower channel section,

having a second diverting device which connects the lower channel section to the second vertical section,

having a bayonet which can be inserted along a movement path alternative to the lower channel section into the strapping channel, wherein the insertion movement is directed from the first to the second diverting device.

[0002] A strapping apparatus of said type is disclosed for example in the applicant's DE 10 2013 004 448 B3 and DE 10 201 1 121 946 A1 . Said strapping apparatuses serve generally for the strapping of large packages, which are commonly arranged on pallets. A packing table equipped with rollers serves for receiving the package and for moving the package through the apparatus. The apparatus then generally has, to the side of the packing table, in each case one vertical support on which there is arranged a horizontally oriented pressing plate. The pressing plate is movable along the vertical supports. A strapping means channel which is situated in sections in the pressing plate and in the packing table and which is arranged along the vertical supports, surrounds the package to be strapped.

[0003] During the strapping of packages which are mounted on pallets, fixing of the package to the pallet by way of the strapping band is desirable. For this purpose, a bayonet is inserted between pallet deck and pallet skid, which bayonet is utilized instead of the channel section arranged in the packing table for leading the strapping means through under the pallet deck.

[0004] During the strapping process, the strapping means is, proceeding from a feed and sealing apparatus that is generally arranged in the pressing plate, guided along the first vertical support through the lower channel section, which is situated in the packing table, or the bayonet, and via the channel section of the second vertical support back into the channel section in the pressing plate and to the feed and sealing apparatus. Here, the band end is held, and the strapping means is then retracted. Here, the strapping means emerges from the strapping channel, which for this purpose has different opening devices. The strapping means is stretched around the package. The band ends are fixedly connected to one another. The strapping process is thereafter complete.

[0005] To transfer the strapping means from one channel section into the next, diverting devices are provided in the corner regions. In particular, a first diverting device is situated between the first vertically directed channel section and the lower channel section, and a second diverting device is situated between the lower channel section and the second vertically directed channel section. The diverting devices have a base surface which describes a radius which effects a diversion of the band in the corner regions of adjacent channel sections.

[0006] However, in the prior art, which is not demonstrable by documentation, the diverting devices impede the insertion of the bayonet into the strapping channel, because said diverting devices are arranged at least partially in the movement path of the bayonet. In said prior art, which is not demonstrable by documentation, the diverting devices are divided vertically into two parts. If it is intended to utilize the bayonet alternatively to the lower channel section, said bayonet spreads the diverting devices apart.

[0007] The spreading-apart of the diverting devices for the purposes of making space for the bayonet has proven to be disadvantageous in the prior art. The mechanical components for this purpose are of relatively complex construction, such that malfunctions commonly occur. Furthermore, the diversion of the band during the feeding into the strapping channel at the transition of the vertical channel sections to the bayonet is not reliably ensured from every aspect.

Summary

[0008] It is an object of the device to improve the diversion of the strapping means at the transition from the vertically directed channel section into the bayonet and back into the next vertically directed channel section. The object of the device is achieved by a strapping apparatus in which the first diverting device is mounted on a pivot axle by means of which the diverting device can be moved from a normal position, which connects the first vertical section and the lower channel section, into a deflected position, in which the connection is eliminated, and a guide element is arranged on that end of the bayonet which is averted from the bayonet tip, which guide element connects the first vertical section to a channel section formed by the bayonet.

[0009] The major advantage of the device can firstly be seen in the fact that the first diverting device can be moved in a mechanically very simple manner from its normal position into a deflected position, and thus clears the movement path for the insertion of a bayonet into the strapping channel. For this purpose, the diverting device preferably pivots downward, and in its deflected position, is arranged entirely below the bayonet. Furthermore, the bayonet has, on its end averted from the tip, a dedicated guide element, which now replaces the diverting device situated in the deflecting position and by way of which the first vertical section is connected to the bayonet for optimum band guidance.

[0010] It is provided that the first diverting device is arranged in the movement path of the bayonet, and the movement from the normal position into the deflected position is induced by the bayonet.

[0011] It is also provided that the pivot axle is directed parallel to the packing table and transversely with respect to the movement path of the bayonet, and the pivoting movement is directed downward in the direction of gravitational force.

[0012] It is particularly preferable if the first diverting device is equipped with a return element by way of which the first diverting device can be returned from its deflected position into the normal position, in particular if the return element is formed by a spring element, counter to the spring force of which the first diverting device can be moved from its normal position into the deflected position.

[0013] It is also provided that the bayonet tip is equipped with a lug which forms the channel base, wherein the channel base, which is formed by the lug, is curved in an upward direction pointing away from the packing table.

[0014] The configuration of the bayonet tip in the proposed manner has the effect that the transition from the bayonet into the second vertical channel section is reliably ensured. This is improved in particular by virtue of the fact that a guide tongue is arranged above the lug so as to form a gap.

[0015] It is provided that the second diverting device is arranged in the movement path of the bayonet and has a receptacle for the bayonet tip, in particular if it is the case that, when the bayonet has been inserted into the strapping channel, the lug of the bayonet tip forms the transition between the channel section of the bayonet and a channel section of the second diverting device.

[0016] In this way, the second diverting device, which is intended in particular to ensure the transition between the lower channel section and the second vertical channel section, can, together with the specially designed bayonet tip, ensure ideal band guidance by the bayonet in the second channel section.

Description of the Figures

[0017] Further advantages and improved understanding of the disclosure will emerge from the following description of the drawings, in which:

[0018] figure 1 shows a strapping apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0019] figure 2 is a partial illustration of the strapping channel at the transition from the first vertical section to the lower channel section;

[0020] figure 3 is the illustration as per figure 2, with a bayonet partially inserted;

[0021] figure 4 is the illustration of the interaction of the bayonet tip and the diverting device.

Detailed Description

[0022] In the figures, a strapping apparatus according to an embodiment is denoted as a whole by the reference designation 10. [0023] The strapping apparatus is illustrated in its entirety in figure 1. Said strapping apparatus comprises firstly a packing table 1 1 which is arranged at the bottom and which bears rollers or drums 12. On both sides of the packing table 1 1 there are arranged vertical supports 13 which bear a horizontally oriented pressing plate 14.

[0024] The pressing plate 14 is movable along the vertical supports 13 in a vertical direction V. On the left-hand side in figure 1 with regard to the plane of the paper, there are arranged band stores 15 which serve for the supply of strapping means.

[0025] The packing table 1 1 , with the pressing plate 14 arranged thereabove, and the vertical supports 13 form a frame through which a package 16 can be moved on a pallet 17.

[0026] A strapping channel is composed of four sections. An upper channel section is arranged in the pressing plate and transitions into a first vertical section 18, which runs along a vertical support 13. The first vertical section 18 is connected to the lower channel section 19 and transitions into the second vertical section 20. The second vertical section 20 is in turn arranged on a vertical support 13. In this way, the upper channel section arranged in the pressing plate 17, and the channel section 19 arranged in the packing table 1 1 , are connected to one another by the first and second vertical sections 18, 20.

[0027] During the strapping of the package, a strapping means, normally in the form of a band, is guided through the strapping channel by a feed and sealing device arranged in the pressing plate. The feed and sealing device feeds the band firstly into the upper channel section, from which said band slides along the first vertical section 18 into the lower channel section 19 and then into the second vertical section 20. From the second vertical section 20, said band is guided via the upper channel section back to the feed and sealing device. There, the band end is held. The band is retracted and is stretched around the package 16. The band ends are subsequently welded to one another.

[0028] To ensure clean band guidance in the transition regions between the first vertical section 18 and the lower channel section 19 and between the lower channel section 19 and the second vertical section 20, diverting devices 21 and 22 are used there. The first diverting device 21 leads the band from the first vertical section 18 into the lower channel section 19. The second diverting device 22 leads the band from the lower channel section 19 into the second vertical section 20. The construction of the diverting devices 21 and 22 is substantially identical, such that the general function thereof can be discussed on the basis of figure 3.

[0029] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the second diverting device 22. Said second diverting device has a guide surface 23 which, in said region, forms the channel base and describes a radius, such that the band is transferred from the vertical into the horizontal (first diverting device 21 ) and from the horizontal into the vertical (second diverting device 22).

[0030] The strapping apparatus has, adjacent to the lower channel section 19, a bayonet 24. When not in use, the bayonet 24 is mounted in a bayonet box 25 (see figure 1 ). If it is the intention, during the strapping process, for a strapping band to fix the package 16 to the pallet 17, it is necessary for the strapping band to be led through between the pallet deck and pallet skid. In this case, the bayonet 24 is inserted into the strapping channel such that the strapping band runs not through the lower channel section 19 but through a channel section of the bayonet. The bayonet 24 to be inserted is, for the strapping process, then arranged parallel to the lower channel section 19, but is spaced apart therefrom and is situated between the pallet deck and pallet skid. In this way, the strapping band is led between the pallet deck and pallet skid and can fasten the package 16 to the pallet.

[0031] The diverting devices 21 and 22 illustrated in figure 1 are, owing to the fact that they connect the lower channel section 19 to the first and to the second vertical section 18, 20 respectively, situated in the movement path of the bayonet 24. In the prior art, cumbersome spreading mechanisms were provided in order to enable the bayonet 24 to be inserted into the strapping channel.

[0032] On the basis of figures 2 and 3, the disclosure proposes, with regard to the first diversion 21 which couples the first vertical section 18 to the lower channel section 19, an alternative to the spreading mechanisms hitherto used.

[0033] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the first vertical section 18, the first diverting device 21 , the lower channel section 19, the bayonet 24 and a support component 26, with the load-bearing machine parts being omitted. It can be seen very clearly from figure 2 how the band is transferred from the first channel section 18 into the lower channel section 19 by the interposed first diverting device 21 . It is also possible to see the bayonet 24 which can be inserted into the strapping channel in the horizontal direction H. It can also be seen from figure 2 that the first diverting device 21 is arranged in the movement path of the bayonet 24 and, in principle, disrupts the insertion thereof.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the first diverting device 21 is equipped with a pivot axle 27 about which it can be pivoted out of the movement path of the bayonet 24. In the specific embodiment of figure 2, the pivot axle is directed parallel to the packing table 1 1 and transversely with respect to the movement path of the bayonet 24 and couples the first diverting device 21 to the support component 26. The pivot axle 27 is furthermore arranged underneath the movement path of the bayonet 24. The first diverting device 21 has a vertically oriented back part 28 and a horizontally oriented base part 29 when it is situated in the normal position illustrated in figure 2, in which the vertical section 18 and the lower channel section 19 are connected. During a movement of the bayonet 24 in the insertion direction E, the front end 30 of the bayonet 24 strikes the back part 28 of the first diverting device 21 . Since the pivot axle 27 is arranged below the movement path of the bayonet 24, it is the case that, during a continued insertion movement E, the bayonet 24 forces the first diverting device 21 to perform a pivoting movement about the pivot axle 27, such that the back part 28 is pivoted downward out of the movement path of the bayonet 24. Here, the first diverting device 21 reaches its deflected position and clears the movement path for the bayonet 24.

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates the first diverting device 21 in its deflected position. The bayonet 24 has been inserted over a partial distance along its movement path into the strapping channel and, in the process, has forced the first diverting device 21 to perform the pivoting movement. The connection between the first vertical section 18 and the lower channel section 19 has, in this way, been eliminated. Figure 3 shows the function of a wheel 31 arranged at the free end of the back part 28 and of a roller 32 arranged at the free end of the support component 26. The roller 32 arranged on the support component serves for the assistive stabilization of the bayonet 24. The wheel 31 arranged on the back part 28 of the first diverting device 21 permits a movement of the bayonet relative to the back part 28 with reduced wear. This is all the more important in the preferred exemplary embodiment because the pivoting from the normal position (figure 2) into the deflected position (figure 3) takes place counter to a restoring force which forces the first diversion 21 to perform a return movement into the normal position. Said restoring force is preferably effected by a spring element (not illustrated here). [0036] Worthy of mentioning, but not illustrated, is the fact that the bayonet 24 bears, on its end averted from the bayonet tip 33, a guide element which corresponds in terms of function and construction to the first diverting device 21 , and which produces a connection, which guides the strapping band 35, between the first vertical section 18 of the strapping channel and the channel section on the bayonet.

[0037] The disclosure also proposes that the diversion of the strapping means between the bayonet 24 and the second vertical section 20 of the strapping channel in the region of the second diverting device 22 be configured differently than in the prior art. For this purpose, the bayonet tip 33 has a lug, whose surface pointing away from the packing table 1 1 has a radius in the direction of the second vertical section 20 and which thus guides the strapping band 35 in an arc onto the guide surface 23 of the second diverting device 22. To receive the front end 30 of the bayonet 24, the second diverting device 22 has a receptacle 36 which holds the bayonet 24 in the correct position for optimum band guidance. It is conceivable for the bayonet tip 33 to have, above the lug 34, a gap- forming guide tongue which is then likewise bent upward in the direction of the second vertical section 20. In this way, a guide gap for the strapping band 35 is formed between lug 34 and guide tongue, which guide gap ensures stable guidance of the band 35 from the bayonet 24 into the second vertical section 20 of the strapping channel.

[0038] By way of the diverting device 21 , which is configured so as to be pivotable, and the guide element on the bayonet, on the one hand, and the specially configured bayonet tip 33, on the other, it is possible to dispense with the spreadable diverting devices known from the prior art with their complex mechanical components, and thus to ensure a band guide of simple construction and reliable function at the transition between the bayonet 24 and the first and second vertical sections 18 and 20 respectively. List of reference designations

10 Strapping apparatus

1 1 Packing table

12 Drum/roller

13 Vertical support

14 Pressing plate

15 Band store

16 Package

17 Pallet

18 First vertical section of the strapping channel

19 Lower channel section of the strapping channel

20 Second vertical section of the strapping channel

21 First diverting device between 18 and 19

22 Second diverting device between 19 and 20

23 Guide surface

24 Bayonet

25 Bayonet box

26 Support component

27 Pivot axle

28 Back part

29 Base part

30 Front bayonet end

31 Wheel

32 Roller

33 Bayonet tip

34 Lug

35 Strapping band

36 Receptacle

V Vertical direction

H Horizontal direction

E Insertion direction