Bundling press

Abstract

A bundle securing device includes: a first row of securing applicators configured to apply a first plurality of spaced-apart securing elements around a material bundle; and a second row of securing applicators configured to apply a second plurality of spaced-apart securing elements around the material bundle, wherein the first row of securing applicators and the second row of securing applicators are configured to apply the plurality of securing elements from the respective applicators around the material bundle without crossing or tangling.

Description

[0001] Priority document

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201980029027.4, filed on October 28, 2020, which is the national phase application PCT / AU2019 / 000026 filed on February 28, 2019. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Reference merging

[0004] The following publications are cited in this application, and their contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0005] International patent application PCT / EP2009 / 007863 (WO / 2011 / 054360), entitled "Double Knottwine-Knotter Unit for Large Bale Presses Having a Plurality of Double-Knottwine Knotters Combined on One Knotter Drive Shaft", was filed by RasspeSystemtechnik GmbH.

[0006] International patent application PCT / EP2012 / 061386(WO / 2013 / 185832), entitled "Twine Knotter", was filed by Rasspe Systemtechnik GmbH.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 703104 (US2015 / 0313087), entitled "BALING PRESS WITH A ROPETYING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SUPPLYING ROPE TO A KNOTTER OF A BALING PRESS", was filed by Bollegraaf Patent and Brands BV. Technical Field

[0008] This disclosure relates to a bundling press for compressing and bundling materials. Specifically, the present invention relates to a bundling press including a bundling strapper for bundling materials. Background Technology

[0009] The material to be compressed may include waste (e.g., paper and / or cardboard) or animal feed (e.g., hay or straw), which is compressed from a loose state into a compressed state (e.g., in a vertical baler for waste or a field baler for animal feed), and then bundled together in the compressed state to maintain the material's compressed state. Compression may occur on only one axis, i.e., between two opposing surfaces, where bundling may include a number of binding straps positioned around the compressed material to prevent expansion along the compression axis. To ensure that the compressed material does not expand before bundling, bundling is typically performed while the material is under pressure.

[0010] There is a desire to further compress existing bundles of compressed materials to further reduce their size or volume. This further compression may be even more necessary when compressed materials are to be transported in intermodal containers with limited internal dimensions and maximum cargo weight limits.

[0011] Existing bale presses are configured to compress bales to a preset size. For example, a standard-sized hay bale is placed in the press, which further compresses it to the preset size. This is independent of the initial weight or density of the bale and is generally necessary for the compressed bales that the bale press can produce. However, when the weight of each bale varies, if the initial weight of the bale is large, compression to the preset size may result in over-compression. Such bales are already quite compressed, so further compression to the preset size may lead to over-compression, causing the hay to form solid clumps that are difficult or impossible to separate when consumed.

[0012] Existing bundling presses are configured to compress individual bundles to a preset size, where the overall size of multiple stacked bundles is approximately equal to the internal dimensions of the container, thus filling the container with minimal internal space waste. However, the problem with these existing bundling presses is that while they can fill the container with minimal internal space waste, they do not account for variations in the weight or density of each bundle, which can lead to the container being underloaded or overloaded in terms of weight. In other words, the total weight of all the bundles in the container may exceed or fall below the container's maximum cargo weight limit.

[0013] To date, there is no such bundling press that can flexibly compress and bundle materials into various sizes, thereby filling containers with minimal internal space waste and maximizing the total weight of the bundles without exceeding the container's maximum cargo weight limit.

[0014] Another problem with existing bundling presses is the need to provide a means for easily securing the resulting compressed bales. It is necessary to ensure that the bundling system is simple and efficient to operate, and can be automated without requiring manual steps. Existing bundling presses typically apply bundling material to the bales in a second operation after compression, which increases the time spent producing the compressed and secured bales.

[0015] Another problem with existing bundling presses is that the bundling material must be able to withstand the expansion force applied to it by the compressed bundle. Traditionally, this problem has been solved by increasing the number of strings or straps. The maximum number of strings or straps that can be used is limited by the size of the bundle, the size of each bundling material applicator, and the number of applicators that can be arranged side by side on the compressed bundle. For example, existing knotters can only apply a maximum of eight strings to a standard 1200mm wide bundle.

[0016] In this context, the present invention was completed to address the related problems and challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0017] According to a first aspect, a bundle securing device is provided, comprising: a first row of securing applicators configured to apply a first plurality of spaced-apart securing elements around a material bundle; and a second row of securing applicators configured to apply a second plurality of spaced-apart securing elements around the material bundle, wherein the first row of securing applicators and the second row of securing applicators are configured to apply the plurality of securing elements from the respective applicators around the material bundle without crossing or tangling.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first row of strapping applicators and the second row of strapping applicators are staggered relative to each other such that strapping material from the first row of strapping applicators and the second row of strapping applicators is applied alternately over the entire width of the bundle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bundle tying device further includes a receiving channel having parallel first and second surfaces spaced apart by a defined distance, the receiving channel having a first opening at one end and a second opening at the opposite end, wherein a bundle of material to be bundled is pushed in through the first opening between the first and second surfaces, and wherein the bundled bundle is pushed out through the second opening.

[0020] In one embodiment, the strapping material from the first row of strapping material applicators and the second row of strapping material applicators extends between the first and second surfaces of the receiving channel.

[0021] This causes each bundle to be pulled around the bundle when the material bundle is pushed between the first and second surfaces, such that the bundle is positioned above the first end of the bundle and along the first and second sides of the bundle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bundle tie-down device further includes a first row of connecting devices configured to connect the ends of each of the first plurality of ties to form a first plurality of complete loops around the bundle, and a second row of connecting devices configured to connect the ends of each of the second plurality of ties to form a second plurality of complete loops around the bundle.

[0023] In one form, each of the binding materials is twine, and the first row of connecting devices and the second row of connecting devices are in the form of a plurality of double-knot knotters installed adjacent to each other in rows along a common drive shaft.

[0024] In one form, the bundle tie-down device further includes one or more additional rows of tie-down applicators.

[0025] According to a second aspect, a bundling press is provided for compressing and bundling multiple bundles of materials, the bundling press including the bundling strapper as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Embodiments of the invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a bundling press according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figures 2 to 17 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional diagram of a bundling press shows a series of processes as a bale of material enters the bundling press, undergoes bundling and compression, and exits the bundling press.

[0029] Figure 18 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a bundling press, showing the roller mechanism and guide rods when the bundle has been received, the roller mechanism is in the first position, and the receiving channel is in the first position.

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view showing details of a portion of a bundling press, illustrating the relationship between the first and second rows of bundles.

[0031] Figure 20 yes Figure 1A perspective cross-sectional view showing details of a portion of a bundling press, illustrating the relationship between the roller mechanism and the hook component when the roller mechanism is in the extended position.

[0032] Figure 21 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view showing details of a portion of a bundling press, illustrating the roller mechanism in a first position and the receiving channel in a first position before receiving the bundling.

[0033] Figure 22 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view showing details of a portion of a bundling press, illustrating the roller mechanism in a first position and the receiving channel in a first position when the receiving channel has already partially received the bundling.

[0034] Figure 23 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view showing details of a portion of a bundling press, illustrating the roller mechanism in the first position and the receiving channel in the second position.

[0035] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of a bundling and cutting device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Another perspective view of the bundling and cutting equipment.

[0037] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of a compressed bundle that has been processed by a bundling and cutting device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 A bundling press 1 is shown, comprising: a press 70 configured to compress a bundle 2 of material to a desired compression size; a bundling applicator configured to apply a plurality of bundling elements 20 around the bundle 2; and a connecting device for connecting the ends of each bundling element 20 to form a plurality of complete loops around the compressed bundle 2, thereby holding the bundle 2 in its compressed state. The bundling applicator is used to remove excess bundling element 20 while the press 70 is compressing the bundle 2 before the connecting device connects the ends of the bundling element 20.

[0039] Reference Figure 2As can be seen, the bundling press 1 includes a receiving device in the form of a receiving channel 10. This receiving channel has a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 separated by a defined distance. The receiving channel 10 has a first opening 13 at one end and a second opening 14 at the opposite end, through which the bale of material 2 to be compressed is pushed in. The receiving channel 10 also has a first sidewall 15 and a second sidewall (not shown).

[0040] Reference Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen, the bundling press 1 includes a plurality of elongated strapping elements 20 extending between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, such that when the material bundle 2 is pushed between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, the strapping elements 20 are pulled around the material bundle 2, such that the strapping elements 20 are positioned above the first end 2a of the bundle 2 and along the first side 2d and the second side 2e of the bundle 2.

[0041] For ease of understanding and clarity, unless otherwise stated, the following description will describe the individual bundle 20 and its interaction with the various components of the bundle 2 and the bundle press 1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the binding material 20 is twine, but it should be understood that any type of thin binding material can be used, such as rope, polymer rope or tape, or wire.

[0043] Each bundle 20 is conveyed to the receiving channel by a bundle applicator, which includes a first bundle feeder and a second bundle feeder 22. Bundles from the first bundle feeder pass through a connecting device 30 (discussed in further detail below) and through a slot 16 on the first surface 11 of the receiving channel 10. Bundles from the second bundle feeder 22 pass through a roller mechanism 80 (discussed in further detail below), wherein the first and second bundle feeders are connected together within the receiving channel 10, such that the bundle 20 has a continuous length extending from the first feeder to the second feeder 22.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first and second bundle feeders are spools (not shown) that allow the bundle to be unloaded from the spool when it is being pulled over the bundle 2.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device takes the form of a row of double-knot knotters 30, which are similar to the double-knot knotters described in PCT / EP2009 / 007863, wherein each double-knot knotter includes: a knotting assembly 31 that forms two consecutive knots with the bundles provided by the first and second bundle feeders; and a blade 32 that cuts the bundles 20 between the two knots, thereby forming a complete loop of the bundles 20 around the compressed bundle, and reconnects the bundles provided by the first and second bundle feeders to bundle the next bundle.

[0046] It should also be understood that, depending on the width of the bundle and its degree of compression, two or more double-knot knotters and ties are mounted adjacent to each other in a row on a common drive shaft. It should be understood that for each knotter there is a corresponding ties and first and second ties feeders. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, nine knotters 30 are mounted adjacent to each other along the common drive shaft, enabling the application of nine ties around the bundle. Although existing knotters can only apply eight ties around a standard 1200 bundle, an additional ties can be applied because the width of the bundle increases as it is longitudinally compressed.

[0047] It can also be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, a second row of knotters 40 is installed adjacent to the first row of knotters 30 on the upper part of the first surface 11 of the receiving channel 10. Using two rows of knotters provides a higher degree of bundle compression than using a single row of knotters; the illustrated embodiment can provide a total of 18 binding loops to keep the bundle compressed. It should also be understood that, in addition to being able to withstand a higher degree of bundle compression, increasing the number of bindings distributed across the entire width of the bundle has other advantages, such as improved bundle retention.

[0048] from Figure 19 As can be seen, the first row of knotters 30 and the second row of knotters 40 are slightly staggered from each other, so that their respective bundles pass through the common slot 16 on the first surface 11 of the receiving channel 10 without crossing or tangling.

[0049] It should be understood that any type of connecting device capable of forming two connections between the first and second bundled material feeders can be used.

[0050] Below each row of knotters, there is a first guide rod 50 and a second guide rod 60 (e.g., Figure 22 (As shown in the best example), they restrict the movement of the binding material 20 relative to the knotter, wherein the first guide rod 50 restricts the movement of the binding material 20 toward the first opening 13 of the receiving channel 10 (as shown in the best example). Figure 21 As best shown), the second guide rod 60 restricts the movement of the bundle 20 toward the second opening 14 of the receiving channel 10 (as shown). Figure 22 and 23 (As shown in the best example). This is essential for the operation of the knotting machine.

[0051] like Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the receiving channel 10 can be moved from a first position to a second position along a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis. In the first position, it is configured to receive and discharge bundles. In the second position, a plurality of straps 20 extend over the second end 2b of the received bundle 2, such that a plurality of straps 20 are applied around all four sides of the bundle.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the second surface 12 of the receiving channel 10 can be configured to move toward the first surface 11 to reduce the height of the bundle 2 when needed. This movement of the second surface 12 can be achieved by using an additional hydraulic arrangement or a suitable mechanical alternative arrangement (e.g., a cam / driven wheel arrangement).

[0053] The bundling press 1 also includes a press 70 configured to compress the bundles 2 to the desired compressed size. For example... Figures 7 to 16 As shown, the press 70 operates through the first opening 13 and the second opening 14 of the receiving channel 10 to compress the bundle 2 along the longitudinal axis of the channel 10.

[0054] At least one hydraulic cylinder 71 powers the press 70, driving the pressure plate 72 through the second opening 14 of the receiving channel 10 and toward the fixed end plate 73 adjacent to the first opening 13 of the receiving channel 10, thereby compressing the bundle 2 between the pressure plate 72 and the end plate 73 (e.g., Figures 7 to 9 (As shown). The strapping applicator also includes means for retracting excess strapping material from around the bundle 2. It can be seen that as the press 70 compresses the bundle 2, the circumference of the bundle 2 decreases, and the strapping applicator is used to extract excess strapping material 20 from around the bundle 2. By using a linear encoder (or other suitable alternative arrangement) on the hydraulic cylinder 71, the retraction of excess strapping material 20 can be synchronized with the movement of the pressure plate 72 to detect the displacement of the hydraulic cylinder 71 and the pressure plate 72.

[0055] The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate the retrieval of excess bundles, wherein the loop 23 of the excess bundles is pulled from above the knotting machines 30, 40, while a second bundle feeder 22 prevents further pulling of the bundles. In one embodiment, the supply and retrieval of excess bundles can be achieved directly by one or both of the first and second bundle feeders. In one embodiment, both the first and second bundle feeders can include a bundle control device capable of controlling the supply and retrieval of the bundle material and controlling the degree of stretching of the bundle material.

[0056] The grooves 17 on the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the receiving channel 10, and the grooves 74 on the end plate 73 and the pressure plate 72 of the press 70 (e.g.) Figure 2 (As shown) This helps to retract excess strapping 20 from around the bundle 2, wherein the grooves provide a continuous channel around the bundle 2, which allows the strapping 20 to move freely around the bundle 2.

[0057] As described above, the second supply device for the binding material supplies the bundled item 20 via a roller mechanism 80. The roller mechanism 80 includes a first roller 81, a second roller 82, and a third roller 83, for guiding the bundled item 20 from the second supply device to the receiving channel 10. Figure 18 As shown in the optimal configuration, when the receiving channel 10 is in its first position, the bundle 20 is fed below the first roller 81, above the second roller 82, and toward the guide rod 90, which guides the bundle 20 upward toward the receiving channel 10. Figure 23 As best shown, when the receiving channel 10 is in its second position, the bundle 20 is fed below the first roller 81, above the second roller 82, and above the third roller 83, with the third roller 83 guiding the bundle 20 downward toward the receiving channel 10. The roller mechanism 80 is in its first position (e.g., Figures 1 to 9 (as shown) and the second position (as shown) Figures 10 to 13 and Figure 20 The roller mechanism 80 can move between the receiving channel 10 and the receiving channel 10 in its second position, where the roller mechanism 80 extends into the slot 16 provided on the first surface 11, and the bundle 20 is guided to a position below the knotter 30. Figure 20 As shown in the optimal configuration, a gap exists between the second roller 82 and the third roller 83, which allows the hook component 100 to be fitted between rollers 82 and 83 to pick up the bundle 20 and pull it through the knotter 30 to achieve a double knotting process. Rollers 82 and 83 ensure that the bundle 20 is in the correct position so that the hook component 100 can pick it up.

[0058] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the hook component 100 is configured to pass through the knotter 30 and enter the slot 16 on the first surface 11, where it picks up the bundle 20 and pulls it backward through the knotter 30, whereby the knotter 30 performs a double knotting operation to form a complete loop around the compressed bundle 2, thereby keeping the bundle 2 in its compressed state and keeping the connection of the bundle 20 ready to receive the next bundle.

[0059] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the pressure plate 72 then retracts from the compressed bundle 2, and the roller mechanism 80 retracts from the receiving channel 10. It can be seen that the compressed bundle 2 expands slightly when the bundled items 20 are stretched by the expansion force applied to them by the compressed bundle 2.

[0060] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, once the pressure plate 72 is fully retracted and the roller mechanism 80 has been retracted, the receiving channel 10 returns to the first position, and the next material bundle 3 to be compressed is pushed in through the first opening 13, which pushes the compressed material bundle 2 out through the second opening 14.

[0061] Although the illustrated and described embodiments teach the conveying of the bundle 20 to the knotter 30 via the roller mechanism 80 and the hook member 100, it should be understood that other arrangements may also be used. For example, the knotter 30 may be tilted relative to the first surface 11, such that the alternative roller mechanism may be able to convey the bundle to the knotter without the need for a separate hook member, and vice versa.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 The diagram illustrates a bale cutting device 200 suitable for cutting hay, which can be positioned adjacent to an opening in the receiving channel of a bale press. The bale cutting device includes a blade arrangement 210 and a corresponding pressure plate 220 driven by a hydraulic cylinder 230, the pressure plate 220 being configured to push the bale 2 through the blade arrangement 210. The purpose of the bale cutting device 200 is to create cuts in the bale 2, thereby reducing the average fiber length of the bale material, which helps improve the post-processing of the compressed bale material. Figure 26 An example of a compressed bale that has already been processed by a bale-cutting device is provided. It should be understood that the cuts 4 formed in the bale 2 allow the bale 2 to be easily broken into several parts, which is useful when distributing feed to livestock. Additionally, the reduced average fiber length results in a decrease in milling time for the bale material.

[0063] The blade arrangement 210 is characterized in that two horizontal blades 211 are fixed to either end of the support frame 212, and three vertical blades 213 are fixed to the horizontal blades 211 and configured not to completely cut through the top and bottom of the bundle 2. It is important not to completely cut through the top and bottom of the bundle, as this would cause the bundle 20 to be pulled through the bundle once it is compressed. The horizontal blades 211 and vertical blades 213 have notches (not shown) that allow them to interlock with each other.

[0064] It is understood that although this embodiment contains two horizontal blades 211 and three vertical blades 213, alternative embodiments may have more or fewer blades. It should be understood that the length and spacing of the blades may vary depending on the size of the original bale and the type of bale material.

[0065] It is understood that in some embodiments, the blade may be permanently attached to the support frame 212, while in alternative embodiments, the blade may be removably attached to the support frame 212.

[0066] The pressure plate 220 has a recess 221 that complements the arrangement of the horizontal and vertical blades of the blade arrangement 210, and causes the pressure plate 220 to push the bundle 2 completely through the blade arrangement 210 and toward the opening of the receiving channel of the bundle press under the drive of the hydraulic cylinder 230.

[0067] In use, the above-mentioned bundling press 1 can be used for the following methods of compressing material bundling.

[0068] Determine the existing weight and dimensions of the bundle, and then calculate the required compression dimensions for the bundle.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the receiving channel of the press is moved to the first position for receiving material bales. Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the bundle 2 is pushed between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 through the first opening of the receiving channel 10, and multiple bundles are pulled around the bundle 2 so that they are positioned above the first end 2a of the bundle and along the first side 2d and the second side 2e of the bundle.

[0070] Optionally, the bundle is processed by a bundle cutting device (such as...) before being pushed in through the first opening of the receiving channel. Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown), the pressure plate 220 pushes the bundle 2 through the blade arrangement 210 toward the first opening 13 of the receiving channel 10.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, once the bundle 2 is fully received into the receiving channel 10, the receiving channel 10 moves to a second position for compressing the bundle 2, where the binding material extends over the second end 2b of the bundle, thereby applying binding material around the bundle 2.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the second surface 12 moves toward the first surface to apply a small amount of compression to the bundle, so as to slightly reduce the height of the compressed bundle.

[0073] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown, the press then compresses the bundle (shown by dashed lines) to the desired compression size, while the lashing applicator retracts excess lashing material from around the bundle.

[0074] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the roller mechanism then guides the bundled material below the knotters 30 and 40, where the hook component 100 pulls the bundled material through the knotters, which perform a double knotting operation.

[0075] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the press 70 and roller mechanism 80 then retract from the receiving channel 10, causing the compressed bundle to expand as it stretches under the expansion force applied to it by the compressed bundle.

[0076] like Figure 16 As shown, then, receiving channel 10 returns to the first position, and as... Figure 17 As shown, the next material bundle 3 is pushed through the first opening 13, which pushes the compressed bundle 2 out through the second opening 14.

[0077] It should be understood that the described bundling press is capable of compressing and bundling materials to any desired compression size within the range of the press's operating range, thereby producing bundlings of various required sizes.

[0078] Throughout the specification and appended claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and variations thereof shall be understood to imply the inclusion of the express features or a set of features, but not to exclude any other integers or set of features.

[0079] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be construed as, an admission or in any way implying that such prior art constitutes part of common general knowledge.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will understand that the purpose of this invention is not limited to the one or more specific applications described herein. The invention is also not limited to its preferred embodiments regarding the specific elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the one or more disclosed embodiments, but is capable of various rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope set forth and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bundling press for compressing and binding multiple bundles of materials, the bundling press including a bundling tie-up device, the bundling tie-up device comprising: A first strapping applicator is configured to simultaneously apply a first plurality of separated strappings around a bundle of material; A second strapping applicator is configured to simultaneously apply a second plurality of spaced strapping around the material bundle. A first row of connecting devices is configured to connect the ends of each of the first plurality of bundles to form a first plurality of complete loops around the bundle; as well as The second row of connecting devices is configured to connect the ends of each of the second plurality of bundles to form a second plurality of complete loops around the bundle; The first and second strapping applicators, as well as the first and second row connecting devices, are configured to apply the plurality of strapping materials from the respective applicators around the material bundle without crossing or tangling.

2. The bundling press according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second lashing applicators are offset from each other so that lashing materials from the first and second lashing applicators are applied alternately over the entire width of the bundle.

3. The bundling press according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The bundle tying device further includes a receiving channel having a first surface and a second surface that are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a defined distance. The receiving channel has a first opening at one end and a second opening at the opposite end, wherein the bundle of material to be bundled is pushed in through the first opening between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the bundled material is pushed out through the second opening.

4. The bundling press of claim 3, wherein the bundles from the first and second bundle applicators extend between the first and second surfaces of the receiving channel such that when the bale is pushed between the first and second surfaces, each bundle is pulled around the bale such that the bundle is positioned above the first end of the bale and along the first and second sides of the bale.

5. The bundling press of claim 1, wherein each of the bundles is hemp thread, and wherein the first row of connecting devices and the second row of connecting devices are in the form of a plurality of double-knot knotters mounted adjacent to each other in rows along a common drive shaft.

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