Device for strapping packaged goods

Abstract

Device (1) for strapping packaged goods (2) with at least one strapping band (4), comprising a band guide (5) for guiding the strapping band (4), a conveying device (7) for extending and retracting the band guide (5), a guide carriage (11) which, together with the band guide (5), can be extended to a predetermined extension length up to a deflection point, a length limiting band (21) connected to and extendable with the guide carriage (11), and an adjusting device (24) for adjusting the predetermined extension length of the guide carriage (11) up to the deflection point, wherein the guide carriage (11) has a deflection unit (12) which is capable of deflecting the band guide (5) at the deflection point, characterized in that the adjusting device (24) is configuredto determine the actual extension length of the guide carriage (11) and, depending on the target extension length of the guide carriage (11), to control a fixing device (28) which stops the extension movement of the length limiting band (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for strapping packaged goods with at least one strapping band, comprising a band guide for guiding the strapping band, a conveying device for extending and retracting the band guide, a guide carriage which, together with the band guide, can be extended to a predetermined extension length up to a deflection point, a length limiting band connected to and extendable with the guide carriage, and an adjustment device for setting the predetermined extension length of the guide carriage up to the deflection point, wherein the guide carriage has a deflection unit which is able to deflect the band guide at the deflection point.

[0002] A device of this type is known from EP 1 053 941 B1. Further reference is made to DE 10 2012 217 805 A1, DE 103 15 530 A1 and DE 10 2010 029 992 A1 with regard to other known devices.

[0003] Packaged goods, especially items to be transported or stored, for example in the form of packages, are generally secured to pallets with a packaging band, which is hereinafter referred to as strapping band, in order to ensure safe and damage-free transport or appropriate storage of the items.

[0004] When strapping goods, especially individual items, on pallets, it is necessary to thread the strapping through a gap between the goods and the floor on which the goods and the pallet are standing. Since strapping bands typically have a rope-like behavior, meaning they are not rigid, threading them through the gap is often problematic, particularly with longer pallets. Therefore, strapping larger items, such as parcels or individual items, is only possible with the aid of additional tools.

[0005] From the prior art, as described in EP 1 053 941 B1, a device for strapping or rebundling a palletized load is known, comprising a strap guide and at least one clamping device arranged at the front end of the strap guide for clamping an initial section of the strapping band. The strap guide is designed as a rigid chain with a detachably mounted guide carriage at its front end. The carriage guides the rigid chain and the attached strapping band along the floor under the pallet. The carriage can compensate for minor irregularities in the floor, such as the pallet crossbeams.

[0006] To prevent the user from having to laboriously pick up the strapping band from the floor, the carriage has a deflection unit for the rigid chain.

[0007] The sled is designed to be detachable from the rigid chain and, together with the chain, travels a distance along the ground determined by a length limiting band.

[0008] In a predetermined position (deflection point), the carriage is held back by the length limiting strap and separated from the rigid chain, which continues to extend in a forward motion. The rigid chain is deflected by the carriage's deflection unit, preferably by approximately 90 degrees, and thus moved almost vertically upwards. The chain guide is prevented from tipping over because it is designed as a rigid chain and can therefore only tip towards the item being packaged. Tipping towards the item being packaged is prevented by the strapping band being positioned within the chain in such a way that it keeps the rigid chain under tension during the extension movement.Only by briefly interrupting the extension movement is this tension released and the back-stiff chain tilts down as desired due to its own weight onto the item to be packaged and, after a continuation of the extension movement, can be guided in an approximately horizontal path on the top of the item to be packaged in the direction of the user.

[0009] After the user has taken over the strapping band or after completion of the strapping process, the back-stiff chain can be retracted, whereby during its retraction movement it takes the extended carriage with it and is connected to it in the taking movement.

[0010] The device, known from the prior art, has proven itself in practice and makes it possible to strap packaged goods, especially those arranged on pallets, easily and quickly, almost regardless of the height of the packaged goods, without the operator having to bend down.

[0011] The device known from EP 1 053 941 B1 for strapping a palletized load is robust, reliable and easy to use, which proves to be particularly important for the user in daily use.

[0012] One of the key features of the strapping device known from the prior art is the length limiting strap mentioned above. A front end of the length limiting strap is fixed to the guide carriage and is thus extended with the guide carriage. An adjustment mechanism allows the user to set how far the length limiting strap, and therefore the guide carriage, can be extended. This allows the deflection point to be defined. This point is generally chosen so that the guide carriage can pass under the packaged goods and then exits under the pallet on the side opposite the entry point. Upon reaching the deflection point or a target extension length, the strap guide is then deflected by the deflection unit, specifically oriented vertically upwards towards the floor.

[0013] According to EP 1 053 941 B1, the extendable length of the length limiting band is limited by a stop formed at the end of the band and an adjustable counter-stop, preferably a pin or a clamp, attached to the housing of the device. The adjustable counter-stop is positioned so that it lies within the travel path of the length limiting band's stop. Depending on where the pin is inserted in the housing of the device, the length that the length limiting band can extend is changed. Prior art uses a grid spacing of 20 cm for this purpose. A smaller grid spacing is not readily achievable in practice, as the design does not allow a pin to be inserted everywhere within the travel path of the length limiting band's stop.

[0014] Another disadvantage of the solution known from the prior art is that the stop formed on the length limiting band strikes the pin at the selected, preferably high, extension speed, thereby mechanically stressing the device.

[0015] In the context of the prior art, it is important to consider the speed at which the conveyor extends the strap guide and thus the guide carriage. A high extension speed is desirable to enable a fast strapping process. However, this leads to a hard impact and a risk of damaging the device. At high extension speeds, the extension movement of the guide carriage is abruptly terminated. This results in noise and causes the guide carriage's deflection unit to be deflected abruptly and forcefully. As described in EP 1 053 941 B1, the deflection unit is deflected upwards (preferably by 90 degrees) due to a corresponding arrangement of the pivot axis connecting the deflection unit to a push section of the guide element when the strap guide continues to extend but the guide carriage is stopped.

[0016] To dampen the impact that occurs when the guide carriage stops, it is conceivable to dampen the stop of the length limiting belt and / or the pin. It is also conceivable to dampen the gear that drives the belt guide to reduce the load on the conveyor's gearbox during the impact.

[0017] These measures allow for higher extension speeds; however, it would be desirable to further increase the speed and reduce the load on the device when reaching the deflection point.

[0018] The present invention is based on the objective of further improving strapping devices known from the prior art, in particular to achieve the highest possible speed during strapping and the lowest possible load on the device.

[0019] According to the invention, this problem is solved by claim 1.

[0020] The device according to the invention for strapping packaged goods with at least one strapping band comprises a band guide for guiding the strapping band, a conveying device for extending and retracting the band guide, a guide carriage which, together with the band guide, can be extended to a predetermined extension length up to a deflection point, a length limiting band connected to and extendable with the guide carriage, and an adjustment device for setting the predetermined extension length of the guide carriage up to the deflection point. The guide carriage includes a deflection unit that is capable of deflecting the band guide at the deflection point.

[0021] According to the invention, the adjusting device is set up to determine an actual extension length of the guide carriage and, depending on the target extension length of the guide carriage, to control a fixing device which stops the extension movement of the length limiting band.

[0022] Several advantages arise from the fact that the adjusting device, according to the invention, determines an actual extension length of the guide carriage.

[0023] Determining the actual extension length of the guide carriage allows for the use of a locking device, which is controlled by the setting device in such a way that the length limiting belt is stopped when the guide carriage reaches the target extension length or the deflection point. In the prior art, the stop at the end of the length limiting belt, in conjunction with the adjustable pin, performed both the function of setting the extension length ("setting device") and the function of stopping the extension movement of the length limiting belt ("locking device"). By separating these functions—that is, by setting a target extension length and determining the actual extension length using the setting device, while the locking device handles stopping the extension movement—both devices can be optimized to perform their respective tasks.

[0024] The solution according to the invention makes it particularly possible to design the fixing device at a fixed point on the device or the device housing. It is not necessary for the fixing device to be fixed at different positions on the housing for setting the target extension length.

[0025] Determining the actual extension length of the guide carriage using the adjustment device allows for a particularly advantageous optimization of the extension speed of the belt guide. Since the actual extension length of the guide carriage indicates when it reaches the target extension length or the deflection point, the extension speed of the belt guide can be reduced in the final section of the target extension length or before reaching, preferably shortly before, reaching the target extension length or the deflection point. Additionally or alternatively, the extension speed of the belt guide can also be increased after reaching the deflection point or once the deflection unit has deflected the belt guide.

[0026] This measure significantly accelerates the strapping process while simultaneously ensuring that the device is subjected to less stress, or even minimal stress, when reaching the deflection point due to the reduced extension speed of the strap guide. This also reduces the previously disruptive noise. Advantageously, this can also eliminate the need for damping on the gear that preferably drives the strap guide. This simplifies gear manufacturing and, moreover, allows for more precise engagement of the gear with the strap guide due to the elimination of damping.

[0027] It is advantageous if a control device is provided which is configured to control the conveyor in such a way that the extension speed of the belt guide in a last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage before reaching the deflection point is reduced compared to an extension speed before the last section of the target extension length and / or that the extension speed of the belt guide after reaching the deflection point is increased compared to the extension speed of the belt guide in the last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage before reaching the deflection point.

[0028] Such control of the extension speed by a control device, which preferably uses the data of the setting device, in particular the actual extension length, has proven particularly effective.

[0029] The actual extension length of the guide carriage can be determined by the adjusting device through direct or indirect measurement. For example, it is possible to measure the extension length of the length limiting belt and determine the actual extension length of the guide carriage from this measurement. Furthermore, it is also possible to directly or indirectly measure the extension length of the belt guide and then determine the actual extension length of the guide carriage from this measurement.

[0030] Alternatively, the actual extension length of the guide carriage itself can also be determined or measured directly.

[0031] It is advantageous if the conveyor system includes an electric motor and the adjustment device electronically determines the actual extension length of the guide carriage based on the revolutions of the electric motor.

[0032] Determining the actual extension length of the guide carriage by detecting or measuring the revolutions of the electric motor, which preferably drives the belt guide to extend and retract it, has proven particularly suitable. The term "detecting or measuring the revolutions of the electric motor" can also include detecting or measuring partial revolutions of the electric motor.

[0033] It is advantageous if the electric motor includes an incremental encoder.

[0034] Determining the actual extension length of the guide carriage based on the revolutions of the electric motor or the data of the electric motor using an incremental encoder has proven to be particularly suitable.

[0035] According to the invention, the adjustment device can be configured in such a way that it compares the actual extension length, which is preferably detected via the revolutions of the electric motor, in particular an incremental encoder, with the target extension length and controls the fixing device accordingly.

[0036] The target extension length of the guide carriage can preferably be set electronically via a corresponding input field of the setting device, which can be designed as part of the control device.

[0037] According to the invention, the setting device can be configured to control the conveying device after switching on and / or as required, such that the conveying device moves the guide carriage to a reference position.

[0038] By having the adjusting device control the conveyor after being switched on and / or as required, such that the conveyor moves the guide carriage to a reference position, it can be easily ensured that the measurement of the actual extension length of the guide carriage is error-free. According to the invention, it can be provided that the adjusting device controls the conveyor such that the guide carriage is first retracted to a stop and then extended again to a defined reference position.

[0039] In this way, an incremental encoder of an electric motor can also be easily referenced.

[0040] It can be provided that the fixing device is fixed in place on the device according to the invention or a housing of the device according to the invention, and that the length limiting band or a device connected to the length limiting band, which is considered part of the length limiting band in this respect, has appropriately designed stop elements into which the fixing device then engages as required, according to the specifications of the target extension length and the determined actual extension length.

[0041] It is advantageous if the fixing device is designed to act on the length limiting band in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner to fix the length limiting band.

[0042] A design of the fixing device such that it acts positively and / or force-fit on the length limiting band in order to stop the extension movement of the length limiting band has proven to be particularly suitable.

[0043] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the length limiting band has stop elements arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the length limiting band.

[0044] Such a design has proven to be particularly suitable, especially for making the fixing device permanently attached to the device or housing, while still being able to easily set different target extension lengths of the guide carriage.

[0045] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the stop elements are arranged in a regular grid dimension at least along a section of the length limiting band.

[0046] It has been shown that it is advantageous for the stop elements to be arranged in a regular grid pattern. A grid spacing of 2 to 20 cm is preferably chosen, more preferably 5 to 15 cm, more preferably 10 cm ± 2 cm, and most preferably 10 cm. Preferably, the target extension length can be entered via a corresponding control panel, with the adjustable target extension lengths being predefined in the control panel particularly preferably.

[0047] It can be advantageous if the adjusting device is designed in such a way that it activates the fixing device, especially if it is to act positively on the length limiting band or the stop elements of the length limiting band, before the guide carriage has reached the target extension length, in particular in such a way that the fixing device is activated after the stop element has passed the fixing device, which precedes the stop element of the length limiting band with which the positive locking connection is to be established.

[0048] This measure ensures that the fixing device engages positively with the length limiting band or interacts with the selected stop element of the length limiting band, regardless of the selected extension speed.

[0049] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the stop elements are designed as recesses in the length limiting strip and / or as projections.

[0050] Designing the stop elements as recesses and / or projections in the length limiting strip has proven particularly suitable. It is especially advantageous to design the recesses in the length limiting strip as elongated slots or rectangular recesses. In particular, it can be provided that the recesses have a rectangular shape in which the two longer sides of the rectangle extend longitudinally along the length limiting strip, so that the main axis of the rectangular recesses extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the length limiting strip, allowing the fixing device to engage in the recesses in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0051] The length limiting strip can preferably be made of plastic.

[0052] It is advantageous if the fixing device has an adjusting unit which engages a fixing element in a form-fitting manner with one of the stop elements of the length limiting band to limit the extension movement of the length limiting band.

[0053] Such a design has proven particularly suitable to reliably ensure that the extension movement of the length limiting band is stopped.

[0054] According to the invention, it is preferably provided that the fixing device moves the fixing element in such a way that the fixing element is located in the displacement path, i.e. the extension path, of the selected stop element of the length limiting band.

[0055] It is advantageous if the fixing element works together with a damping element to dampen and stop any extension movement of the length limiting band.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, in addition to the control device being controlled based on the data from the setting device in such a way that the extension speed of the belt guide is reduced when the deflection point is reached, it may be advantageous to design the fixing element to be damped, so that the forces or the impact resulting from the engagement of the fixing element with the stop elements are damped or reduced.

[0057] It is particularly advantageous for the damping element to be designed as a spring or as an elastic damping element, for example as a rubber element. The damping element can bear against a front face of the fixing element located at the front in the extension direction of the belt guide, so that the fixing element is dampened when it is subjected to a corresponding force in the extension direction by the stop element of the length limiting belt into which the fixing element engages.

[0058] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the adjusting device is configured to detect the position of the fixing element and / or the actuating unit.

[0059] Because the adjusting device detects the position of the fixing element and / or the position of the actuating unit, the user can advantageously determine whether the length limiting band, and thus also the guide carriage, is locked or freely movable. Preferably, the adjusting device also detects an (undefined) position of the fixing element and / or the actuating unit that lies between the unlocked and locked positions, particularly when the actuating unit, controlled by the adjusting device, intends to fix the length limiting band with the fixing element, but the length limiting band is not yet in a position where the fixing element can engage in a stop element, for example, a recess.

[0060] Preferably, the fixing element is pre-tensioned towards the length limiting band. This design is particularly suitable if the stop elements in the length limiting band are designed as recesses. In this case, the fixing element can then penetrate the recesses particularly advantageously. If the adjusting device already moves the fixing element towards the length limiting band or its stop element before the stop element of the length limiting band is correspondingly positioned, the fixing element can, due to the pre-tension, be pushed back by the length limiting band in a direction away from it, or slide along the length limiting band with friction until the corresponding stop element is in position, so that the fixing element can penetrate into the recess accordingly, aided by the pre-tension.

[0061] It is advantageous if the fixing element and / or the actuating unit are designed in such a way that the fixing element is locked to one of the stop elements by a spring force when the actuating unit is de-energized.

[0062] This design ensures that the length limiting band or the guide carriage is not freely movable when the power is off.

[0063] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the actuating unit is designed as a lifting magnet and / or the fixing element as a latch.

[0064] It has proven advantageous to design the actuating device as a lifting magnet.

[0065] The fixing element can preferably be arranged in a receptacle which is articulated or pivotable in such a way that the receptacle with the fixing element can be moved by the lifting magnet, for example raised and lowered.

[0066] The damping element can preferably also be arranged in the receptacle, which interacts with the fixing element in such a way that an extension movement of the length limiting band is dampened and stopped when the fixing element is brought into positive engagement with one of the stop elements of the length limiting band, in particular a recess.

[0067] Preferably, as already described, the fixing element is pre-tensioned towards the length limiting band by a spring-like design or an elastic element. Such a design can be achieved in particular by a suitable positioning of the fixing element in the receptacle and by a spring element or an elastic element that acts on the fixing element on the side facing away from the length limiting band.

[0068] It is advantageous if the fixing element is designed as a bolt or a stop cam. The bolt or stop cam can be damped by a damping element, as described, and furthermore pre-tensioned towards the length limiting band and preferably arranged in a receptacle.

[0069] It is advantageous if the belt guide is designed as a guide chain and the conveyor device has at least one gear which engages with the guide chain for moving the guide chain in and out.

[0070] A design of the belt guide as a guide chain, particularly as a back-stiffening guide chain, has proven especially effective. Reference is made to the description in EP 1 053 941 B1. The preferably provided gear, which engages with the guide chain for extending and retracting it, is preferably designed without damping elements. However, damping elements can also be provided. Preferably, the gear is designed such that it engages with the guide chain with minimal tolerance to enable virtually backlash-free extension and retraction of the guide chain. The guide chain may preferably include bolts or crossbars extending transversely to the feed direction, into which the gear engages accordingly.

[0071] An advantageous method for strapping packaged goods with at least one strapping band provides that the strapping band is fixed to a band guide, after which the band guide is extended by a conveying device, after which a guide carriage detachably connected to the band guide is passed under the packaged goods together with the band guide and extended to a deflection point, after which a length limiting band fixed to the guide carriage is pulled out with the guide carriage, after which a target extension length of the guide carriage up to the deflection point is set by adjusting the extendable length of the length limiting band.

[0072] It may be provided that during the extension of the guide carriage, an actual extension length of the guide carriage is determined, after which the extension movement of the length limiting belt is stopped when the target extension length of the guide carriage is reached, after which the extension speed of the belt guide means in a last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage before reaching the deflection point is reduced compared to an extension speed before reaching the last section of the target extension length, and / or that the extension speed of the belt guide means after reaching the deflection point is increased compared to the extension speed of the belt guide means in the last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage.

[0073] By determining the actual extension length of the guide carriage, the extension movement of the length-limiting strap can be precisely stopped when the target extension length of the guide carriage is reached. Furthermore, as previously described, knowing the actual extension length allows for advantageous control of the extension speed of the strap guide, enabling both a high strapping speed and a reduction in mechanical stress at the deflection point.

[0074] A control device for controlling the extension speed, in particular such that the extension speed of the belt guide in a last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage before reaching the deflection point is reduced compared to an extension speed before the last section of the target extension length and / or that the extension speed of the belt guide after reaching the deflection point is increased compared to the extension speed of the belt guide in the last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage before reaching the deflection point, is particularly suitable.

[0075] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. The features of one embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can accordingly be combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations with features of other embodiments.

[0076] It shows: Fig. 1 a strapping device as known from the prior art; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a section through the device according to the invention for strapping goods in a normal position of the guide carriage before reaching a deflection point; Fig. 3 a strapping device according to the invention in a further sectional view in a normal position before reaching the deflection point; Fig. 4 a representation according to Fig. 3, wherein the guide carriage has reached the deflection point and a deflection unit of the guide carriage is deflected upwards by approximately 90 degrees; Fig. 5 a top view of a length limiting strip in one possible embodiment; Fig. 6 a possible design of a fixing element of a fixing device for stopping the extension movement of the length limiting band; and Fig. 7 a possible embodiment of a fixing device for stopping the extension movement of a linear extension belt in an embodiment with a lifting magnet and a latch.

[0077] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a strapping device known from the prior art. A general operating principle of such a strapping device is described below. Fig. 1 described. Reference is also made to EP 1 053 941 B1.

[0078] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a strapping device according to the invention, in which, in particular, an adjustment device and a fixing device are provided, by which the strapping device known from the prior art is further improved. Possible advantageous designs of a length limiting band or the fixing device are shown in the Fig. Shown 5 to 7.

[0079] Identical features of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 (state of the art) and the Fig. Items 2 to 7 are designated with the same reference symbols.

[0080] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 1 for strapping packaged goods 2, in particular packages or objects.

[0081] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the packaged goods 2 can, for example, be placed on pallets 3 or similar and connected to the pallet 3 for transport or storage using a strapping band 4. The device 1 of the Fig. Figure 1 has a strapping guide 5 for guiding the strapping band 4, which is preferably designed as a guide chain 5. The strapping guide 5 is preferably designed as a guide chain, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0082] The guide chain 5 preferably has a plurality of links 6 which are connected to each other, for example by means of unspecified bolts.

[0083] The guide chain 5 or its links 6 is preferably made of plastic.

[0084] A conveying device 7 is provided for extending and retracting the guide chain 5. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the guide device 7 engages in the guide chain 5 in order to extend or retract it from a housing 8 of the device 1.

[0085] The housing 8 can also be fitted with a supply roller (not shown) for the strapping band 4. The strapping band 4 can preferably be attached to a front end of the guide chain 5, so that the strapping band 4 can be extended with the guide chain 5.

[0086] The conveyor device 7 preferably has a gear 9 for extending and retracting the belt guide 5, the teeth of which engage with the guide chain 5 or the links 6. It may be provided that the gear 9 engages with its teeth in transverse webs of the links 6, which run perpendicular to the extension movement of the guide chain 5.

[0087] Alternatively, the gear 9 or the conveyor 7 can also operate the guide chain 5 in another way to extend and retract it.

[0088] The conveying device 5 can be operated manually or, as in the embodiments shown in the following illustrations... Fig. 2 to 7 are preferably provided to be driven by an electric motor 10. The electric motor 10 is located in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 indicated by dashed lines.

[0089] The electric motor 10 or a hand crank can generate the extension and retraction movement of the guide chain 5.

[0090] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the device has a guide slide 11, which preferably includes a deflection unit 12 and a pusher section 13. The guide slide 11 is in Fig. 1 (and also in Fig. 4) extended to a target extension length or to a deflection point.

[0091] The guide carriage 11 is in the Fig. 1 (and in Fig. 4) shown in its deflection position, in which the deflection unit 12 is pivoted by approximately 90 degrees relative to its normal position about the axis of rotation 14 or a bolt. The axis of rotation 14 forms the pivot point for the pivoting movement of the deflection unit 12 and is arranged transversely to the direction of insertion movement (arrow marked with reference numeral 15) and to the direction of extension movement (arrow marked with reference numeral 16). The axis of rotation 14 forms a positive-locking and rotatable connection between the deflection unit 12 of the guide slide 11 and its push section 13.

[0092] The deflection unit 12 deflects the guide chain 5 in such a way that it is deflected upwards from the ground on which the device 1 stands, as shown in Fig. 1 and also in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0093] The design of the guide carriage 11, in particular with the deflection unit 12 and / or with the pusher part 13, as shown in Fig. The method shown in Figure 1 has proven suitable. However, for the basic functionality of the present invention, a different type of deflection of the guide chain 5 at the deflection point is also possible.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the guide carriage 11 together with the guide chain 5 is extended to the desired extension length up to the deflection point and the guide chain 5 is deflected accordingly at the deflection point by the deflection unit 12.

[0095] The guide carriage 11 is extended by the guide chain 5, which is driven by the conveyor 7. The guide carriage 11 and the guide chain 5 pass under the packaged goods 2, and in this embodiment also under the pallet 3.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment, the target extension length is dimensioned such that the deflection point is located at a point where the guide carriage 11 exits again below the pallet 3. This is in Fig. 1 shown accordingly.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment, a clamping device 17 is arranged at a front end of the guide chain 5, with which the strapping band 4 is fixed to the guide chain 5 before the strapping process begins. The clamping device 17 can, for example, be designed as a self-locking eccentric bolt, which is rotatably mounted via a bolt 18. Furthermore, the guide chain 5 can have a release cam 19 fixedly connected to it at this end, as well as an elongated hole 20 arranged in the guide chain 5. The release cam 19 and the elongated hole 20 serve to detachably connect the guide carriage 11 to the guide chain 5.

[0098] It should be noted that the method of fastening the strapping band 4 or the clamping device 17, as well as the way in which the guide carriage 11 is connected to the guide chain 5, represents only one of several possible embodiments; the exemplary embodiment and the invention are not limited to this. Nevertheless, the embodiment described above and below has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0099] Furthermore, in the Fig. Figure 1 shows a length limiting band 21, which is preferably attached at one end to the push section 13 of the guide slide 11 and can be fixed at the other end to the device 1 or a fixed part of the housing 8 via an end stop 22 attached to the length limiting band 21. With the aid of the end stop 22 and a Fig. 1 movable counter-stop 23 can be - in the Fig. 1 device 1 of the prior art shown - to adjust the distance that can be traveled by the guide carriage 11.

[0100] In the device 1 according to the invention, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 7, a length limiting band 21 is also provided. The device 1 according to the invention, as shown in the Fig. Figures 2 to 7, however, reveal a setting of the length limiting band 21 that differs from the representation in the Fig. 1 differs. This will be explained below using the Fig. 2 to 7 are shown in more detail.

[0101] It should be noted that, according to the Fig. 2 to 7 may optionally provide that the length limiting band has an end stop 22, in particular to prevent the length limiting band 21 from being completely pulled out of the device 1 or into the housing 8. In this context, a counter stop 23 may also be provided, which interacts with the end stop 22 in such a way as to prevent complete extension. The counter stop 23 is then preferably no longer movable, but fixed, preferably connected to the housing 8, in particular to a plate of the housing 8. This is shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown in principle.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiments according to the Fig. In sections 1 to 7, it is provided that the length limiting band 21 is connected to the guide carriage 11 and can be extended with the guide carriage 11. In contrast to Fig. However, 1 is in the Fig. Figures 2 to 7 provide an adjustment device 24 to set the target extension length of the guide carriage 11 up to the deflection point. The function and design of the adjustment device 24 will be described in more detail below with reference to the Fig. Numbers 2 to 7 are shown.

[0103] First, let's look at the following again: Fig. 1, a basic operating principle of the device according to the invention will be explained.

[0104] However, it should be pointed out again that the explanation is based on the Fig. 1 serves only to illustrate a functional principle of the device 1 according to the invention, which has proven to be suitable; however, the realization of the solution according to the invention is not limited to the one described in Fig. 1. The specific design shown is limited.

[0105] All in the Fig. The features shown in section 1 are therefore to be considered optional.

[0106] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the guide chain 5 can be detachably connected to the guide carriage 11 via a special locking mechanism 25, as follows.

[0107] The locking mechanism 25 has a rotatably mounted lever 26 which is rotatably mounted via a bolt (not specified).

[0108] The coupled forward extension movement 16 of the guide chain 5 with the connected guide carriage 11 is carried out according to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the guide carriage 11 continues to move until it is stopped in its position, for example by means of the length limiting band 21, i.e., until the end stop 22 abuts the movable counter stop 23. The distance traveled by the guide carriage 11 can be variably adjusted via the end stop 22.

[0109] The guide chain 5 and the deflection unit 12 of the guide carriage 11, which is locked to the guide chain 5 at this point, are further advanced by the gear 9 in the direction of the extension movement 16. This deflects the deflection unit 12 by approximately 90 degrees relative to its previous position until it abuts a stop 13a attached to the pusher element 13. In the normal position of the deflection unit 12 (in which it has not yet been pivoted by 90 degrees), a support block 27 prevents a locking pin (not shown) connected to the guide carriage 11 from jumping out of the elongated hole 20 by bearing against the end face of the locking pin on the support block 27. By pivoting the deflection unit 12, this locking pin is released by the lever 26, thereby releasing the connection between the deflection unit 12 and the rigid guide chain 5. At the same time, the popped-out locking bolt locks the mechanism.the lever moves the deflection unit 12 into its essentially vertical position.

[0110] The embodiment described above is also described in detail in EP 1 053 941 B1, to which reference is hereby made. The aforementioned embodiment is optional within the scope of the present invention, but may be advantageous.

[0111] The guide chain 5, after passing through the deflection unit 12, is conveyed upwards along a side wall of the package 2, essentially perpendicular to the ground. The rigid design of the guide chain 5 prevents it from tipping away from the package 2. Furthermore, the strapping band 4, preferably guided along the back of the guide chain 5, maintains tension on the chain, thus also preventing it from tipping towards the package 2. However, the tension of the strapping band 4 can be released, for example, by briefly interrupting the extension movement, allowing the guide chain 5 to be tipped onto the package 2 as desired when it extends a certain distance above the top edge of the package 2. From there, the guide chain 5 is conveyed back towards the device 1 on the package 2.The aforementioned sequence of movements has proven advantageous, but is optional for the realization of the present invention.

[0112] In this way, the user can now grasp the strapping band 4 practically without having to move. Preferably, by holding the strapping band 4, the clamping device 17 releases when the guide chain 5 retracts. The guide chain 5 can then be fed back into the device, whereby, during the retraction movement (arrow 15), the deflection unit 12 is reconnected to the free end of the guide chain 5 by means of the release cam 19 and the lever 26. At the same time, the locking mechanism of the deflection unit 12 is released, so that it can pivot back into its normal position. For this purpose, the release cam 19 pushes the forward bent end of the lever 26 away from the rigid guide chain 5, thereby simultaneously pushing the locking pin located at the other end of the lever 26 back through the elongated hole 20 of the guide chain 5 and achieving the desired coupling.Finally, the guide chain 5 takes the reattached guide carriage 11 back into the device 1.

[0113] Further details regarding the operating principle of the device from the prior art can be found in patent application EP 1 053 941 B1, to which explicit reference is hereby made.

[0114] It should be noted again that regarding Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1, in particular with regard to the locking mechanism 25 and the design with the bolt 18 or the release cam 19 and the elongated hole 20, are optional designs which may, however, prove to be advantageous.

[0115] The present invention differs from the prior art in that the target extension length of the guide carriage 11 is adjustable by means of the adjusting device 24, and the adjusting device 24 is configured to determine an actual extension length of the guide carriage 11, preferably continuously while the guide carriage 11 is being extended, and a fixing device 28 is controlled by the adjusting device 24 depending on the target extension length, which stops the extension movement of the length limiting band 21. This is described in the Fig. 2 to 7 are shown accordingly. In contrast to the representation according to the Fig. 1. The variable extension length of the length limiting band 21 is therefore no longer set by the end stop 22 and the counter stop 23 which can be variably attached to the housing 8, but by the adjusting device 24 or the correspondingly controlled fixing device 28, which will be described in more detail below.

[0116] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. As shown in figures 2 to 7, the conveying device 7 preferably includes the electric motor 10, which, preferably via the gear 9 shown, extends and retracts the guide chain 5. The adjusting device 24 is configured such that it electronically determines the actual extension length of the guide carriage 11 based on the data of the electric motor 10, in particular based on the revolutions of the electric motor 10, whereby the adjusting device 24 also determines partial revolutions of the electric motor 10.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 10 has an incremental encoder 27, with the aid of which the revolutions of the electric motor 10 or the angular position and thus the actual extension length of the guide carriage 11 are preferably determined on the basis of the extension length of the guide chain 5.

[0118] The adjusting device 24 is preferably configured such that the conveyor 7 can be controlled after being switched on and / or as required, such that the conveyor 7 moves the guide carriage 11 to a reference position. Preferably, the conveyor 7 retracts the guide carriage 11 into the device 1 or the housing 8 until it reaches a stop. The maximum retracted position can represent the reference position. However, it is preferable if the reference position differs from the maximum retracted position of the guide carriage 11, i.e., if the guide carriage 11 is extended slightly in the direction of arrow 16 from the maximum retracted position, and the resulting position then becomes the reference position. The incremental encoder 29 can then be referenced, for example, using this reference position.

[0119] In the exemplary embodiment, the fixing device 28 is designed to fix the length limiting band 21 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner (e.g. by clamping jaws) or to act on it accordingly.

[0120] In the exemplary embodiment, a positive-locking connection between the fixing device 28 and the length limiting band 21 is shown. For this purpose, the length limiting band 21 has stop elements 30 arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the length limiting band 21.

[0121] The stop elements 30 are exemplary in the Fig. Figure 5 shows the following. The stop elements 30 preferably extend at least along a section of the length limiting band 21. Preferably, the stop elements 30 extend along the section in a regular grid, so that the length limiting band 21 can be fixed or stopped at regular intervals of preferably 5 to 15 cm, particularly preferably 10 cm.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment, the stop elements 30 are designed as recesses, in particular in the form of elongated holes, in the length limiting band 21. Alternatively, the stop elements 30 can also be designed as projections to create a positive-locking connection with a correspondingly designed element of the fixing device 28.

[0123] In the exemplary embodiment, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the fixing device 28 is provided to have an adjusting unit 31 which engages a fixing element 32 in a form-fitting manner with one of the stop elements of the length limiting band 21, which are designed as recesses 30, to limit the extension movement of the length limiting band 21. Fig. 5) brings.

[0124] In this embodiment, the actuating device 31 is designed as a solenoid and the locking element 32 as a latch. The latch 32 is arranged in a receptacle 33, which may be designed in the form of a flat housing. The receptacle 33 is preferably fixed to a fixed part of the housing 8, preferably between two fixed plates of the housing 8, via a rotatable mounting axis 34. The receptacle 33 is pivotable about the mounting axis 34 when the solenoid 31 is actuated accordingly.

[0125] The mounting 33 also has a projection 35 on which the lifting magnet 31 can engage. This is shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows this accordingly. The lifting magnet 31 can thus pivot the receptacle 33 and therefore also the bolt 32 about the mounting axis 34, in particular raise and lower it, so that the bolt 32 can be brought into engagement with one of the recesses 30 of the length limiting band 21 as required. The control of the lifting magnet 31 or the fixing device 28 is carried out on the basis of the data of the adjusting device 34, in particular on the basis of the determined actual extension length of the guide carriage 11 and the intended target extension length of the guide carriage 11.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiment, it is preferably provided that the fixing element, in particular the bolt 32, interacts with a damping element 36 to dampen and stop the extension movement of the length limiting band 21. The damping element 36 is in Fig. Figure 6 is shown in dashed lines. The damping element 36 ensures that when the bolt 32 is subjected to a force in the direction of the damping element 36, resulting from the bolt 32 engaging with the recess 30, the length limiting band 21 does not stop abruptly, but rather with damping due to the damping element 36 and the resulting possible deflection movement of the bolt 32. The damping element 36 can be, for example, a spring, but preferably an elastic element, such as a rubber element or a suitably appropriate elastomer.

[0127] The latch 32 or the receptacle 33 in which the latch 32 is arranged, and / or the lifting magnet 31 are preferably designed such that, when the lifting magnet 31 is de-energized, the latch 32 locks with one of the recesses 30 of the length limiting band 21 by a spring force (not shown) as soon as a recess 30 is in a position corresponding to the latch 32. This ensures that the guide carriage 11 is not freely movable when the lifting magnet 31 is de-energized, but is fixed, at the latest when the guide carriage 11 is moved such that one of the recesses 30 of the length limiting band 21 is brought into a position corresponding to the latch 32. Thus, when the lifting magnet 31 is de-energized, the guide carriage 11 can be moved a maximum of the grid dimension.

[0128] In Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows that the actuating device 37 has a bore 35a or any attachment point at which a movable element 31a of the lifting magnet 31 can engage in order to move the receptacle 33.

[0129] In a manner not shown in detail, it is preferably provided in the exemplary embodiment that the bolt 32 is biased towards the length limiting band 21 by a spring force. Preferably, in the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting device 24 causes the fixing device 28 to move the bolt 32 into position shortly before it reaches the recess 30 into which it is to enter. To avoid high friction between the bolt 32 and the length limiting band 21 when the recess 30 is not yet in position, it can therefore be advantageous for the bolt 32 to be able to move backward against the force of a spring, i.e., away from the length limiting band 21. The spring force also ensures that the bolt 32 enters the recess 30 particularly reliably.

[0130] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. In sections 2 to 7, it is provided that the conveyor 7 is controlled by a control unit 37, which receives corresponding data from the setting device 24, such that the extension speed of the guide chain 5 in the last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage 11 before reaching the deflection point is reduced compared to an extension speed before the last section of the target extension length. This makes it possible for the guide carriage 11 to be extended relatively quickly and for its speed to be reduced, preferably significantly, only shortly before reaching the deflection point. It is also preferably provided that the extension speed of the guide chain 5 is reduced after reaching the deflection point, i.e.,When the deflection unit 12 has deflected the guide chain 5, the extension speed of the guide chain 5 in the last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage 11 before reaching the deflection point is increased. It has been shown that, in particular, a high extension speed of the guide chain 5 after the deflection point can significantly reduce the overall duration of the strapping process.

[0131] The adjusting device 24 may be designed as part of the control device 37. Preferably, the device 1 according to the invention has a display (not shown in detail) in which several target extension lengths are preset and can be selected by the user. Preferably, the display also indicates whether the length limiting band 21 or the guide carriage 11 is locked, unlocked, or undefined.

[0132] In Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary length limiting band 21, optionally including an end stop 22 to prevent the length limiting band 21 from being fully extended from the device 1 or the housing 8. Fig. 5 further shows fastening points 38 at the end of the length limiting band 21 facing away from the end stop 22, which serve to fix the length limiting band 21 to the guide carriage 11.

[0133] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows, by way of example, an adjustment device 24 and a control device 37, which interact with the electric motor 10 or the incremental encoder 29 and the fixing device 28.

[0134] In the Fig.Figures 2 to 4 show a skid section 39 at the front end of the guide carriage 11, the end section of which points away from the floor so that the guide carriage 11 can easily compensate for minor unevenness on the floor, such as the pallet crossbeams. The skid section 39 can also be designed such that it has an upward-pointing end section at both ends, so that unevenness can be compensated for in both directions of movement of the guide carriage 11 (entry movement 15 and exit movement 16). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 053 941 B1 [0002, 0005, 0011, 0013, 0015, 0070, 0077, 0110, 0113] DE 10 2012 217 805 A1

[0002] DE 103 15 530 A1

[0002] DE 10 2010 029 992 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for strapping packaged goods (2) with at least one strapping band (4), comprising a band guide (5) for guiding the strapping band (4), a conveying device (7) for extending and retracting the band guide (5), a guide carriage (11) which, together with the band guide (5), can be extended to a predetermined extension length up to a deflection point, a length limiting band (21) connected to and extendable with the guide carriage (11), and an adjustment device (24) for adjusting the predetermined extension length of the guide carriage (11) up to the deflection point, wherein the guide carriage (11) has a deflection unit (12) which is capable of deflecting the band guide (5) at the deflection point, characterized by, that the adjusting device (24) is set up to determine an actual extension length of the guide carriage (11) and, depending on the target extension length of the guide carriage (11), to control a fixing device (28) which stops the extension movement of the length limiting band (21). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the conveying device (7) includes an electric motor (10) and the adjusting device (24) electronically determines the actual extension length of the guide carriage (11) based on the revolutions of the electric motor (10). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the electric motor (10) includes an incremental encoder (29). [4] Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by, that the setting device (24) is set up to control the conveying device (7) after switching on and / or as required, such that the conveying device (7) moves the guide carriage (11) to a reference position. [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the fixing device (28) is designed to act on the length limiting band (21) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner to fix the length limiting band (21). [6] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the length limiting band (21) has stop elements (30) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the length limiting band (21). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by , that the stop elements (30) are arranged in a regular grid dimension at least along a section of the length limiting band (21). [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by, that the stop elements (30) are designed as recesses in the length limiting strip (21) and / or as projections. [9] Device according to one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized by , that the fixing device (28) has an actuating unit (31) which, to limit the extension movement of the length limiting band (21), brings a fixing element (32) into positive engagement with one of the stop elements (30) of the length limiting band (21). [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by , that the fixing element (32) interacts with a damping element (36) to dampen and stop an extension movement of the length limiting band (21). [11] Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the adjusting device (24) is set up to detect the position of the fixing element (32) and / or the actuating unit (31). [12] Device according to one of claims 9, 10 or 11, characterized by, that the fixing element (32) and / or the actuating unit (31) are designed such that, in the de-energized state of the actuating unit (31), the fixing element (32) is locked to one of the stop elements (30) by a spring force. [13] Device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by , that the actuating unit (31) is designed as a lifting magnet and / or the fixing element (32) as a latch. [14] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the belt guide means (5) is designed as a guide chain and the conveyor device (7) has at least one gear (9) which engages in the guide chain (5) for the purpose of moving the guide chain (5) in and out. [15] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by, that a control device (37) is provided which is configured to control the conveying device (7) such that the extension speed of the belt guide (5) in a last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage (11) before reaching the deflection point is reduced compared with an extension speed before the last section of the target extension length and / or that the extension speed of the belt guide (5) after reaching the deflection point is increased compared with the extension speed of the belt guide (5) in the last section of the target extension length of the guide carriage (11) before reaching the deflection point.

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